Day 8, Part 16

 

The murderer ran their fingers through their hair. Ink couldn’t access the body right now, what with Echo in there and all the other members of the system on high alert at sunflower hill. So they were doing this one alone. 

 

Writing, the murderer had discovered, was easier to stop from screaming than Darkvine. 

 

“HELP!” Darkvine squealed. The murderer quickly shoved a cloth in her mouth and dragged them into the elevator. 

 

After the doors closed, the murderer threw them to the floor and tied them together, which was hard because of Writing’s wings.

 

“So you’re the killer?” Asked Darkvine. 

 

“No, I just dragged you into this elevator for no reason.” The murderer rolled their eyes. “Yes, I’m the killer.”

 

“Are you going to kill us?” Asked Writing. 

 

“I’m the murderer who has consistently been murdering people, and I just dragged you into an elevator. What do you think?” 

 

They both turned and stared at each other. 

 

“No?” Darkvine asked hopefully. 

 

The murderer sighed a little. “I might not do so right away. You are useful to me, at least for now.” 

 

“How so?”

 

“Well, both of you were possessed by the monster at one point, correct?” 

 

They both nodded slowly. 

 

“Do you remember it at all?” 

 

“It’s been coming back to me ever since this morning,” Darkvine said. 

 

“Me too,” said Writing. “But we’re not telling you anything.” 

 

There was a ding and the elevator doors opened. They were on the top floor.

 

The murderer picked them up and brought them over to a large open window, allowing them a view of the very far away ground. 

 

“Tell me, and I can make your death painless. Pleasant, even. Or plunge to the ground. The choice is yours.” 

 

The murderer dangled them over the window for about five minutes before declaring the decision making time up. 

 

“It was lovely meeting you,” said the murderer, “But it will be even better to watch you die.” 

 

The murderer began to let the rope slip through their fingers until finally Darkvine said, “All right, all right, we’ll tell you!” 

 

The murderer pulled them up and back into the hotel. “Great.” 

 

“We were standing in the lobby when a gust of wind came, and I blacked out,” said Darkvine. “The last thing I remember is apologizing a few times.

 

The murderer looked disappointed. “That’s not helpful at all.” 

 

“Excuse me!” Darkvine retorted. “I am doing my best here!” 

 

“Sorry, sorry. I know. Ink is very hard to work with. Maybe your friend can help us out.” 

 

Writing gave the murderer a dark look, trying to seem scary, but after a moment they lost their courage and just looked really guilty. 

 

“The monster talked to me through Darkvine,” said Writing. “It showed me something…” 

 

“What did it show you?” 

 

“I can’t say.” 

 

“Why not?” 

 

“Because I hate myself for it.” 

 

“Hate yourself for what?” 

 

“Liking what I saw.” 

 

Silence passed. The murderer nodded. “I see.” 

 

“I don’t anymore,” xe claimed. “I’ve come to my senses. But for a moment, I felt this surge of adrenaline. It wasn’t necessarily a good feeling, but it was a feeling that made me feel like I’ve been numb my whole life, and was having my eyes opened. It was the most intense feeling I’ve ever felt. You know what I mean?”

 

“Of course,” the murderer said. “That feeling is what makes me kill.” 

 

“You have to stop,” said Writing. “This is wrong.” 

 

The murder’s eyes narrowed. “I wouldn’t take advice as to what’s right and what’s wrong from someone like you,” they said coldly. “Do you have any other information for me?” 

 

Writing and Darkvine looked at each other, and, realizing the murderer was lifting them again, gulped. 

 

“This has been great, but unfortunately this conversation, along with your lives, it seems, must come to an end. You will be missed. Well, probably. I won’t miss you, and I’d hate to assume how the others will feel when they discover your bodies.” 

 

“No - wait -”

 

Swish. 

 

Writing and Darkvine plummeted through the air and towards the ground, but suddenly, Writing’s wings broke through the rope and began to flutter. For a moment, Writing thought, I’m saved! But then xe realized they were actually just gliding to the ground and losing consciousness. A glow swelled around Writing and Darkvine, and, at last, they hit the bronze floor of the strange cylinder room. 

 

The sound was so loud Echo, the ghosts, Atom, Rose, and the guests came running. They saw Darkvine, dead on the ground, and assumed Writing, who lay next to her, was too until they groaned and opened their eyes briefly. 

 

“Xe’s alive!” Rose exclaimed. 

 

Writing barely heard her. In fact, they didn’t end up hearing or remembering much of what happened that night as they were carried into the hotel.

 

***

 

This one... Is weird. It's sort of funny, but also confusing? But then it also clears some things up? Even I'm a little puzzled, and I'm the author... 

DONT DIE I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS-

Day 9, Part 17

 

“Of course I blocked it out.”

 

Writing debated punching the wall. Xe could hardly remember any of what happened that night - the fall, Darkvine’s death, the identity of the murderer. This was the one important thing they had to remember, and xe forgot. Figures.

 

“Don’t be so hard on yourself,” said Rose. “Amnesia can be caused by lots of things. Being thrown out of a hotel is one of them. And Ink knows what it’s doing - maybe it made you forget on purpose.”

 

“Yeah,” Writing sighed. “Still.”

 

The morning after Darkvine and Writing were thrown out the window was grim and cold. Writing had been knocked out all night, but did wake up in time for Darkvine’s funeral. Xe was in a lot of pain and it was later discovered that they had a broken wrist. 

 

Darkvine’s funeral was solemn and quick, taking place outside, on a snowy piece of land with a few hills. It left a bitter taste in everyone’s mouth, though Rose did try to come up with some fun activities - they had a snowball fight and built a snowman. Atom didn’t seem to want to participate.

“I think I might go inside,” they said. Rose put a hand on his shoulder and whispered something in their ear. He nodded and smiled a bit before heading into the hotel.

 

For a while, Aesthete was in the body, and had decided that they were going to protect Writing. 

 

“I’m okay,” said Writing, “Really.” 

 

Aesthete shook their head. “We don’t want that murderer coming back and hurting you,” they said. So whenever anyone threw a snowball at Writing, Aesthete threw it right back, followed by a death glare. 

 

But eventually it was Metanoia’s turn. “Sorry,” she sighed. “Aesthete’s just worried about you.”

 

It was more fun after Metanoia joined them, everyone had to admit. Metanoia helped build a snowman shaped like a frog (a snowfrog). It was getting cold, so they did end up going inside, where Atom was eating peanut butter Cheez-Its.

 

Metanoia stared at Atom a moment, then squeezed her eyes shut. “I think I might switch,” she said.

 

“That’s okay,” said Rose gently. “You can take a moment if you need to.”

 

“Okay, this is Sonder now,” Sonder said. “I heard about what’s been happening. How’s everyone coping?”

 

“Sonder!”

 

A big smile grew on Sonder’s face, and he seemed to forget just about everything else. “Hi, Atom,” he said, walking over to sit next to them. Atom had an extra spoon (he’d started to keep some plastic ones in the lobby), but when Sonder reached out for it, his sleeve fell down and revealed a silver wristwatch.

 

“Hey,” said Darkling. “Why does he get to wear a silver watch but we can’t?”

 

“Oh.” Visible panic grew on Sonder’s face. “That’s, that’s just, uh, that’s-”

 

“None of your business,” Atom said defensively, giving serious “don’t you dare hurt my boyfriend” energy. Darkling kind of wanted to tell him that, just to watch their reaction, but decided not to test Atom’s limits right now. “Okay, okay, sheesh,” they sighed, putting their hands up. Sonder did remove his watch, however, and pocket it. “Sorry,” he said. 

 

“Don’t be sorry for anything,” Atom said. “C’mon, we have some Marvel movies to catch up on.” 

 

And they disappeared into the basement. 

 

“Aren’t they just adorable?” Rose sighed dreamily. “Now, come on, everyone, let’s find something to do. How about a movie? We’ve got another TV in our attic.”

 

“There’s an attic?” Sterling asked.

 

“Yeah,” Rose said. “Oh, I guess I just hadn’t told you about that, huh? Well, here, I’ll show you.” 

 

She led them up to the attic, which was pretty bare except for some fairy lights and beach towels spread out around the floor. There was a TV sitting up against one wall, and Rose was able to get it working eventually.

 

“Alright, everyone,” she said, looking back at them, “What should we watch?”

 

***

“What movie are we on now?” Atom asked. 

 

“Ant-Man,” said Sonder. “This one is great.”

 

Atom stared at him when he said it, and smiled a bit. Sonder looked back at him.

 

“I missed you,” Sonder said. “I know we talked a little bit yesterday, but, it’s just, I dunno, nice to be like…”

 

“How we used to be?” Atom asked. “Before Ink and all?” 

 

“Yeah. You kinda changed my life, in case I never told you… And I’d been hoping to hang on to that for a little longer than I really got to.” 

 

Atom bit their lip. “You changed my life, too.” 

 

They looked into each other’s eyes for a minute before shying away. “Well, that’s, uh, that’s…” Sonder stumbled over his words.

“It’s pretty amazing,” Atom said, a confidence he didn’t realize they had. “You’re pretty amazing.” 

 

“Yeah, well, you’re rubbing off on me,” Sonder whispered. He pressed play and grabbed Atom’s hand. 

 

***

 

The movie everyone in the attic had decided to watch was getting a bit dull, so they all decided to take a brief intermission to go get some snacks from the kitchen. They headed downstairs.

 

The murderer sighed a bit, and made sure to stay in the back of the group. They had to do this quickly and silently, or they were guaranteed to be caught. 

 

Sterling walked in front of them, which was perfect. The murderer grabbed Sterling and pulled them backwards, and before they could react, shoved a cloth in their mouth. Almost instantly, Sterling eyes began to flutter shut, but before they could hit the ground with a loud thump, which the murderer knew would get everyone’s attention, the murderer caught them and brought them gently to the ground. 

 

Sterling wasn’t quite dead yet, the murderer could tell, because their eyes opened again, wide, wild. They stared at the murderer, helpless, as their body contorted in various different directions. The murderer could make out a few muffled screams as well, but the group continued to walk ahead of them and didn’t seem to have noticed anything. 

 

The murderer took one last look at Sterling. Then they ran to catch up with the group, leaving Sterling to die in the hallway.

***

I'm back (finally)! Sorry for the wait. Next part should be out sooner than this one was, hopefully, and I hope you enjoyed this one!

Day 10, Part 18 

 

“We’ll bury Sterling today,” Rose said quietly as everyone started to eat their breakfast, which was sunny side up eggs. “I’m not actually sure what’s outside yet. We’ll have to find a spot out there, so everyone prepare for the worst, okay?”

 

Rose started to take attendance and realized that there were so few people in the room all she really had to do was glance over the crowd. There were only five guests left, then there was Atom and Sonder in the very back of the room. 

 

Eight people total.

 

Solemnly, Rose pushed open the doors and gasped a bit. “What is this?”

 

There wasn’t very much to see, because huge white walls stood and blocked everything, allowing only for a path forward that seemed to twist and turn forever. 

 

In awe, everyone stepped forward, which was a mistake. Behind them, the door disappeared. 

 

“No!” Rose cried out. 

 

Words appeared in red where the door had been: 

 

The only way through a maze of memories

Is backwards.

“It’s a maze,” Atom said. “We have to find a way to the other side.”

 

Rose sighed, but began to lead them down the path, until they came to a spot with three paths.

 

“I really don’t want any groups of two,” Rose sighed. “The murderer could be any of us…”

 

“Sonder and I could go down that left path,” Atom suggested, trying to act like it was just off the top of their head and he wasn’t looking for an excuse to spend time alone with Sonder. “And Rose, you could take Writing and Silver down the middle one. Darkling, Tsuki, and Avara could go right. And whichever way doesn’t come to a dead end, just shout for us and we’ll find you.” 

 

Rose looked hesitant, but slowly nodded. “I guess there isn’t any other option. If you find the end, call for us.” 

 

And they headed their separate ways.

 

This started off fine. There were some twists and turns on each path, but nothing bad. 

 

Well, until Atom and Sonder came to what seemed to be a dead end.

 

“Dead end,” said Sonder. “Let’s head back.” 

 

“Wait,” said Atom. “It’s a door.”

 

Sonder looked over to where they were pointing. “Oh, you’re right. Is that the exit?” 

 

“I’m not sure…” 

 

“Let’s find out, shall we?” He opened the door, and looked back at 

Atom with a dramatic bow. “After you, darling.” 

 

Atom reddened, and slowly made his way through the door. 

 

Beyond the door was not the exit they were hoping for, but instead, an endless white room. It was like the maze they’d been in previously, except for the fact that there was no longer a maze. Just empty space that seemed to last forever.

 

“What in the world?” Sonder asked behind Atom. He walked forward.

 

“HELLO? ANYONE OUT THERE?” Sonder called out.

 

The room began to change as his words echoed everywhere. 

 

Hello? Anyone out there?

 

There was a floor. It was wood, and creaked underneath Sonder and Atom’s weight. 

 

Anyone out there?

 

The walls had color now. They were light blue, covered in posters. There was also a small window that showed the glowing lights of a city at night beyond it. 

 

Out there?

 

And now there was a bed and a desk in the room. On the bed, a blue-haired teenager sat, looking impatient.

 

“I know this,” Sonder said slowly. “That’s me.” 

“What?” 

 

“Yeah, I’m you,” the teenager snapped, looking up at them. 

 

“You talk?” Sonder jumped. 

 

“No, I’m moving my mouth and words are coming out because of some other reason. Come on, we don’t have much time.”

 

“Time? What? What do you mean?” 

 

“I’m your guide, loser,” Other Sonder said. “14-year-old you. Here to show you through your memories with your boyfriend over there so you two can get out of this dump.” 

 

“He’s my boyfriend?” Said Sonder. 

 

“What an idiot.” Other Sonder sighed and looked over at Atom. “Sorry you got stuck with us. We’re kind of oblivious,” he said. “Ooh, but you’re cute. We’ve got good taste.”

“U-um.” Atom stammered. “I- I mean-”

 

“You’re right, we should get this show on the road. To avoid any confusion, we’ll call Actual Sonder Sonder, and you guys can call me Dusk. That’s our middle name. Now let’s get started.” 

 

“Hold on,” said Sonder. “Where exactly are you taking us?” 

 

“I already told you! Your memories. Y’know, your past?” Dusk rolled his eyes. “I’ll start with something good,” he said. 

 

“But what if I don’t want-”

 

“What, you don’t want - what’s your name?” Dusk looked over at Atom.

“Atom.” 

 

“You don’t want Atom to see this?” 

 

The room changed. They were in what looked to be a school hallway. Lockers lined the walls, as well as doors that presumably led to classrooms. A blue-haired boy came running down the hallway, then fell, sobbing, against the lockers.

“What is this?”

 

“Eighth grade,” Dusk answered solemnly. Sonder seemed frozen. 

 

The boy covered his ears up as voices came from everywhere. “What is happening to me?” He cried out. “I don’t understand - I don’t -”

 

“Stop!” Sonder screamed. “Stop it!” 

 

“Sorry,” said Dusk, bringing them back to the room they’d been in before. “I should’ve gone slower.” 

 

“I thought you said you were gonna start with something good,” Sonder said slowly.

 

“I will,” Dusk promised. “We’ve got… A few good memories. Most of them are pretty familiar to you. Oh, look, this one’s supposed to be one of our very favorites.”

 

The room changed again. It was night now, and they were outside the hotel. They were in that weird, grassy field again, with the tiles. There was music, and there was Atom and Sonder, standing on the tile. They were going to start dancing in a minute, both of them knew, remembering how that night had played out. But right now they stood there, listening to the music, staring at each other.

 

Atom went pink and smiled. “This is your favorite memory?” 

 

Sonder grinned. “Yeah…”

 

They went quiet as whatever song was playing before came to an end. This next part was the best part of the memory, and they were going to watch.

 

“Perfect, Ed Sheeran,” the machine said. About thirty seconds into the song, Atom groaned. 

“This song is so cheesy,” he said. 

 

“Yeah.” Sonder nodded and stared into Atom's eyes.

“It’s stupid.”

 

“Uh-huh,” Sonder said. “Let’s dance.” 

“What?” 

 

“I’ll lead,” he said. “It’ll be fun.” 

“O-okay.” Atom tried not to seem nervous as Sonder gently grabbed him. “You put your hands on my shoulders,” Sonder explained. “And then we just kind of sway to the beat.” 

“How do you know how to dance?” 

 

“Metanoia and I watch a lot of movies,” he laughed. “I always thought it looked sort of fun, dancing to a cheesy song in the dark with a cute boy. I can check it off my bucket list now, huh?”

“Yeah,” Atom said, trying to ignore the fact that Sonder basically just called them cute. “Looks like you can.” 

 

The memory faded, and they were back in the small bedroom again. 

 

“Aww,” Dusk said. “You guys are a sweet couple. I wish we could stay here looking at these cute memories all day.”

 

“But we can’t, can we?” Sonder asked.

 

Dusk shook his head. “Unfortunately, no. The only way out of this maze is for you to like, I dunno, have a breakthrough or something, acknowledge your mysterious and traumatized past, and stuff.”

 

“Traumatized past?” Sonder said. “Are you sure there’s not just like, a back door or something we could-”

 

Atom put his hand on Sonder’s shoulder. “I’ll be with you every step of the way.” 

 

Sonder sighed a little, but nodded. “Okay.” He said. 

 

“I’m ready.”

 

***

This a ski-lodge or a love story? Ah, but it's both! Just in time for Valentine's, too… Oh, and here's a little Satom playlist.

 

Satom

 

Treehouse - Alex G (Sonder's POV)

 

Perfect - Ed Sheeran (Just a cheesy slow dance song reccomended by Silver Crystal)

 

I Melt With You - Modern English (Darkling's reccomendation)

 

Late Night Talking - Harry Styles (Atom's POV)

 

Butterflies - Kacey Musgraves (I think this one's really cute? Idk if it's really either of their POVs but it's cute and kinda describes how I see them)

 

And I'll add more later, and if anyone has any recommendations feel free to let me know. Thanks for reading, next part should be out soon :D