A Third Of A Pie

Chapter 12

(//TRIGGER WARNING//)
Psychotic symptoms/episodes.
Self-deprecating thoughts.
Heavy topics.
Implications of topics that are of a sensitive and serious nature.

Ghost was the first to enter.
Usually, he'd get Colon or Spooker in first to test them.
Ghost must have really wanted this over.

Again, nervous yet intrigued glares were exchanged by the inquisitive interns.
Wether it was genuine concern or sick curiosity, the duo wanted to discover the truth.
And determined to do so.

As always with these decrepit, deserted buildings, a stench of decay and disease struck them, making the interns gag.
However, Ghost gave no response to it- unlike previous times where he would complain or, at least, react.
They had never seen Ghost look so... dead.

"You two go left, I'll go right," he stated coldly, tone just as dead as his expression.

"W- we can't s- split up! W- we'll g- get picked off o- one by one!" Spooker argued, not wanting Ghost to be vulnerable.

"You two go left. I'll. Go. Right," he reiterated, the ice in his eyes freezing over more and more, despite the clear burning rage.

Spooker kept his mouth clamped shut as Ghost stomped off.
"Ignore him. He's being a dick. Come on, Spooks," Colon groaned, leading Spooker away.
Spooker nodded, but remained afraid for Ghost's safety.
Ghost's life.
Ghost's sanity.

-

Once Ghost knew he was out of sight and earshot, he let himself collapse, curling up.
What was up with him today?
He was fully aware he could be unnecessarily rude and even borderline aggressive, but this...?
This was.... excessive.
'Maybe I should go back and apologise....'

'No! Don't get anywhere near them! You're in danger!'

'They know! They'll kill me! They'll kill us! Don't let them hurt us!'

'Not now!'

'You're insane!'

'.... I'm insane....'

'NO! SHUT UP! YOU'RE NOT REAL!'

'...Just about as real as you...'

'I'M REAL!'

'Fake.'

'Lie.'

'Concept.'

'Image.'

'Mask.'

"SHUT IT!"

Ghost winced as he wailed, clamping both of his hands firmly over his mouth, ears extra sensitive due to the paranoia.
He listened out.
Nothing.
They hadn't heard him.

'No. It's because they know. They're plotting.'

Ghost brushed it off, heeding the advice he was given.
It wasn't real, so he shouldn't treat it as if it was.

Getting to his feet, Ghost calmed himself down, letting out a breath of air he hadn't notice he was holding.

Crrrk

Static noises.
"Ghost! We found the ghost!"