Prologue

“Ready for another round First?”

First stared at the screen in front of him. The familiar sight left a sinking sensation in his stomach. A hooded figure on a small television set stared back at him. The bewildered man approached the screen.

“First?”

“That’s right. You’re my new favourite see. Now check under the bed.”

First realised that he was currently in a hotel room. The decorum was plain. There was a slight collection of grime collected on some of the surfaces. The room was clearly still being maintained to some degree.

Reaching under the bed his hand brushed against a cold metallic object. Lifting the object he weighed the gun in his hand. He examined the gun trying to open the chamber to check for bullets. It took him a full minute to discover how to open the barrell. The chamber was empty. He had no experience handling a gun, yet he had seen enough movies to know it was called a revolver.

Again the hooded figure stirred into life.

“The game is simple. There are seven contestants, seven guns and seven bullets scattered throughout the hotel. There are no exits. The game ends when there is one left alive. Only the winner gets to leave.”

“Bullets are scattered throughout the hotel. Covet them.”

“Trust no one. Betray everyone . Enjoy the game.”

An electronic blurr resonated from the hotel room door signaling the start of the game.

1

First decided to survey the room first. The figures’ claims of no exits seemed accurate as the room contained no window. The only other furniture besides the bed was a small cabinet against the adjoining wall. To his surprise he discovered a first aid kit within. Satisfied with the results of his search he exited the room .

First found himself in the hotel hallway. The hotel map was plastered onto the wall opposite his room. It informed him that he was currently on floor one of seven. He cracked his fingers to help ease his growing tension.

I need to find at least one bullet. I can’t let anyone get the advantage on me.

First had already derived the best method to deal with this game. Judging by the map, each floor had 16 rooms arranged in a square. Searching for something as small as a bullet among all those rooms was a ludicrous task. The best course of action would be to bluff if he encountered anyone. The sight of the gun alone should be enough to intimidate anyone.

Things will get complicated once someone actually finds a bullet.

First decided to work his way towards the reception area. He surmised that the area would be more open, with less rooms, lessening the chances of an ambush. Scavenging a few rooms on his way, they were all as barren as the room he started in. He noticed that the hotel lift was not functioning.

Descending the stairs his nerves stood on end as heard thunderous footsteps from the floor above him. The stairs connecting each floor were all connected, if they continued descending they would eventually run into First. First braced himself against the wall to obscure himself from view. The gun was gripped firmly in his hand.

Even if I can’t intimidate them, I can smash their face in.

As he readied himself to strike the footsteps proximity quickly grew closer to him. Darting around the corner was a smaller figure than he had anticipated. The figure showed no signs of slowing down or realizing First’s presence.

“Wow, watch i-”

Before First could finish his warning he was bowled over and sent crashing down the stairs. In a mess of arms and legs the two bounced off each other until they finally collided with the wall of the reception floor.

As he struggled to resist his urge to blackout, First shook his head and looked down at the reason for the current pain in his head.

“Are you okay mister?”

The little girl’s voice shook First’s head more than the crash. As his vision cleared up he stared at her in disbelief. She could be no older than 10.

Surely she can’t be part of the game.

Aside from his head he was relieved to find he had no other injuries. The girl was clutching at her knee with tears in the corners of her eyes.

“You scuffed your knee. Can you stand on it?”

As if his words somehow activated the pain residing in her leg, the girl could no longer hold back her tears. First hunched down and offered his back.

“Hop on.”

She gripped her arms tightly around his neck and pressed her head into his back. Tears fell warm ly down his back. Remembering the first aid kit he decided to return to room 106. The journey up the stairs was more arduous than he thought it would be. The girl was surprisingly heavy. He peeked his head around the corner of the stairs to ensure that none of the other contestants were in the hallway. Confirming the hallway was deserted he carried himself to room 106.

Settling the girl on the bed, First retrieved the first aid kit. He dabbed a little water onto a cloth and gently cleaned the blood from the wound. The girl winced in pain but she took the treatment quite well. To finish First dried the wound and then applied a plaster over her knee.

“All done. You were very brave. Even I would have cried if my knee was hurt like that.”

She smiled at the compliment. First knew that time was against him. This girl’s presence had significantly altered his plans.

“Thank you mister. I’m Janie. Who’re you?”

“First. Pleased to meet you.”

“That’s a silly name.”

“I guess it is.”

Looking at the girls clothes, First could not dispel his fears that she could be concealing a weapon.

“Janie did you happen to pick up a gun?”

“Nuh uh I dropped it.”

“Good”

He did little to hide his relief. He relaxed onto the bed beside Janie. He presented the gun from his pocket and displayed it before Janie. She stared in awe at the object she had only ever seen on T.V. Even she could appreciate the malice the object carried.

“Janie I’m going to get you out of her alright. Me and you are going to win.”

“Will you shoot people?”

“Only if I have to. Also Janie, you have to promise me you will not tell anyone else your name?”

“Pinky promise.”

“Sure”

Shaking their little fingers in agreement, the two shared a mutual smile.

Their moment of camaraderie was broken by an explosive crash above them. The game had begun in earnest.

2

In response to the gunshot Janie let out a piercing scream which filled the room and covered her ears with her hands. She buried herself into First’s chest. He held her tightly as he assessed the current state of the game. The first bullet had been fired far sooner than he had anticipated . The hairs of his arms began to stand on end.

I need to find a bullet. Or perhaps there's another option. Finding a bullet is a long-shot but this girl can confirm the location of a gun.

“Is it over.”

Janie was still trembling in his arms. First brushed her hair and shaked his head in confirmation.

“Janie can you remember the number of the room you started in”

“Um” She furrowed her brow in intense concentration. First began to realise a massive flaw in his plan.

“Then, do you remember how many stairs you ran down before you found me?

“Um...Four.”

“And you didn’t run into anyone else on the way down?”

“Nope.”

Her account left doubts in First’s mind. He found it hard to believe that no one noticed her bowling down four flights of stairs. The chances of her gun still being in her room were also slim. The speed in which the first bullet was found and fired also troubled him.

Sitting here and worrying isn’t going to help.

Rising from the bed he offered his hand to Janie.

“C’mon Janie.We’re going to the fifth floor.”

“Okay. Look my knees good now.”

“So you don’t need any more piggybacks.”

“Ahh.”

First erupted into laughter at her disappointment.

3

Holding hands the duo ascended the stairs to the second floor. Their progress was deliberately slow. First knew their position was extremely weak at the moment, especially since Janie had lost her weapon. Even two empty guns were far more threatening.

Peeking around the corner at the top of the stairs First stared down a familiar hallway. It seemed each floor of the hotel was designed in uniform.

Suddenly the room at the far end of the hallway opened. First pressed himself and Janie closer to the wall. Janie started to grimace as First’s grip on her hand turned into a vice.

The man that emerged from the room and began to proceed down the hallway at a leisurely pace. Hands in his pockets, he looked like a man out for a sunday stroll. His dress sense was immaculate: Black suit, pants and white shirt. He stopped midway down the hall to peek into a room. Apparently finding nothing of interest he closed the door and continued down the hall.

Putting his finger to his lips, First signaled to Janie to keep silent. He shielded her entrance of the stairway . He raised his gun towards the entrance. His breath came in ragged bursts. The thud of the approaching footsteps grew closer.

If he’s found a bullet I’m in serious trouble.

“Oh what have we here.”

The sound of a door opening was accompanied by an unusually high pitched voice coming from the suited man. He seemed to take an interest in whatever he had found in that room as he entered and closed the door behind him.

` First whispered his command.

“Let’s go.”

They creeped up the steps. First kept his eyes trained on the second floor hallway until they were halfway up the third floor stairs. He noticed that Janie had closed her eyes tightly and her hand seemed to have gone completely white. Realising his mistake First loosened his grip.

“Did I hurt you?”

“My hand feels funny.”

“Sorry. We’ll take a little break soon okay.”

Repeating the process he used on the last floor he stopped at the entrance of the stairs to peek around the corner. While the stairs would be an obvious area to survey, they were only on one-side of each floor. The opposite side from the stairs would be far safer places to hide.

Convinced the hallway was deserted they proceeded to the next set of stairs. As they climbed the third step they hit by a shock with more force than a bullet.

A man walked across the entrance at the top of the stairs. First instinctively grabbed his gun and aimed it towards him. Noticing their presence, the man replied by drawing his own gun and seating himself on the top step of the stairs.

First was stunned by the strange sight in front of him. The man was garbed in a priests smock complete with a silver cross around his neck. He playfully twirled the gun on his right index finger and directed a broad smile towards First.

“Hello there.”

The priest’s voice carried a soothing tone that was pleasing to the ear.

“Aren't you cute one. Where is your gun sweety?”

“Shut up!

First struggled to keep his aim directed at the priest. His arms felt heavy.

He must have a bullet. There is no way he could be so confident unless he knew he has the advantage. I need to gain a footing to protect Janie.

“So, you found a bullet too.”

“Maybe. Did I find a bullet? Or did I find bullets? Tell me, after you shoot me will you have another bullet left to finish the girl?”

First’s foot slipped momentarily from the step he was on as he nearly lost his balance. He struggled to find something to gain the upper hand. The priest held all the power in this confrontation.

The priest rose from his seat and slowly descended the stairs, his gun fixed on First. First could feel Janie hiding behind his leg from behind but he couldn’t take the chance of checking on her. The priest seemed giddy upon seeing the effect his presence had on the duo. He stopped five steps above them. He cocked the trigger.

“BANG!!!”

Bracing for impact First had instinctively raised his arms to protect his face. His legs felt weightless. He would have fallen down the stairs had Janie’s weight not been behind to support him. His feelings of helplessness was interrupted by the roaring laughter of the priest in front of him.

“Ha.ha. You are a great source of amusement. Of all my toys in this game I think you’re my favourite.”

As the priest’s actions dawned on him, First lower his arms from his face and scrunched his hand into a painful fist. He summoned his strength to sound as threatening as possible.

“Don’t screw with me.”

“You’re the one screwing around boy. The girl is just dead weight without a gun. It would be kinder to kill her now. Even I wouldn’t drag a child through this hell.”

“Threaten her again and I’ll not need a gun or bullets. I’ll just beat you to death.”

“First, you look scary.”

Janie spoke for the first time since they met the priest. First avoided looking directly at her, whilst the priest only seemed even more amused now.

“Very true little one. I love that expression. A real killer’s face.”

The priest again seated himself on the top step and returned to playing with his gun as if nothing had happened.

“I think I’ll stay here for a bit. The other are probably still scrounging for bullets. Why don’t you join them?

“You’re letting us pass?” said First.

“Of course.”

First had to force his legs to climb every single step. As he got closer to the priest his breath growing raggard. He locked his gaze on the priest whilst the priest regarded him with the joy of a boy who had received his favourite toy for Christmas. When they was finally level First resisted the urge to swing his fist at the grinning face. He was too aware of Janie still clinging tightly to his leg.

After they passed him, the priest suddenly spoke up.

“Young miss, I never got your name.”

“I’m not telling. I pinky promised.”

“Ha! Promises are made to be broken.”

The priest offered them a mock prayer as he made an exaggerated cross with his right hand. That mocking smile never left his lips once.

4

“He was scary.” said Janie.

“Yeah, we need to stay away from that guy.”

Reaching the fourth floor First had to stop to regroup his thoughts. The sweat accumulated on his shirt belied the short distance they had covered. The pressure of dealing with that man could not be under-estimated.

Peeking down the hallway to confirm they were alone the two darted towards the nearest room and quickly shut the door. His legs finally gave way as he collapsed on the hotel bed. Janie remained awkwardly standing at the foot of the bed.

Gathering his thoughts First tried to assess that man’s actions. The priest was dangerous whether he had a bullet or not. Thinking logically he was positioned in the worst position if he wanted to avoid the other contestants.

I doubt that guy will try to avoid conflict. He’ll be in the thick of things until the end.

“Alright you ready to go.”

“Yep.”

“Thanks for keeping your promise.”

Rising from the bed First cracked his fingers to help relieve his tension. Janie winced at the guttural sound. He opened the door a few inched to get a view of the hallway. It was still deserted. He signalled to Janie.

“Ready?”Hmm.”

The girl tried had been trying brave face but her legs didn’t seem to co-operate with the rest of her body. Her eyes seemed to droop in their sockets as he stumbled towards First. Supporting her in his arms, First had to improvise. Kneeling down he grabbed hold of the girl’s arm and slung her around his back.

“I’m too big for piggybacks.”

“No your not.”

Her hands dug into his shoulder blades as she forced herself to talk.

“First that bad man called a dead weight. What did he mean?

“Never mind him. Listen me and you are partners. There is no dead weight in this team. Okay?”

“Okay.”

Resting her head against his back Janie lay in a half-slumber. First was sure of the reason for her fatigue. He estimated that around two hours had passed since the game started. He also had to figure in how long the girl woke up before him and was waiting in the room. The absence of food was no doubt implemented to ensure that the contestants didn't hide themselves for too long. The map of the hotel had displayed a canteen on the ground floor, yet First doubted it would be stocked.

When he had became adjusted to the girls weight on his back, First entered the hallway. Ascending to the fifth floor he spat in rage as he recalled the priest’s words. First was smart enough to know the girl impeded his chances, but to so non-chantley suggest killing her was unforgivable..

Reaching the fifth floor he peeked around the corner. Several doors in the hallway had been left open. Someone had done a thorough search of this area.

Damn. If someone saw Janie they might have coped on to check for her gun.

This entire trip would be pointless if they did not at least reclaim that gun.

“Janie you recognise theses rooms.”

“No. My room was on the other side.”

That narrowed his choice between room 509-512. With their destination set First entered the hallway. He gave each open door a wide berth. A contestant could be lying in ambush ready to leap out.

They turned the corner which contained rooms 5013-5016. The doors here seemed to be closed, yet this fact made them no less threatening. First was painfully aware how exposed they were. He attempted to relieve his growing unease.

“Janie do you remember running into any of these rooms.”

“Nope.”

“What about the man on the T.V? Did he tell you anything?”

“Yes but i was too scared.”

Turning the last corner they finally arrived at their destination. Janie could not remember her exact room number so they decided to check each one in turn. The closest to them was room 509.

This room had slightly more furniture than the others First had seen so far. In addition to the television and bed that seemed to be in every room, there was a closet, a chest of drawers and a bedside table. Letting Janie rest on the bed, First methodically began searching every potential hiding spot. He noticed Janie’s eyes dropping further as she struggled to remain awake. he decided to question her to try and keep her occupied.

“I never asked. How old are you Janie?”

“Nine.”

“Do you miss your mommy and daddy?”

“Mommy and daddy are in heaven.”

First halted his search in disbelief of the child’s honest answer. She had said to so casually it completely disarmed him and he had no response. Satisfied that the room was empty he offered his back again. Though he was surprised when Janie hopped of the bed and grabbed her hand.

“I think I can walk by myself for a bit.”

First could not help but be impressed by the girl’s resolve..

Exiting the room First noticed that the next room over was slightly ajar. He approached cautiously and peeked into the room.

The macabre sight that unfolded before him froze him to the spot. A girl in a high school uniform was on her knees surrounded by a pool of blood. The wall opposite the door was was plastered in congealed blood staining the beige wallpaper crimson. The source of the blood spatter was slumped in the corner of the room. An elderly man lay slumped in the corner with a gun gripped in his right hand.

Noticing their presence the school girl tilted her head back to inspect the intruders.

“Are you here to kill me mister?”

5

Dumbfounded by the strange circumstances First stepped into the room as if an invisible force compelled him.

“Did you do this?”

“Suicide.” she replied.

The school girl made no attempt to threaten him with her gun. She sat with blood caked on her knees and hair. First could feel his stomach turn at the sheer amount of blood that had seeped from the old man’ body. His sight fixed on the gun in his hand. He wanted it but the girl’s presence disturbed him too much for him to proceed.

“You saw him do it?”

“No.”

She must have been lured here by that gunshot. First thought as he tried to figure out the scene before him. To a degree First could understand the man's actions. Even for self-preservation some people simply detests the idea of taking another human life.

To think he had the luck to find a bullet and then he did that.

First was too pre-occupied to notice Janie fidgeting behind him. She inched closer to door in order to avoid the slowly expanding pool of blood. First himself started to back himself toward the door. This blood covered girl made him uneasy.

“Who’s your shadow?” The girl said without turning to face them.

“That’s none of your concern.” First positioned himself between Janie and the school girl.

“Call me Duo. Nice to meet you little girl.”

Her familiarity made First feel uneasy. His hand fumbled behind him until he found the door handle. There was a final question lingering on his mind that prevented him from leaving.

“Duo, did you happen to meet a priest on your way here?”

“No. Is he your friend?”

“Why are you sitting there?” Janie had poked her head around First’s legs to interrupt their conversation. She seemed temporarily unfazed by the amount of blood in the room. To reply Duo finally turned to look at them. Her gaze was far off, clouded. She patted the ground beside her.

“I’ve given up. Why don’t you come sit with me.”

Placing his hand on Janie’s shoulder First guided her back towards the door. Opening the door he cautiously watched the broken girl staring back at him. He still hadn't seen her gun or confirmed if she had a bullet. She was a different kind of dangerous to the priest. A person with that look in their eyes had nothing left to lose. that made them unpredictable.

He closed the door softly hoping he would never have to meet that girl again.

6

While he was anxious to put distance between themselves and Duo, First knew that Janie’s missing gun was still a pressing objective. He steeled himself by remembering that there was only four more contestants to deal with.

When did I start to think so ruthlessly?

He opened the door to room 511. Janie excitedly tugged at his shirt. It seemed that she remembered they had finally stumbled upon the right room. Janie began frantically searching the room while First guarded the door. Mid-way through her search Jane.

“Shouldn’t we help her?”

“I don’t know if we can.”

“But she looked sad. You could help her like you helped me.”

“She’s different from you.”

Abandoning her search Janie crossed her arms and glared at First. he did not fathom why he pouting little girl felt no fear towards Duo. She had been sensible enough to sense the danger the priest posed.

“Drop it. Keep checking for that gun.”

The girl refused to move turning her back at First’s command.

“Janie please do this for me.”

“Only if you promise to help Duo.”

This girl will give me a migraine at this rate. First exhaled slowly and considered his options. He decided to temporarily concede to Janie’s request.

“Fine we will ask her if she wants help. But if she refuses we leave her alone. Deal?

“Deal.”

Janie's disposition did a complete one-eighty as threw her hands into the air in triumph. She resumed her search for the missing gun. Checking under the bed pillow,Janie cried out in triumph.

“Found it. Look First.”

The gun in her hand was the same model as every other one they had seen so far. First knew little about guns but he assumed they all required different types of bullets. He assumed that the bullets must also all be the same make. Yet Janie’s elation continued.

“And look what was beside it.”

The small silver object in her other hand was unmistakable. The sight of the grl beaming with a gun in one hand and a bullet in the other caused First to seize up.

“Can I have that bullet please Janie?”

“Uh-huh.”

He hesitantly pried the cold metallic object from her hand. He could not overestimate of much value such a small object contained. As if in response to dampen their good fortune, the bom of the contest’ second shot tore through the building.

7

The shot sounded like it came from somewhere below them. Stifling a shriek,, Janie cupped her hands to her ears. First wondered if the the priest was somehow involved and if he had moved from the third floor steps yet.

He took a moment to asses the situation. There were four bullets remaining, not including his own, according to the hooded figure. Assuming the latest shot resulted in a death it also left five contestants. He finally had a position of power but he still did not intend to waste his bullet. For his plan to let Janie win he would need two bullets.

He fumbled with the barrell of the gun and loaded the bullet. Janie stared at the process in wonder. First performed the process as quickly as possible, hoping the girl would not remember. Yet he insisted Janie carry her own gun. He spent a couple of minutes showing her how to aim it.

“Now can we help Duo.”

“Fine, fine.”

As he exited the room, First noticed a trail of bloody footsteps exiting room 510 and going down the hallway. First prayed that those footsteps belonged to Duo and the shot had startled her into moving. He could see no benefit in helping her except keeping Janie happy. The reassurance of the bullet in his gun gave him a renewed confidence to barge into the room.

Returning to Room 510 to First’s disappointment Duo had not moved from her spot. First kept his gun trained on her back. He grew more suspicious over her lack of reaction. He also noticed the trail of bloody footsteps on this side lead up to the old man’s body. The old man’s gun was missing.

“Turn around now! Show me the gun!”

Duo slowly turned to face them. She cradled her gun against her breasts as if she was rocking a baby. Tears were running down her cheeks.

“Where is the old man’s gun?” asked First

“A nice man came and took it. He had such a nice voice. Like an angel.”

“Why didn’t you stop him?”

“He was nice to me.”

First couldn’t believe the turn of events. He suspected that she had met the priest,which meant he now had two guns in his possession. If he was in room 510 that also meant he was probably not involved in the last shooting. This girl must be broken., but I can’t shake this feeling of unease.

First inched himself closer to the cowering girl. He reached out slowly to disarm her. Just as his hand brushed the handle, Duo pulled back and swung her hand in a vicious slap.

“Don’t touch me!” she shrieked.

First staggered backwards across the room. He kept the gun trained on Duo while his other hand massaged the stinging pain in his cheek.

Damn. I can’t get a handle on this girl. I can’t trust her as long as she holds that gun.

First remembered his promise to Janie.She was standing by the dor looking at Duo with pitying eyes. First tried to formulate a plan to get Duo on his side. Before he could enact his plan Janie took it upon herself to approach Duo crossing the pool of blood. First massaged his temples to calm his throbbing head as he watched the scene out of the corner of his eye.

“You know you have blood on you. Me and him will help clean you up.”

“Ah.” Even Duo seemed at a loss for words at the girl’s unexpected kindness.

Janie offered her hand to the older girl. She hesitantly grasped it and finally rose from the ground. Janie lead her to the door as if she were a lost child.

“Lets go back to my room. It’s too messy in here.”

First admired his partner’s actions in disbelief. He could not believe the ease with which she had defused the situation. He kept watch over Duo as he followed behind them. He did not rule out that she might be deceiving them and he disliked her close proximity to Janie.

Re-entering Janie’s starting room the two girls settled themselves on the bed. The room did not contain a first-aid kit like First’s, so they had no means to clean the blood off Duo. First was just thankful that they were out of that depressing room. He needed to gain some advantage over this girl.

“The old man’s gun had no bullets left right?

“Don’t know. I never checked.”

Damn this girl. Does she not understand the situation she’s in.

“You can stay with us for now but just remember I put my partner and myself before anyone else. If you try to cross us in any way, I will kill you.”

Her blank face morphed into a brief smile.

“You know you’re the opposite of that other guy. Just now you looked exactly like a demon.”

8

First estimated that around three hours had elapsed from the moment the game started. The lack of any natural light made this hard to determine. Duo sat at the foot of the hotel bed staring at her feet while Janie had fallen asleep.

Despite her burst of energy earlier, First had not forgotten how hungry and fatigued Janie had been. He reckoned that every other competitor that had found a bullet had probably also holed themselves in a safe room, hoping to ambush any one who came near. He weighed the risk of venturing out for the ground floor canteen. Struggling to formulate a plan he turned his attention towards Duo.

“Duo, can you remember how you got here?” he asked.

“ No. I was sleeping in my room and then...”

“What floor did you start on?”

“The second, hence the name Duo. You”

“First. My name and starting floor.”

First could see no disadvantage in opening up to her a little. Yet she caught him off guard with her next question.

“First have you ever fired a gun?”

“No. But i’ve seen enough movies to get the general idea.”

“Have you killed anyone before.”

“Yes.”

Duo immediately fell silent, sensing she was treading on a sensitive subject. She turned her gaze back to the ground. First watched Ellie’s little back sway up and down rhythmically with her breathing.

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“Are you saving a bullet for her at the end?”

“I’ll do anything to make sure she wins.”

“Maybe she’s playing the game better than anyone.”

First bite down on his lip hard enough to draw blood. His eyes bulged at the Duo’ implication.

“I have no intention of killing anyone I don’t have to. But if you say anything like that ag-”

His rebuke was cut short by Janie waking up. She moved to the edge of the bed and vigorously rubbed the sleep out of her eyes.

“I’m hungry.”she said while she tilted her body to support herself beside Duo.

“According to the map there is a canteen on the ground floor. I never checked to see if it was stocked though.” First was dubious over the safety of the canteen. The canteen would be a perfect place to set an ambush and the likelihood of that increased the further the contest went.

“I’m sorry kid. The risk is simply too great for an unclear reward.” First regretted the option he was forced to choose. The sight of Janie’s disappointed face caused him to shuffle in spot.

“I’ll do it.”

Duo’s sudden suggestion caused First to flinch. For once a perfect opportunity had presented itself to him. He could be rid of this unpredictable liability. Also, if by chance she succeeded it would give them a huge advantage over the other contestants. There was a slight chance she could find a bullet on the way but First was prepared to gamble on that chance.

“We can go too.” Janie piped in with the suggestion crushing First’s plans.

This girl isn’t making it easy.

“Alright here is the plan. We’ll follow behind at a distance. That’ll cover our front and back. If you meet anyone on the way I’ll back you up. Got it?”

“And what will stop you from shooting me in the back?”

“You’ll just have to trust me.”

Preparing themselves to depart Duo helped Janie with her hair. Taking a spare hairclip, she pushed the bangs out of her eyes and tied it up neatly.

“There now your hair won’t get in your eyes.”

“Wow. Just like a big sister.”

That one statement shook First down to the spine. He looked back and forth between the two girls beaming smile and began to feel isolated in that small room.

9

First kept at least half the hallway’s distance between himself and Duo. He was relieved to see that she was smart enough to move cautiously and she signalled to them if a hallway was clear. If they encountered anyone they would be forced to waste their bullet on Duo. First also had to determine what Duo’s reaction would be, he was still unsure over the contents of her gun. Yet she had accepted this plan a little too easily despite her clear disadvantage. He kept Janie close.

They descended to the fourth floor without incident. The moment First dreaded was drawing closer. They were approaching the third floor stairs where he had encountered the priest. With every step they got closer he expected to hear that soothing voice. He was relieved to see Duo turn the corner without incident.

What he did find at the third floor stairway puzzled him even more though. There was blood stains on the steps and a small splatter on the fourth floor wall opposite the stairs. In the center of the blood spatter was a small hole in the wall and a metal casing lay precariously. Judging by the bullets position, the shooter had been at the bottom of the stairs shooting upward.

This was the source of the second shot. But there’s no body here?

First tried to comprehend the merits of moving the dead body. He also considered the possibility that the shot had simply wounded and was not fatal. With a serious gunshot wound the victim would need first aid ASAP. Remembering the first aid kit in his room, First wondered if there were more scattered throughout the hotel.

Cursing that the priest had moved position he signalled to Duo to continue on. He lamented that the shot did not seem to be fatal. Thinking rationally it was the most efficient way to kill another contestant and also the most impersonal. The alternative would be a lot messier. Assuming Duo was not lying about seeing the priest on the fifth floor, the most likely shooters were either the suited man he had seen on the second floor or the mystery last contestant he had yet to encounter.

The group continued until they reached the ground floor. The area around the reception was still deserted. According to the hotel map the canteen was on the opposite side of the floor. First relaxed as they traversed the hallways of the ground floor. There were far fewer doors on this level with only a few for maintenance cabinets or function rooms. This meant there was less chance for a contestant lying in ambush. Receiving Duo’s signal he led Janie towards the canteen.

The dining room was circular in design with few places to hide. As was custom in this hotel there were no windows or natural light but the open planning of the room made it feel less constricting than the rest of the hotel. He motioned for Duo to move.

“Check the far end for a storeroom.”

She cautiously approached the kitchen door. As she reached on her tiptoes to peek through the door window, the sudden force of the door swinging open knocked her into the wall. Hiding at the entrance First recognised the familiar figure of the suited man emerging from the kitchen. His immaculate white shirt was tarnished by blood stains and a small section had been ripped off. He had used it to bind his right hand. He did not seem to notice Duo’s presence as he began to rage to himself.

“What kind of kitchen has no first aid? When I catch that dumb bitch I’ll-Ahh.”

He forcibly slammed the door behind thus exposing Duo to his view. Duo had yet to fully recover as she sat with her hand pressed to her head. The suited man regarded her with a puzzled expression.

“How did you know I like school uniforms missy? You’d look prettier without that gun though. Give it to me and I’ll take care of you.”

Janie looked expectantly at First who was still struggling to grasp how to handle the situation. The worst case scenario was unfolding before his eyes.

This creep is going to get her gun without fighting. What if she gives away our position to save herself? I have to distract him and give Duo a chance to recover.

“Janie stay here.” First ordered the girl as he readied himself to breach the room.

Bursting through the door he pointed the gun toward the suited figure. The momentary shock of the situation presented Duo a chance to act. She drove her foot into the man’s outstretched, injured hand making him convulse in pain. Duo took the chance his retreat created to ready her gun.

Recovering from the pain in his hand, the suited man fumbled for the gun in his jacket pocket. He constantly turned between Duo and First, unsure of who his true enemy was. He snarled at Duo.

“What do say girlie? That guy over there looks dangerous. Why don’t me and you team up?”

Duo’ non-response only angered him further. First assumed that everyone in this situation had at least one bullet. The first one to shoot might kill one contestant but it would immediately put them at a massive disadvantage against the other survivor. Any attempts to team up in this situation were pointless. The suited man however offered an alternative.

“Okay. Why don’t we all drop the guns at the same time? Then we can talk about fixing my hand.”

Upon hearing the man’s request First began to slowly walk toward him. He still kept his gun trained on the man as he was now confident of one thing.

This idiot doesn't have a bullet. He would never suggest dropping the guns otherwise.

The suited man clearly grew more nervous the closer First got to him. He completely ignored Duo as he took aim at First. His one working hand could barely keep his gun level.

“Stay back!Stay back!Stay back!. You’re dead if you take another step. Than I’ll have some fun with this girl. Then I'll find the bitch that shot my hand. and I’ll keep killing and killing until I win. Just try and take another step. C’mon! C’mon.”

Unwavered by the threats First continued walking forward. He stopped about a foot from the suited man.

“You’re a terrible liar you know.”

Reaching out to disarm the suited arm, a ringing in First’s are caused him to retract his hand. As he tried to comprehend what had happened a backlash of blood sprayed his face as the suited figure’s body folded in front of him. he looked over to see smoke drifting from the tip of Duo’s gun.

“He was defenseless. There was no need to do that!” said First.

To First’s surprise Duo actually cowered at his rebuke. She had been defiant and canny towards him so far, to see her so cowed made him nervous.

“I thought he was going to hurt you.”

First re-evaluated his estimation of the girl. She was not the cunning tactician he had figured her for. In his mind, everyone thought the way he did.

No doubt this is the first time she’s killed anyone. I forgot she’s just a high schooler at the end of the day.

He bent down to examine the suited man. The bullet entered the upper section of his neck. His body still elected some guttural death squeals but the shot was no doubt fatal. He was unfortunate to be the victim of the contests’ second and third bullet.

Checking the man’s gun First prediction was correct. The chamber was empty. Like a peacock flaunting its feathers he attempted to threaten others to assume authority. He was ill-suited for this game. Seeing no worth in carrying it, First left the gun beside the man’s corpse.

Duo stood staring at the man she had killed. First realised he should comfort her. He approached her and placed his hand on her shoulder.

“Thank you Duo.”

He surveyed the kitchen briefly yet he no longer considered it important. Instead, he led Duo back towards the entrance of the canteen. During the struggle he had temporarily forgotten about Janie waiting outside. He was thankful at she had not witnessed that gruesome scene.

However, upon exiting the door Janie was nowhere to be found. First frantically checked left to right and he turned to look back into the canteen to make sure she had not sneaked in. In her absence he instead found a small paper note weighed down by a silver cross. Reading it aloud First struggled to resist the urge to throw up.

“I have the girl. Meet me in room 307.”

10

First placed his hand on the wall to steady himself. He turned the cross that came with the note over and over in his hand. Duo snatched the hand from his hand and tried to shake him into action.

“You know it’s a trap.”

“Of course it is. But I’m still going.”

Duo grabbed hold of his hand to prevent him from moving. Not turning to face her, he struggled to wrench his hand free from her grasp. Duo stubbornly refused to budge. Seeing no other option First turned with his gun in hand.

“Duo, let go of me. You don’t want to mess with me now.”

Upon seeing his cold, dead eyes Duo could not help herself as she sank to her knees. First had no further intentions of dragging her any further. He had to settle this matter with the priest by himself. Taking one last look at the girl he turned and strode down the hallway.

He would have to abandon his plan of saving his one bullet to the end. The priest had to be eliminated now. Unlike the suited man, the priest was a true player of the game. However, with the suited man’s gun nestled in his pocket he formulated a plan.

Lacking his usual precautions First bounded up the stairs two at a time. Reaching the third floor he stopped a moment to collect his breath. he paused to conceal his loaded gun in his back pocket while he carried the suited man’s empty gun in his hand.

Turning the corner he reached the hallway for rooms 304-307. As promised the priest was standing at the opposite end of the hallway with Janie in front of him. He wore that usual grin on his face as he hovered his gun threatenly over the girls head.

“Why are you his favourite?” the priest said.

First had not expected that. Is he in contact with the guy on the monitor?. He discarded the thought, he could not afford to let the priest psyche him out. The priest picked up on his hesitation and mocked him.

“Why don’t you shoot? At this proximity the bullet would probably pass through me and the girl. You could kill two birds with one stone.” First held the empty gun over his head. He was prepared to gamble everything on the plan he had devised.

“If I toss you my gun, you let the girl go. Deal?”

The priest hugged the girl tighter and pressed the gun hard enough to her head to illicit a shriek.

“You would throw your own life away just like that? What does this girl mean to you? To think you’ve dragged her along this entire time knowing you have to kill her at the end.”

Ignoring the priest’s taunts, First tossed the gun about midway down the hall, just between himself and the priest. First did not trust his aim enough to hit the priest from this distance. A slight miscalculation and he might hit Janie.

Sensing the priest’s temporary distraction, janie bite down hard into the priest’ arm as she tried to wrestle herself free. However, the priest’s grip did not loose. He seemed more agitated than in pain. The priest’s usual jovial face disappeared as soon as the gun hit the ground.

“Of all my toys in this game, you two have proven to be very disappointing.”

He kicked Janie to the ground to aim using his free hand. He fired a round before First could react. The bullet slammed into his right leg, stopping as he felt it grinding into the marrow of his bone. The force temporarily sent him airborne before he slammed back to the ground. First resisted the urge to blackout from the pain.

First fought to keep his attention on the priest. He had grabbed hold of Janie again. He was reaching for something in his pocket. Eventually he produced another bullet.

Shit. He had two bullets this whole time. At this distance I don’t think I can hit him and avoid Janie.

First prepared himself to meet his end at the hands of the priest. However, the priest made no attempt to reload his gun. Instead he was kneeling in front of Janie as he took her gun in his hand.

“Do you know how shoot this little miss?”

“Yes...First showed me how.”

“Wasn’t that nice of him. Now if you could shoot anyone in the whole wide world, who would you choose?”

First could not comprehend the priest’s motives. Winning the contest seemed to be the least of the man’s worries. He was giving away such a precious commodity so casually. Janie seemed equally confused yet she was entranced by the priest’s words. The priest meanwhile produced something else from his pocket. This time it seemed to be two photographs.

“Do you recognise these people?

“Mommy and Daddy?

“Yes. And what if I told you that the girl in this other photo was responsible for their deaths.”

The colour drained from Janie’s face as she gripped the pictures in her hand. Tears streaming down her face, she tried to respond to the priest but all that escaped from her throat was a wheeze. Instead she just nodded her head. The priest roared with laughter at her approval.

“Good. Don’t cry it’s only natural you would want to kill her. She should still be on the ground floor. Go before you miss your chance.”

He placed the bullet in her hand and ushered her toward the stairs. Head down Janie made her way towards where First lay. He wanted to reach out and grab and to shout something to stop but the look on her face told him it would be futile. She passed without looking or saying a single word. First listened to the sounds of footsteps getting dimmer and dimmer.

The priest stretched his arms into the air. Seeming suitably pleased with his corruption of a child he turned to walk around the opposite hallway from where First lay. Before he could leave, First finally regained the use of his voice.

“WAIT! Don’t you dare move.”

“Oh and what are you going to do now favourite? Were you planning to use that gun you have hidden in your pocket.”

“How did you get those pictures? How do you know about her parent?”

“I don’t. The man on the monitor told me where to find them. Who knows if that girl killed her parents or not. But at least that child was able to provide me with a modicum of entertainment.”

The priest turned and spat towards him as if he were a mongrel.

“He also told me all about you. His favourite. I finally meet a fellow veteran and this is what I get. What a dull show you provided.”

First pushed drove his fist into the ground as he tried to force his body to rise. Ignoring the pain in his leg he gnashed his teeth together and leaned against the wall. The priest clapped his efforts.

“That’s more like it. Fight. Struggle. Kill. Play the game to the best of your ability. Live beautifully and die beautifully. Provide a show worthy of the tag of favourite.”

Resisting the urge to charge towards the priest, First turned to walk toward the stairs. With a final parting shot the priest yelled.

“She’ll be killing that poor girl any minute now. Soon she’ll be a killer, just like you and me.”

11

Pain screamed down down through First’s leg throughout the rest of his body with every step he took. He kept his hand to wall and he shuffled down the hallway. Arriving at the stairs his body rejected the idea of descending the steps. As he tried to will himself,, the contests’ fourth shot tore through the air.

I’m too late.

Abandoning any concern for his own safety, First steeled his resolve and pushed his body down the stairs. His leg gave way as he stumbled down the stairs. Picking his battered body off the ground he repeated the process down the next flight of stairs. Occasionally his wounded leg would catch the edge of stair and he could feel the fragment of broken bone shifting. He was sure at least two of his ribs were broken. Blood streamed down his forehead obscuring the vision in his right eye. Regardless he picked himself up and kept moving.

As he prepared to launch himself down the ground floor stairs, First noticed a girl’s hairclip on the ground. It was the clip that Duo had given to Janie. He paused to consider what this meant when he heard raised voices coming from nearby. It sounded like they were on this floor. He dragged himself around the corner to discover that room 105’s door was wide. The shadow of a figure holding a gun in the doorway.

As he edged closer to the room, First discovered that the raised voice belonged to Janie.

“I wanted to kill. You ruined everything.”

First looked into the room to see Duo’ body slumped against the wall, blood spurting from her chest. Janie was towering over a middle aged woman who was the mystery last competitor.

“Janie put the gun down.”

“She killed Duo. I wanted to ask her if she killed my mommy and daddy. I can’t do that anymore.”

First looked toward the woman backed against the wall. She was extremely unfortunate; Wrong place at the wrong time.

Did the priest plan this as well?

“Make it quick please. I don’t want to play this game anymore.” The woman pleaded to Janie.

First produced his own gun and placed it against the woman’s head.

“Sorry Janie.”

Before she could respond, First pivoted in place and pushed Janie against the bed, dislodging the gun from her hands. The woman watched the scene in confusion of First’s apparent betrayal. First picked up Janie’s gun and approached her to tend to her injuries.

“Go. There is one bullet still left. Hopefully you can find it before the priest.”

The woman rose speechless. First was not concerned what her reaction would. He was too occupied in comforting the bawling Janie.

“Let me kill her.” Janie thrashed in his arms as the woman exited the room.

First fought to keep her contained. She delivered a stiff kick to his injured leg but he still held her tight. If he let go of her know, there could be no way back for her.

“I can’t let you kill anyone. Once you do you start to change inside. Eventually you cold and empty like me.” First could feel her calming down in response to his words.

They sat in silence in each other arms. First knew that the conclusion to the game was upon them. That woman would not survive long against the priest. He needed Janie’s complete trust if they were to have any chance of winning. He decided to come clean.

“Do you know why that guy calls me “the” favourite? Because I’ve played this game many times before. I’ve killed a lot of people to win. I believe that priest is the same.”

First felt a burden lift from his shoulders as he unloaded. Janie stared at him bewildered at his story.

“I thought that if I kept playing I might feel something. It was the thing I was good at. The guy who oversees the games offered me the chance to play again. So i kept volunteering to participate. Again. And again. And again. And again.”

First paused in his story as he imagined the pile of corpses he had stepped on to reach this point.

“I want you to win and escape from here. That’s why I can’t let you kill anyone. You should never become like me. I’m sure your parents wouldn’t want it either.”

Janie had sat in silence throughout his tirade. She reached her hand to gently rub First’s face. He didn’t realise that he had been crying. Janie noticed the hole of flesh missing from his leg. She peeled off the bandage he had applied to her knee earlier and carefully wrapped it around his wound. First watched her in astonishment.

Their tender moment was interrupted by crashing sound from above. He’s caught her already. Grabbing hold of Janie’s hand, First rose from the bed, preparing himself for the final showdown. He squeezed the girl’s hand. Regarding Janie’s gun i his hand he decided to hand it back to her. Janie was reluctant to accept.

“It’s okay. I trust you not to use it.” he said trying to reassure her.

“Okay.”

“Well then, Ready partner.”

“Ready.”

12

First and Duo stood side by side in hallway. The sound of something being dragged across the floor could be heard from the floor above them. First knew the priest would come to get them. There was no use in hiding anymore.

The sounds from above stopped suddenly. In the next moment a figure flew down the stairs, causing First to immediately ready his gun. Pulling his finger away from the trigger, to his disgust he realized that the figure that had crashed against the ground was that of the woman in the room. Slow deliberate footsteps echoed from the stairs as familiar soothing voice addressed them.

“That woman was not worthy of wasting a bullet on. A truly boring specimen.”

Assuming the overseer of the game had not lied there should only have been one bullet remaining. First had little doubt that the priest had somehow found it. He emerged at the bottom of the stairs and assumed a firing stance. He had displayed earlier that he held the advantage at this range but he was two bullets against one. Even the priest would need to exercise caution as he could gift First or Janie with two shots.

“Little one, you dissapoint me? Did you not love your parents?”

First placed a reassuring shoulder on his partner. He needed to prevent the priest from dividing them like he had before. The priest continued undaunted.

“Well it was still somewhat entertaining. The way you manipulated those two girls-”

“No. First is my friend.” Janie’s sudden outburst surprised both men.

“There are no friends here. Don’t you see that little girl. If that man somehow kills me, he’ll snap your neck in an instant. I know because he’s the same as me.”

“Shut up. I’m nothing like you.” First struggled to keep his balance due to his aim.

“Wrong. When we first met I knew it. You’re empty like me. Drugs, sex, God...none of them satisfied me. None of them make me feel the way the game does. Manipulating people’s lives, crushing their resolve. Now for the climax.”

The priest made a theatrical sign of the cross and uttered a quiet prayer, that mocking smile never leaving his lips. First still could not envision a winning strategy. He tried to stall for time.

“Indulge me one question. You’ve known the position of every bullet from the start haven’t you?”

“ That’s right. As a previous winner I made a condition to the overseer. In exchange for a few perks, I had to start with a dud weapon.”

Cocky bastard. When I met him on the stairs he was holding a fake. Then that gun he has now must have belonged to the old guy from the fifth floor.

The snap of the priest cocking his gun broke First’s concentration. The priest had ran out of patience yet still he hesitated. The two men dared one another to make the first move.

However, the only variable that neither man could fully predict started to act. Janie had raised her gun to take aim at the priest and began to slowly walk towards him. For the first time the priest’s jovial facade broke as he took a step back to further the distance between himself and the girl. When she was halfway between the two men the priest pleaded in order to stop her.

“Little girl, if you shoot, you’re putting your life in that man’s hands. Have you no regard for your own life?”

“I want First to win.”said Janie undeterred by the priest’s words.

The girl had decided the two mens course of action for them. First and the priest shot almost simultaneously. Neither had taken time to measure their shots as they both lunged forward to reach Janie first. As a result both of their shots veered off target slightly.

The priest’s bullet still managed to catch Janie in the right shoulder despite his last second movement disrupting his aim. First’s bullet skimmed just over Janie’s head sinking into the side of the priest’s lower abdomen.

Despite his injury the priest managed to reach Janie first. he delivered a quick punch to the dazed Janie knocking her into the wall. He rushed to collect the girl’s discarded gun. Cursing the pain in his leg, First drove all of his force into his good leg and exploded towards the priest. As soon as the priest’s fingers brushed the handle of the gun,First smashed his knee into the priest’s face completely incapacitating him.

Ignoring the gun on the ground First instead forced his body to straddle the prone priest. The priest continued to smile at him in spite of his broken nose and copious amounts of blood on his. He gathered his strength for on final taunt.

“I should have expected nothing less from the favourite. i guess in the end this game was extremely enjoyable.”

First had no more questions for this man. No more retorts. No more fear. He simply raised his fist and drove it down repeatedly.

13

Crawling off the limb corpse of the priest, First made his way towards Janie. The last explosive step had finally destroyed all feeling in his leg. Using his arms for leverage, he finally reached her.

“Janie?”

Blood was pouring from the bullet wound in her right shoulder but she was still breathing. First put his hand against the wound to try and halt the bleeding.

Shit. At this rate I’ll be declared winner by default.

“First, did we win.” Her voice was barely audible.

“Yes. it was all thanks to you.”

He forced himself into a sitting position to get a better look at her arm. As much as he wanted to drag her back to room 106 to grab the first aid kit he knew it would be impossible with his injuries. Examining the wound he did not trust himself to extract the bullet without causing further damage. Instead he ripped a portion of shirt and tied it around the wound to create a temporary bandage. Janie was too weak to react to the pressure being put on her wound.

Janie’s gun lay on the ground just out of his grasp. He mentally started to prepare himself for what he would need to do. To calm himself he tried to reassure Janie.

“Does it still hurt.”

“Yes.”

“You’ve been very brave. All this time you’ve been brave.”

First grabbed hold of the girl and gripped her tightly to his chest. He could no longer contain the tears that rolled down his face.

“Even after everything I’ve done, I still don’t want to die.”

“I don’t want you to die.”

Even though he knew that their time was limited, First could not tear himself away from her grasp. The gun still lay out of his reach. Eventually he managed to separate from the girl. Looking her straight in the eye he prepared one final order for her.

“Get me the Janie. Then go into one of the rooms. Close your eyes, cover your ears and count to sixty. A man should come to guide you out. He will offer you a chance to play again or to return to escape. You must choose escape. Understand?”

Janie gave no acknowledgment. Her lip quivered as she struggled to accept her partner’s last order. Finally she managed to stand and she shuffled towards the gun lying on the ground.

“Good girl. Now bring it here.”

Janie seemed to not hear. She stood mesmerised by the gun’s reflective surface. She made no attempt to give the gun to First. Instead she continued to walk down the hall toward the stairs. Before First could protest she hurled the gun down the stairs. Each clatter of each step the gun stoke a pain in First’s chest.

Janie returned to First’s side and used the end of her sleeve to wipe the tears from his face.

“We’re partners. Either we win together or we lose together.” she said with a wide smile .

First simply stopped trying to understand or predict this girl. To him she was a miracle that existed outside of his logic. She took a seat beside him and relaxed her head against his shoulder.

It’s nice to have a partner.

That was the last thought that went through First’s head before he blacked out.

End