Author's Note: Hey, guys! So, here goes; we are nearing the homestretch of the Delamont story. This chapter will have a bit of a fight at the start, but the rest of it is similar to Wicked Witches with some of my own twists on it, even a plot twist...

But, enough talk. Let's get on with the chapter!

Your Author, Marbella. <3

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"Best. Winner's return. EVER..."

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Valentina's POV:

Well, it's not fair, is it?!" Zach screamed, getting very annoyed. "She didn't have a chance to prove herself!"

If you want me to explain how we got here, I'll do it.

So, we had the whole cuteness overload moment with Gear and Lana after Gear came back from the Sword Swallower's challenge. And for a change of scenery, we went into the main room of the arcade.

Then, whilst we were discussing how to find the next artifact, Lia somehow got brought into the conversation and Zach started arguing with Gear for no reason.

Confusing, I know.

"Well, yes, it was my idea to take my shirt off," Gear confessed, causing me to facepalm from just the thought of him doing that.

"But Lia could've easily ignored me and continued with the challenge."

"OK, guys, enough." Oli chimed in, trying to calm the situation down.

"If we don't start working together, nobody's going anywhere."

Oli: 'So, on one hand, we have Val who is narrowly keeping us together by being an absolute bad-ass. Then we have Gear and Lana and yes, they are pretty cute, but at least they are still useful. Then there's Zach, a shady bitch. And then there's me and Lizzie; we just want to go home!'

"OK, I know you probably hate me... which you should do..." Zach trailed off, approaching us.

I was shaking, my breathing hitched in fear, as Lana stepped in.

"Zach, it's not like we don't like you as a person; we just don't like this side of you that's come out after Megan died." Lana doubted, just trying to make sure nobody got hurt. I don't blame her, though.

"Yeah, I have to agree. Ever since Megan died, you've become darker, more competitive. You've honestly just been weighing the group down and it's getting worse." Lizzie whimpered, hoping we wouldn't get attacked again.

Valentina: 'I can see both sides of the argument, but I definitely understand where Lizzie and Lana are coming from. There's no shame in being a survivor and fighting for the loved ones and friends you've lost, but then there's also a chance to be like Zach, turn on the group, and smile when your friends die.'

"Something has changed on the map." Heidi reminded, laying it down on the arcade machines.

There were three new locations on it in three different places.

There was the gas station from earlier- which apparently wasn't important until now- and a bridge to the cemetery.

So, everybody's confused.

But I think I have a vague idea of what we're doing.

"I mean, the best bet is the gas station? Just my assumption because it literally says 'Ritual Sacrifice' next to it. So, we gotta save a bitch." I mused, hoping they got the point.

Turns out everybody believed me and we just booked it to the gas station before somebody got attacked. When we got there, there was a girl with a hood on her head in what looked to be a cowgirl outfit tied to two of the pumps.

"OK, what kind of kinky shit is this?!" Zach screamed, jumping back and causing Lana to elbow him to shut him up.

"Oh, thank God. Guys, you need to help me! She'll be back soon to burn me!" The hooded girl wailed, fighting against what looked to be handcuffs on her wrists.

"Who's going to burn you?" Gear asked, trying to make sure nobody freaked out about this. I was just confused.

"One of the demons. Hurry; find the key and get me out of here!" The girl fretted.

We all raced into the gas station behind us, hoping there was just a key lying around.

Zach just stood there, as per usual, doing nothing.

"Should we just let her burn? Well, we don't know her first, and everybody we've met so far in this town- except Victor and Heidi- is evil!" Zach shouted, putting us off. I was currently looking for a gas pump for something.

"We can only keep pushing forward," Lizzie reassured, trying to figure out what we were looking for.

Then, I found a note inside of a skull behind a gas pump.

"Wait, guys, I got something! There's a note here!" I call out. I open up the little scroll and inside is some sort of very confusing riddle. It reads:

'A woman shoots her husband, then holds him underwater for five minutes. Next, she hangs him. Right after, they enjoy a lovely dinner. Explain. The answer is hidden somewhere in the station.'

Lizzie: 'I guess these demons want to test us by seeing if we can solve a violent riddle.'

"OK, look for a picture of a guy on it. The answer must be she took a picture of him or something." Gear stated, looking around.

After a few minutes of hunting with no luck, Lana finds the picture that has a code on the back.

"Oh, yeah; the answer was a picture. Look for a lock-box or something." Lana proffered. 

We went looking again and this time, Zach got lucky, finding a toolbox in his little corner that needed a number code to be opened.

"This could be something," Zach grunted, putting the heavy toolbox on the ground.

I put the code in-it was 1138 if you're curious- and the box popped open.

And inside were two sets of keys; one was labelled handcuffs, and the other was labelled safe.

"Wait, so use the keys on the safe in a second; we gotta save this Southern girl. I'm assuming that lady, it's just you sound like it." Zach conferred.

We used the keys on the handcuffs, and they opened.

"Finally..." The lady sighed, taking off her hood.

Much to our surprise, she was just a normal person.

She put her cowgirl hat back on and we were all just confused at first, but then relieved.

Lana: 'She seems like she could help, but she isn't gonna be around forever. So, we gotta get moving before somebody attacks us.'

"Open the safe!" I call to Zach and Lizzie. Zach uses the key to crack the safe open.

But then something... grabs him?

"OK, what the hell was that?!" Zach shrieks, looking at his wrist. 

There's this mark on it. But we go back to focusing on the safe.

Inside is a ram's skull and a note.

The note reads:

'The demons have been using the Ram's Skull to curse the people of Delamont. But before they could do that, they competed in the Demon's Games to become the servants of the Delamont Mistress. To win these games, they cheated on each of the three stages. 

To cleanse the Ram's Skull, you will need to discover what they did to cheat and reverse it.

But be wary, the demons are hunting you and their touch has grave consequences, especially if it happens to four of you.'

"So, if four of us get touched, my assumption is they're going onto the final death challenge." Oli pondered, confused.

"Wait," The southern lady chimed in, looking worried. 

"That's what happened to him." She pointed to Zach. "They've cursed you. But you're fine for now; it takes time to manifest. But, you're at risk, suga'."

We were all shocked; does that mean Zach's in the final challenge?

"OK, listen, sweetie; I'm invincible, anyway, and we don't even know your name. So, if you can help us, great. If not, go away." Zach snarled, pretty annoyed at what was going on.

"Oh, my name's Loretta. And I can help you. If one of you get that Ram's Skull over there, I'll show you what I have." She said. 

Gear went and grabbed the Ram's Skull, whilst Loretta rummaged through her bag and took out a book and a rolled-up piece of parchment.

However, after we all met up with Loretta again, we heard a whoosh and loud footsteps.

We turn around and see...

TO BE CONTINUED. <3