Animator vs Animation: The Dark Web

Chapter 11: The Officials (Part 1)

authors note: This chapter is split into two parts due to its enormous length. I've done this to prevent you readers from reading a burden of 20+ pages of this one chapter, but if you want to read both parts on the same day, I'm not stopping you. Happy reading!

The Color Gang have been feeling more connected to the Officials lately. Ever since that private lecture, they couldn't help but feel more drawn to them than they could ever imagine. They tried to dismiss it, of course, but they end up drawing near the Officials every chance they get.

The Officials tried to keep their distance away from them. Was it because they were just mere Followers, or because of the private lecture? They couldn't quite tell through their stoicism. The Officials always steered them away, especially Mountain Mist in particular. She made it no secret of her disapproval toward them, an icy stare being a clear sign. However, with Lemon, it was different. She didn't try to push them away—or at least, directly. Everytime the Color Gang were with Lemon, her warning from the private lecture remained in their mind, though they didn't try to dwell on it. The Color Gang always reassured themselves; "The Crimson Effect is a clear pathway to perfection. The effect was slow and painful, but that meant that it was working—right?"

One day, Queen of Hearts had called for both the Officials and the Color Gang. Together.

The Color Gang couldn't believe it. It was a rare experience to be in Queen of Hearts' presence, but it was rarer to be with the Officials. Nonetheless, they couldn't contain their curiosity. They followed each other to the main cave, where the throne stood. There, they found it unusually empty, except there was Queen of Hearts on her throne with The Dark Lord by her side. Standing with hands clasped on their backs, there were the Officials who were patiently waiting for them. They showed no emotion, yet their tension with the Color Gang was cold, almost like they could feel it.

Queen of Hearts rose up from her throne, and the Color Gang stiffened at attention. The Officials turned their heads to her, awaiting the upcoming command.

"Officials, I assign you a task; one you haven't taken in your hands for quite some time now," Queen of Hearts started, her voice sharp and authoritative as she paced. "Five years ago, under your guidance, our last stick figure underwent The Crimson Effect. Don't you remember?" She gestured casually to Lemon, who didn't flinch and stayed detached as ever.

Then, Queen of Hearts' hand drifted, pointing towards the Color Gang, who blinked at her. Queen of Hearts then tilted her head towards the Officials. "I task you to mentor these four and guide them today as they undergo the perfecting process. Ensure that they learn about the responsibilities of being in the Codeborn. Is that clear?"

That was when the stolid attitude of the Officials cracked. There was a subtle uncertainty, and they glanced at each other. There was a flicker of discomfort and hesitation. The Color Gang noticed, tilting their heads at them as they snapped back to attention.

Mountain Mist raised a hand, then stepped forward. "My Queen, forgive me for questioning, but why make us supervise over them?" She gestured her hand to the Color Gang, giving them a stern stare. Then, her gaze trailed back to Queen of Hearts. "Doesn't Driftwood already handle this responsibility?"

Queen of Hearts shushed her, clasping her hands behind her back. "Driftwood is—preoccupied with her own problems." She snarled under her breath. "She's not capable of handling this level of control. She undergoes the easier tasks, while you teach them about precision, strength, and the harder truths that she refuses to face."

Queen of Hearts glanced at The Dark Lord and flicked her head up at him. Then, he walked down the platform, gesturing to the Color Gang and leading them to a corresponding Official. The Color Gang obeyed reluctantly, and The Officials were now given the responsibility to handle the four friends. Red went with Wisteria, Blue with Turquoise, Green lined with Dusk, and Yellow stood with Lemon.