Host Gone Missing
Haemon Island. Secluded in the middle of the ocean with one other island nearby, Spear Island. When Surfboard signed up, he didn’t think it was dangerous. The lush wildlife surrounding it and flowing rivers sounded somewhat enticing. Plus, with a prize of anything your heart desires, it was worth the stay. Even if his peers were… Agitating.
“COME ON!” He hears a voice exclaim from outside the cabin, waking him up. He groans in annoyance, slowly getting out of bed. Waking up here was a bit of a surprise to him, but if it meant he didn’t have to sit in a boat or plane with a bunch of perky and enthusiastic dimwits, he was somewhat alright with it. He stomps over to the cabin door, waking up his roommate in the process.
“Oh, surf man! What are you doing up?..” Acorn asks, perking up and tilting his head. Surfboard replies with a grunt before going through the cabin door and slamming it behind him.
“N- NO! It’s dangerous to go exploring alone, Ice Cream…” Danger Sign stutters, grabbing onto Ice Cream’s arm. Ice Cream quickly breaks free from her grasp, running over to catch up with Cake and Strawberry.
“Don’t worry, Sign, we’ll come back soon enough. Just tell Hashtag we went exploring if she starts asking where we are.” Strawberry says calmly, not looking back at Danger Sign as the three begin walking away.
Surfboard walks up to Danger Sign, seeing her body shaking in fear, “Where are those three idiots going?” he asks, looking up at her.
“They’re going to get themselves killed in the woods! I keep telling them it’s not safe but they wont listen!” Danger Sign squeals. Surfboard scoffs, they haven’t even started the first challenge and people are already trying to find a way to leave.
“Ohhh, you mean that forest?” Acorn exclaims, popping up behind Surf Board and making him spook.
“What other forests are there, idiot?” Surf Board grunts, brushing himself off in embarrassment. A little thing like that shouldn’t scare him, maybe it’s just Acorn’s grating voice and horrible memory.
“I wouldn’t be suprised if they got lost, if you go in too deep its like a maze trying to find your way back!” Acorn points out. Danger Sign whimpers in fear, and Surf Board nudges her shoulder.
“Don’t be such a pussy, Hashtag will find them if something bad happens. Probably. Actually, wouldn’t count on it!” Surf Board comforts sarcastically. Acorn pauses for a second before bursting into laughter. Surf Board's wide grin quickly fades, it was supposed to come off as bitter, not funny.
“Hey, PB!” Pill says, walking behind Pill Bottle. He’d been following him for a while now, trying to get his attention. Pill Bottle wasn’t really in the mood to talk, after being taken away during his sleep from his home. It wasn’t what he had in mind when he signed up for the show.
“Hey, kid, go bother the Rainbows, alright?” Pill Bottle grunts as he turns around to face Pill, pointing at the Rainbows who seem to be minding their business play fighting with sticks.
“I think they’re doing their own thing right now.” Pill Bottle points out, turning to look at the Rainbows. When he turns back to look at Pill Bottle, he’s long gone, “PB? Oh, is this hide and seek! I’m seeking!” Pill exclaims.
He starts speed walking through the forest, looking at every bush, tree, and rock. The smell of moss and nature was calming, helping him focus on his mission, find Pill Bottle. Ever since Pill first saw him, he felt a connection. Most adults found him annoying and clingly, and so did Pill Bottle, but looking at him was like looking into the eyes of his father. Of course, he never did have one, so he didn’t know what it felt like.
Continuing his search, he smells something different, something metal-like. “Pill Bottle? PB!” Pill calls out, following the smell. He didn’t know what he was expecting to find, but he was always up for some adventuring. But as he approaches, nervousness surrounds him. Maybe he should just go back, the Rainbows wouldn’t mind a third joining with their play-fighting, right?..
His legs shake as he continues forward. Everything seemed more dull and dark around him. It’s not too late, just run away, he thinks but doesn’t act on it. His eyes dart around, “P- Pill Bottle?”
He takes one more step.
His foot suddenly feels wet.
“Ew! Puddle! Agh- Now my foots all-..”
Red.
It isn’t water.
Wine Glass approaches Lavender, whos sitting on her bed of the cabin fixing her petals. He leans against the wall, making her notice his presence. She scoffs, “Oh, great, you again.”
“Well, we are roommates, no?” Wine Glass says, leaning over her. She pushes his face away and he chuckles laying on the edge of her bed.
“What are you still doing here? Can’t you see I’m in the middle of something?” She grunts, stopping what she's doing.
“No need to be so bold, can’t a friendly neighbour say hello?” He says, stretching his arms out and getting comfortable.
“First we’re roommates, now we’re neighbours? At least stay consistent.” She says, kicking him off of the bed, “I’d also invest in some cologne, the smell of wine makes me ill. Maybe that can be what your heart desires, or whatever.”
Wine Glass laughs, holding his head as he stands up, “My my, I was just being nice. But, if you wish, I’ll leave you alone.” He says, leaving the cabin. Lavender flips him off as he does so.
The smell of the sea overwhelms him, and he hears the sand crunching under his feet as he walks by. His moment of tranquillity is halted by the high-pitched scream of Pill. He groans as Pill runs closer.
“Child! Mind not causing a ruckus? I was just starting to feel at home here.” Wine Glass scoffs as Pill runs up to him.
“PILL BOTTLE - FOREST - BLOOD!” Pill manages to get out between deep gasps for air, falling to the ground. Wine Glass sees the blood on Pill’s foot now.
“Did you take a tumble? No worries, Hashtag will get you all tidied up I’m sure.” Wine Glass teases, picking up Pill and cradling him.
“It’s… Not my blood…” Pill gasps, still trying to catch his breath. Wine Glass’ heart skips a beat, then he awkwardly laughs it off.
“What exactly do you mean by that, little one?..” He says through a forced smile.
“I was in the forest, and -” Pill starts before he’s cut off.
“There you are! Fucking kid, don’t just wander into the woods looking for me!” Pill Bottle says, snatching Pill from Wine Glass. Pill’s eyes lighten up when he sees Pill Bottle.
“Pill was saying something rather… Unnerving. Mind continuing your story?” Wine mutters, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Oh, yeah! So I went into the forest, and then I thought I smelled metal, so I went towards it and there was a pool of blood! I didn’t see much else because I ran back here, but I did see some purple fur stuff near it!” Pill says quickly. Pill Bottle and Wine Glass share a quick glance at each other.
“Doesn’t Hashtag?..” Pill Bottle murmurs. Wine Glass nodded, understanding what he was going to say.
Hashtag is missing, leaving nothing but a pool of blood.