Part 11: Versus: Tiger

[BGM: Hear No Evil]


What?! He's challenging another person?

What's this? There's a list of games on my tablet!

This is starting to become a bit of a concern.

Dog exited the room clearly trying to hide a grin. He clearly seemed to be enjoying our frustration quite a bit.

Dog!

What's up?

What are you doing?



Trying to tame everyone, that's what. By the by, Horse is clear of being a traitor: he's just 'determined'.

Did you choose me because you suspect me?

Partly, yeah.

How can you suspect me? I've been for the team this whole time!

That's why I suspect you. I just don't buy that someone could be that positive.

I'm going to take that as a compliment.

Point proven. Anyways, choose a game to play.

Uh, right. Well definitely not a card game, can't do that. Let's see here...

Tiger looked over the list.

[BGM: Silence]


Darts are kinda like small javelins, aren't they?

Not really.

Darts seem fun. I want to go with darts!

Okey dokey, let's get things set up.

Dog walked over and picked up some of the darts. He then started to set up the dart board.

[BGM: Queen of the Jungle]


What do you think Dog's plan is?

I really can't tell. It's hard to read him. For now, let's just see how things play out.

Is that really the right move?

Maybe?

Dog was finished setting up.

So how are we playing this?

Why are you asking me? I don't know the rules of darts.



You WHAT?!

Dog started laughing uncontrollably to himself while Tiger shrugged.

Never got around to learning.

Then. Why. Did. You choose. To play it?

Seemed fun.

It is fun!

Tiger, your life could be on the line!



Pig, I always play like my life's on the line!

But this time in a very literal sense it's true.

Hell yeah it is!

Don't worry Tiger, I'm sure you'll be great at this.

What a trainwreck.

How amusing.



Since you're a novice, we'll make it a short and simple game. Basically, we'll each throw three darts each. Each dart will score points equal to the section it's in.

Landing in the outer ring will double whatever that section's worth, and landing in the middle ring will triple what it's worth. Landing in this center circle is worth 25 points, and this inner circle is 50 points.

Simple as that!

Alright, I think I got the gist of it. Could I have a couple of practice throws before we start?

I don't see why not.

Cool.

[BGM: Silence]


Then, Tiger began to throw some practice darts. Despite them decidedly not being 'like tiny javelins', Tiger picked up on throwing them surprisingly quick. Throwing them like one might pitch a baseball was certainly a questionable method, but it seemed to work out for her. I began to think Tiger might have an actual shot at this. Which...

Was that good? Bad? It seemed bad. I didn't want Dog to die. However, he was doing pretty reckless things without bothering to explain himself. It was making me- it was making all of us very uneasy. He clearly expected people to fight back, and didn't seem overly bothered by it. Why? He was just acting too strange for me to get a good grasp on the situation.

So when Dog and Tiger eventually began their contest in earnest, I couldn't really cheer for either side.

Alright, let's go!

May the best dart-er win.

Sure thing.



And like that, Tiger began her turn.

She closed her eyes.

She breathed heavily.

And then, in an instant, her arm shot out and a dart slammed into the dartboard. It was fairly close to the center of the board, but not centered enough. It ended up sailing into the 19 point section. 19 points. Not necessarily a bad score, but not a great one either.

Agh. Man, my bad there. Lousy start.

It's fine, it's cool. I'll do better next time. No need to start freaking out. I've got this.



After talking to seemingly no one, Tiger immediately threw another dart without warning. An odd technique, but one that worked out. Tiger had scored a Bull, though not a Bull's Eye.

Okay, okay, that's what I'm talking about! Just a bit more on center. I'm going to let the inner-me handle this one. Let's go!

Tiger stared daggers at the dartboard like it was her worst enemy. Then she threw her dart with an incredible amount of force. It soared straight ahead and hit the dartboard in its dead center. Bull's Eye.

Yes!

Not bad, not bad at all.

So, if we add up all your darts, you've got a score of... 50 plus 25 plus 19, that's 94.



94? Damn. For a beginner that's pretty exceptional.

Think you can top that?

I don't know, this might be the end for me.

Dog said this, but his casual tone indicated he wasn't particularly worried for his life. He was a bartender, wasn't he? Plenty of bars had dartboards. Ever since he had heard that darts were the competition, he'd seemed even more relaxed than usual. I knew that even with Tiger's impressive performance, it wouldn't be enough.

Okay, guess it's my turn. Let's see if I've still got it.



Dog lined up the dart and the dartboard. With little more than a push of his wrist, he sent the dart lightly sailing into the dartboard. It landed in the 20 section, just a bit over the middle ring.

A little high there, my bad.

He tried again, and this time the dart landed slightly below the middle ring in the 20 section.

Oof. I'm in a real spot of trouble here. I need to score, what, a 54 this turn to tie?

Hope I can do it, my life depends on it, oh no!



In a sing-songy voice, Dog lamented his position, before sending his third dart right into the middle ring in the 20 section. 20 times 3 is 60. Dog's score totalled to 100. He was the winner. He extended his hand out to Tiger.

Good game. You've really got skill for a beginner.

Thanks. Guess I should've been a bit smarter with my choice of challenge, huh?

I think this game was very on-brand for you. I'm glad you chose it.

Of course you're glad she chose it, it let you easily win!

Yeah, well. Yeah.



So what now, Dog?

Right, what's the next step, huh?

I guess we'll start with Tiger and Horse confiscating all your tablets.

What?

[BGM: Eyes of the Dragon]


In an instant, whatever kayfabe of friendliness we had shattered. The root of my looming dread had appeared.

Dog, what are you talking about? Why would they do that?

They'd do it because I'm going to order them to, and if they disobey they'll almost certainly die.

But why are you asking this of us?

Guess there's no point in being coy.



I have the victorious personality.

Huh?

You fucking serious?

I make a lot of bad jokes, Dragon, but even I know there's a time and a place.

It's really a pain, having this special role and all. And I get it, you all are obviously going to have a problem with myself living while you all die.

That's fair. I'd want me to die, too. Hell, I'd normally be up for it!



But I guess I have some duty to see things through.

Duty? What are you talking about? A duty to kill 11 other people?

A duty to put an end to the ghosts of years ago. And I won't be killing 11 people, only 9. If you remember, I can win with up to 2 other people.

Horse, Tiger, you simply have to do as I tell you, and you'll both be able to survive.

Seriously?

You're making us your puppets?

Puppets is such a harsh term. How about comrades?



This is fucking bullshit! You think we'll take this sitting down?

I'd like that, but I doubt it. Which is why I got the two strongest fighters here on my side. They'll take care of you lot, and then the three of us will be done.

Simple, right?

But they're not going to go along with this, right?

...Right?

… I dislike you, Dog. Your attitude, past, entire being. But I understand. There are some times in life where you must be selfish.

This is one of those times.

Horse!



If there was a more peaceful way, I would find it.

That's the spirit. And Tiger?

Are you saying I can survive if I turn my back on my friends?

I'm saying you'll definitely die if you don't.

Also, 'friends' is pretty strong, considering you met these people earlier today.

Tch.



I've got over a hundred things left to do.

But they'd all be worthless if I was the type to let others die to save my skin!

Then Tiger, are you saying...

Even if I die, I'll never betray the group!

Ugh. You know I can't stand your type. Positive to a fault.

You're the type to talk about what a great day it is before people have had their coffee, aren't you? I should've figured we wouldn't be compatible.

Bad choice on my part. Alright, let's try this again.



Without warning, Dog jumped into a nearby classroom and slammed the door.

Hey! Get back here!

Tiger ran over to the door, but before she could open the door, an announcement played on our tablets.

Attention! Dog is currently attempting to tame Dragon. During this challenge, the Round's timer has been paused. Know that any participant that in any way interferes with the challenge will instantly be executed.

Dragon's face flushed. Everyone's face flushed.

Another stupid game would be played, but this time it was everyone's life on the line.