Chapter Text
You're lying on your bed, browsing through YouTube when a notification pops up: “NEW VIDEO - The Dome Case.” You sit up, reach over to your bedside table where your headphones rest next to a candle, and put them on. You click on the video.
A disclaimer warning appears, giving you two options: “yes” or “no.”
You choose “yes,”
and a soft whirring sound fills your ears as the video starts. The screen shows a cartoon with five people on one side and one person on the other. The five are dressed in identical blue shirts with white stripes on the sleeves, each with their name on the front, paired with blue joggers. The lone figure wears a black suit with a white button-up shirt underneath.
The screen glitches to a new scene featuring a man with slightly curly hair, a white shirt, and a blue jacket. He smiles at the camera and says,
“Hello, Internet! Welcome to FILM THEORY!! If you’re here, you’ve probably wondered about the deepest secrets of what you watch. Today, I have something special for you, as it’s my first time covering something like this.”
He takes a deep breath, then adds, “The Dome Case, which is rarely covered because news channels and the government haven’t said anything about it. It’s strange because look what I have right here.” He glances up at the camera with a deep, enigmatic smirk, his high cheekbones creating a pained expression. There’s something unsettling about his smile—kindness or perhaps something darker. You can’t quite tell.
His face lights up with an almost unnerving glee. “Because I have this,” he says, pulling out a yellow packet marked [CONFIDENTIAL]. A small sticker in the corner reads [THE DOME CASE JULY 13, 2024].
Leaning back on his couch, he concludes, “Well everyone, why don’t we get started?”
The screen fades to black.
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The screen fades back in to reveal the dome, its smooth, ominous surface catching a sinister light. The man's voice comes in, tinged with an unsettling cheerfulness.
“Welcome back! Today, we’re diving into something truly chilling—the infamous Dome Case. This enigmatic structure has fascinated and terrified everyone since it appeared out of nowhere.”
The camera slowly circles the dome or what’s left of it anyways, emphasizing its eerie presence. The man’s voice continues, each word dripping with unsettling enthusiasm.
“This dome just materialized in a desolate area, and the official silence has only fueled wild speculation. The lack of information has led to a frenzy of theories and rumors.”
Cutting to clips of news reports and concerned experts, their anxious faces contrast with the man’s unnervingly happy demeanor. The footage of the dome and its eerie surroundings plays over their troubled commentary.
“But here’s where it gets absolutely delightful,” the man says, his voice bubbling with creepy excitement. “I’ve managed to get my hands on some confidential documents that reveal a hint of the truth. Let’s have a peek.”
He produces the yellow packet and eagerly flips through the papers. The camera zooms in on the documents, but the key details are obscured as the man’s smile grows wider.
“These documents suggest the dome is tied to a top-secret experiment,” he says, his tone brimming with a dark joy. “They mention strange technologies and covert operations, though they keep the specifics delightfully vague.”
The video transitions to unsettling imagery: shadowy security footage, strange energy spikes, and cryptic symbols etched around the dome, all presented with a hint of theatrical flair.
“The secrecy surrounding this project is absolutely thrilling,” the man continues, his eyes glinting with a creepy fascination. “What are they hiding, and why all the mystery?”
I
Leaning back with a malevolent grin, he adds, “Well why don’t we get into it.
The Screen fades
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The video cuts out, and suddenly, you find yourself in the middle of a bustling arena. The bright lights are almost blinding, and the cheering crowd fills your ears. You’re standing on a platform surrounded by other YouTubers—friends and competitors. In the distance, you spot James AKA TheOdd1sOut, his wide grin a reassuring sight among the chaos. Quackity is hyping up the crowd, his energy infectious, while Schlatt leans against a pillar, his expression a mix of amusement and determination.
You’re Jaiden Animations, and you’re here to compete in MrBeast’s latest challenge: 50 YouTubers competing for a million dollars. The stakes are high, but the thrill of the game is even higher. You glance around, trying to steady your nerves. This isn't your first rodeo, but every competition has its own unique pressure, especially when a million dollars is on the line.
MrBeast’s voice booms over the loudspeaker, pulling you back to the moment. “Welcome, everyone, to the biggest challenge we’ve ever done! Today, 50 YouTubers will battle it out in a series of intense challenges, but only one will walk away with the grand prize—one million dollars!” The crowd erupts into cheers again, and you feel a surge of adrenaline.
The first challenge is announced: a giant obstacle course, filled with towering walls, spinning platforms, and pools of water that threaten to knock you out of the game. You’ve trained for this, and you’re ready. You look over at TheOdd1sOut, who gives you a thumbs-up. Quackity catches your eye and mouths, “Let’s do this!”
You take a deep breath and focus. The countdown begins: 3... 2... 1...
The horn blares, and you’re off. You sprint forward, feeling the rush of wind against your face as you navigate the course. You leap over the first hurdle, your heart pounding in your chest. Behind you, you hear a splash as someone falls into the water. TheOdd1sOut is right next to you, keeping pace. “Just like in practice, Jaiden!” he shouts over the noise, and you nod, focusing on the next obstacle—a series of spinning platforms.
You jump, timing your movements with the spinning of the platforms. You land on the first one, wobbling slightly but catching your balance. Out of the corner of your eye, you see Quackity take a daring leap, skipping two platforms at once. “Show-off,” you mutter with a grin, but you keep moving. Schlatt is right behind you, his face set in concentration.
The next obstacle is a wall you have to scale. You run up to it, planting your foot against the side and reaching for the top. Your fingers just catch the edge, and you pull yourself up with a grunt of effort. On the other side, you see Quackity helping James.
You drop down and continue running, feeling the burn in your legs. The Course is brutal, but you’re determined to push through. You glance back and see Schlatt gaining on you. He catches your eye and smirks
“Better pick up the pace, jaiden!”
You left breathlessly and push yourself harder. The final stretches ahead a long rope bridge that sways with every step you grab the rope and move quickly, trying not to look down the bridge. The bridge wobbles dangerously as you cross, and you hear Quackity shouting encouragement from behind you
“Almost there Jaiden!”
Finally, you make it to the end and jump onto the solid ground, breathing heavily. You did it. You look around and James, quackity and schlatt are right there with you. The rest of the competitors are still making their way through the course, but you and your friends have made it to the next round.
Mr beast voice comes over the loudspeaker again
“Great job everyone but remember this is just the beginning, the next challenge will test not only your physical strength, both your wits and teamwork. Get ready because things are about to get even more intense.”
You exchange to look with your friends a mix of excitement and determination on all your faces whatever comes next
You know you're ready.
…
..
.
..
…
They weren’t ready
We didn't how we didn't see it.
It was just supposed to be a game.
Right?