Chapter Text
Night has fallen once again, everyone already went back to their respective team cabins to go get some sleep. It was still pouring, but the rain became heavier than the last few hours before getting in the cabins.
In a small cabin stood Treasure Chest, who was lying on his bed and completely by himself. Unlike the last time, when he only had a few hours of sleep before waking up at midnight, he couldn't get himself to sleep this time. All he did for the entire hour was staring at the underside of the empty bunk above him. Cold and empty as always. In fact, almost all the beds were cold and empty, it was only his now.
Last time, Ukulele and Bubble Wrap used to stay in the same cabin as him, but ever since Bubble Wrap’s elimination and Ukulele leaving to join the other team, both of their mattresses were left unoccupied. Journal is the only one he had left now, but even then, it felt like he's not there anymore. The short, orange object felt lonelier than ever, with nothing but cold, dark air and the sounds of violent splashing keeping him company.
Then here came a thought.
He realized everyone hated him by now, even his own teammates. Maybe that was just him, but that possibility isn't deniable at this point.
The other teams were still against him for the high winning streak, they had always wished for him and his team's downfall, and it worked. They even watched their elimination like it was entertaining to them. Not even saving himself would help, as not only he lost a teammate in the process, but his closest friend grew distrust and hatred towards him since. No matter how sincere Treasure Chest expressed his regret for his actions, his now-ex friend remained unforgiving like threw his apologies down the drain and continued ignoring him.
What's next? Perhaps they wanted him dead? That could already be possible since Chainsaw threatened to kill him and Treasure Chest couldn't do anything but brace himself. He still remembers those words.
"Any last words, Treasure Chest?"
Speaking of Chainsaw, what did he mean by "saving him for later?" He already knew Team Bracket is going to do something worse to him, but like what? What are they going to do to him? Is seeing his team fall apart not enough for them? Will seeing either him or Journal leaving going to satisfy them?
Journal...
Treasure Chest had always grown a liking of the taller green object, in fact, he was the closest to him out of all his teammates. However, their friendship did not last long after Malachite's elimination. He wanted to mend their relationship so badly but only failed attempts were made. Despite their last two arguments the two had with each other, and the fact Journal caused the danger of the two being up for elimination, he couldn't bring himself to hate him back, otherwise that may make the conflict uglier than it already should. Besides, even now, he was still hoping Journal doesn't hate him completely.
If only Treasure Chest could understand him, if only he didn't attempt to save himself, Everything could've turned out so differently. Right now, all he can do is just worry. Even if he did want to look for him, he was not allowed to go out in the rain that continued to pour down heavily. What was going to happen to him? Knowing Journal is... well, a book, he wouldn't last in the outdoor shower for quite long. He can only hope he will be okay, but was it even possible at this point?
If not, he will feel like he was responsible for whatever upsetting fate has in store for Journal, something that will leave Treasure Chest in deep anguish.
These questions and comments he gave to himself overwhelmed him, yet he kept thinking. Weak, clingy, and selfish. How can he even be a team captain when he was all three of those things? He can't even manage and save his own team. Quite pathetic. Maybe it would've been better if he was gone, maybe things would've been better for the team. Maybe he deserved the abandonment, he had it coming after all.
As he continued thinking of certain scenarios flowing around his mind, a roar of thunder struck, startling him.
God, he always hated the sound of thunder. In fact, he hated sudden loud noises. At least it distracted him from whatever was going on in his mind.
Even then, Treasure Chest couldn't do anything but weep from the fact the forlorn object had no one to comfort him now. All he will feel is guilt, loneliness and despondency surrounding him. He keeps crying himself out until he's exhausted in hopes of getting himself to sleep, not like it would make him feel any better once he wakes up in the early morning though.