Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

this isn't actually a chapter, but it is the cover picture of the wattpad version

take care while reading this, cause it'll delve into some pretty heavy subject

all content warnings will be in the tags, so please carefully read those

Chapter Text

"Heeeeeyyy... Hiya. Just a random question, but do you know what a majority vote is?"

It was a simple and coherent question, quite an obvious one at that. Yet it took me some time to fully understand it. My brain was still frazzled and shaken from earlier, so nothing made much sense.

The black silhouette stared at me, as if it wanted an response. Why was it asking such a ludicrous and simplistic question. The why, i don't think, is necessarily important at the moment.

I eventually, yet barely, managed to answer it. "Uh, no idea." But of course i knew what one was. Why did i respond with such a stupid answer.

"Oh really? How strange, that's not the answer i usually get. Well, how to explain it? So basically, it's when a group of people need to decide on something. And the one picked by the most people wins, yeah, that."

I could only stare at the form like utter idiot. I knew what it said, but my comprehension was less than there at that moment.

"You still seemed confused. Alright then, i'll give you an example." It gestured for me to stand up from the spot on the floor i was sitting on. Even partially extending a hand to help me stand up. I waved it's hand away, and used the wall for support as i stood up.

Right after that, two brightly coloured figures appeared a little distance away from us. "So, you see those two?" I nodded in response. Well how could you not, those colours are eye-searing. "Let's call the one the left 'Mr. Blue, and the one on the right Ms. Red, for simplicity sake." Kind of dumb names, but okay then.

The shadow then gestured for them to speak. Mr. Blue spoke up first. "I love majority votes! They represent the way democracy should be, following the will of the people! It's a method that minimizes conflict!" Then Ms. Red shortly there after. "I hate majority votes! They're just a way to silence the minority! It only makes more darkness build in the shadows!"

"So, whose opinion do you agree with more?" It felt like it was looking straight into my soul. I quickly tried to decide which one, because I partially agree with both. "Well, i uh....... Ms. Red?"

Suddenly, a loud sound rang out, causing my ears ring a little. The shadow clearly had a bit of a smug smirk on it face. I turned to where the two of them were standing.

And saw nothing but a mangled corpse, blood pooling out from underneath. The bright blue was barely visible anymore,
replaced with a non-noteworthy grey. And crimson liquid smeared all over it.

The creature next to me let out a maniacal chuckle. And turned toward me, who was standing there, staring in disbelief at what i had just done.

"Heh heh, awww he died. What a shame. But good for you, your opinion had more supporters. With that experience out of the way, you now understand the true terror of majority voting."

I didn't even bother with a response. I just silently stood there trying to understand it all. Though, the true answer was probably far out of my knowledge, but i knew there most likely was a deeper reasoning to it. The silhouette then interrupted my thoughts by saying, "Hm, you seem conflicted, to say the least. Happy your side won the vote, yet thoroughly displeased with the outcome. Confusing is it not, hm?

The shadow was walking in circles around me, taunting me. I felt like the dead prey the vultures would come and clean up.

"So, just be honest with me. You wouldn't have voted if you knew one of them would die, correct?"

"O-of course not! Why would i? I don't want anyone to die!"

"And that's exactly the type of thinking that won't get you anywhere. That is what this whole game is about after all."

"What game? Just what are you talking about?!"

"Oh you know full well what i mean. Since you still look so disgustingly unpleased, let's hold one more vote. Your opinion versus mine. Now then, shall we!"

words: 686

Chapter Text

Ugh........ such a weird dream.

I abruptly wake up with a throbbing headache and a sore jaw. Great, just what i needed. I look around, rubbing my eyes to help me wake up.

I'm in one of my classrooms, the one from last period. It's dark, the only lights in the room were from the crack under the door leading to the hallway, and moonlight from the windows.

I guess i feel asleep again, well obviously. Third time this week too. It may not be the most comfortable, but it's still better sleep than i get at home at night, i think.

I check my phone. It reads "18:38", and with text messages from both Xingchen and Teto, in separate and the group chats, as well as two missed phone calls.

"Shit", i mutter to myself, with a good case of morning voice, or evening in this case, since I just woke up. But much more guttural than usual.

We were going to get food and hang out afterschool today. They were both really looking forward to it too. I'm such an idiot, at least I hope they had fun without me. Hopefully more fun than if I was there. "What a fucking idiot you are," I say ridiculing myself for my sheer stupidity.

And i think i missed music practice, or was that tomorrow? That's not important right now, I probably should get going.

You'd think i'd have more than two friends cause of my current music gig, but no. Mainly due to the rumors of my morally questionable antics back in middle school. And at this point i'm too exhausted to bother with being nice. As you would assume, it usually deters people from actively engaging in conversations with me. It usually doesn't bother me to much though, it's probably for the best that a good chunk of people don't like me. "Brain, stop it, I currently don't have time for making fun of myself."

I carefully got my things together, to make sure i had all of them, and got up to leave the classroom. I also double checked that i hadn't accidentally drooled on the desk again. Which I didn't, thankfully.

I exited the classroom, and entered the hallway from there. The ceiling lights were quite jarring to my eyes, especially in contrast to the previous dark room.

As i was walking to the exit, i felt a pit of anxiety swell in my stomach. As much as i tried to brush it off as nothing, it didn't work. My usually fast walking pace slowed to what I guess would be considered a normal speed as a got closer to the exit. The lights in the hallway started turning off one by one, I suppose most people are finishing or are already finished for the night here. It almost reminded me if a horror movie.

I turn around once more just to make sure there's no one behind me. As it should be, there's no one there. "Dumbass, stop worrying you're fine." My shaky voice not doing me any favours to calm myself down.

I was finally at the exit of the building. I stood there for a good few seconds, then suddenly and forcefully i opened the door. Because otherwise I probably would've stood there for at least five minutes, thinking, worrying of all the horrific things that could be outside of it.

The night air is surprisingly brisk, it sends a chill up my spine, causing my neck to jerk, as it sometimes does. It was completely dark, with the exception of the moonlight. I slowly start walking around. I knew i should be gettting home, but i really didn't want to. That sense of anxious fear only got worse, now that i was outside. At least i didn't yet have the feeling someone was always behind me. Though it would probably start any second now.

I decided to distract myself for a few minutes, as to hopefully calm myself down, at least a little. I take a deep breath in and breathe out forcefully, noticing that my heart beat was racing.

I first take notice of one of the lights in a school window lit. Probably that one teacher who likes to exclusively do work at school, most likely still grading things. Or one of the guards, bit of an odd spot for guarding if that's the case. I couldn't be sure, since I saw it from the outside of the building and couldn't figure out which room is which.

Next, i walk over to the pond, and kneel down on my right knee in front of it. I take notice of the shimmering ripples from the moonlight. "Pretty."

Rumor has it, if you look into it at midnight your reflection will talk to you. They say it would be good for a loner, which most people consider me to be one, they're not entirely wrong. Thankfully it's not midnight, because I would just start arguing with myself. And I do that plenty, so it's a hard pass.

I look down into the water, and all I see is me. And what I actually look like, and not what I should.

"You look half dead, and as unflattering as always." I sneered at my reflection.

I notice that the dark circles under my eyes have gotten worse, cause my insomnia has been a pain in my ass as of late. I look more tired than ever, almost as if I haven't slept at all in a few weeks.

Though not too obvious in the water, the roots of my hair have started turning to their natural colour again. I need to re-dye my hair the next time I remember, and hopefully get the same brand and colour this time. I quite frankly look like a mess, but that's besides the point.

I continue to stare at myself in the water, but it doesn't feel like I'm looking at myself, but someone else. For the past few years, I have utterly despised looking at myself, because of how much i hate the way I look. I should look and be someone else, but unfortunately I don't think that's the case. At times like this, I often start questioning if I'm even real. Maybe I'm just an AI or a spirit possessing someone's body. If that were the case, it would explain a lot. But to my knowledge, no.

"I truly am nothing more than a pathetic sham, I wonder when everyone else will figure that out." Out of frustration, and disgust for myself, I smack the water with my left hand, disrupting my calm ripples and destroying the reflection of myself.

I stand up, and try shake off the water on my hand, which had soaked my fingerless-glove and the bottom of my sleeve. "Fucking wonderful. You really don't think through anything do you, Miku!" I slap myself in the face of my wet hand. "....ow."

I look around again, and notice that the light from the school window is now off. "That....wasn't like that before," I say, it's practically a whisper at this point. My words sounding shakier, as I start to feel a large sense of dread.

I take a few steps, stumbling slightly, since my leg is still half asleep. I make my way over to the tree. I run my hand along the side of it, feeling all the bumps, imperfections, and some carvings on the tree. The texture is very pronounced, rugged and scratchy. I lean my head foward to rest it on the bark, and let out a long exhale. "I'm so tired," I mutter to myself.

Suddenly, i feel almost a stinging sensation in my back.

There was someone behind me.

My heartbeat was now racing, my breathing quick and uneven. I know I should run, but I felt glued to the spot. I slowly turned around, fearing the worst. And what I was met with was-

"Miku, what are yo-"

Startled by the sudden voice, I reflexively palm-striked them in the face. Then I realized who it was, and a wave of guilt washed over me.

It was one of my classmates, and also a good friend of mine, Kasane Teto. I was introduced to her at the beginning of high school by a mutual friend, Chalili Xingchen, who I had been friends with since end of Elementary school. Teto is overall pretty positive, and is always pushing me to be my best. I do often wonder what things would be like if I never met her.

"Oh fucking shitballs! Teto, are you alright? I didn't hit you too hard did I?" My words were very fast, and almost incoherent.

"Yeah, i'm fine."

"You don't need to worry about it, alright."

"But are you sure? I can go get you an ice pack if you need me to, or something to temporally subside the pain."

She puts her hands on my shoulders, pulling me from my fast worrying train of thoughts. "I already told you, it's fine, don't worry about it, I'm okay."

"But are you sur-"

"Yes, i'm sure."

"........okay then, sorry."

She gave me a reassuring pat on my back. I sigh, feeling like a complete idiot.

"No need to apologize. It's more my fault than yours anyway. I knew I shouldn't have walked up right behind you without mentioning it before hand. Especially with how, jumpy, you can get."

"Sor-" I cut myself off before apologizing again.

"So, late practice that you forgot about?"

"Hm, no. I-I, uh, um....... fell asleep, in last period, again." I internally cringe at myself for the reasoning, despite being 100% true.

"Oh, makes some sense. That's it?"

"The fuck you mean 'that's it'!"

"Alright, chill, you don't need to get all languagey with me. What I meant was, is that the only reasoning."

"..........oh, that's what you meant. This is very awkward now."

"Kinda, yeah."

There was a good length pause between the two of us, and a very awkward one at that. Until I spoke up and asked a question.

"So, what are you doing back here? Since, presumably, you and Xingchen finished up having dinner, wouldn't you have gone home already? And not to mention that it's," I quickly checked my phone for the time, "about 7 in the evening." God, was I really doing nothing for like twenty minutes, jeez.

"Oh? Well.....just wanted to make sure you weren't here at school all night. Can't have that, now can we." Press 'X' to doubt. So that's the excuse she's coming up with. There's definitely another reason behind it, but what, I can't be sure yet.

"You really should've just got home instead. Besides, I thought you were here to tell me how dinner went."

"I take it that means you're fine with me sharing. In that case I'll tell you on the way home. Come on." She gestured her hand out, waving me to follow her. And almost completely ignoring the first thing I said.

As we're walking, she's rambling on about how it went. Sounds like it went well, good.

"....and funniest part about that, she swallowed a doner kebab whole. Crazy, right?"

"The whole thing?!"

"Yep! I probably wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it for myself. Honestly, kind of impressive. It was a lot of fun, only complaint is that I wish you were there as well." There was a decently lengthed pause after that. Mainly because I was having issues fully wrapping my head around what she just said. I knew she meant it but.....but-

"I can't tell if you're admiring the asphalt in the road, or you're deep in thought and therefore staring off into space?"

"Hm? Oh, spaced out again. Sorry about that." I noticed that I have started fidgeting with the black ring on my middle finger, on my right hand that is. I was exhausted from how anxious I was, it was almost frustrating. The pause between us had grown uncomfortably awkward.

"So, uh. Since everything was going so well, as a continuation of the good mood, did you two hold hands? Hug? Kiss maybe? Hmmm?" Oh lord, what am I even saying.

"What?! No, of course not! To think that we would do something so outrageous! It's, it's just absurd!" Despite saying all that, she was very clearly flustered. Whether I was right or the thought was 'too much', if you will, I didn't know, not like it matters too much anyway.

"Though, do you want to hear something scandalous?"

"Oh do tell, Teto."

"We," she said in a whisper, as if only I was supposed to hear it. "We held hands."

"How preposterous! How lewd! Only monsters would do such a thing! In public no less! You two should be ashamed!" She started chuckling as soon as I said that. "What is it now?"

"Nothing nothing I promise," she said, still laughing. "It's just, that was a very misleading wording. I fell into a ditch, she helped me out of it."

"Oh my god, of course. Jeez, you're more accident prone than I am."

"There's no doubt about that."

"I never expected you to be such the little joker, especially with how gaudy you can be sometimes."

"Gaudy, you say? You cut me real deep, Miku. Maybe I should go back to that awful haircut I had when we first met."

"Oh please no! I don't want to see that ass haircut ever again! No offense."

"None taken. Even Defoko and Momo hated it."

We kept walking farther down the dark street. Both of us took notice of the 'Watch Out for Strangers' poster. Teto gave it a good length stare, before catching up with me. There was a streetlight that illuminated the road. I wonder how dark it would be without it, since the moon has gone behind the clouds. I'm never in this area this late, it's really odd seeing it at night.

"You wanna hold hands or something?"

"What? Where did that come from?"

"You're giving me a weird look, so I thought I'd offer."

"But isn't that a little too, indecent, for your tastes?"

"Very funny, Miku. Besides you'd probably crush my hand with that grip strength of yours."

"Thanks.........?"

We walked just a little bit more, before she stopped me.

"So uh, how frequently do you think your parents would let the three of us have sleepovers together?"

"Unfortunately not too often. Partially out of they hate when I'm not home at night, and the frequency of it, they would see it just as a hassle."

"Ah, I see. Just an idea, really. Thought maybe you'd sleep at least somewhat better with someone else around. Cause of that stalker of yours."

"So that's why you're always insistent on walking me home every night. Makes a lot of sense, now that I think about it."

"That's not, i just....." she didn't even bother trying to come up with some half-assed excuse.

"Sorry, it's probably just a bother for you."

"Not at all, I promise. Anyway we should probably hurry up and get to your house. Don't want to invoke the wrath of your parents."

"Yeah."

Despite being almost there, my worry got worse by the second. I started fidgeting more, and my breathing had rapidly accelerated. Then I started getting the feeling that I was being watched. There was someone here, I could tell. I didn't know where or why. Then I stopped and noticed.

There was someone there. Right in front of us.

They were trying to say something, maybe, i don't fucking know. I felt rooted in place. Teto took notice, "We gotta go now." She whispered that in my ear, grabbed my wrist, and started running toward my house, dragging me with.

After what felt like an eternity, we finally made it. Panting and completely out of breath. About a minute passes, and nothing happens. Teto finally broke the silence, "Phew, we made it. It's okay, now that we're here it should be fine. You alright?"

I paused before answering, "Yeah, i.......... i'm fine. Thank you."

"Of course. Call me if you need anything. I'll make sure that damn stalker can't do anything to you. You better head inside now."

"Yeah. And, Teto. Be careful out there."

"You got it. See you at school tomorrow."

She starts heading off in the direction of her house. I guess i better go in now.

I could've just been hearing things, but I swear I heard the stalker say "Don't go home! Please!". Like I said probably just my imagination, right?

..........The lights aren't on. I have a bad feeling about this.

The house nameplate is still there. I can see the living room from the window, but nothing in it. It's far too dark inside. The front porch light is still on, so it's not a power outage.

I go to reach for the front door with shaking hands......... it's unlocked? I slowly walk inside, trying to make as little noise as possible. All the lights are out, why? And where are my parents?

The plant in the entry hallway is knocked over. I turn it upright, mom would be pissed if she learned about that. To the left is the bathroom, foward are the stairs to the second floor, where my room is. The closer door on the right is the living room, where my mom would usually be watching TV at this hour, and the farther one is my parents room.

Something isn't right about this place.

I quickly head upstairs, and check the door to my room. It's locked too. Who would've come in and locked the door to my room. Not dad.......right? I swear if it was him.

I walk back downstairs, and enter the living room. It's pitch black. There has to be someone here, surely. I headed over to the light switch. As much as I knew it was a bad idea. I paused, then decided to turn the lights on.

Only to find my mother collapsed on the floor.

"..........Mom? No no no no no no no no! Shit! Fuck! Mom!" I knelt down to where she was on the floor, checked her pulse and checked to make sure she was still breathing. Which in both cases she was. "Oh thank god. But what do I do, what I do, what I do? Fucking dammit." I unintentionally stepped back hitting the chair, which then knocked me off balance enough to have me fall onto the floor. "You gotta be kidding me."

As I stood up, I noticed there was a green key on the floor. It's the one to my room? "The hell's this doing here?!"

I survey my surroundings, just to check. The door on my left is the one that goes back into the hallway, the one in front of me goes to my parents room. The bookshelves look the same, as unorganized as ever. Ranging anywhere from my dad's books, to some manga and magazines. The framed photo on the shelf is me and my family when we were on a trip to Hokkaido. There are some small fancy containers. On the wall there's a photo of my grandfather, who died when I was pretty young. The wall-mounted TV is slightly crooked, as always, we haven't fixed it yet. There's a random washed bottle there, bit of an odd spot, but okay.

I head back out into the hallway, and Teto is just entering through the front door.

"Miku! You alright? What's happening?"

"Teto?! What the fuck are you doing here?"

"I heard you scream, and rushed back in here to see if anything was wrong!"

"Jesus, did i really scream that loudly?"

"Well more accurately, I faintly heard you swearing in the distance."

"Sounds about right."

"But what's going on?"

"My mom's currently collapsed on the floor! And there are a lot of little tiny things that are just, off! And i don't know what the fuck to do!"

"Please, try to stay as calm as you can. Did you call anyone yet? Hospital? The cops?"

"No I haven't. And i wouldn't fucking call the cops of my own free will. You should know this by now.......... I need, i need to, call, shit."

"I'll handle it alright." She made a phone call, and started slightly pacing around by the entrance.

Alright. Stay calm. Stay clam. I lean up against the wall, trying to slow my breathing down. I feel as if I'm going to be sick. But i need to do something, right? I don't know! I don't know!

"I'm going to go check my room to see if there's anything. Okay?" She gives me a thumbs up in response. I, on shaky legs, start heading upstairs. I try the door, it's still locked. At least something has stayed the same. I pull out the key from my pocket, and use it on the door to open it.

"Dad! Are you in here? Mom collapsed! Where are-" I feel multiple arms grab me, and involuntarily scream because of it. I try my best to fight back, but next thing I know there's a cloth around my mouth and, darkness.

-The Choices that Affect our Fates-
Written by TheReaperofAprilMishapps13
A Vocaloid AU of "Your Turn To Die - Death Game By Majority" by Nankidai

words: 3463

Chapter Text

My eyes violently shoot open, and I almost try to run forward to escape.....escape what though? Hm.......

I almost start gasping for air, due to how much my heart is racing. I hear it throbbing in my ears.

'It hurts.'

'I'm confused.'

'I'm tired.'

Quickly I try to shake away the train of thought. Slowly opening my eyes, I take in the surroundings.

An off-white, no more grey, toned room. Completely sterile and devoid of details. Other than the yellowed, faintly buzzing light above. At least that's all I could see.

'It's bright.'

'My eyes hurt.'

"Fucking hell." I mutter to myself, barely being able to even hear my own voice.

There is a sharp, stinging sensation in my head.

'I feel trapped.'

I slowly, borderline methodically, reach my right arm up toward my head. Ah...

There is a cold, rough, leathery, thing, strapped around my head keeping me in place.

'It's scratchy.'

Since I can't move my head to look around, I opt for trying to see if I can move anything else.

To no avail. The only thing not strapped down is my right arm.

'.......god-fucking-dammit.'

Metaphorical millions of thoughts racing through my head as to the reasoning why I was even here. Absolutely none of them were good. I always have the tendency to think of the worst possibilities first, and usually that's the only possibilities I think of.

'...I have to go. I won't let them do their stupidass things to me.'

'My muscles ache.'

'They're sore.'

'Just let me fucking leave.'

The room was almost pure silence. Not that I could hear much properly anyway because of how loud the pounding in my head was.

A voice broke through the stillness, so jarring it felt like I was suddenly stabbed. "Please tell me somebody else is there, and that I'm not breathing that loudly."

'Familiar.'

It was distinctly Teto's voice. Her voice sounded calm, but clearly wasn't. It shook, cracked, and was forced. She was no doubt terrified, but tried to remain calm in the event there was someone younger that needed to be looked after. She always tried to seem like the confident older sibling, when necessary.

I take a deep breath, and finally respond, "So i see they got you too. Son of a bitch."

"Great mood you're in." She responded with some lighthearted sarcasm.

"You know it." Another break of silence rang between the two of us. I struggled even being able to speak.

'My throat feels trapped.'

"Hey Miku, can you see if you can try to move? Since I really can't." Presumably that meant she was strapped down to a similar contraption as myself.

Before I could even try to respond a shrill ear piercing cry sounded throughout the room. Sounded like a phone. Neither of us have that ringtone, so unsure as to its origins.

I check my pocket and found nothing. "Yeah uh, Teto, c-could you check your pockets as well?" My throat sounded exhausted. Akin to after a music performance, but I'm not quite sure why. I didn't really talk that much today, per the usual.

"Got it, got it." If we were in a normal situation, she probably would be waving her hand dismissively, while still doing what I asked.

"Oh? Think I found it." She took a short breath, psyching herself up, and answered the phone. "Hi! Hello! Is anyone there? Please he-"

Teto was cut off before she could finish that thought. Hearing a monotone, robotic voice, presumably coming from the phone.

"...Beginning voiced guidance."

"The hell?"

"The First Trial will now begin. Miku, and Teto. Find the key hidden in this room. Then, remove your restraints. If you cannot do so before the time limit expires, the device on the beds will activate... And your bodies will be crushed with a thud. By all means, please enjoy this thrill with all your body and soul. The time limit is a healthy 5 minutes. And note that there is only one key, so please discuss who will use it."

My brain was to confused processing everything to even begin to panic. But it sounded like a timer started ticking in the background. It sure as hell was monotonous, there was no doubt of that.

"Oh no, no no no no no. Miku! You're always the levelheaded one here! What now?"

'Why of all people do you wish to turn to me?' Pushing the thought aside, instinctively i reach for my pockets again. Trying to see if I can find anything new, just by chance.

Nothing.

"...T-Teto, check your pockets again, just in case." I heard ruffling sounds, fabric hitting itself, from her searching.

"Ah! A key!"

"Use it. Now." I said commandingly. If anyone was going to get out of this situation, it better be her.

"What about you?!"

"I'll be fine, nothing will get done if both of us die. So hurry." Being blunt with her was the only way to truly get her to listen sometimes.

'.....I don't like the way I said that.'

Too familiar, too familiar. I said I would never do things like that again, so w-

"Alright fine. I'll get you out of here too, I promise." Teto said, snapping me out of my thoughts. She said that in such a way of nervous determination. Like she would get me out of there no matter what, ignoring how realistic or unrealistic that was.

"Optimistic as always."

"You have to be, right?"

-Teto POV-

'Dammit, that's took longer than I was hoping. Got to do something, and quick.'

Glancing quickly at Miku, I notice that she's staring at the ceiling, completely expressionless. Once she noticed me looking at her, she looked back. "See something you like?" she chortled with the usual sarcasm.

"Funny." I quickly responded with, trying to take a note of her restraints.

"I try."

Green leather of some kind. Can't be broken with the hands alone. It's all connected to a lock on the side of the bed. The exterior to lock is all green, but the middle, where the key would fit, is red.

I tried the key I had.......No use, it's not working. Too large. I still try it once again just to be sure, and nothing.

Numbers on the wall... and a number pad. Worth a shot. Typing in the numbers '3141' only to be returned with a beeping sound. Presumably signifying that it didn't work.

'What's the point of that even being there then?'

I check the door, possibly iron, or something similar. It's...unlocked? At least the exit is secured for when we get out of here.

Glancing at the key in my hand again, I take note of resin peeling back. Still mostly red, there was green peeking out from the bottom.

I glanced at the sandpaper on the wall, then back to the key.

Got it.

I quickly start rubbing sandpaper on the key, trying to shave more of the resin off.

'Should be good. Hopefully."

I rush back over to the lock, insert the key, twist it.....and it unlocked with ease.

I give Miku a hand, and help pull her off the bed. No more than three seconds later, the bed snaps shut.

I stumble back, slightly, and instinctively pull Miku into a tight hug with my shaking hands.

"Ah sorry, I forgot you don't like to be touched without us asking first."

"It's fine, I don't care." She says plopping her head onto my shoulder.

-Miku POV-

She held me so tightly, not wanting to let go. And it showed. The hug was as nice as it could be, with how hot sweaty we both were. Reasonably it was probably only a few minutes, but it felt like hours, before she let go.

"You okay?" she asked, very tiredly. Either wiping sweat or tears off of her face, probably a mix of both.

"I feel like I should be asking you that instead." Hopefully my joking wasn't too insensitive. Well I don't think that mattered too much, since she did laugh, if just a bit.

"Come on, let's go." I gesture for her to follow me through the door. She quickly followed suit.

The hallway was completely pitch black. I couldn't tell how far it stretched in any direction. I opted for heading along the left wall, which led to a dead end almost immediately.

"Alright, we're heading the other way." I say aloud, mostly to myself.

"Can i..... can I hold your hand so we don't get separated?" Teto asked, embarrassed by the question.

"If it makes you feel better, sure, go for it I suppose." With that she tightly squeezed my hand, and we headed forward.

We walked for several minutes, but it felt like it was stretching out for eternity. The hallway was still completely dark, no light in any which direction.

I took a deep breath before I spoke, as to make sure I said the right thing. "Do you still have the shitty sounding phone from earlier?"

"Yes, right here. Flashlight, I assume."

"Yep."

"Good thinking there.........and it's dead."

"Of course, why wouldn't it be." I scoffed at the cliché and predictability of that.

An ice cold, almost plastically smooth, hand forcefully grabbed my wrist. I instinctively turned around and try to yank my hand free, but the being's grip was too strong. Whatever it was, dug the semblance of hand very forcefully into the flesh of my arm. Pinching and almost tearing skin.

"The hell?!" I involuntarily shouted.

It's voice spoke up, calm yet slimy sounding, almost artificial.

Almost...more uncanny though.

"Ah, Hatsune Miku, Kasane Teto. I see you both managed to survive. Good for you. But will that last, I wonder."

Almost immediately after that was said, I retorted back with, "Here's a bright idea. Let go of my fucking arm, would you?"

"You always were one for being so forceful with your words." The being laughed a little, "But as you wish."

It forcefully pushed us back, as we fell into a bottomless hole behind us.

"Wai-" Teto barely managed to say.

"See ya 'round Miku. Ahahahah."

My senses gave way before I could even respond. I know not to how far or long we fell. But it felt there was no end in sight.

................

No end in sight to the nightmare we were about to be trapped in.