Instinct (English version)

Chapter 11 (A)

You are guilty.

You have to admit it: you are part of the killers. And to think that you were just trying to survive! Sheepish, you join Clara. FF2/N is looking at you, not saying a word. She is lowering her shoulders. She must be disappointed.

Johan has an emotionless look on his face. He wants this to be over.

"We can't execute you, or we'll enter a vicious circle. Therefore, you'll have to do it alone. That's why the game's master gave us this firearm."

"But... what about Anna?"

"We'll take care of her."

Next to you, Clara is pale. How could she ever abandon her little sister? FF2/N then walks up to you, clasping her hands in front of her chest.

"Please do it... We'll be all doomed if you refuse to follow the rules..."

"Now's not the time to be selfish," adds Johan with a cutting tone.

This is still a very hard decision to make! You are staggered by his lack of empathy. Clara suddenly throws the gun at you. She is about to give in.

"Do it Y/N. I won't ever be brave enough."

You have been admiring the metal weapon for a few seconds. There is something hypnotic inside it. Your eyes fixed on the ground, you raise the barrel towards Clara. You are a little bit surprised by the heaviness of the gun. Is this the weight of life?

In your field of vision, you can see FF2/N's beseeching eyes, as she is holding the little Anna in her arms. The latter's eyes are empty. She is not even trying to struggle or stop you. She nevertheless seems to have completely understood the situation. In a way, she has a very mature attitude: she knows that she does not have the choice and cannot do anything.

You also have to be strong. You close your eyes, and pull the trigger. The gunshot is immediately echoing. You can hear a thud as Clara's body collapses heavily. With your eyes still closed, you press the gun against your temple. You have to do it quick, because the more you hesitate, the more it will be difficult for you to carry out your weighty task. It is at this moment that an idea suddenly appears in your mind. There are four bullets left. One for each one of you.

Do you choose to sacrifice yourself, or to sacrifice the others?

You decide to commit suicide.

You immediately get rid of that idea. You do not want to have their blood on your hands. They do not deserve that.

Shaking, you are holding the weapon as best as you can. It seems on the verge of escaping for each second that goes. You have to do it, despite the fear that is consuming you. Your entire body is fighting for its survival, and it is really hard for your brain to accept your imminent death.

"Y/N, look at me."

You open your eyes. Unlike your friend, Johan is very serene. The young man is a few inches away from your face, and presses his forehead against yours. You can feel his hot breath on your lips, while he is putting his hand on the back of your neck.

"Well done for everything you have done until now. And well done for what you're about to do too. I know how brave you have to be in order to accomplish all of that. And I'm really honoured to have met a person as courageous as you."

He keeps gazing at you, as you are diving in his gorgeous dark eyes. You are not thinking of anything, forgetting the weapon against your temple.

And this is how you pull the trigger.

You did not survive Instinct. Will you be brave enough to play again?

You decide to kill the others.

You were only defending yourself during the whole game, and you are now punished for your bravery. You cannot bear that injustice. But you also know that the others, especially Johan, will not leave you alone that easily...

You do not have the choice. You suddenly open your eyes, point the barrel towards the young man, and shoot. Dumbstruck, he puts his hands on his chest, where a big red stain quickly appears, before passing out. FF2/N rushes to him, screaming in despair.

One shot, two shots. Within a few seconds, you are the only survivor left. You can hear a Machiavellian laugh. The game's master seems delighted by your action. Disorientated, you curl up in a corner.

What have you done? Fresh blood smell is entering your nostrils, making you feel sick. The ceaseless laugh that is ringing in your ears does not make you feel any better. You place your hands on your ears in a vain attempt to shut the voice up. The doors leading to the next level will never open. You have just signed your own death warrant.

You are progressively losing your mind. Hunger, as well as the corpses' putrefaction all around you do not contribute to a healthy environment. You are less and less conscious of your actions. You even suspect yourself of having resorted to cannibalism during one of your numerous amnesias.

You are losing track of time -as well as your life and lucidity. You cannot fight anymore. Your selfishness led everyone to death. The game's master has won.

You did not survive Instinct. Will you be brave enough to play again?