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Techno has been in this loop for a while.
At least, that's what he thinks. He became aware about the whole time loop thing about 30 loops ago, but everything he does feels familiar in a way, so he feels like it's been lasting longer than that.
At first, he wondered why was he stuck in this loop. Who did this to him? Why him?
What even is the point of doing all of this?
He learnt a bit more about the loop while going through it. The way it worked is that in every loop, there will be a new play that appear at his school. He would audition for the main role, only to get the understudy role instead.
Rehearsals will go well, all the way up to the final week. From there, it's a coin flip.
Either something bad will happen during Tech Runs, or during the actual show day itself.
Maybe a stage light would fall. Maybe the main character would slip and fall off the stage. Maybe a prop will malfunction.
No matter what, the main character will always have something bad happen to them.
And then Techno will wake up in a new loop, with a new play and a new lead to restart the whole process.
He'd asked around for any information about the cast from the previous loops, but it seemed like the rest of the crew were fine, even sometimes rejoining as cast members for the next loop's play. Only the person playing the lead role would vanish, never to be seen again.
Techno had tried stopping the loop as best as he could, but it only delayed the ending of his invisible performance by another few hours. In the end, the curtain still falls, and he'll be back to the start, without even bowing to the stagehands.
What made him aware of the loops, and why? He can't change anything, and the loops never lasted long enough for him to care about the leads, or they'll be so pretentious to the point where he's actively wishing for their downfall.
And then on the 15th loop, everything changes.
– – –
PROLOGUE
Cast List:
Techno Blade - Techno
Squid Kid - Squid
Various Students - Ensemble
A Promise and A Plan
INT. SCHOOL CAFETERIA - DAY
The cafeteria was loud and chaotic, with students chatting wildly in the background, some of them even screaming at the top of their lungs. Sitting at the center table, TECHNO and SQUID are peacefully eating lunch, their silence being a stark contrast to the chaos around them. They would have their bags beside them, with TECHNO'S being half opened.
SQUID
(Looks up) Hey Tech?
TECHNO hummed, still focused on eating his food.
SQUID
You interested in joining the show?
TECHNO
(snorts) Me? If anything I'll probably get the understudy role again. It's just not worth it anymore.
He sounds bored saying this, as if it is a fact. SQUID laughs back, leaning over to pat TECHNO on his back.
SQUID
Forgot that you're basically cursed to never shine. Too bad, cause I'm aiming for the main character, and I think you'll be a great sidekick!
TECHNO
(Points to himself) Me? A sidekick? (Places hand over heart) Oh Squid, you wound me. I'll much rather play the role of a singing bush than be your sidekick.
SQUID scoffs, pushing away from the table to do a dramatic pose.
SQUID
Well, if you refuse to see reason, then I have no reason to stay here anymore. Farewell, I'm off to pursue greatness!
With that, SQUID grabs his bag and struts off stage, exiting through the door on stage right. TECHNO'S smile will linger for a few moments before falling as he sighs and rests his head onto his palm.
TECHNO
Squid… Why do you have to be like this?
TECHNO'S eyes will close, before he sits up properly and punches his fist into his palm.
TECHNO
Okay, I think I got everything down now. Let's see if this will be my final show.
He takes out a piece of paper from his bag. It was a poster, calling for students to join the production of the play, "The Great Potato War".
TECHNO
And the first step is to do the impossible. Getting the lead role.
END OF PROLOGUE
– – –
The Great Potato War was the musical that appeared in the 14th loop. Techno actually liked it at first. It had a simple story. The main character, wanting a special book that needed potatoes in order to make, decides to make a potato farm after finding out just how fun it was.
He aimed to be the best at farming potatoes in the kingdom, but realised that the current number 1 had a massive lead in terms of potatoes. Undeterred, the main character would start plotting his way to victory, eventually managing to take that number 1 spot from his competitor. However, the competitor, enraged, demanded a race. The first between the two to get 5 million potatoes wins the battle. The main character agreed, and a comedic singing montage of the two trying their best to outsmart the other begins, taking up most of the show.
At the end, the main character will come up on top, gaining the recognition of the king and many others within the kingdom. Despite the furious competition, the two of them still ended up being friends, even aiding each other in times of need. The show ends there, and all the members will come out and bow.
It was a fun show, even if the lead in that loop fell off the platform by accident. The songs were nice too, rather catchy for something made in high school. Techno was guilty of singing some of them outside of rehearsals.
So Techno wasn't too shocked to see it come back in the 15th loop. He just pushed the strangeness away, thinking nothing much of it.
That was until his only friend, Squid Kid, decided to sign up for the show.
– – –
FLASHBACK
Cast List:
Techno Blade - Techno
Squid Kid - Squid
Various Students - Ensemble
??? - Annoying Yelling Kid
The Discovery - 15th Loop
INT. SCHOOL CORRIDOR
The corridor was packed with students, all staring up at a poster stuck onto a corkboard.
ENSEMBLE 1
Did you see the new show?
ENSEMBLE 2
Yea, it looks so dumb lmao.
ANNOYING YELLING KID
A musical about farming potatoes? What a lame vegetable. Why not carrots? It's a much superior root vegetable.
TECHNO laughs at the people around them.
TECHNO
(Jabbing at SQUID'S side) Did you hear that Squid? They think carrots are better than potatoes. They must be dumber than I thought!
SQUID doesn't reply, still staring right at the poster. TECHNO'S laughter dies off, replaced with him staring confusingly at his unresponsive friend.
TECHNO
Uh, Squid? You hearing me? They think carrots are better, isn't that hilarious?
SQUID
(Talking to no one in particular) I think I want to join the play.
TECHNO
Heh?? (Walks to the front of SQUID) You, joining the play? Like as stage crew right? Maybe props director? Or even backup? Heard that they're looking for quite a few ensemble, lots of song need ensemble for dancing and singing beside the leads.
SQUID
No! Like the main character!
TECHNO laughs, reaching his hands out to grab SQUID'S shoulders to shake him.
TECHNO
Helloooo? Is Squid Kid in there? Why on Earth do you want to be the main character? Main characters are lame, annoying and so pretentious! Why do you want to leave me and the backstage crew to join those folks?
SQUID
Firstly, not all of them are like that and you know it. Secondly, I'm not leaving you. You could always join me–
TECHNO
(Interrupts) And I thought you knew that that's impossible? I never get a lead role, it practically the law here.
SQUID
(Rolls eyes) And I thought I told you that you can do anything as long as you put your mind to it! I just think I'll do great as the lead, and I think you could do great playing the number 1 guy. (Smirks) Heh, maybe there would be something that I'm better than you at this time, bozo.
TECHNO rolls his eyes and walk away, slapping SQUID across the head lightly as he headed down the corridor. SQUID cries out and starts chasing after TECHNO, with both characters exiting the scene from stage left.
END OF FLASHBACK
– – –
Techno had thought the conversation to be over, that he had successfully prevented his friend from possibly making the worst decision in his life.
And then the cast list came out a week later, and right there, smack dab at the top, was Squid's name.
To say he was pissed was an understatement.
For the entire 3 months of rehearsal, Techno did whatever he could to make sure Squid would be safe.
Mic dying mid-way? Steer him far away from anything involving electricity. Using any props? Remind him to be careful and linger close by to make sure he doesn't fall onto any sharp blades. High platforms? Mats on the ground.
But of course, how could Techno forget about fucking concussions??
Squid had tripped, fell and now Techno was all the way back to the start, staring right up at that damned poster.
And thus began the most life-draining portion of the time loop, the part where he has to make sure the person he cared the most in this insanity doesn't die from various random problems.
Loop 17? Prop hit him in the knees and had him falling headfirst into the sharp part of the platform.
Loop 20? Stage light.
Loop 23? Fire broke out back stage.
Loop 25? Stage light.
Loop 27? Fell from the stage at an angle and broke his back.
Loop 29? Stage light.
Loop 30? You guessed it, stage light.
Techno's going to break that damned thing himself if it falls one more time.
…Break it himself huh?
Now that's an interesting idea.
– – –
SCENE 1
Cast List:
Techno Blade - Techno
Squid Kid - Squid
The Start of The End - 31th loop
EXT – OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL
TECHNO and SQUID walk onto stage, both chatting to each other as they hold onto a thick bundle of paper. They look happy, with SQUID spinning excitedly in front of TECHNO.
SQUID
Lets go!! We both got the main characters!! I knew you could do it Tech! And since when did you audition for the role?
TECHNO
(Looking smug) Who said I even auditioned? Maybe they saw how cool I was and just gave it to me for free?
SQUID
Bullshit! (Hits TECHNO'S arm before slinging his own over TECHNO'S neck) I'm happy for you man, seriously. You've been waiting to get an actual role this whole time, and now it's your time to shine! No more waiting for someone to fall ill, let's blow everyone's socks off from how good we are!
TECHNO doesn't reply for a moment, simply just smiling back at SQUID while they continued walking down the street. He sighs, slinging an arm over Squid's neck as well.
TECHNO
Just shocked that you aren't raging over the fact that I got the main character role instead of you.
SQUID
Oh I am, but I'm waiting for the high of you getting an actual role to die down first. Remember bozo, you're my enemy! I will stop at nothing to bring you down, even if the story is already written. Who knows? Maybe sing so well that they'll be convinced to rewrite it! Haha!!
TECHNO laughs, waving goodbye as SQUID runs off, leaving the stage.
TECHNO
Yeah, it's time to rewrite this story.
END OF SCENE 1
– – –
The plan is simple. Almost deceptively simple.
Keep Squid and himself alive long enough to see the day after curtain call. Simple.
Oh yea, Techno forgot to mention. For some reason, the curse or whatever this was would kill both of the main characters from this show. Why? Probably to make Techno's live harder.
He paid some attention to the dangers the second lead would face, and honestly it isn't as bad as the main lead. He just needed to make sure to preach to the school about safety and the floors and corners are as padded as it can be. He also made sure to swap out the prop they were using, the actual, sharp metal hoe, for a safer, plastic version.
The hard part is keeping Techno himself safe.
– – –
SCENE 2
Cast List:
Techno Blade - Techno
Squid Kid - Squid
??? - Tech Crew Member
Various Students - Ensemble
Excerpt: What plays next is a montage style series of moments played out over several rehearsals, all starring TECHNO and SQUID as they tried to survive the deadly play.
The Execution
INT – SCHOOL HALL
Lights fade in
TECHNO and SQUID stand in the center of the stage, facing each other.
SQUID
What are you always doing here. What do you want from me!?
TECHNO
Squid, I know we have our differences. But the guards are after you. I saw a helper.
Squid takes a step back, clearly taken a back.
TECHNO
There were two dudes Squid. They came to your farm, they were snitching.
SQUID
I need names.
TECHNO tells SQUID the names of who he saw, which SQUID writes them down in his notebook.
SQUID
Names noted.
TECHNO
You got to be careful, the snitches are everywhere. Anyways, I'm going to mess around now.
TECHNO tries to runs off stage as per the script, but he would slip and fall face first onto the stage mid way. The rehearsals paused, with SQUID running over to help him up.
SQUID
Tech!! Are you okay?
TECHNO
Yea, I'm alright. Nearly took out a tooth though. (Turns and faces the teacher-in-charge) Do you see why I was arguing so hard about the hoe? I would've taken an eye out if I had it on me and fall like that!
Lights fade out
Wait for 10 seconds.
Lights fade in
TECHNO and SQUID are once again standing in the center of the stage, this time with ensemble members surrounding them. TECHNO was holding a unraveled scroll, showing SQUID the contents of the scroll.
TECHNO
Your Potato Rank 1 spot, is now mine!! Hahaha!!
SQUID
What!! How? How!?
TECHNO opens his mouth to continue speaking, but the sound of something ripping made his pause to look. He sees something about to fall onto SQUID, and pulls him closer to avoid being hit. Looking at the object, it seemed like it was one of the lantern props they hung up on the flats above. TECHNO and SQUID stare at the lantern before simultaneously turning to look at the teacher.
TECHNO
Do I even need to say?
Lights fade out
Wait for 10 seconds.
Lights fade in
TECHNO and SQUID are singing their songs for the mic checks while watching the ensemble practice their dance for one of the more demanding songs.
TECHNO nudge SQUID'S arm once he was done with his mic check, directing his attention to the ensemble cast.
TECHNO
Do you think your dance is harder or theirs?
SQUID
(Hums) Probably theirs. Mine is all small, simple stuff since I'm still singing. Theirs is all dance.
TECHNO
True.
They continue watching as the Tech Crew went through more checks before a loud noise echo through the room and the hall falls into darkness.
TECHNO
...wow I didn't even know that would happen. Thank god I decided to move us away from any power outlets.
SQUID
That was from a power outlet!??
Wait for 10 seconds.
Lights fade in
TECHNO is staring up at a stage light, with one of the tech crew standing next to him.
TECH CREW MEMBER
So, what is your complaint again?
TECHNO
(Points) Could've sworn I heard creaking from up there.
TECH CREW MEMBER
(Squints up at the light) Normally I would say you are crazy and probably just spoiled, but I've seen the insane shit that's been happening to the two of you, and frankly I don't want to risk it.
TECHNO
Thank you! Finally, a sensible person in this school!
Lights fade out
END OF SCENE 2
– – –
SCENE 3
Cast List:
Techno Blade - Techno
Squid Kid - Squid
Various Students - Ensemble
FINALE AND CURTAIN'S CALL
INT - SCHOOL THEATRE
TECHNO and SQUID are standing backstage, watching as the seats fill up with audience members. They do their vocal warm ups and a bit of stretching while waiting, and are now simple waiting for the cue to go.
SQUID
Nervous?
TECHNO
A little.
SQUID
You'll do fine.
TECHNO
We'll do great. We might have been a little cursed, but that's alright. We'll get through this, I promise.
SQUID
(Laughs) From the way you're acting, it seems more like you're promising that we'll live by the end of this. Of course I know we'll going to do great, bozo. I'm not letting no prop dropping stopping us now!
TECHNO
(Smiles) You got that right, Squiddy. Now come on, show's about to start. Let's blow them away.
SQUID
Yea!!!
The play goes smoothly, with TECHNO and SQUID playing their roles perfectly. There were moments where TECHNO would have to pull SQUID to the side to dodge something, nearly forgetting his lines while singing, but no major incidents like a stage light falling.
With one last handshake, the two actors stumble backstage, silently screaming at each other in joy.
SQUID
(Making sure the mic has been turned off) We did it!!
TECHNO
(Grabbing SQUID into a hug) We actually made it!
They giggle at each other as they watch the teacher make her speech before it is time to return on stage.
They bow to the audience, to the stagehands, and to the orchestra.
TECHNO then turn to bow at SQUID, who, though confused, bow back.
As all cast members and audience members leave the stage, TECHNO remains onstage, with a single spot light shining down on him. He looks up.
TECHNO
(Smiling widely) I win, loser.