The speakers above crackled, snapping the moment in half.
Welcome, participants...
The voice sounded like a young female — but with an unnatural, inhumane edge.
Around me, everyone froze and turned towards the speakers.
Some stood up and pressed their way to the front; others still lay in bed, blinking at the sound.
You will participate in a series of games. Players who complete all games will receive a substantial cash reward.
A few people clapped, but for the most part everyone still held a strong feeling of reluctance, drugging us and holding us in a big room like barn animals did that to people.
Regardless of what I thought one kid in the same tracksuit as the rest of us, number 330 on his back, threw both hands up. "LET'S GOOOO, EASY BAG!" His voice cut through the tension like a firecracker.
In an instant the rooms shifted to the kid, it became a little awkward but his words seem to remind us why we where all here to begin with.
A tall, lean guy beside him — his friend, I guessed — tried to shush him but couldn't stop grinning either.
I felt my mouth go dry; I couldn't gather an inch of excitement for some reason. Although I came here for money I still felt like something here wasn't right. This kid wouldn't change that.
Suddenly, the gate holding us all hostage opened. Everyone instinctively backed away as masked figures emerged, dressed in red jumpsuits.
They didn't have any visible weapons, but my instincts told me they were dangerous. The way they moved, all stiff and exact, made some danger instincts in me go off.
They formed into multiple lines, with a guard wearing a black mask with a square stepping to the forefront to speak.
Before he could speak a brave woman stepped forward, voice shaking.
"Why are we here? You can't just keep us!"
The guard looked at the woman for a few seconds before answering.
"All participants are here due to severe debt or urgent financial need. You have all chosen to enter of your own free will."
A hush fell over the room; the guard's words left everyone dumbfounded.
The boy from earlier, 330, spoke again, turning to face the guard. "Debt? So what, that gives you the right to drug us?"
The guard's voice cut in again, low and monotone. "Player 012. Wanted by Los Zetas. You currently owe 50 thousand USD and have a bounty of 25 thousand USD. You of all people need this money most."
The boy... Player 12 went silent. Everyone did.
Another quiet voice rose from deeper in the crowd — a pale man in his twenties, hair matted, eyes sunken. "How much can we even win in the end? What's the final prize?"
The guard turned his head slowly.
"The final prize pool will be determined by the number of eliminated players. For each eliminated player, $75,000 will be added. The total will be displayed at the end of each game."
A murmur rippled through the crowd. Heads turned, and the energy in the room instantly rose.
"Seventy-five grand per person? Damn, that's crazy!" someone near the front laughed.
"That's so much money... how many're gonna get eliminated?" another man asked.
"$75,000 per elimination? H-how many of us are there?" I mumbled to myself, I couldn't hide the excitement I felt just by hearing that number.
Quickly scanning the room I looked for the highest number I could find, I didn't look to extensively but the highest I could see was 472.
'if 471 people where eliminated then...' quickly doing the math in my head.
"Thirty-five million..." I subconsciously spoke the number out loud, a few people around me heard what I said but it was quickly drowned by the murmers of hundreds of people.
Thirty-five million? No matter which way you twisted it, that number seemed far too insane.
Still not fully understanding the sum up for grab, I heard a loud confident yell.
"Hey... You guys are makin' this sound like some sorta game show. This must be a Mr.beast video or something!"
It seemed like most people agreed but the guards at the front remained still and silent.
The guard's words churned in my head — Player 012... Wanted... eliminated players... money... prize pool.
That guy was right; it did sound like a game show pitch, but if what they said about that player 012 guy was true, then would they really bring someone like that here?
If real criminals where here I couldn't help but feel things werent as simple as they seemed.
My eyes drifted back to the guard. His black mask looked straight ahead without waiver.
I didn't know what "eliminated" truly meant none of us did. But i still had a bad feeling about all of it.
A nervous-looking girl near the edge, wringing her hands together, shouted out, "Any clues on the games or how to win?"
The guard looked at her. "Follow all instructions precisely. No further advice will be given."
"Let me make this clear once more," the guard continued, voice echoing.
"Every person standing here in this room is living on the brink of financial ruin. You all have debts that you can't pay off. When we first met each of you, not a single one of you trusted us. But as you all know, we played a game, and as we promised, we gave you money when you won. And suddenly, everyone here trusted us. You called and volunteered to participate in this game of your own free will. So this is it. I'll give you one last chance to choose. Will you go back to living your old and depressing lives, being controlled by your financial situation? Or will you act and seize this last opportunity we're offering here?"
No one dared to speak after that.
________________________________________
The guards then moved forward and formed into a line, more guards appeared from the gate with tall boxes and stacks of papers, they quickly set everything into place before leaving though the gate
"Sign the clause if you wish to participate. Clause 1: A player is not allowed to stop playing once the games begin.
Clause 2: A player who refuses to play will be eliminated.
Clause 3: Games may be terminated if the majority agrees."
"If you do not wish to participate please leave through the main door now, this may be your only chance."
Multiple lines quickly began to form, it seemed alot of people decided to play whatever these games where, whilst the less keen ones silently left thought the door.
I say on my top bunk and observed for a long while, I was in no rush to go and sign such a mysterious contract.
I had basically made my mind. I'd play, but I still needed some time just incase there was another choice.
Whilst scanning the room something had caught my eye though.
Amongst the mass of green lining up I noticed a rather short kid with dreads covering the back of his head, I couldn't tell forsure, but something about him seemed... Familiar.
I had an inkling of reason as to why I felt like so, but I got up from my bed and slowly descended just to make sure.
It took a while but I had finally reached the floor, but it was only then that I realized I wouldn't be able to find what I was looking for at this height.
Although I was on the taller side I still wasn't such a behemoth that I could find someone in a crowd of hundreds.
"Tsk, no point waiting then." Leaving the reason I came down here to begin with I forced myself forward and got into the line.
If I was down here I might aswell sign my form, there was no need to wait anymore.
With so many people and so little booths, the line ended up taking almost 10 minutes before I reached the front.
The guard said nothing and simply placed the contract on the table.
I read through all the agreements slowly,
1. If I signed now, there was no backing out.
2. All players who do not participate will be eliminated.
And the third one, "games may be terminated if the majority agree."
For the most part these rules seemed simple and self explanatory, but the second and third rule seemed off.
Wouldn't it be obvious someone who doesn't play the game would be "eliminated"? There where only three rules to look at so the fact they included something like that in the only pamphlet given out must've held strong meaning.
But in the end I couldn't really put any meaning to it, maybe they just didn't have many rules?
The third one was also weird, if we where really playing games like rick paper scissors to win $35 millions dollars why would we ever come to an agreement to leave?
Looking around the room I noticed how lovely it was, to get most of these people to willingly leave? Wouldn't there be a better chance of them all licking the guy who set this up's boots?
I subconsciously furrowed my brow, I was certain now, if Sean's cheek was worth a few thousand then how much was 35 million worth?
Yet I still couldn't find the resolve to leave.
Looking down at the form in my hands, I exhaled sharply, placed the paper on the table and signed, I needed that money, I promised ma.
And I damn well wouldn't let me and Sean live the rest of our lives in that dump.
I didn't look back and walked to my right, I didn't need to think too much, whatever this was, I just needed to win right?
Now that I was in a semi open place I noticed the same dreads from earlier.
From the top bunker I had thought the guy looked short but from my perspective now, this guy didn't only look short he looked way to similarly short to someone I knew too well.
I briskly walked towards whoever the person was, he was in a group of 3 talking, but I didn't care. I walked up behind and put my hands on his shoulder before turning him around.
I had wished it wasn't the case but before I could even notice the familiar feature, the obviously blackened eye and the bandage work on his cheek told me everything I needed to know.
"Why- why are you here? Didn't you see my text?" I couldn't believe what I was seeing.
"Ahhhh..... Paul! Good to see you..What're you doing here.. haha..." Sean laughed awkwardly whilst patting the side of my shoulder.
Before I could say anything he dragged me away and spoke.
"Sorry guys I gotta finish some old business with a friend I'll be back" he gave a smile and walked confidently with me in hand.
I gave him some face for a second but as soon as we where a good distance away I grabbed his wrist which held my jacket.
"You... IDIOT!" I couldn't hold back the anger I felt, this imbecile had not only only completely ignored my text to take care of mom, but also decided to come here without even telling me.
I felt a strong rage boil in my chest but even more that I felt fear. The only reason I felt confident up until now was because I was alone.
But now not only did I have to worry for this replacement for a sock I had to worry about mother at home.
"Ahh, hey man I know what you're thinking don't worry, I made sure moms okay, I paid for a personal caregiver for a week. She'll be fine, aight?" He spoke rapidly whilst trying to release my hand from his wrist.
"And it's not like I can't choose to be here, if you can be here why can't I? And think about it, if we both win then double the money! Eh?" He looked at me with a grin on his face.
I almost adhered to the instinct to slap him but held back, I slowly let go of him and begun to think, if this was really a game like the one he played, then worst case he might leave this place with a concussion or a broken rib, but best case we both left with a hefty amount of money.
But even so I couldn't find any joy in his presence in this place.
"No, this isn't right, you're leaving right now or I'm making you leave" grabbing him again, this time but the scruff of his collar I began to drag him to the metal door.
"Woah woahh, wait man. I already signed my waiver! It's too late" I ignored his tantrum and he grabbed my arm and began to struggle until I heard the last portion of his statement.
I instantly recalled the first rule of the waiver, a player who agreed to the game may not resign.
I stopped in place and looked my brother in his eyes.
"You fool." I didn't even bother trying with those guards my instincts told me I'd either get no response or a clear answer that he couldn't leave.
Releasing a heavy breath I let go of my little brother for the second time within a minute.
"You stick with me from now on, until we know what's happening here, I don't want to see you anywhere else besides my side. Got it?" I said firmly.
"Tch, yeah man, tsk! I get it" he said with agitation, I didn't wanna have to be the mean big brother either, but I couldn't afford losing him here.
Not when we where surrounded by 400 other people in the same chokehold as me.
*Bzzzt*
Attention, all players. The first game is about to begin. Please follow the staff's instructions. Please make your way towards the game hall.
If
We were all herded out by numbers, lowest to highest, into a large area of twisting stairways and disorienting colours. Like a funhouse, but the guards everywhere made it feel more like a prison.
The lines of people were tight, forced single file. It was crowded, but the line made it easier to see each person's number printed boldly on their back.
Before we reached the stairs, the line slowed to a halt at a bright pink wall.
Multiple screens with a smiley face stood with the words "Smile" underneath.
Please look into the camera. Smile.
The players in front slowly shuffled into a lane and took their picture.
When Sean's turn came, he threw up two fingers in a crooked peace sign and held a smug smile.
The shutter clicked twice.
When it was my turn, I silently looked at the smiling face. I had no problem smiling, but for some reason, I couldn't, so I stared straight into the lens.
Suddenly, Sean slipped in beside me, jamming his fingers into my cheeks and yanking them into a wide, fake grin just as the flash went off.
I jerked away too late.
The shutter clicked twice.
He had the balls to burst out laughing, and slapped my back. "Ayy, there he is! First smile of the day. Frame that one for ma!"
I just shook my head and ignored him, but his laughter stuck with him like glue as we moved forward.
Once again, climbing another spiral staircase, I noticed a woman a few steps ahead of us fidgeting with her glasses — big round ones, cracked and taped at the bridge.
Her eyes darted constantly, scanning the numbers on everyone's backs like she was memorizing them.
She turned abruptly toward us, eyes locking onto Sean's and mine.
"Hey," she blurted, voice lower than I expected. "You two... 117 and 118, right? You got good spots." She pushed her glasses up again, hands trembling slightly.
Sean blinked. "Good spots? What? We in a raffle or something?"
She gave a small, awkward snort. "No. Just... numbers usually matter in these types of things." Her words came out fast.
Sean shot her a crooked grin. "Appreciate the tip, lady. Were you a hall monitor in another life?"
Her face twitched. I saw something flicker behind her eyes — shame perhaps — before she glanced away quickly.
"No," she said, almost too soft to hear. "I taught high school once... before." Her fingers instinctively pushed her glasses up.
She stepped up the stairs quickly, retreating from the conversation she'd just started.
500...
After walking through the maze-like building, we ended up reaching a massive steel gate. It creaked open, revealing a wide yard under a huge dome.
Grass stretched out, bright and green. In the distance, a doll stood towering with brown, stiff pigtails and black eyes, staring.
Creepy..
That boy from earlier, Tylian, whooped. "Yooooo, they got a whole Fortnite map in here!"
The others spread out, eyes wide, some taking selfies with a camera from God knows where, some laughing nervously.
There were no guards inside, slightly easing the atmosphere; the place felt a little alive for once.
Attention, all players. After you enter the game hall… please stand behind the white line drawn on the field and await further instructions. Once again, will all players please stand behind the white line and await further instructions.
We all filed in, shuffling around trying to make space over the mushy grass. The place was quite bright and open, similar to a football field.
People started lining up behind the white line, eyes examining the towering doll ahead. A few still laughed, pointing at the cameras up above.
Here is the first game. You will be playing Red Light, Green Light. You are allowed to move forward when "it" shouts out, "Green Light," stop when "it" shouts, "Red Light."
Red Light, Green Light? That's it?
A wave of confused murmurs rippled through the crowd.
"Red Light, Green Light?" a girl up front scoffed, hands on her hips. "Are we really getting millions for a kids' game? Hell, I'll be out of here in five minutes!"
A man with tattoos snorted and shoved past a few people.
"Move! I'm gettin' that money first. Ain't no way they're giving out millions for this baby shit."
With the two people drawing attention More people started pushing forward, eager to be up front.
"I'm goin' up front. We should get that money first." Sean's eyes lit up, he seemed confident.
I shook my head, keeping my arms crossed tight against my chest. "I'm going to stay back and watch... You should too."
"Tss, don't trip, I got this." Then he turned and jogged off, weaving through the crowd toward the front.
I stayed where I was, watching the chaos unfold.
Let me repeat the rule. You're allowed to move… when "it" shouts out, "Green Light." Stop when "it" shouts, "Red Light." If your movement is detected afterward, you will be eliminated.
A few people booed, and some waved off the instructions like it was a joke.
"Eliminated? Wonder what that means? Sent home? You think we get a cut if we lose?" someone questioned from the side.
I clenched my jaw. The word "eliminated" still stuck with me like glue.
But now wasn't the time to worry, I took a deep breath; my legs were still weak from that poison.
Without much notice, I heard a loud female voice.
Green light!
Sean was among the first to burst forward, nearly sprinting from what I could tell.
A few others took off too, some cautiously jogging, some going into a full sprint.
Red light.
The doll's head whirred, clicking to a stop.
Everyone froze.
The doll's head mechanically spun around. I held my breath.
Then — crack.
A sharp, splitting pop.
I watched as a young boy's head exploded from the inside. A pink mist sprayed into the air, while a mass of flesh flew from his skull into the green grass.
His body crumpled mid-step, knees folding inwards.
My mind couldn't register exactly what was happening. He just died... But why? He was killed?
Was this the elimination they spoke of?
Then I heard it, a loud female scream.
POP
Another loud bang had awoken all the players who still couldn't comprehend what was happening.
And like a wave, everything began to move.
The ground beneath me shook slightly as a stampede of people surged backwards towards the gates. My first instinct was to move out of the way, but I couldn't.
However, fate didn't seem to care much for my opinion. The sheer mass and force of the crowd swallowed me whole.
A body slammed into my side, and another crashed into my back. I felt my feet slip out from under me, and then I felt my back hit the ground.
I could feel boots stepping on my chest and arms. Someone's heel smashed my shoulder. My body was getting pressed deeper and deeper into the grass.
I managed to curl my arms in tighter against my chest, barely beating the suffocating weight of the stacking bodies.
Somewhere above, I could hear bullets cracking and many people's screams, men and women echoing throughout the room.
I dug my fingers into the grass. My limited vision was already beginning to blur; I didn't plan to die under this pile.
I managed to flip a body over from side, then an arm, then the legs of another. After pushing for so long, I felt the somewhat fresh air hit me from my right.
I pushed my hand in that direction and slowly began to drag myself out.
Green light!
I escaped from the hole and forced myself up to my knees, shoving a limp arm off my shoulder. My head jerked up. I looked at the large digital clock on the wall. The timer had ticked down to 3:48.
Damn. I had been under that pile for over a minute... I could even see a few players who were far ahead from the rest of us, including Sean.
Around me, the field had turned into a graveyard. Bodies littered the grass in heaps. Some were still alive, twitching weakly; others lay perfectly still, their blood already sustaining the earth.
I have to keep going—
"Help… please…!"
I turned, my eyes looking toward the sound.
Near the edge of the pile I had just crawled out of, a girl struggled, half-buried under multiple dead players. One hand clutched her shoulder; blood gushed between her fingers. Her eyes locked on me with a desperate look.
I hesitated for a heartbeat. I saw Sean already nearing the finish, other survivors stumbling toward safety. If I go now, I'd definitely survive.
But it wasn't something I could do.
I waited until the next green light and dropped to her, shoving the dead weight aside.
Her good arm linked around mine, soaked in blood. I hooked my other hand under her armpit and heaved.
Red light!
A scream tore from her lips as I pulled her, only to stop right away.
Green light!
Lifting again, I pulled her from the pile and examined her.
I could see her wound clearly — a bullet had torn through her shoulder, shredding muscle. Her arm hung limp, and her whole body was shaking like she was going into shock. I honestly didn't know if I could even take her like that.
"Come on," I hissed, hooking her arm around my neck. Her weight sagged against me, hot blood soaking into my jacket and down my side.
I took one stumbling step forward. My legs felt like they were moving underwater. The white line still looked impossibly far.
I looked back towards the clock.
2:47
"Cmon, you gotta help me out here too!" I don't know what it was, maybe the pressure or even the poison from before, but this little girl felt like a 200-pound bag of mulch on a hot summer's day.
Suddenly, I heard heavy footsteps pounding back toward us. I turned, it was my brother.
He had already passed the halfway mark, but he was running back. His face twisted in fury and fear, eyes darting from place to place.
"What are you doing?" I yelled at him. "Get to the end! Don't come back!"
He ignored me completely, skidding to my side. He hooked the girl's other arm over his shoulder.
"Just shut up and move," he snarled, "We finish this together."
Green light!
We pushed forward, the girl sagging heavily between us. Every step made my knees creak. The white line grew closer, but the timer above the doll continued to tick down.
Red light!
We froze. The girl whimpered, her face pressed into my side. Blood dripped steadily from her fingers, soaking the front of Sean's jumpsuit as well.
My heart slammed in my head. I still couldn't believe what was happening, but I just needed to survive right now.
Green light!
We moved again. The line didn't seem so far anymore.
Red light!
We froze just meters away from the line. A man behind us had his fear overcome by greed and attempted to reach the finish line regardless.
POP
His scream cut short, a red spray shooting past us. The warmth hit the back of my neck. I couldn't look back.
Green light
We lunged. The girl crumpled in my hold, but Sean shoved her forward. I threw my shoulder under her arm as we stumbled across the line together. My knees hit the grass first, my chest crashing down hard.
I rolled onto my back, chest heaving, the blue sky and the dry Californian summer weather had never felt so amazing before.
Sean dropped beside us, his chest rising high and low.
For a moment, there was only the sound of our ragged breathing and my heart pounding in my chest.
Sean's voice finally came, low and ragged. "We finish this together… see?"
I couldn't answer.
I just stared at him, we were alive.