Chapter Text
Uggh, I did not sleep well.
My first night here was not exactly pleasant, the lone mattress I slept on is probably worse than the ones back at Pahkitew Island, and they weren’t exactly the pinnacle of comfort.
Luckily, none of my roommates bothered me, including Max. I’m surprised he didn’t want to invade my privacy and come up with some immature ‘evil scheme’ to break out of here. I should be glad that he didn’t pester me, but a part of me wishes that I could talk to someone. I don’t want to be the one to make the first move, since I don’t want to admit weakness to Max or the others.
I’ve really sunk, haven’t I? Just a couple days ago I was so sure I was going to win that million, until I took an opportunity that seemed irresistible. Why should I risk any mistakes in the competition when I could just take them hostage and bargain for the money in return?
If I didn’t take my glasses off in a display of arrogance, I probably wouldn’t be here. Because of my subpar eyesight, the Chris-Bot those morons used to fool me resembled the real Mclean, and I underestimated their abilities to think of such a ploy. Luckily I kept my glasses and didn’t just throw them away, so I have them on right now.
Knock knock knock
That better not be Max, I don’t want to deal with him just after I woke up.
“S-s-Scarlett? Are y-you awake yet?” I don’t recognise that voice. It’s feminine in nature and it’s not Paula’s, so it most likely pertains to Susan.
“Yes, I just reawoke from a deep slumber, although I am not yet fully revitalised.”
“W-w-well, your new uniform was j-just dropped off, a-and you have to w-w-wear it as soon as p-possible.” I forgot about the uniforms, I was too focused on my own thoughts to remember everything. Interestingly, Susan seems to have some sort of alalia literalis.
“I’ll be out momentarily.” I rub the sleep out of my eyes and put my glasses on. I open the door and see Susan in front of me for the first time.
The first thing I notice about her is her diminutive stature. She appears to be barely taller than Max. She also seems to be dangerously svelte, almost anorexic in nature. As expected, Susan appears to be of East Asian heritage, with messy black hair. Of course, she is wearing the hideous uniform, and is holding mine too.
“S-s-sorry to bother y-you Scarlett, but your u-uniform was delivered here a c-c-couple hours ago.” She hands me the grotesque pile of clothing in her hands. I’d really rather not wear this.
“Much obliged. One question, though. Why are we required to wear these garments as opposed to clothing we’d usually don?”
“I d-don’t really know why, I j-j-just assume that they’re l-like some p-prison uniform.” That question was of no use then.
“I r-really need to g-go now, the voices are m-m-making me go back the my room.” Susan quickly darts off into her room, the one at the end of the hall. Her comments about voices are mildly troubling, but I assume it’s just a case of schizophrenia. That alone wouldn’t usually put someone into an asylum though, there’s possibly more going on with Susan. Best not to confront someone about why they’re here, although Max seems to disagree going off of what he said to Paula yesterday.
I go back into my room to reluctantly change into the clownesque costume Susan gave me. I swiftly take off my regular clothing, a trick I learnt to quickly change into disguises, and put the uniform on. Shockingly, it’s actually quite comfortable. I don’t know how they know what size clothes I wear, but it all fits. Unfortunately, the pants do not have any pockets to speak of, likely so a weapon can’t be concealed so easily.
After my outfit change, there isn’t much to do. I can’t do any of those ‘activities’ yet, I don’t even think I’m allowed to leave this room for the time being. My mind needs to be distracted by something, to be stimulated. The monotony of the situation I’m in is overwhelming as I refuse to reflect on past experiences any longer.
In simple terms, I’m bored.
KNOCK KNOCK
Another visitor?
“Sidekick! Let me in at once!” Oh joy. Just because I’m so bored, I’ll humour him, no other reason.
“Come in, Max.” He enters my room. I immediately see that Max is also wearing the same uniform that I am. If it wasn’t for his purple hair, I’d tell him he looks like a leprechaun. I barely hold back a snicker.
“What’s so funny, sidekick?” That immediately makes me stop laughing.
“I thought I told you to stop calling me sidekick.” I make sure to add as much venom in my voice as I can muster.
“Oh yeah, sorry Scarlett…” It’s astounding how quickly Max can turn from an egomaniac to a surprisingly polite person with some discipline.
“Why are you here, Max? If it’s about partnering up again, I am NOT making that mistake twice.” I notice Max’s face fall slightly after saying that. I know I shouldn't be sympathetic towards him at all, but a tiny part of me feels a little bad for him. He sighs deeply.
“Why don’t you want to be my sidekick? We worked so well together!”
“You never gave me any credit for the schemes I came up with or assisted you with. Also, the title of sidekick is demeaning towards me.” I just want this conversation to be over, I shouldn't have given him a chance.
“You could’ve just asked me to not call you sidekick.” He starts to pout like a toddler, surprisingly fitting with Max’s stature.
“I knew you wouldn’t have listened, you almost never did.”
“That’s not true at all! I listened to you when you came up with those brilliant ideas! I was willing to change your title if you asked.”
What. Did he just call MY ideas brilliant?
“Since when did you give out accolades to anyone but yourself?” I smirk since I knew I caught Max in a trap. He also seems to realise that. He sighs again, and displays a type of weakness I have never seen before on his porcine face.
“I knew you were the one to come up with those schemes. I’ve always had a hard time giving credit to people. I was pretty much jealous of you for being the one to concoct such EVIL ploys.” By the time he was done talking, he was sitting on the floor, avoiding eye-contact with me.
Truthfully, I have no idea what to say to that. I never thought I would see Max of all people admitting he was wrong. Maybe he’s not the vile creature I thought he was.
“Look, Max… Since I am feeling rather merciful, I will give you one chance to work with me, JUST ONE. We will either be equals, or YOU will be MY sidekick. I’m sure you are more inclined to the former, though. If you mess up, you will not want to deal with the consequences.” Max looks back up at me. His eyes are glistening, almost like he’s about to burst into tears. He runs over to me and envelops me in an unwanted hug.
“Thank you, Scarlett! You have no idea how much that means to me!”
“Max. Get off. Don’t make me regret this already.” He hastily lets go of me.
“Oops… Sorry Si-Scarlett.” He awkwardly laughs.
I hope I haven’t made the wrong decision.