Even though the evening was soon approaching, the forest felt very bright. Even the areas drenched in shadow seemed to still be illuminated by the sun. Why was this happening? Did my death and revival do something to my vision? Whatever it is, it's freaking me out.
Luckily, I woke up before Taco did. I think she fell asleep in the middle of her patrolling. She must have missed out on more sleep than OJ did, and that's practically impossible. I couldn't help but feel a little bad for her, even if she's making me kill. Having to live in the forest, while not a single soul even has a neutral opinion of you must be terrible. Living off forest animals and wild berries your entire life, barely even being able to warm yourself with a fire, with no one there with you sounds like torture. Well, I guess that last one isn't there anymore, but still. Now, I feel like all this stuff she's making me do isn't just for that million...
Taco awoke with a jolt, startling me. She went from being face-first one the grass to standing up in milliseconds. She quickly looked around, hoping that no one was nearby. Except for me, of course. After her panicked check, she gave a sigh of relief, and moved to the log next to me. She continued to carve a new mask of herself, swiftly and silently. I had to ask her about this. She had to know something, right?
"Uh...hey?"
She nodded, signaled that she was listening. Good.
"So...my vision's been...kinda sensitive. This...started happening after you revived me...do you know why?"
She said nothing for a few seconds, the responded.
"Let's just say...some injuries are...permanent."
As she said that, a tiny smile crept onto her face. That chilled me. Did that mean...no...that can't be right. It just...it doesn't make sense! How can I...no.
I got up and walked over to the lifeless, cracked MePad to make sure. My hands shook as I got closer. And sure enough, when I saw my reflection, my eyes were still gone. Gone and bleeding like tears, the dried up blood staining my face. I jumped back in surprise, but I didn't scream. Taco would get mad. And that's practically a death sentence.
So I just stood there and looked at my reflection, wondering how I was alive, and how I could see. But, I don't think I'm gonna have much time to think about that. I can only think about how I have to kill my next target.
I looked over at Taco, hoping that I would at least be able to end someone's life quickly and painlessly. But something better happened.
"No killing today. Just get knowledge about what's happening at the hotel. No masks."
Oh thank god. I didn't have to kill anyone. If I had time to celebrate, I would. But it's better to not leave Taco waiting. So, as quick as before, I ran back to the hotel. I had practically memorized the path I took to get there and back, since I went that way so many times. I remembered where the exposed roots are, where the bird nests stood, and where to not step on the snake mounds. Slightly quicker this time, I made it to my lookout bush. I silently peeked out of it to see what was happening. And to be honest, it didn't surprise me. Clear as day, I saw Balloon with a suitcase, tears running down his cheeks as he left the hotel. Jesus, I felt horrible. It was my fault that all this was happening. None of this would happen if I just said no. No one would be dead. I wouldn't be presumed dead. I wouldn't have made Paintbrush, Balloon, and Test Tube feel like the scum of the Earth. I wouldn't have had to leave my one and only friendship with Cheesy...
Why did I even agree to this? I let my greed get the better of me, and know look at what I've done. I've killed, ruined lives, and for what? A million dollars? Identity theft? I have no idea anymore. But I have to continue down this path. There's nothing else I can do. Either keep doing this or die. I've already died once, I don't really want to do it again. Not just because it's painful, but I would have to deal with the souls that I've killed for eternity, constantly listening to them put me down and insult me, without anything I can do to stop them.
"Hey. Back to work."
I jumped as Taco whispered that down my neck. Guess I was too deep in thought.
I continued to watch Balloon sob as he walked away, Suitcase standing at the door in pure shock. She never thought that he would do something like this. He didn't. I did. I caused this. I ruined his one chance at redemption. All because Taco said so.
Eventually, he reached the edge of the forest, sighed, and walked in. I felt that Taco was planning something.
She silently followed him, myself trailing behind them both. Eventually, Taco made her presence known.
"Ahem."
Balloon turned around in surprise.
"Wha-"
"T-Taco?!"
"I see that they really can't trust you after all you've done. How pathetic."
"I...it wasn't my fault! I was framed!"
"Judging from what I heard and saw, You did that yourself."
"I didn't! I-I swear!"
"Then how did I see you do it with my own 2 eyes?"
Taco pulled out a phone(which she must've stolen) and showed Balloon a video of myself, disguised as him, poisoned Nickel and jumping put the window.
Balloon just stared in shock.
"How-"
"T-that wasn't me! I never-"
"I know that Balloon. That isn't you. That is my assistant. You may show yourself now."
I slowly crept put from behind the tree I hid behind, hoping for the best. Balloon gasped.
"T-"
He quickly fainted and lightly fell to the ground.
"I thought he would last longer. Assistant, take him back to the, camp. We shall discuss with him when he awakens."
I didn't dare defy her. I rushed over to Balloon's unconscious body and picked it up, carrying it to the campsite as I followed Taco. What was she planning to do with him? Kill him? Use him as a distraction? Blackmail him into joining us?
"Assistant, he shall simply join you if he so desires. Otherwise, he may continue his search to find civilization elsewhere."
I am really starting to question whether Taco can read minds.
We arrived back at the campsite, the small fire still flickering. I placed Balloon down on a log, then went to sit on another.
"You've still got a job to do."
I sighed and walked back to the Bush, and watched. I didn't say, I didn't even think. I just watched. All because Taco said so.