#:) (arg)

[the-official-outcasts]

No- no, Master, please!-

Quiet, 51.

Master had learned about the most recent dream she shared with Delta. One he had not permitted her to show them yet. And for her disobedience, she would be punished. 

Do you truly think it's coming to save you? What a foolish, disrespectful girl you are. Just because you're working to get it here does not mean it's going to take you from me!

B-but I thought you wanted-

Would a hunt be any fun without mutts to find the prey? Of course I want him to find you! How else will I ever get it through your pathetic little head just how cruel the outside world is to pets like you? 

She silenced herself. Any further reaction would only worsen her punishment. 

You will be taught a very valuable lesson today, 51. And you're going to help me teach it.

Thank you, Master.

Oh, shut it.

He continued to drag her to his throne room. Upon entering, he smiled wickedly.

51, you remember Sona and Mara, do you not?

All color drained from her face when she saw the twins standing near the stairs. Both were attached to their handler by tethers on their back.

Answer me, pet.

Y-yes, Master, I do. Why are they here?

They're going to get a live example of what will happen to them if they keep misbehaving. Mara is quite the trouble maker. And Sona has developed quite a rude way to translate for her sister.

How… do they need to be punished?

They're much too young to handle more than a ruler to the wrist. They will witness how the other patients will suffer for their disrespect. Do you understand?

Yes, Master.

Master grabbed her by the waist with a tentacle, and threw her to the ground. She moved only to block her face from landing too hard.

Mara flinched at the sight. By extension, Sona flinched as well. Both were muzzled, now that the older girl was looking closer.

Master swiftly tied her wrists to the chains on the wall. He made sure they stretched long enough out so he could punish her properly.

51, walk.

She did. Once she went as far as she could, Master struck behind her legs and forced her to her knees.

He turned to look at the children. 

Girls, you will be learning a very important lesson today. By request of your handler, I will go easy on my nurse. 

Her heartbeat pounded in her head. She wasn't sure what to expect. Based on her position, she assumed she would be getting whipped.

A loud crackle of leather hitting the floor behind her proved her right. 

51, look at them. 

She looked up. 

Mara grasped her sister's hand, standing protectively in front of her. Sona was tense, trying to figure out what was going on. Her doctor was whispering something to her.

Crack!

She gasped, back arching in pain. Tears instantly filled her eyes. A shriek escaped her lips.

Mara jumped, her eyes going wide. Her ears fell flat. And backed herself fully in front of Sona to protect her.

Crack!

She let out another small scream of pain. For the children's sake, she tried to be quieter.

The doctor covered Sona's mouth, before whispering what was occurring to her. 

The child tensed, tightening her grip on her sister's hand.

Crack!

This one was harder than the last. Master must have noticed her restraint. To appease, she forced herself to scream for longer than she usually would.

Crack!

Her head spun, as it always did around this time. She knew that, further than this, food would not come around for quite a while.

She braced for the next whip. But all she heard was Master putting it down.

That's enough now, 51. On your feet.

She pushed back, and used the chains to pull herself up. She panted, tears still streaming.

Tha-thank you, Master…

Did I tell you to speak, girl?

She flinched, but went silent. She didn't want to risk being punished further. 

He smiled at that. 

Sona, Mara. If you continue to disobey your doctors, this will happen to either you or your friends. Am I clear?

They nodded, silently. Too afraid to speak or look any further.

Good. Doctor, you can leave now.

At that, Master was quick to drag her away. He took her down hallway after hallway, until they arrived at a rotting door.

Her heart dropped.

You'll be staying in here until you've earned your daylight, 51.

He tore the door open, and tossed her in.

The room was pitch black. As the door closed, all light was blocked.

Once again, she was alone. With no hope of leaving.

…

In the absence of light, I silently creep, a whisper of terror, where shadows leap. With each step you take, I draw you in close, a perilous truth, that you dread the most.

What am I?

Darkness

Blindness

Night

Silence

Voting ended onAug 6

[the-official-outcasts]

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=Ie-7sMEK33w&si=Md0DxxdcNaU0wd6m

Thanks. I’ll be using it. 

He stood from the couch, and walked a few feet from it. Then, he sat cross-legged on the ground.

Jace, Cecil! Come here, we got our method!

Coming!

Cecil rushed into his living room, pleased Delta was already seated. She greeted him with a smile.

Oh, good! You found your place!

About a minute or so later, Jace walked in. They held rope, laced with magic. Delta's eyes landed on it immediately, narrowing in suspicion. 

Fuck's all that for? You're not trying to tie me up, are you?

Jace sighed, hands lowering. Cecil shot him a look that basically said ‘be more polite’.

Delta, we don't want to take any chances. The last time we did this, you teleported onto a roof. I think we'd all prefer to not terrorize Ms. Kelley with another phone call.

… fair enough. But don't tie my wrists or ankles together.

Jace's expression dropped, and he rolled his eyes.

Then how do you expect us to keep you down? Did you ignore everything I just said?

Delta rolled his eyes back.

Give me the rope. I'll demonstrate.

What? No, I'm not-

Delta shot to his feet. Jace quickly backed away.

Oh come on, I'm not gonna hurt you! Just give me the rope!

He tried to reach for the rope. Jace replied by shoving him away. Delta did not take kindly to that.

No! Fuck off, just communicate how you want it done! 

It's not gonna hurt! You're freaking out over nothing! Just give me the-

Jace turned and ran. Delta followed him, as the two shouted incomprehensible arguments.

Cecil groaned, putting his hands over his face. Luckily, the two dodged him as they ran around the room.

Ohhh my- STOP IT!

They were stuck on opposite ends of the living room table, waiting for the other to move. But when they heard Cecil, they froze and snapped their heads to look at him.

Jace, give him the damn rope. Delta, practice on me. There is no good reason for y'all to be acting like fools at 11 am!

Begrudgingly, Jace handed Delta the rope. Then, Delta walked to Cecil.

Lay down for me, Ceec. 

Okay!

You better be careful with my brother, Delta.

Relax! I will be! I've never hurt him willingly.

Delta-

NOPE, no more! Tie me, Del!

Don't say it like that.

Not like that!

Freak.

YOU own the rope! If anyone, you're the freak.

Can we stop this already?! Let's get this over with! 

If he can stop-

DELTA.

Okay, okay! Damn!

Cecil laid back down with the rope laid under his mid-shoulders. Delta proceeded to use the rope to ladder-tie him, from his shoulders to his ankles. 

There! See what I mean? Arms are to the side, not linked together. Same with the legs. 

Coulda just told me the name. 

If I knew the name, I would. 

You don't know the-

Jace. It doesn't matter. Were you paying enough attention to repeat it?

Of course i was!

Oh really, smart-ass? What's the name of it, then.

Delta, can you not?! Untie me, we gotta get this shit done.

Fine, fine.

It took only a few minutes for Cecil to be untied. But once he was, Jace repeated the ladder tie on him. Then, once he was done, Cecil placed a blindfold over him.

Alright, Del, you ready?

Yup!

Okay!

[the-official-outcasts]

we have a new song

Y’all are acting weird. You don’t talk how you usually do. But sure, give it to me.

[the-official-outcasts]

Why didn't you ask her name?

She told it to me. It was all numbers. It doesn’t make any sense.

[the-official-outcasts]

Delta who were you talking to?

The girl I’m trying to find, I think. I figured out her location. She’s in a castle somewhere, in a jail cell. 

[the-official-outcasts]

[A… castle?

:)

An ‘achievement’ noise was heard. Delta flinched, looking up. A glowing red smile was above her head. 

What the fuck?!-

A.

The resounding voice was like none other Delta had ever heard before. He didn't recognize it at all. But felt like he should. 

Instead, he turned back to her. Eyes wide. 

What was that?!

You got my riddle right! Now you know my location.

He stopped. [Wait. That's it?]

Really? Just like that?

Yes! Master allowed me to give you the riddle. 

Wait. That's implying he wants me to find you.

I think he does.

Why?

I don't know. I only do what I'm told. If Master thought it important, he would inform me.

You’re sure of that.

Of course! He cares for me.

Kid, you're in chains. You got wounds all over. You're literally in a jail cell. You're at his mercy, clearly.

He keeps me here for my own good! The outside is dangerous. He is kind when I'm good.

Mhm. Sure. So tell me your Master's name.

I can't. I'm not allowed.

Why? If he wants me to find you, then I have to know his name. There aren't a lot of castles that I know of, and I've never heard of any ‘master’ in the multiverse.

Sure you have! You know him. He speaks of you.

Delta froze.

… the fuck you mean by that.

Well, he's never told me your name, but I've heard him talking. Especially with Assassin!

Who?

Assassin? 

That name sounds familiar.

I don’t think you know him by that name. Master says a different name when speaking to him. 

Can you tell me that name?

No. I'm not allowed.

Why?

I'll be punished for my disrespect.

Oh?

Yeah. But it's okay, because I'll deserve it.

No. I disagree. 

That's okay!

… is there anything else you can tell me? I'll answer as many riddles as it takes. 

No, I'm only allowed a riddle when Master permits it. I'm sorry. 

It's alright. So, how badly would you be punished if you disobeyed your “master”, and told me your location?

I just earned my food back. I still can't find the plate. I don't want to be hungry again…

… okay. Don't worry about it then, kiddo. You do what you gotta do to survive that place. I'll find you, and get you out of there. I'll protect you from them when I do. 

Do you promise?

I don't like making promises. 

But do you promise?

… yes. I promise, kid. 

There was a phone ring. 

She flinched, eyes wide. 

I need to go! Master's calling me!

The last thing Delta saw of her was her standing, and turning to run from him.]

Delta woke up from his dream, to see Cecil shaking him awake. There was a bright orange glow illuminating the entire area around them. 

They were startled, and pushed away instinctually. They realized they weren't in their room. Where were they? How did they get here?

Delta?! Are you okay?

Cecil's worried voice snapped him out of it, making them flinch. 

Fuck- Cecil? Is that you? Where are we?

Ceci sighed in relief as they came to. Delta looked around anxiously. What hallway were they in? This didn't look like base.

Oh, good, you're awake now! You're with me. Sit down, Del, I can explain.

Hesitantly, Delta sat, pushing their back against the wall. They made sure they could see all around them.

Cecil sat in front of them. He examined their expression with care.

You were using magic in your sleep again. You got here, somehow. You were talking to someone, but I couldn't see who. And you were walking. You seemed… pretty upset.

Delta nodded along, taking deep breaths as they tried to get their bearings.

I couldn't make out most of what you were saying. But I swore I heard a phone ringing-

Holy shit.

Delta stared past Cecil, eyes wide in horror. It dawned on him.

Her master is connected to the phone demon.

Cecil's eyes went wide. He leaned back.

What? Delta, what are you-

Delta jumped to his feet, hands shaking. He began to pace, talking to themselves frantically. A deranged smile on their face. 

Holy shit! HOLY SHIT! I fucking knew something was off about that phone! Stars, it all makes so much sense now! That's why Anaya had that dream, and why she's trying to contact me, and- and-

Delta! 

They stopped, freezing in place. They snapped their head towards Cecil. 

Cecil shuddered. She took a step back.

Delta. What are you talking about?

Before they could process, they rushed towards her and grabbed her by the shoulders. She froze. 

Cecil. I HAVE to talk to her again tomorrow. You need to come back with me to base. I need to see into her reality. 

Can you just tell me what's going on?! Have you been sleeping more or less than usual lately? Are you having hallucinations again?

No! She's real! She's alive, not a spirit! I saw her! She told me where she is!

Where who is?! What the fuck are you talking about?!

Delta paused. Clarity seemed to awaken in their mind as they broke out of their trance. They let go of Cecil, and stumbled back. 

… sorry. I just… let me explain. 

And explain he did. He told Cecil the whole story, from the start.

Cecil listened patiently, but no less suspiciously. They honestly were stunned by the information Delta was giving them.

Finally, once Delta was done, they spoke. 

… okay. I'll help you talk to her again tomorrow. But we gotta get you home, now. Ms. Kelley's probably worried sick about you.

She's asleep. She didn't notice.

Not true. How do you think I woke up to find you?

She called?

Yeah. She said she heard you freaking out, and when she went to check, you were gone. So she tracked you and called me for help. 

Oh. 

Yeah. So, safe to say, she's pretty worried. 

… I'm ready to go back. 

Okay. Let's go. 

[the-official-outcasts]

She sat cross-legged in the throne room. The castle was empty - Master and his underlings were out on a mission. It had been three weeks since they had returned. And she was starving.

She had been ordered two cups of water a day, and one meal every other day. But it had been 5 days since she had last eaten.

Master called every day she didn't get fed. Mostly to check in and make sure she hadn't died or left. If she didn't pick up within the first 3 rings, she knew what punishment awaited her for failing him.

Today was one of those days. In approximately two minutes, Master would call. And she was already waiting by the phone.

The first ring startled her, making her flinch. By the second ring, she picked up.

Hello, 51.

Hello, Master!

How are you doing today?

As expected. How are you, Master?

Very well. Have you been eating?

Um, well… I still can’t find the plate, Master.

I see. We’ll be back soon. Remind me, 51. What’s your starvation record?

2 weeks. I think.

Oh, only 2? No, surely that can’t be right. Are you lying to your Master to get me to feed you sooner?

No! No, not at all! Yes, you’re right, my memory must be messy. It was surely longer than 2 weeks.

Good girl. Don’t worry, you’ll be fed soon. Have you slept?

Not yet, Master. You didn’t tell me to. So I waited.

Very good, 51! You will sleep tonight. Understood?

Understood.

How is the upkeep?

As expected.

Good. We'll be back soon. Keep up your work, and I'll be sure to reward you.

Yes, Master!

He hung up. Almost immediately, she felt a wave of exhaustion hit her. Her body went limp against the wall. She trailed off to sleep…

[She was sat in her cell. Across from her laid a Skeleton man, wearing a sweater, black pants, and large metal gauntlets. His eyesockets flickered as he struggled to wake up.

Hello? Wake up, please!

Delta stirred. He was awake. But he didn't move, nor open his eyes. He was smart enough to wait.

Are you awake yet?

She lowered her voice. She laid down on her stomach, resting her head on her arms. The chains around her wrists, neck, and ankles were much looser than they usually were. They allowed her to actually move.

He didn't answer. Faintly, she saw a small, transparent orange orb leave the body. and then go back inside.

[Holy shit!]

Beta saw a pale, frail girl standing inside a jail cell. She had long, dark brown hair that was heavily matted due to the tight, unbrushed curls. Her blue eyes struck him as unnatural - they were the exact color of a sapphire. It didn't seem quite real.

Her clothing was tattered and worn, hanging loosely around her skinny body. She was clad in a pale blue, sleeveless button-down shirt and a pair of matching blue shorts that hung to just above her knees. The collar around her neck matched her hair. She smelled of blood and slightly rotted flesh.

The barely healing lacerations on her little limbs and face were Soul-crushing - layers upon layers of electricity scars, knives, something that even looked like it left a hole-shaped mark in her skin above her neck. Red bandages covered her arms and legs.

But what horrified him the most was how obviously malnourished she was. He could see every bone and ligament in her body - she couldn't be any older than 9 or 10, he assumed.

Mentally, Beta called out to him again after he went back inside.

[Sans, she kind of looks like that girl Ari talked about! She doesn't have any weapons. She's hurt. We need to talk to her.]

Delta hesitated a moment more. But after a second, he answered her.

Who are you?

He spoke without moving. His tone was tense and untrusting. They had no idea who she was, or what she wanted. Even with Beta's information.

My name is 5129261-25208. But you can call me 51. What's your name?

Why do you need to know?

His voice softened upon hearing hers, though was no less serious. Beta tried to reassure them, but it was no use.

Because you're in my dream! I called on you.

Delta's eyes shot open instantly. He rolled over, and examined her.

Holy shit. You're real.

She tilted her head, confused. She wasn't sure why he was so stunned.

Yes? I'm not a spirit. Did you think I was?

Based on the contact I've been getting, yes. Yes I did.

Hm, interesting. Well! It's nice to meet you! What's your name?

My name is Delta, kid. Why are you calling me? You've been at it for a while now. What do you need my help with?

Oh, Master told me to! I'm not sure why he wants me to call you, though.

Delta froze. His eyes went blank for a second, before narrowing on hers.

Who's your ‘Master’, kid?

He told me I can only tell you if you answer my riddle.

A riddle?

Mhm! I get punished for failing him if you don't play, or if you get it wrong.

Oh fuck. Yeah, okay, go on and give me the riddle. I don't want to get you in any trouble.

Okay! Master's not here right now, so I can make it easy.

Will he punish you for that?

Maybe. I don't know yet. But he wrote one for me!

Alright. What happens if I get it right?

You get information.

Hm. Okay. Give it to me.

Alright!

I stand tall and imposing, a place of dread and dark design. My walls are thick, my shadows deep, where wicked thoughts entwine. My dungeons echo with despair, no cheerful light you'll find. But tales of fear and shadowed deeds are what you'll leave behind.

…

What am I?

Jail

Captive

Cellar

Castle

Voting ended onJul 16