GoodTimeWithScar whispered to you: jingle

A cold dread fills me as I see the message on my communicator. I glance at Joe and Jevin, playing TCG below, Cleo insulting both, Ren half-asleep next to me. My heartbeat is too loud and fast, as I take a deep breath and speak.

‘We have a problem.’

‘Yeah? What's up man?’ Ren glances over.

‘What kind of problem?’ Joe frowns.

‘Scar just sent a codeword saying that the Permit Office is incredibly dangerous, and we need to tell Xisuma, and hide before they hurt us.’

‘Dangerous? In what way?’ Jevin asks, clearly nervous.

‘I don't know specifics, but they’ve already intentionally kept Scar in a death loop outside the world border.’

‘What?’ Cleo turns to me, eyes flashing with vengeance.

‘They hurt Scar? What the heck dude?!’

‘Cub and Grian hurt Scar.’ adds Jevin. ‘This is… oh my god… I need to tell No-Poe about this… Cub has turned against Scar.’

‘From what Scar was saying, Cub’s being- like- possessed? Or something out of his…’ My communicator buzzes.

Grian whispered to you: PO meeting

‘Oh fuck I’ve been summoned for a meeting… what do I do? Scar told me to hide if he sent that message, but they hurt him before. When I wasn’t there. I need to go and protect him.’

‘Agreed. Ren, go tell Xisuma we’ve got trouble with the Permit Office…’ Joe turns to Ren. With a nod, he darts off. ‘Skizz, what was the codeword he gave you?’

‘Jingle?’

‘Ok… this is really bad…’

‘You know that codeword?’

Grian whispered to you: NOW

‘I’s complicated, but vex are involved and Cub’s not doing this intentionally…’ is Cleo’a explanation, stepping over, looking me in the eyes. ‘Ok, Skizz, go to the meeting, and spy for us. Stay on call with me the whole time, so we know what’s going on and can get you out if it’s dangerous. Ren’s telling Xisuma. Jevin, you hide and don't come out until this is all over. Joe, stay with me.’

‘I can do that,’ I say. Cleo nods.

‘Good. Now don’t die, and don’t get exiled. We will do everything we can to keep everyone safe. Ok?’

‘Ok.’

I feel like my heart would win a drumming record with how fast it’s beating as I reach Cub’s office. I managed to call Cleo. She can help if it goes wrong. Hopefully.

‘I am so, so sorry I’m late, Rubba-dub Cub… I was halfway through Hungry Hermits and just wasn’t checking my communicator…’ I explain.

‘You will be on time in future, Skizz. The higher-ups don’t appreciate lateness,’ Cub replies, colder than usual. ‘Scar, shuffle over so Skizz has space to sit.’ He does, despite the haunted look in his eyes, his arm hugged close to his chest. My concern turns to utter horror as I realise it's covered in bloody bandages.

‘Alright, now that everyone is here and in position, we can actually start… Skizz, the higher ups won’t be happy with your time wasting.’

‘I’m sorry, Manager Cub. I will do better in future.’

‘Now, our work over in the exile area has been very successful, so our attention will turn to exiling other hermits. We will create a list of disobedient hermits to banish… traitors, No-Poe, anyone who doesn't give up their permits. We start with Jevin. And then-’

‘Cub?’ Grian speaks. There’s something in his tone that makes my stomach twist. ‘I just been sent a message from Xisuma requesting I meet with him and discuss ‘unpleasant rumours’.’

Scar’s eyes widen to pure panic. I can't breathe. Cub’s neutral expression turns terrifyingly cold.

‘A traitor.’

I can’t speak. My heart is thudding that same fast drumbeat again. Scar’s silently hyperventilating, just staring at the ground, hugging his bandaged arm as close as he can. Cub’s hand rests on the hilt of his sword.

‘Grian? Are you the traitor?’

‘No, Permit Manager, Cub.’ There’s a deadly playfulness in Grian’s voice.

‘Scar?’

Scar whimpers, huddling up further, shaking his head.

‘I- I didn’t…’

Cub leans closer.

‘Are you sure, Scar?’

He nods. Every inch of him is shaking, he’s turned pale.

‘Because you know the higher-ups don’t like liars, don’t you, Scar?’

‘I snitched,’

The moment the words come out my mouth, I regret them. Cub and Grian turn to me. Scar’s still lost in terror.

‘I told Xisuma that you hurt Scar.’ It is impossible to stop my voice from shaking.

‘I see.’ Cub’s response only worsens my panic.

‘I didn’t want to betray the Permit Office. Xisuma was asking questions…’

‘I think Skizz needs a little reminder about obedience, don’t you think Cub?’ Grian suggests.

Cub draws a knife.

‘Hold him still.’

The chair clatters to the floor as I try to stand, I step over it, backing away as fast as I can, towards the door. I reach for my sword. Grian turns on me.

‘We do not accept traitors in the Permit Office.’ he says. Cub starts walking towards me. ‘And any found will be punished until they learn to do what the higher-ups command.’

‘A small sacrifice. Then 2 weeks outside the world border. Until you learn to obey them,’ Cub decides.

‘Cub, homey- Please. You’re don't want to do this. Snap out of it. Scar- think of Scar. He’s hurt. Protect Scar. Help Scar. Help me, dude- Rubbadub-Cub please-’ I hit the corner. My breath hitches. I  struggle as Grian pins me to the wall. I try to shove him away, kick him, fight him, but he’s stronger. ‘Please- Cub- don’t do this- I’m loyal- I’m loyal to the Permit Office… Scar, help me dude.’ He isn’t looking at me. He can’t. Even from behind I can see he’s having a severe panic attack. ‘Grian- Grian, think about what you’re doing…’

Cub grabs my arm. I struggle to pull away, trying to break free. I fight as hard as I can. Cub’s gaze is almost unfocused as he holds the blade of the knife against my skin.

‘Accept the blood of the victim as a promise of loyalty,’ he mutters.

I cry as Cub slowly slices across my forearm. Searing, excruciating, agony tears through me. Worse than hardcore. Worse than the life series. Worse than anything I’ve felt before. Tears blur my vision. A sickness, faintness, washes through me. The world spins. Blood pours from my arm. I struggle harder, sobbing.

A crash.

Then a bang.

The room fills with blinding green sparks. Grian lets me go. I sink to the ground, scrambling away. My breaths come out as ragged gasps of agony.

As the final sparks disappear. I see Cub running across the room towards Scar, and now Cleo, trying to get him to move. Joe’s in the middle of the room, loading another firework into his crossbow. Grian steps back, just watching, a hand on his sword hilt.

Cub fires an arrow. Cleo swears loudly as it hits, collapsing against the walls. Another arrow at Joe, running to help, distracting him long enough for Cub to run across the room. Scar screams as he’s dragged to his feet. Cub holds the knife to his throat.

‘Don’t make me kill him, Joe,’ Cub hisses.

‘You’re not doing ANYTHING!’ Cleo replies, hurling herself at Cub. He stumbles, falling backwards into his desk. A crack. Scar sobs his name as Cleo pulls him away towards safety.

A tug.

I yell. Grian yanks me to my feet, slamming me against the wall.

‘The Permit Office will not accept the abuse of its employees.’

Joe sprints over, but it's too late. Grian stabs me in the chest. A vexish smile creeps across his face as I bleed out.

‘Enjoy exile, traitor.’

Skizzleman was slain by Grian.