Chapter Text
Two felt it. One had successfully signed a contract with Gaty, and her presence had disappeared. Now six months have passed, they’ve been bed rotting since it happened. Fanny, Grassy, and a few other contestants would come into Two’s room to check on them, only to get no reply.
The immense guilt overwhelmed Two’s body as they lay there, thinking of ways that this could’ve been prevented. How they could’ve saved her. How it was their fault in the first place. Why do good things have to come to an end? Now it’s as if she never existed.
Two’s room had countless pictures all over the walls. Picture frames were filled with friends and memories. But there were many with Two sitting by themself, an empty spot next to them, where Gaty used to be.
Four and X had taken over Two’s show, hosting in their place until they were ready to come back. As the contests continued, the world fell apart more and more. Contestants disappeared, minor details changed, and there was an odd feeling of a power imbalance in the universe, as if something was misaligned. Despite the tension, Four was able to be a great host and conceal their worries to protect the others. X knew a little about what was going on from conversations with Four, but only bits and pieces as Four didn’t want to worry his partner. One was back. This was a big problem. Four can handle most issues on his own, but this one required help.
“Two, you need to help me deal with her.” Four insisted as he settled in a chair near a whiteboard facing Two. The whiteboard had been filled with pictures of missing contestants and strange events that all linked to One. Fanny and Ice Cube had been compiling these notes for months, but no one’s been able to decipher them. The notes were sparse as it was compiled of information that the two of them recalled from their meetings with One. Not much is known about her, only that she is causing problems now and she must be dealt with.
“I…” Two sighed, unable to finish their sentence. They laid, sprawled out on their bed, surrounded by the same rotting trash for the past few days as everyone was busy with a competition that X was hosting. Four and Two sat in silence for a long period of time, before Four broke the silence.
“I understand how you feel, but laying around and wishing she was back isn’t going to change anything.” Four paused, then continued, “You and I are the most powerful beings here right now, and it’s our responsibility to make sure that no one else goes missing.”
Two mumbled, “What’s the point? One’s already gained too much power and mine’s withering.” Two lifted their hands and attempted to muster up what little energy they had to pick up a broken picture with one silhouette and an empty space next to it. The picture frame abruptly dropped back into place and Two’s hands dropped back onto the bed.
Four looked at Two in a caring, concerned way. In a soft tone, he said “Hey, how about I make you some food. You need to eat something real and not just junk food.”
“I—“ Two looked around their bed at all the fast food wrappers and empty soda bottles lying around. “I appreciate it, Four.” Two said as Four headed down to the kitchen.
The hotel was filled with other objects, some concerned, some just going about daily business. Four went through the halls until he reached the kitchen. There, X was hanging out, making a sandwich.
“Hi Four!” X said excitedly.
“Hey X.” Four walked over to X and embraced him. “How’d the contest go?”
X stopped making the sandwich and turned around to hug Four. “It was exhausting, but fun!” he replied.
“Glad to hear it.” Four said lovingly as he pecked a kiss on X’s forehead.
“How did you talk with Two go?” X asked.
“I’m going to try to get their energy back so we can come up with a plan. It’s difficult though as they are exhausted.” Four walked over to the other counter and started making pancakes. “I’m going to make them some food, then let them rest. Once they’re up again, we’ll come up with a plan.”
“Okay, do you need any help?” X chirped.
“You can make these pancakes with me.”