The Explanation of the Book

It’s just a normal day at the hotel. The sun was up, most of the residents were downstairs.

Book was sitting in the lobby, surrounded by a few packages. She was looking at a rectangular shaped box. It had her name on it, but she didn’t expect a package today. She took the package to her room to save it for later.

A few hours passed, Book grew curious. She went to her bed, the package and a pair of scissors in hand. She’d carefully use the scissors to cut the box open. Inside of it was a book of some sorts.

She took it out. In confusion, she flipped through the pages, realising it wasn’t blank. She tried looking for the title of the book. Nothing. There was nothing. It had no title.

Maybe it was some type of diary sent to her for no reason. She was about to read the first page when she heard someone knocking on the door.

“Book! Book! Book!” The person said, as they continued knocking. She knew who it was, yet she didn’t want to answer, but she knew they’re probably going to walk inside anyway.

“Come on, Book! Open up!” The knocking stopped, so Book just assumed they left. She didn’t feel like going anywhere with anyone at the moment.

In a whispery, fast but calming voice, she went back to actually reading. “TPOT is going well so far, and what was about to happen today was even better. Since Four somehow allowed Two to let their contestants visit two’s contestants for a bit-” then in a more enthusiastic yet still quiet voice she reads “Book was kind of excited since she-” Book chuckled softly. She was glad to see herself in the book.

The door cracked open. Not by much, but it was open. Book in sudden shock whipped her head toward the door. In realisation, Book guessed it was probably just Pillow. A head popped out of the door. Light purple eyes staring at Book and the book in her hands in curiosity.

“Ooh cool book!” Pillow said, running up to Book and sitting next to her. Book pushed Pillow’s arm away, just so she wouldn’t snatch the book away. Pillow moved closer, her focus mostly on the book. Book glanced at her for a second, trying to not get distracted.

“Book, look, you’re in it!!” Pillow said, pointing to the part Book probably already read. Book sighed and kept getting interrupted by Pillow's comments.

“Wait, didn't you hate her?”

“You had such cool friends.”

“What’s it about?” Most would be pass-bys, but a specific one stuck like glue in Book’s mind. “Book I doubt this would happen, but if all the bfb people were suddenly here, would you actually be excited to see any of them?” The two sat in silence for a few seconds. “Taco perhaps?”

Book laid down on her side, sighed and then responded with “I don’t know… I’ll think about it more.”

She thought about that question for the rest of the day. She already missed most of her old team members that were on Tpot, why did Pillow have to bring up Taco

Actually, none of this has to do with the book she was trying to read. She was supposed to make new friends, just like what Gaty said. Actually, thinking about old friends made her start thinking about Freesmart.

Ugh! Even though Match and Pencil were the only reason she actually hated Freesmart, she still missed it. She missed Icecube the most. She decided to go back to reading as a distraction from thoughts.

It was 8:45 PM now. She went a little bit further in, unsure if this was your average

main-characters-met-eachother-at-a-party-type of book, but with her and some other contestant or a torture device made specifically for her just on a sheet of paper. The second one seemed more accurate to her.

Tears almost fell from her eyes. She saw what it said. “That isn’t Book, it was a heartless murderer that looks similar to Book” The two words would repeat in her head. “heartless murderer.” She was scared-

-of herself?

It wasn't even real. Besides, it didn't say she killed someone on purpose yet. She doesn't even really like seeing dead bodies. No one did. It’s not real. Just some dumb book. She was only halfway in and she was already close to crying. She would ‘never’ kill anyone.

But would she?

10:50 PM. By the time Book stopped reading she started crying. Clasping the book in her arms while sobbing into it. In the dark and hidden under her sheets, hoping that no one would notice her even though she was alone and the only light that was around were the lights from the stars. Maybe she should just go to sleep and hope she forgets about it tomorrow. She’d toss the book onto her desk.

She missed. She didn’t care though, covering her eyes with a pillow that was on her bed. Her cries settled down a bit as she held a section of the soft pink blanket that she had ever since she was young.

More lights entered the room and so did Pillow. She seemed like she was looking for something. “Heyy! Can I borrow this?” She asked, picking up the book that was on the floor. No reply, the only sounds that could be heard were whimpers.

She’d walk up to Book’s bed and repeat her question “So…can I borrow this?” Holding the object in her hand closer to Book’s face. Book looked up at Pillow. They both stared at each other for a few seconds. Book gave a small nod. Pillow was about to walk out the room but noticed Book looked panicky.

She walked back over, sat next to Book and asked her “You look sad. Would you like me to read this to you?” This isn’t something Pillow would ask nor do. Book was confused, unsure of what to say.

“Sure, I guess.” She muttered knowing that if she heard a single bloody ass murder from that book again she would probably visualise it and cry. Pillow would open the book and find the first page. She started reading it slowly and softly. Book would then soon fall asleep.

I woke up confused. A few lights above my head and a few people talking in the background. I listened to their conversation. “I just wanna know if she’s okay, please!” One of them cried.

“Unfortunately, we cannot give those answers right now.” Another replied. I got up to see who it was… or not. I was trapped. All of my limbs were tied down. All of it but my head.

My breathing started becoming faster and heavier. My heart rate was starting to rise slightly. My body was trembling. Tears were forming from my eyes. Sweat dripped down my back and not even my teammates tried to save me.

I don’t even know where I am and they probably don’t either. The panic overwhelmed me so much that I started to sob. Balling up my fists and hitting them against the board I was attached to.

Kicking my legs slightly hoping that it would rip the bands off of them. Anything to get out of this prison. I tried not to scream but one ended up slipping out eventually. 

Someone must’ve heard me because I heard footsteps walk towards me. There was a face! Yet I can’t seem to recognize it. In Fact I don’t recognize it as a human face. It was staring at me… It was creepy. Hot tears streamed down my face.

The figure walked closer with a syringe in hand. Drug me then kill me? Sounds ‘fun’. The needle stabbing my neck hurt. “Just shut up and go to sleep.” It shouted but not actually. Another one started walking up to us

“Calm down %$#*-” I couldn’t hear anything of what they were saying after that. The one I heard from earlier left or they forced them out probably. Those two seemed to be arguing over me.

My vision started blurring. What are they trying to do to me? This isn’t real, I just know it! Maybe if I blink a few times I’ll know if it's real or not. 

 One. They weren't focused on me anymore. 

Two. They started heading for the door.

Three. The door shut, leaving me some time to figure out how to escape. I started moving my arms in any direction or at least trying to. My arms started getting tired so I did the same thing but with my legs instead. One of my legs slipped out easily realising that I could have just done that with my other limbs.

I closed both of my hands and carefully slipped my arms free from the bands that contained them before.

Those…things seemed really dumb. I’d point my toes on both feet. Wait one foot? Whatever, at least I managed to escape. Now to open the door. It was locked. I tried to look around to see if there was something to open it. I then noticed a little bobby pin on the floor. I picked it up and tried using it on the door. It took a few tries but it eventually opened.

 I exited the room and entered another. It looked like someone’s lab. I explored it and found a few things. A scalpel, a crowbar, and a slightly cracked mirror for self defence. Not the mirror though. If this was some type of dream I should at least know what I look like before I wake up.

Nothing really changed in my appearance except that my hair was long enough to actually tie it. I guess the mirror will be for self defence too. Making sure that no one was around I’d quickly try to find the main exit door. 

There it was. I found it! Finally! The door was right there and all I had to do was run out of it and this nightmare would finally be over. I ran out the door and didn’t stop. Crying, shrieking, panicking. The only thing that could stop me was the hotel door. It was closed, shut. Clearly not locked but I couldn’t open it.

I slid to the ground. Shaking and crying. A figure walked towards me with a weapon in their hands. It looked familiar. Is that-

I woke up. It was just a dream. Pillow was still next to me attempting to read the book that probably gave me that nightmare. If she’s still reading then it’s probably not that late. I looked over at the window and saw that the sun was almost up.

“Oh! Morning Book!” She said before immediately going back to reading. I hesitated before slowly hugging her. I felt tearful and started crying on her soft silk body. She looked down at me in ruth.

She’d put her arm around me and rubbed my back slowly. I saw the book in her other hand. She was luckily only on the first death.

I wrote inside my journal ''Note to self: Don’t read-'' Wait what was its name? Oh right it didn’t have a name! Whatever, I'll find out later! What’s really on my mind right now is how to get rid of the damn thing. I don’t have it, Pillow does.

Infact, she’s probably finished with it by now. I closed the notebook and went on a walk. If she’s not wandering around the hotel, she’s wandering outside of it. We’re just gonna have a little talk. It didn’t take that long to find her, but long enough that I didn’t see her from 10 feet away. I found her on a deck reading a book with two of our teammates: Price-Tag and Cake.

“Hi Book.” Cake said. I ignored him and looked straight at Pillow. She has a book on her lap. I then realised that the book she was holding was the same exact book she had since last night. I sigh and ask my question. “Pillow—” she looked up.

“Could I have the book back, please?” She sat there thinking for a moment. She didn’t say anything…but Price-Tag did.

“No, we’re not finished.” They slammed their hand onto the book. “We’re only on the third chapter.” They said with slight awkwardness.

“Yeah and it’s Pillow’s turn and she hasn’t even started yet!” Cake added even though he could’ve just used didn’t. Then there were a few seconds of silence.

“And she can’t even read that well.” Taggy whispered.

“No, it’s fine, here you go!” Pillow responded, handing the book back to me.

Cake grabbed it and tried to yank it from Pillow’s hands. I watched the both of them try and take the book away from each other. Soon Price-Tag joined them, tugging on it harshly.

It was awkward watching three people attempting to put their hands on a book. The same exact book that you know is haunting, both in a scary and memorable way. Why would they be so into it? Why do they want to get interested in it?

Why did you? Why did I? I regretted it and soon they will too. I don't understand why Pillow would want to show anyone something so traumatic, so vile so—

Cake and Price-Tag playing rock paper scissors. It looked like they were doing multiple rounds. Price-tag ended up playing scissors and gave the book to Cake who played rock. I tried grabbing it from him but his mouth was on it so I didn’t risk it.

Pillow decided that she wasn’t going to be involved anymore even though she was the reason we were all here in the first place. “Anyway, what are you here for?” She asked.

“Never mind,” I said

It would’ve been nearest to the evening by now. I talked to Pillow for most of the day and forgot about the main goal. I was going to my room to get this book that I never got to read because of that bitch. I unlocked the already unlocked door and saw the blanket on the floor move.

The same blanket that was not on my bed when I turned the light on. I attempted to resume my search for the probably unopened book, trying to ignore the sounds of held-in laughter, the blanket shuffling again, and a keyboard clicking away. I turn around to get the blanket off the and who I see is: Price-Tag but instead of Cake it’s Naily. They both looked at me with shock on their faces.

“We did absolutely nothing!” Price-Tag claimed.

“Are you actually a murderer?” Naily asked.

“Of Course she isn’t, silly!” Price-Tag replied with a whisper.

I could tell it was already getting in their heads. Pricetag, after staring at me for a few seconds, told me that

“You can go now. Bye!” And pointed to the door. “Well first off, this is my room.” I said, sitting in front of them. “Secondly—” I paused and quickly took their laptop, searching through it for vital information.

Not before I deleted their Google Document though. They tried to take it back but I held it still. They may be strong but not strong enough. I just don’t want to risk either of them knowing about stuff like this.

You do know they are both fully grown adults right? I think they’d be perfectly fine with the concept. Infact, I’m pretty sure they’re actually really into the horror genre. You shouldn’t be worrying about it that much. “Shut up. Shut up and go away!”

Price-tag gave me an offended stare. “Okay fine.” They said, while completely snatching the laptop away. “We’ll leave you alone.” They got up to leave.

Cake was apparently a part of this too, because Price-tag told him to “Turn back around Cake, we’re going downstairs.”

He then replies with “But I was just downstairs!”

Naily also went with them but before she did she paused at the doorway and then ran to me to ask a few questions.

“Why did you want to get rid of this thing?” She pointed to the book next to her. “Wouldn’t it be like getting rid of yourself?”

“I wished” she stood there in shock. Either at the fact that it wouldn’t work or that I almost actually want it to. “I’ll return it soon!” She said in a hurry taking the book with her and dashed away.

The door slammed shut and I fell down on the edge of my bed. Why did I start crying? I was the one who told someone to shut up. I shouldn’t be the one that’s crying about this! This is stupid. I should just go to bed. It’s not like anyone would want me down there anyway.

It was 5:57 PM. I tied my hair up and decided to get ready. I paused because I don’t know why I did. I looked around for something to tell me about it. A text message appeared on my phone.

It said:

“you have 10 minutes left please hurry”

another one appeared:

“3 minutes leafy omfg-”

That person shouldn’t be mad at me when their grammar sucks ass. I scrolled up to figure out what this was about. Apparently there’s a special little outing and all of the contestants are invited! (Even Ex-Contestants) That sounds fun! So I continued in the process.

I shoved my bangs out the way as I swiped the light pink lipstick on my lips. It tasted like cherry. I love cherries! I applied the hot pink blusher while thinking about what I’d do for the evening. I imagine myself dancing in a long light pink dress with little green flowers on it. The person I was dancing with, I don’t remember. Maybe it was Firey…or Pin.

Speaking of Pin, a message from her that said:

“Heyy are you doing okay?” appeared.

I sighed and scrolled through more messages

“Pin when she takes a 7 hour nap and then takes 50 hours to get ready for one silly event”

I don’t remember sending that. A new message was shown

“open the door im gonna help you out”

I didn’t feel like opening any doors right now. I want to look as nice as possible and do my makeup without interruption.

Now where was I? Okay eyeliner. I did that very carefully, it felt like it was going to get into my eyes. I hate how wet eyeliner is; I had to fan it. The mascara was wet too, which I tolerated slightly more. I drew two flowers on my cheek with a green outliner.

I’m pretty okay at art. I forgot eyeshadow; who needs it anyway. I’m pretty much done with makeup which means it’s time for the dress. It was surprisingly similar to the one I thought of in my head. I slipped it on; it was very compact.

I don’t really like how tight it was. The shoes I had prepared were a very shiny cream colour. I quickly shuffled them on and ran out of the hotel room I was renting; not before I got my small green clutch bag.

I ran all the way downstairs as someone was yelling my name. I was stunned at my ability to run in heels without tripping. However, the moment I opened the main door I immediately fell on my stomach. A person picked me up from behind.

I turned my head around to see that it was Needle. When she carefully landed me I managed to get a glimpse at what she was wearing. She was in a traditional gothic outfit. She doesn’t usually do that though. It kind of suits her. I’m not here for Needle though. I’m here for Pin, who was sitting next to Coiny on the sidewalk. Both of them were also in very gothic clothes.

I skipped over to them, sat in between them, and waited for a response. Well not exactly in between them but close enough for them to comment on it. “Hold on, we're doing something.” Pin said. “Oh! Leafy!” she went in for a hug.

It felt slightly uncomfortable yet warm. I haven't been genuinely hugged by somebody in a long time. Though Pin wasn’t someone I expected to get a hug from. Something tapped on the back of my shoulder. Not something but someone.

Firey. “You look so nice, Leafster.” He said. I felt a burning hatred in my chest. “Thanks…” I replied with bitterness in my voice.

I felt another hug from a different person much tighter than Pin’s. I’m unsure if this was supposed to be a distraction from my anger or Firey.

A familiar voice said, “So, who are we missing?” My heart dropped. I felt like leaving. I don’t want to be here.

“Well, Donut was getting BarfBag from— and they’re back.” They walked outside the hotel holding hands. Donut in front of BarfBag, who was walking very slowly. It also appeared she was stumbling.

Other people start moving as well. I was picked by both of my arms to be dragged away. Pin mouthed something I couldn’t hear. I'm not good enough at lip reading to understand what she’s saying. She seemed concerned for some reason. I gave her a nod in response. She seems unsure of me.

I feel unsure of myself.

Walking a long distance felt tiring, but I couldn’t stop myself from doing it. I almost tripped on my dress again. Where are we going? Oh there’s a car. Glad I don’t have to walk anymore! I still can’t really tell what people are saying; by the way they were moving it was probably about me. Once again I got dragged, this time into a car.

I finally got a bit of control over my body so I looked over to the window I was sitting next to. There aren’t many buildings or stuff to look at. I guess it’s better to go to sleep in the car; so I did. Wait or is it a van? Yeah it’s a van.

My eyes started dropping until I heard something crack. I saw it as well. Something breaking the head off a human. I checked to see if anyone else saw it. They were too busy talking to each other, well Team8s that is.

We were also here with another team. The more I thought about it the more claustrophobic I felt. It appears the other team was talking as well. I started to see more buildings. Why didn’t we just do this at the hotel? The van stopped. Did we arrive or?

Someone tapped me on my shoulder. I thought it was Pin; I turned around to see it was Saw. She shocked me so much that my breath shook as I spoke. “I’m so sorry for scaring you!” She said in a panic. “Yeah…” I replied.

She helped me out of the van and held my hand. It felt even more awkward than the hug. as I was walking inside the building I felt some get caught on my shoe. It was small and lit up bright green. It was probably nothing.

A paper in front of me had multiple tiles on it. The boy across from it, Coiny, seems to have a very confused and shocked expression on his face. The tiles seemed to be displaying tic tac toe. Apparently he was X, I was O. He won, now everyone’s suspecting my identity.

“What do you mean she lost before seventy-two games?” Pin said quietly, looking over the paper. I sat next to her for most of the time so it wasn't much of a bother. Teardrop, who was on the other side of me, started drawing another group of unfinished tiles.

I assume it’s because she wanted to see if I'd lose that one as well. “Wait really!?” Someone yelled. Great, now people are going to start crowding me. I don’t really like crowds all that much and I especially don’t like how they stare with ‘concern’ as you start crying in fear. Sometimes they don’t even care, sometimes they mock and degrade you for fun.  

Pin tapped me on the shoulder. I didn’t actually know I was zoning out. She told me about how during my time zoning out she and the rest of Team8s (and a few other people who I’m friends with) were talking about one of the episodes of the previous season and how it reminded them of what is happening currently…and that Gaty wanted to ask me a question. So in a confused yet stern voice she asked: “Leafy, so sorry to ask but what did you do during the twelfth episode?”

It’s really interesting why she asked that question because I don’t know which episode twelve she is talking about. The only other thing she has been in besides TPOT was BFB, the first half that is.

I still replied anyway with a numb sounding “What?” I could feel my own sweat and the feeling of my spit being swallowed as I started to figure out what was going to be said. She sighed. I replicated it.

“The twelfth episode of BFB?” She said, “I know you were in other seasons but—” 

Okay I actually don’t really remember what I did during then. I think I accused someone— actually I accused a lot of people of things back then. Anyway I guessed someone— I should actually be…telling her this. “—And I understand if you don’t want to talk about it and,    my team had a pretty hard time during the contest as..well” she stopped speaking. We stared eye to eye. 

A faint scream plays in my head. “…Are you okay?” She asks.

The screaming became louder. The fear and embarrassment I felt in my tears. The rising anger was steaming.

The screaming. Is this on purpose?

Screaming. Stop.

Screaming.

Screaming. 

Screaming. 

Screaming. Screaming. Screaming. Screaming. Screaming. Screaming. Screaming. Screaming. Screaming. Screaming. Screaming. Screaming. Screaming. Screaming. Screaming. Screaming. Screaming. Screaming. Screaming. Screaming. Screaming. Screaming. Screaming. Screaming. Screaming. Screaming. Screaming. I. Screaming. Can’t. Screaming. Take. Screaming. It . Screaming. Anymore! Screaming. Screaming. Screaming.

People stared at me in confusion. Yes, I did hold ten napkins on my dress but it was because a spider spawned on my dress and then I tripped while running, killing the spider. I managed to get to a counter with drinks and stuff, including water.

I grab one of the cups and fill it with a slight bit of water. I tilt the cup so it falls on the light splatter made. A slug causally crawled in front of me. It glowed blue. I crushed it with the cup I used. A shoulder was brushed against my head. I turned around to face them.

Oh, Pencil. She looks so pretty as in 2000’s model pretty. But oh how much she sucks. “Hey leafy.” She said, “I missed you ever since you rejoined. Congrats on the fourth place by the way!” She rolled her eyes with a smirk. Match stood next to her and then nudged Pencil’s shoulder with her elbow. “So about the like little packet you had?” She asked. “Oh yeah, I got it online.” Pencil replied. “I think it’s from europe or something ” do I have to hear these two’s conversations? I feel calmer now, I’m going back.

I sat back down at the table that a few friends and I were at. Less people were there now, only there being Pin, Coiny, Firey, Needle, and I. “Oh my metal, are you okay?” Needle said. I could only reply with a nod.

“I’m really sorry for overwhelming you with text messages!” she pleaded. I sat there not being able to listen. I turned my head to a table behind us, three people were sitting there. Two were talking and one of those two looked oddly familiar. Well, they both did. One was someone I talked to sometimes and the other was…

A moth sat in front of them. I swatted at it. My eyes went dark.

I woke up in the same place but with nobody else near. I assume they all left already. I felt cold. The time was 10:58. I walked around a bit. A short girl ran past me. I couldn’t get any glimpse of what she looked like other than that she was short. Once I realised nobody else was there, I started looking for an exit.

So I went to a door which was only a few metres away. I walked up the stairs, there were cracks on the walls. After a few more flights of stairs I heard some people talking. “I think she had a lot more than that coming, but that's just from me.” One person said, their voice was quiet and unsure.

“Well, from me, it should give her a warning.” Another person said, more loud, more annoyed. A chill was felt on my shoulders. This sounds like it’s clearly not about me but I still felt scared. Neither of the voices sounded similar at all, but the conversation did.

I stayed on the floor that I heard them on for a while. A while as in 5 minutes because I heard someone else whisper my name before I dashed back to the stairs. It kept whispering it, a lot. I managed to get to the top floor. There were only three rooms.

One had a bunch of boxes inside it, Another was either a dressing room or a bathroom, one couldn’t tell, and the last one had a damaged piano at the centre of it. The whispering doubled, it sounded like someone was yelling my name yet whispered it at the same time. I realised that going to the highest floor isn’t an actual exit and reversed my steps.

I went half way down and finally found another person besides myself. It was too dark to see them but it was clear that they had curly pigtails tied on the lower half of their head. They lit something up, probably to get a closer look at my face.

I got to get a few colours but no exact facial features. Their hair was green, the tips being a colder pink and their skin was unnaturally pale. Before I could find an escape they grabbed both of my hands and started dragging me down the stairs.

“So where are we going?” I asked, my voice changing slightly. “Somewhere…” the person replied, they had a voice I recognized but never heard talk much. I asked again: “Taco…where are you taking me?” She ignores, instead she restrains me even more.

We went into a dark room. She closed the door. She placed me on top of what seemed to feel like a sink ledge. Someone else’s flash light came on. Gaty…

She looked at me with an uncomfortable look on her face. “You look tired…” she said. Another person rushed in. It was clear they were attempting to turn on the lights. “Why won’t these work?” She asked in frustration. I immediately knew who it was.

By voice, by height, by silhouette. She walked to stand next to the other two. “Oh hello.” She said with slight anger in her voice. “I haven’t seen you in…a while.” She shrugged. “Wow..! You look scared.” Taco scoffed.

I feel so guilty. I am the reason they decided to do this. I felt a tear dropping from my cheek. I should stop crying. The three stared at me as I started having a mental breakdown. “…you aren’t..the victim?” Gaty muttered. She was right, but it hurt a lot. I’d have to wipe the tears eventually even if that means I’d have to hide the face that is suffering.

Taco took out a match box. A match was lit. It was brought closer to my face. “This is for all you’ve done.” She said in an emotionless, yet angered voice. “I’m so sorry…” I cried. Taco took the match back a little. “Huh…?” Silence. I’m sorry.

Very sorry.

So sorry.

I’m sorry.

Dearly.

“And this is why I should be the one who kills her!!” Ice cube screamed. She swiped a sharp knife onto my cheek. I leapt off the ledge of the bathroom sink and ducked. Not before Icey scarred me once more. I ran as fast as I could, attempting to not look back at any of them. I ran down the few flights of stairs and almost tripped on one of them.

I ran out of the hotel and looked behind me for a second. While I did I ran into someone and fell in front of them. “Oh dear…I’m so sorry, let me help you.” They held their hands out which I grabbed. After I got up my dress was soaked!

Their looks were like a mirror image of a young woman. Her shining blue eyes contrast with the red on her dress. She adjusted the hat she was wearing. “Oh, it’s you…” she said. I felt a few shakes from my body. I’d wonder if she has killed anybody. She rubs one of her eyes. “Ten years…” she snickered. “You haven’t changed a bit.” She patted my head. “Stop.” I demanded. “You’re clearly unwell.” I felt a knife hitting my back. She started walking away. “Have a swell day, Dictionary!” 

Wait what…

Book jolted awake in a breathy panic. The only thing in the way of her sudden shock of consciousness was Nickel laying on her legs and holding a Yoyle-Switch with his. Book then noticed a few wires that were tied on her arms and her waist. She started sobbing, desperately trying to get rid of it all.

“Woah! My bad.” Nickel said, he got up.

“Yes ‘your bad’!” Golf Ball screamed. “Nickel, you ruined it! You ruin everything!

Tennis ball, who was already attempting to get Book up from the bed that she was put on, only sighed at what Golf Ball said. He walked very slowly making sure the weeping, trembling mess didn’t fall off.

“Golfie, maybe you shouldn’t get all screamy when you fail.” He said. He carefully let Book down into a chair and then sat down in a chair next to her.

“So…are we allowed to go now?” Bomby asked, he folded up a blanket.

“Yes, please! Leave and take your dumb teammate with you!” Golf ball replied, she handed Book a plastic cup. Book sipped it, shaking as she did.

“Well, thanks for having us!” Bomby said. He walked over to the group, Golf ball blocked him from getting any further.

“We are discussing here!” She said, She went up to Bomby’s face and scowled. Book pushed Golf ball out of her way and started running.

“Book, you forgot your…almost everything.” Nickel yelled. “Book!” He grabbed some of her stuff and after her. The two armless nerds looked at each other in confusion.

“Thanks for having us again…Golf ball…Tennis ball…” Bomby said, awkwardly. He laughed awkwardly as well, he then ran off

“Why am I always said last?” Tennis ball mutters. He sighs with disappointment.

She flipped to the next page of the book she read. Book wanted to distract herself from the book of horrors with another book. This one was about dragons and how they have to be killed young or else they will be almost invincible.

She was into fantasy…a lot. She felt a shadow above her head. It wasn’t just the shadow of the tree she was under anymore. Pillow has joined that shadow as being the thing hovering over Book.

“Hii!!” She said, grabbing the book and moving it down. Book blinked at her with annoyance. She didn’t like being bothered whenever she read. Pillow, like the nuisance she was, decided to ignore that. “What is this?” She asked. She picked it up and flipped through the pages for a bit. “This is boring, let’s do something else.” She’d drag Book away from the area she was sitting at not to a specific place, but somewhere.

A small girl ducked down under a table. Although she claimed she would be finished with it, Naily rummaged through the pages of the ‘cursed’ book. She felt the urge to be an analyst only two days ago. Two days.

Two days since she stole it. She isolated herself for a day and a half as well. It was only now that she stepped outside aside from getting something to eat. Whenever she thought about the situation she would quiver from her guilt.

“Okay, now that you’re finally finished reading it, promise that none of you will talk about or mention it again?” The group nodded, except Pillow.

“Pillow..?”

“Fine…” she said, she rolled her eyes.

“I think we should place it right here.” Price-Tag said. “It'll be on the ground and no one else will know it exists.”

“Okay that sounds really dumb.” Bomby said.

“Well if we’re never mentioning it again, then dropping it instantly would be the best option” Taggy exclaimed.

“Someone will trip.”

“You aren't understanding—!”

They started talking over each other, only making the argument worse. The rest of them looked at the two in slight annoyance. Naily stared at the book and then looked back at her teammates wondering what to do.

“Just drop it.” Nickel mouthed. She looked at him with uncertainty. He pointed to the floor urging her to do exactly as he said. 

“This isn’t helping!” Price-Tag said.

“Naily just give the damn—” They walked up to her, about to grab it but she stepped back, holding it tighter.

“Well um— I…” She stammered.

“Naily…?” Bomby asked. “Didn’t you promise?” He walked close to her.

“I actually…wanted—” she began.

“You promised right?”

“Well I did! But…” She held the book closer to her.

“Well?”” Nickel taunted. 

“Well, I umm…” Naily felt sweat adding up to her own body. It felt like she was melting. Her eyes moved around quickly, desperately wanting an escape. Her tight grip on the book became more like her borderline choking it.

She thought that there were actually tears coming out the ends of her eyes. She panicked as almost her whole team was staring at her. Bomby slowly put his hand on top of the book.

“Don’t touch me!!” Naily screamed. She immediately ran pushing anyone and anything in the way. The further she was from Just Not the less noticeable and loud her screams were.

“Naily!” Price-Tag yelled and ran after her.  

Book sighed. She highlighted a sentence in blue. “The blade held the reflection of the ruthless bitch that was holding it.” She felt that would describe Pillow more. But she could see Book doing that as well. No wait, she is insane. She’s a nail and she is insane. She closed the book. Guess she’s going to return it now.

“No thank you, goodbye Pillow.” Book closed the door and locked it hard. She walked to her desk. A small notebook coloured navy blue sat on top of it. She took a pen and wrote on the cover with her shaky hand.

‘Dream Journal’ It was a bit big but like she cared. She opened it very quickly and adjusted just so it could get to the first page. She started writing again. Ink pressed against paper. Ink dragged against paper. 

A hard kick into the door interrupted the totally calm environment that Book was in. She jumped a little. The pen marked its place on the paper. That being a curved line that was the size of almost the whole paper.

She glared at her now ruined paper. A few more knocks were heard, and then a scream. Book worried about the person but the harsh sounds continued so she assumed they were okay. 

She returned to her notebook starting with ripping the first page out. The book had markings of where the paper originally was. Another knock and that was enough for Book. She went to answer the door.

“How many times must I tell you no, Pillow?” She asked while opening the door.

“What? I’m not Pillow!” The person responded.

Book looked down. She was in fact not Pillow, she was also holding the ‘terror’ that lurks in Book’s mind.

“Burn it.” Book said, pointing at the book on the floor. She glared at the girl behind it who stared back almost in tears.

“I’m really sorry, I just wanted to return it…” she said. She picked up the book and started moving it towards Book.

But Book pushed it back. It was thrown and adjusted many times until it was eventually thrown into Book’s room. Book turned around to get and when she turned back the little construction tool was gone. She realised what ended up happening and went back in her room. Finally going to start the journal

The daylight sky was glowing. People talking, hanging out with their friends. This life seemed normal for the TPOT contestants. A green coloured thing starts speaking.

“Guess what, my lovely contestants!” They said.

A young woman, slightly shorter than the numeric themed creature, guessed with: “That the contests actually have a schedule?” A few people looked at her, one person was holding in their laughter.

“Let’s just ignore that, Pin.” Two replied. They nudged her shoulder lightly.

“That’s what Coiny did when I said that BFDIA sucked…” She muttered.

“I’m not ignoring your problems!” Coiny stated, he turned around to face her directly. “But those problems were over almost seven years ago, and those problems haven't happened since then.”

“Pretty brave to mention that in front of three of the—”

“That doesn’t matter, Pin.”

“Everything matters!” Pin yelled.

Since the Thumbtack and the Coin were busy arguing, another woman, who seems much closer to the host on a personal level, also attempted to answer the question: “So, is there a new challenge today?” She tilted her head slightly.

“Not quite, Gaty!” Two replied, patting her on the head.

“Oh…then what is it?” She asked.

“We’re going on a cruise!” The number replied, with excitement. A few people started talking about said cruise, some even screamed in excitement.

“Two, no!” Someone yelled.

“What’s up buddy?” The integer asked.

“I have things that I have to do and I can’t take all of my stuff with me!” A young woman, slightly taller than the new coming host said

“We’re not leaving right now.”

“Oh…nevermind then!” She sat back down.

“However, ask me about this later and we’ll—”

“Two!” Another person ran up to Two. A friend followed behind.

“We also are doing stuff at the moment…” The smaller one explained. Her blackish brown eyes looked like they were about to tear up

“Mhm, like what?” Two asked.

“Umm, something!” It seemed like she was hiding it.

“She meant to ask ‘When are we going?’, right Gb?” The taller one nudged Gb.

Two realised this question. “Oh, in a few days,” Two replied.

“Thanks, Two!” He dragged Gb away by foot.

Two more people stood up. They both looked at each other awkwardly. One of them tucked his curly blonde hair behind his ear. “I’m so sorry, you can continue.” He said.

“You stood up first, you do it.”

The girl in between the two covered her ears. She pleaded in her mind that this wasn’t actually happening. There is no cruise and there won’t be some party at it. There won’t be anything to do with roofies or xanax and it won’t be happening to her. She probably would need a xanax though.

“You’re doing it, Nickel.”

“Nuh uh!” Nickel replied.

“Yuh huh”

“Nuh uh!”

“Book doesn’t feel ready for vacations right now.” A soft, high pitched voice interrupted.

Book closed her eyes. She knew that eyes were on her.

“Book, is there anything you need to talk about?”

Not real. Not real. It’s not real.

“It’s okay if you’re not ready to talk about it yet.” The numeral said. Then they touched her head. They shouldn’t have done that.

Their hand got pushed off of her. Book screamed a scream so loud that any other form of conversation stopped. Now there were definitely eyes on her.

“My word…” someone said.

“Shut up!!” she replied.

“My bad, girl.” the voice muttered.

“Yeah, shut the fuck up, Eggy!!!” a deep, raspy voice yelled. He kind of sounded like a smoker.

“You’re kind of starting a scene here, Book…” Naily said.

“You literally did that like four days ago. Bomby commented.

“Shut up…” Book whispered, now crying. She wiped her tears on her hands.

“Nuh uh!” Pillow said.

“What do you mean by that?” Bomby asked.

“Price-Tag started it!” Pillow pointed at them.

“What do I have to do with any of this!” Price-Tag asked.

“None of you are even real!!!”

Book screamed. She got up and left, running away. Pillow followed behind her not long after.

“I don't trust her with Book…” Taggy whispered. They got up and joined the two as well.

Pillow was just about to open the hotel door as “Pillow!” Price-Tag yelled. “Wait!” They ran up to her.

“Why do you keep following me?” She asked. Price-Tag thought up an answer.

“Checking up on you…” they said.

“Oh okay!” Pillow replied. She kept walking.

After the two of them finally made it to Book’s room, Pillow knocked on the door. No answer.

“It’s okay I have a backup key.” She said, taking the key out of her pocket.

“Why do you have a backup key??” Price-Tag exclaimed. “Well umm…” Pillow started.

“I secretly moved in…with you…” she said.

“Whyy..?” Taggy asked.

“Research.” Pillow answered. She opened the door.

There Book was, sat on top of her bed. She rocked herself slowly in a foetal position. She fanned her reddened face with her left hand.

“Are you okay?” Price-Tag said while slowly walking up to Book’s bed.

Book stared at them. She let out sharp breaths every time her mouth opened. Her tealish eyes had deep shadows below them, it made her look insane.

“Book,” Price-Tag said, “Are you okay?” They repeated the question.

Book slowly started backing away and her breathing turned into what could be considered hyperventilating.

“It’s Price-Tag.” They introduced theirself.

“No…” Book whispered.

From Book’s perspective, they were some type of weird shadow thing that was going to kill her. To her that shadow thing is now on her bed and she didn’t like that. She hit the backboard of her bed. At that point she was just going to die.

Price-Tag scooted themself next to Book. Book curled into herself even more and started crying.

“You’re gonna be okay…” Price-Tag whispered. They stroked Book’s short dark coloured hair.

Book shook her head. “Leave me alone!” She mumbled. Pillow also got on the bed but on Book’s left side.

“Stop following me!” Book cried. An ice cube was pushed into her cheek. It was a comforting and familiar touch. But she knew that the person associated with that touch doesn’t care about or even like her anymore.

She started crying louder, bawling even. The ice cube was rubbed against her face but all it did was melt. Another one was grabbed.

“Can I have one?” Taggy asked. Pillow handed one over to them.

They placed it in one of Book’s hands. She stopped crying for just a moment. She looked at them with such an awful look.

“Stop it!” She screamed and flopped forward near the floor side of her bed. Price-Tag rubbed her back carefully.

“Bookie, I have a secret to tell you.” Pillow said.

“Shut up, go away.” Book muttered, she covered her ears.

“I was…supposed to be your roommate this entire time.”

No response.

“I don’t think she heard you, we should leave her alone.” Price-Tag whispered, they got off the bed. “I’ll help you with the moving in stuff if you’d like!” They suggested.

“Okay!” Pillow replied.

Later, around the time it started getting dark, Let’s say 7:00. Two people walked up to the hotel room. One of them knocked on the door. Someone ended up opening the door.

“Hello umm…” Price tag said.

They snapped a few times to try to remember those two’s names. “Tennis Ball and Golf ball!”

“Finally, I’m appreciated!” Tennis Ball said as he was about to walk in. Golf ball just stood there with her mouth agape.

“Hold on, what are you two here for?” Taggy asked.

Tennis Ball started sweating. “Experiments!” He said. He was technically right.

“I’ll have to ask my teammates about that.” They closed the door.

“So what do you guys think about the balls being here?” They said.

“Why are they here?” Naily asked.

“Umm…experiments?” Taggy answered. The rest of the group thought it out for a few seconds.

“Sure.” A few of them said.

Taggy nodded and opened the door.

“So what kind of experiments?” They asked.

“Very important ones, move!” Golf ball yelled, directly in Price-Tag’s face too. She shoved them with her foot to get in the door.

“All five of you must leave.” she began.

“Now!” she screamed. “But we were here first…” Pillow mentioned.

“Then get your butts up and leave!” Golf ball yelled. She pointed to the door.

“This isn’t even your place…” Nickel muttered.

“Neither is it yours, get out!”

Golf ball walked up to him and started to drag him. She pulled on his dirty blonde hair to the point where he was almost screaming. Nickel’s teammates started surrounding the two of them. Rather is it trying to get Golf ball off of Nickel or just yelling at her. Not all of them though.

Cake slid his hand through the books on the book shelf in the room. “Oh hey…” He said. “I never knew you could understand Japanese.”

He took one of the books off the bookshelf and flipped through it. Book poked her head out of her covers to look at what’s going on. Yeah, a Japanese girl knowing Japanese, so shocking. She hid back inside. Not before—

“Oh there you are!” Tennis Ball said. He sat on the edge of her bed. Book started crying again. People were still yelling at Golf ball.

“That seems like a lot to take in, right?” Tb asked. He stroked her head like he was brushing her hair.

Book attempted to get his hand off of her head but due to her lack of breath…and sleep she kind of failed. Tennis ball lifted his hand off eventually.

Golf ball was about to yell: “Tennis Ball why don’t—” but someone covered her mouth.

Tennis Ball sighed when that happened to her. He assumed that she wanted him to deal with Book.

He gets a few bags that have a few things inside them. He inhales and uncover’s Book from her silky cave. She screams once again.

“GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM ME.” She yells.

She kicked her legs around. Some of those kicks being targeted at Tennis ball. He exhaled. He just put the sheets back on her.

“Just get the freeze juice!” Golf ball said.

“Oh.” Tennis ball replied. He looked at the bags next to him. He dug into one of the bags and found quite a few.

“Wait, what's freeze juice?” Price-Tag asked.

He shot a few of them at three of the people in front of Golf ball. Surprisingly none of them were Price-Tag.

“Well, now you know!” Tb responded. Taggy only gave a simple concerned look at him.

“So anyway!” He pats the trashing sheet twice.

“Yes, yes that one.” Gb replied. She lifted the sheet off, not knowing what she was about to hear.

“Oh god, my ears!” She said.

“She has a god?” Price-Tag asked.

But the two nerdy shits were too busy tying random strings and wires to Book’s limbs. It was a struggle due to Book’s squirming.

“Oh my bakery…” Cake mumbled.

“Why don’t you help us pin her down?” Golf Ball said. The three remaining Just Notters sat on the bed.

“I said help out not sit there!!” Golf Ball yelled.

The three answered with some awkward noises like “Oh yeah…” or “ummm”.

Bomby placed a hand on Book’s stomach while Price-Tag rested on Book’s leg.

“Is this the only thing you two decided to do?” Golf Ball asked. Cake rests his head on Book’s chest.

“Well now you’re in the way.” Gb sighed. “Whatever! It’ll do.”

After finally getting the wires and other things on Book’s body, Golf Ball took out a notepad and started writing.

“This took twenty nine minutes, with your help.” She muttered looking at Just Not.

“You’re welcome!” Cake said sitting on the edge of one of the beds.

“You laid on her– Nevermind!” Golf Ball sighed.

“The second step would be getting the patient uncon– Price-Tag get up!!” She said.

Price-Tag sat up.

“Get off! In fact, why don't you just take your three frozen teammates and find a way to kill them or something!” Golf Ball started.

“At least that would distract ya!” She rolled her eyes.

“Fine! Whatever, goodbye, Golf Ball!” Price Tag, after saying that mouthed something to Book and then left, slamming the door afterwards

“Oh we’re doing this again!?” Cake whined. He got up as well with Bomby following him.

When everyone else was gone, Tennis Ball and Golf Ball went up closer to the bed that Book was on.

“Tennis Ball, get the sedatives.” Gb muttered. Tennis Ball took out a pill bottle. Golf Ball went into a different bag to grab a few other syringes.

“I thought you said that I had to grab them…” Tb whispered.

“Just in case…” Golf Ball replied.

“N-Nonnono” Book whimpered. “Please don't…”

She backed up and bumped onto the back of her bed.

“She’s undoing the process.” Golf Ball sighed.

“Whatever…I guess we really do need this.” Golf Ball stabbed one of the needles into Book’s arm. Book let out a loud watery scream.

“Shut up…just go to sleep.” Gb said.

Tennis Ball touched Book’s arm barely before she screamed again.

“Your arm’s bleeding,” he said. “Please hold still…” He gently placed a small bandage on the spot where Golf Ball injected the needle in.

Book started whispering: “It’s happening, It’s real…” to herself.

“It’s working…” Golf Ball said. “Maybe we don't need the pills after all.” She grabbed another syringe. She counted a few times and then stabbed it in Book’s other arm.

“NO STOP!!!”

Dark. Dark was all I could see. I try to make my way around by touch but I only fall. I landed on grass, that might be a good sign. The grass felt nice to walk in. Well I’m not walking in it so…crawling in? It was just grass though, nothing else really, just grass.

I found a place to rest. It was a very different texture to the spikiness of the grass. It felt more wooden, I assume it’s a bench. It pokes me as I sit down. So more like old, decaying wood. It’s really uncomfortable…but rather that than the dirt. I readjust myself on the bench and it started shaking. I try to keep myself completely still but it only shakes faster. I quickly got up when it broke down to pieces. One of the legs of the bench tripped me. The wood chips pierce into my skin. I don’t think I would be safe here.

I ran through the forest. Forest. Forest. Forest. Trees. Grass. Trees. Grass. Trees. Grass. Trees. Grass. Trees. Grass. Trees, grass. Trees, grass. Trees, grass. Trees, grass. Trees, grass. Trees, grass. Trees, grass. Trees and grass. Why is it only trees and grass? Whatever! I’ll just crash into the nearest building I find.

It seems like a while. A half hour maybe? I think I might have found a cabin. I walk over to it. I knocked on the door twice. No answer. There’s never an answer. Why is it always like this? I hear a giggle in the distance.

I turn around to see nothing. I attempt to knock again. Still no answer. Another fucking laugh. This isn’t funny. My eyes look to see nothing. Let’s try again. Three knocks on the door. I hear footsteps. A finger slides on my shoulder. I look behind me and nothing.

Is that all I am? Nothing? Is that why nobody answers. I get tricked by what apparently is nothing? Is this all that happens? Nothing?

I get it! I’m simply just nothing! Just nothing… Nothing that deserves nothing.

Fell again. Broke one of my legs too. It hurt like shit. Huh? What does that even mean? ‘hurt like shit’. Is my mind not even clear enough to make any sense anymore? I hear footsteps again. Someone’s here to help!! “HELP ME!!” I say.

“My leg… I think it’s injured…” It hurts really bad so it might be… “Aww your legs injured baby~” Oh. I recognize that voice. “You could take me to a hospital or s-ssomething right??” I cry. She sat next to me. “Yeah I’ll try helping with that.”

She started pulling on my leg. The same leg that was in pain. “OWWIIEEE STOP!” I scream. “It’s fine, you’ll be fine!” She replies. She pulls even harder. It was like she was going to rip my leg off. “You’ll be fine, Book!” Another tug.

“PENCIL!!!” It suddenly felt worse. I open my eyes to see her walking away. “If it makes you feel any better at least your leg isn't broken anymore!” She shouted. Instead it was literally broken from the knee down. After the knee, there was nothing there.

She tore my fucking leg off. Stupid Pencil tore off my leg! There is nothing there but a ragged hole where my leg was supposed to be. I hate her, I hope she dies forever!

I should kill her. What if I killed Pencil? Wait–– NO! She’s not supposed to be here! How is she here? When did she get here? Whatever! I’ll just go find my teammates.

I think it was a survival challenge of some sorts. So my teammates could still be alive…Or they’re all dead and I’m the only one left… My legs— well leg and a half are already killing me and my knees feel numb! I fell onto my hands that dampen for some reason.

I cough and a weird pink liquid spills from my mouth. I feel it spewing out like a volcanic eruption. Puddle after puddle of pink goop. When I think that it’s stopped, even more comes out. I feel…kind of lightheaded. This is my blood? It doesn’t normally come out, not like this!

I let out a loud gruesome gurgly cry.

I walk with a sleeve covering my mouth to catch what apparently is blood on it. My gaze blurs more and more as I feel my life losing itself. I stop in front of some stairs. I decided to rest in front of them. Only for a few minutes.

I walk over to the other side of the entrance. I placed my head on the concrete line that surrounded the staircase. My legs curled at my chest to help support my bag that was also wrapped around my arms. My eyes slowly blink a few times.

On the other side a thing stands. A small object in its right hand. It comes up closer, staring at me with its dark eyes. I shut mine. It pushes my bangs up.

“You’re so pathetic, you don’t even look at me.” It started, it sounded like a bird that just learned to talk. “Come on, up here!” It snaps in my face a few times. It mocked everything that was said to it, telling those words to me instead. A blade scoops inside of my arm. “Shut up! No one likes it when you’re screaming!” The creature raised its voice, sounding more screechy.

The blade digs deeper into my body. “You deserve all of it!” It screams. It’s palm pushed against the part of my arm not being stabbed. “You should stop, this is insane.” I say.

“Said by the thing that’s worse!” The blade comes out. It then goes into my other arm. I attempt to get it out. It does, off of my arm. “You are pathetic! You are a pathetic creature and that’s why you got left behind!”

“No actually.” I attempt to get the knife out of my arm, “That’s why you got left behind.” It got put in harder. “Please stop stabbing me.” That was when the stabbing actually stopped. I sigh, “Thank you…” I then get kicked off into the hole a few seconds later.

Good news, I found out that it’s actually a train station! I managed to get on one of the trains, but it’s pretty lonely here… Silent… Alone…Scary…

I’m actually really horrified by anything abandoned. Abandoned buildings, abandoned towns, abandoned cities, abandoned people…abandoning…me… But that doesn’t matter, it never mattered! What matters now is, did the challenge end, when did it end, and am I actually lost. Other than that, nothing really matters.

It’s so quiet though! No one to talk to…No one to gaze at lovingly… No one to laugh with, No one to smile at. No one to befriend and hang out with. Not even anyone to just sit there without interaction.

Or stand, I’ve been off the train for a while. I’ve circled around this floor of the hotel at least five times already. I gave up on the figuring out which key was the correct option and just started knocking on the door hoping that my roommate would respond.

I don’t know how she sleeps, she moved rooms every five business days…or at least that’s how it felt. Why am I still knocking? She's probably dead. Wait, but im a ************ I’ll just ********

But then, a pair of footsteps walk through. I quickly bend the paperclip in my hand. “What are you doing?” A familiar voice asked. I turn around. A light shining in my eye. That short blonde hair, that cold pale skin. I immediately knew who it is. “And what happened to your clothes?”

My clothes, there’s something wrong? “So…what’s with the…” She came closer. Grabbed my hand. Stared at it. Actually, why is she looking? We aren’t friends anymore! But nothing stops her from being here, she just is. “Don’t hurt me Book,” she said, “Just don’t.” She placed my hand onto my chest and walked away.

Why did I ruin my chance? Is this actually going to be the last time I see her? I don’t want to! Why did I ruin my chances? “Ice Cube, I’m sorry!” I ran after her, but she went faster. And faster she went. And faster she went. And faster she went. And faster she went. And faster…

And then we fell. And now there’s no one. No one to walk with. No one to hold me and tell me it’s okay…

No one that cares.