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residents of the Hotel Paradise split into four teams to search the hotel, hoping to find a clue to The Host's identity or a way out of the building. Will their investigations uncover any useful information?\n\nNOTE: The species list in the tags will not be modified as characters are written out of the story. After all, if there's only one walrus (there are no walruses) and that tag disappears after a certain point, it kind of gives away that the character in question is now dead, doesn't it?\n\nI will also be applying the \"Strong Violence\" rating and the \"death, killing, murder\" tags to every chapter, again to prevent spoiling when the murders occur. This story DOES keep all three concepts as a constant theme if not an immediate presence, so I hope this is okay.\n\nI apologize for any confusion this creates, but I would like to make sure that the story can remain as spoiler-free as possible.\n\n(I'm also kind of sad that the reader doesn't translate any of my alternate font choices, including color and size. I'd recommend downloading the actual file if you're able to, as it does improve the readability a bit.)","description_bbcode_parsed":"The residents of the Hotel Paradise split into four teams to search the hotel, hoping to find a clue to The Host's identity or a way out of the building. Will their investigations uncover any useful information?

NOTE: The species list in the tags will not be modified as characters are written out of the story. After all, if there's only one walrus (there are no walruses) and that tag disappears after a certain point, it kind of gives away that the character in question is now dead, doesn't it?

I will also be applying the "Strong Violence" rating and the "death, killing, murder" tags to every chapter, again to prevent spoiling when the murders occur. This story DOES keep all three concepts as a constant theme if not an immediate presence, so I hope this is okay.

I apologize for any confusion this creates, but I would like to make sure that the story can remain as spoiler-free as possible.

(I'm also kind of sad that the reader doesn't translate any of my alternate font choices, including color and size. I'd recommend downloading the actual file if you're able to, as it does improve the readability a bit.)","writing":"``Okay, this thing's pretty nice.'' Lorena said, kneeling down to dip a finger in the pool's water. She swirled it around a bit, enjoying the look of the ripples. ``Water's a good temperature too... size is just right for all of us. Maybe we should set up some kind of party, so nobody feels tense around each other?''\n\nBarad and Bao had already split up to check the rest of the room on each side of the pool. It was flanked on either side by an array of furniture, including tables and a small bar set up at the far end. A few doors were also set into the walls on the left side, which Barad opened in order to find a men's changing room, a sauna, and a women's changing room.\n\nBao nodded. ``This place does look to be set up pretty nicely.'' He said, ducking behind the bar to check the contents. ``Nothing alcoholic here, though. Just sodas, bottled water, and a few snacks.''\n\nThe mention of snacks caused Lorena's stomach to growl a bit; she suddenly realized that she hadn't eaten anything since waking up in her desk. ``What kind of snacks?''\n\nThe panda shook his head. ``Nothing too exciting. Just chips and mixed nuts. They all still look like they're good to eat, though... nothing seems to be expired.''\n\n``Well, pass me a bag of chips. I'm starving. You guys should probably all eat something, too.'' She said, walking over to join Bao at the snack bar. She glanced over at the door leading back to the rest of the hotel, and saw that Gregory hadn't moved an inch. ``You too, creepy! Get over here!''\n\nThe moth winced. ``Please don't refer to - refer to me as `creepy'. My name's Gregory, please call me that.''\n\nLorena rolled her eyes. ``Okay. Come on over here, Greg, and have some chips.''\n\n``No, not `Greg', I prefer - prefer... oh, I suppose I'll take it as progress.'' He said, before slowly making his way to the snack bar.\n\nBarad finished his examination of the other side of the room, joining them as well. ``There's a hot tub at the far end of the pool, as well. I really hate to admit it... but so far this hotel does seem like a pretty nice place.''\n\nLorena smirked. ``Almost like... Paradise?''\n\nThe dragon chuckled, reaching for a can of mixed nuts and a soda. ``Well, threat of murder aside, I guess the name isn't entirely off the mark. All things considered.''\n\n``That doesn't mean I'd want to stay here, though.'' Bao chimed in, taking a seat in one of the nearby deck chairs. ``Just because a prison's nice, that doesn't make it any less of a prison.''\n\nThe bat snapped her fingers. ``Exactly! Which is exactly why we need to have a pool party, so everybody can relax!''\n\nGregory perked up. ``Pool party? And I assume everyone - everyone will be in attendance? In swimsuits?''\n\n``Yeah, Greg, that's usually how pool parties work. That's not gonna be a problem for you, is it?'' Lorena asked.\n\n``Oh no, no, no problem at all. I admit that I'm not - I'm not very fond of water, and I certainly can't - can't swim, but I can at least attend. And I'll even - even dress for the occasion.''\n\nBarad shook his head. ``I think he just wants to see Ginger in a swimsuit.''\n\nBeneath his neck fluff, Gregory's face began to turn red. ``Not at all! I just want to - want to be... not viewed as a creepy stalker.''\n\n``A good first step for that is to cut out the creepy stalking.'' Bao muttered. A glance from both Gregory and Lorena told him that he wasn't quite as quiet as he had hoped, and he turned his head down and returned to his snack.\n\nLorena smiled. ``He's right though. So, tell me something, Greg. And don't even try to deny it. You're into Ginger, aren't you?''\n\nThe moth took a few steps back. ``I... I don't know - know what you mean.''\n\n``I've only known you for a day and even I can see it.'' Barad said.\n\nBao nodded. ``Yeah, it's pretty obvious.''\n\nLorena smirked. ``There you go. Like I said, no point in denying it. So, come on, out with it. What is it about Ginger that's got you so interested in her?''\n\nGregory stepped back again, nearly tripping over a deck chair. He immediately shifted to the left, putting a table between himself and the other three. ``Why are you all - all ganging up on me like this...?''\n\nWith a heavy sigh, Lorena stepped towards him. He tried to back away again, but she was too fast, and planted both hands on his shoulders. ``Greg. We're not ganging up on you. You said you want to be accepted by everyone else and shake this creepy stalker image? Then you've got to open up about it. A good first step is admitting that you like Ginger, and telling us why. Then we can help you some more.'' To drive her point home, she gave him a warm smile. ``Don't forget, I'm one of her best friends. If you seem genuine, I might be able to put in a good word for you.''\n\nHis face still red, Gregory cast his eyes down, then back up. ``Okay. If you must know, I - I really like... the stripes in her wool.''\n\n``Her wool?'' Lorena asked, her eyes going wide. Gregory simply gave a silent nod in response. ``You mean the thing that she's always been bullied about, and is convinced makes her a freak?''\n\n``Yes. I think it's - it's quite appealing.''\n\nBarad slapped his forehead. ``And you don't think that giving her a genuine compliment like that would go over better than quietly watching her from the shadows?''\n\nLorena grinned again. ``Well, there you go! Okay, step one complete. We now know why you've been stalking her. And step two... is for you to loosen up a little. Are you ready for that?''\n\nGregory glanced from person to person. He smiled beneath his neck fluff, although none of them could see it - maybe these three were actually trying to help him out. Looking back at Lorena, he smiled. That smile faded quickly as the bat suddenly pushed him, having subtly maneuvered him during their conversation until his back was facing the pool.\n\nAs soon as he hit the water, panic set in, and he began to thrash about. Lorena was laughing at the edge of the pool, and Barad simply stared, wide-eyed and frozen in place. Bao jumped to his feet. ``What the hell are you doing?!'' he shouted as he ran from his spot, diving into the pool and grabbing hold of the flailing moth.\n\nBarad turned to Lorena, casting his wide, red-eyed stare at her. ``Wha... what did you do that for?!''\n\nLorena shrugged. ``I told him he needs to loosen up. That's a good way to do it, don't you think?''\n\nHe knelt down at the edge of the pool, extending a hand to help Bao and Gregory. ``Yeah, it would be if he didn't say he can't swim!''\n\nAs the panda and dragon helped Gregory out of the water, Lorena bit her lower lip. ``Oh... he... did mention that, huh? Um, my bad, Greg. Sorry.''\n\nTeam B had already checked half of the hallways on the ground floor. To their surprise, they discovered that despite the second floor clearly being a hotel as they expected, the ground floor's rooms had instead been furnished as though the building was the school they initially assumed it to be.\n\n``This place just gets stranger.'' Edison said, shaking his head as he closed the door on another classroom. ``Why would they want half the hotel set up this way?''\n\nElena opened another door to check it - another classroom. ``I wonder... perhaps this hotel is actually meant to be some sort of shelter for a larger population? If that's the case, then having a school would make sense.'' She gave it a quick visual examination, counting exactly sixteen desks and a large screen along the wall, which was still showing the display of a blackboard.\n\nJamie reached up over his head to turn the knob for his own door to check. ``You mean like a fallout shelter? Interesting theory. What makes you think that?''\n\nElena continued down the hallway. ``Didn't it occur to either of you that this building doesn't have any windows at all?'' she said, and all three who were joining her stopped walking. ``I'm actually a little surprised that you two in particular didn't realize it... it's fairly obvious.''\n\nDustin raised a hand to give one of his horns an awkward rub. ``Hey... how come just those two? I didn't notice either.''\n\nEdison smirked. ``Obviously because we're both geniuses, in our own way.''\n\n``Hey, man, don't you think that makes you sound kind of conceited?'' Dustin asked. ``I mean, yeah, you're obviously smart, but saying it like that makes you sound full of yourself.''\n\nElena opened another door. ``Yes, but he's not wrong. That is what I meant. Out of all of us here, I get the feeling that Edison and Jamie are the smartest of us all.'' When she looked inside, she saw some still-lit green bulbs on the desks, although every other room had them bare. ``Hey, this is the room we all woke up in!''\n\n``Good, then we don't need to check that one.'' Edison said, but Jamie turned around and pushed past him.\n\nThe mouse stepped past the elephant and into the room. ``No, I want to give this room a more thorough examination. We still don't know how The Host was watching or listening to us in here.''\n\nDustin stepped up to the door, hands raised behind his head. ``Sounds like a good excuse to take a break to me!''\n\nWith a sigh, Edison joined the others inside. Jamie was already running his small fingers over every inch of the screen - at least, every inch he could reach - as if searching for some sort of seam or camera. Edison instead chose to take a close look at the walls and ceiling, while Dustin simply took a seat in the same desk he woke up in. Elena smiled, sitting down in the desk next to his.\n\n``A break sounds wonderful.'' She said, turning to him and placing her hands on the desk, careful not to line them up with the loose straps. She was pretty sure that they wouldn't hold her down again, but thought it better to be safe. ``You're pretty good at this, you know.''\n\nThe horned tiger raised an eyebrow at her. ``Good at what?''\n\nShe simply smiled. ``Being a leader. Staying positive. Taking charge. You may not know it, but your idea to form the teams set everyone else at ease, just knowing that somebody among us had at least some kind of plan. And the way you insisted on leading us yesterday, to keep everybody safe.''\n\nHe grinned. ``And let me guess, that's why you wanted me on your team, isn't it?''\n\nElena turned away, but kept the smile on her face. ``Not entirely. But it is nice.''\n\nDustin leaned back in his seat, putting his feet up on the seat of the desk in front of him. ``Well, if you say so. But I have something to ask you, too. What was it that made you realize we don't have windows in here? I think you're the only one to make that connection.''\n\nFor the first time, the smile dropped from her face, and she turned her head up towards the ceiling. ``I was trying to see the moon.''\n\n``The moon? What for... oh, wait, is this part of your religion?'' Dustin asked.\n\nShe nodded. ``Yes. Part of my belief system requires nightly prayer to the moon, including eye contact with it. If I can't see it, then it can't hear my prayers, or give me guidance.'' Her frown deepened, and Dustin saw a tear forming in her eye. ``To be trapped like this... I've never felt so cut off in my life. And the thought that I may never be able to see it again...''\n\nDustin wasn't sure what to say. Elena had trailed off, now totally silent. He stood up, planting a hand on her shoulder. When she turned her gaze to him, he gave the elephant a confident grin. ``Well, don't worry about that. We're getting out of here, remember? Just gotta find the door.''\n\nElena reached up, wiping the tear away from her eye, and smiled again. ``There's that wonderful positivity of yours again. Thank you.''\n\nAt the front of the room, Edison cleared his throat. ``If you two are finished with your break, we'd like to keep searching. There's nothing here.''\n\nDustin took his hand off of Elena's shoulder, crossing his arms as he looked around. ``Nothing? Really? So how did The Host know what we were doing?''\n\nJamie shrugged. ``I have no idea. But we both took a thorough look at everything, and there are no cameras or microphones anywhere.''\n\n``That's so strange.'' Elena said, stepping towards the front of the classroom with the others. ``It seems impossible that they would be able to hear our introductions and release us, in that case.''\n\nEdison scratched his chin. ``Well, I can think of one possibility, but it's not a pleasant one.''\n\n``Yeah? What's that?'' Dustin asked. ``Any theory's worth chasing right now.''\n\nThe ferret glared at him. ``Are you sure about that? Because once I say this, there's no taking it back. It might be best if I don't.''\n\nDustin rolled his eyes. ``Nah, man, out with it. Don't keep any secrets. What are you thinking?''\n\nEdison sighed, then crossed his own arms to match Dustin's pose. Elena and Jamie remained silent as they waited to hear him speak.\n\n``If there are no microphones or cameras in this room, but The Host knew what was happening in here regardless, then there's only one way to explain that.'' He said. Elena gasped, knowing immediately what he was going to say.\n\nEdison frowned. ``Out of the sixteen people that woke up in this room, one of us... is The Host.''\n\nThe hotel's restaurant took Team C a bit by surprise. While they were certainly expecting something large enough to accommodate the hotel's guests, it was far bigger than they thought it would be. Set up like a cross between a cafeteria and a classic diner, it had rows upon rows of tables and benches to sit at, while glowing neon signs and restaurant-style booths lined the walls. At one end, a buffet table spanned the length of the wall, while a nearby door presumably led to the kitchen.\n\n``Whoa, this place is huge!'' Rex shouted as soon as they entered, his voice echoing in the empty room. ``Looks like they're set up for a few hundred people, at least.''\n\nZoe shook her head as the took in the mismatched decor. ``They should have decided on one theme, though. This place looks... confusing.''\n\n``Don't care about the theme.'' Kick said as he pushed past the rest of the group, making a beeline for the buffet table. As soon as he arrived at it, he threw his hands up in frustration. ``Un-fucking-believable! What kind of restaurant has an empty buffet?!''\n\nRex shrugged. ``Maybe The Host just didn't have time to put anything out?''\n\nThe rabbit scoffed. ``My ass he didn't. That rust-bucket had time to strap us to desks and make up rules for whatever game he's playing, he's got time to make a goddamn salad.'' Complaining to himself, Kick marched to the kitchen door, shoving it open and disappearing inside.\n\n``I guess that's why he wanted the restaurant assignment.'' Jo said, shrugging as she started examining the booths. ``Well, while he's `searching' the kitchen, let's all start out here.''\n\nThankfully, despite the size of the dining room, the search itself didn't take long at all. Aside from the tables, booths, and signs, there wasn't much else to examine. Satisfied that they had seen all there was to see, Rex took a seat in one of the booths.\n\nZoe stood nearby, her hands on her hips. ``Don't you think we should go help Kick in the kitchen?'' she asked.\n\n``Nah, trust me, he's better off in there alone.'' Rex said, grinning. ``When Kick gets hungry, he gets mad, and when he gets mad, he gets nasty. I remember one time when we were just getting the band together, we almost didn't land our first gig because he hadn't had breakfast yet.''\n\nJo sat down across from Rex. ``Yeah, he seems a little - ''\n\n``Man, he was in such a bad mood that day, I thought he was gonna strangle the club's owner!'' the hyena continued, undeterred. ``He kept yelling about the pay being too low, or how he wasn't gonna change our band's name, or the way we were dressed. Oh, yeah, he's the guy responsible for our band's image, including wardrobe.'' He said, lifting his head a little to show off the collar and bone-shaped tag around his neck.\n\n``So he told you to wear that? Isn't it humili - '' Jo tried to ask, but was interrupted again.\n\n``Yeah, we've all got our responsibilities in addition to playing. Kick's the image guy, Dustin handles our fans and getting us places to play, and I write the music! Gotta put that experience from having Rotten Sam as an uncle to work, right? Who better for it? Of course, since Kick has me wear a muzzle on stage, I can't sing any of the - oof!'' Rex's words were stopped by a piece of bread flying through the air, striking him in the side of the head.\n\nJo and Zoe turned to see Kick striding across the dining room floor, a half-eaten apple in one hand and a tray covered in boxes in the other. ``Rex, shut the fuck up. Jo's trying to get a word in edgewise.'' He said, setting the tray in the middle of the booth and taking a seat next to Rex. Smirking, he punched the hyena in the arm. ``And that's part of why he's muzzled on stage, for the record.''\n\n``Yeah, I get it.'' Zoe said, sitting down next to Jo in the booth. ``So, did you find anything in the kitchen? Aside from all this food, I mean?''\n\nKick shook his head. ``Nothing you wouldn't expect. A few fridges, a well-stocked pantry, some ovens and stuff like that. No secret tunnels or anything about The Host. So I figure, let's go ahead and eat up while we're here.'' He said, motioning to the tray. ``Wasn't sure what you two like, so I tried to grab a bit of everything.''\n\nThe boxes on the tray, everyone noticed, were individually packaged meals. Each was labeled with a picture of the food contained inside, along with nutritional facts. As he said, it appeared that Kick had put a wide assortment of boxes on the tray, containing salads, sandwiches, various meats, and even soups.\n\nJo smirked. ``Wow, Kick, you can be kind of considerate when you want to be.''\n\nThe rabbit glared back. ``The fuck's that supposed to mean? The hell did I ever do to you to make you think I'm not a nice guy?'' he snapped.\n\n``Yelling at everyone doesn't help.'' Zoe said, avoiding eye contact while taking a box of sushi from the tray. Kick immediately began staring daggers at her, and she shrugged. ``Neither do the constant death glares and threats.''\n\nScowling, he tossed his apple core on the tray and slumped back in the booth, crossing his arms. ``Yeah, well, that's just how Kick is. Better get used to it.'' He said.\n\nZoe glanced at him. ``Talking in the third-person now?'' she said with a chuckle. Unamused, Kick glared at her for a moment, before raising a middle finger in the air and standing up. ``Oh, come on, I'm just kidding!'' she called as he stomped back to the kitchen, but he just raised his finger again before vanishing through the door.\n\nRex sat awkwardly in the booth, silently picking at the offered tray in front of him. ``Uh... sorry about that. He gets kind of sensitive about things.''\n\n``No kidding.'' Jo said, her eyes lingering on the swinging kitchen door. ``What's the deal with... all of that, anyway? Especially the whole `Kick' thing.''\n\n``Yeah, why's he hate his name so much?'' Zoe asked, popping a piece of sushi in her mouth. ``He said it was Clover Wakefield, right? That's honestly not a bad name. In fact, I kind of like it. So why doesn't he?''\n\nRex twirled the now vacant stick of a corn dog between his fingers. ``I'm not gonna tell you that.'' He said. ``I mean, I obviously know why, but that's up to Kick to explain, don't you think? I'm not much of a friend if I talk about him behind his back.''\n\nThe shark grinned. ``I can definitely respect that.''\n\nJo nodded. ``You're right. It's his business, not ours. So... think he'll be back out of there any time soon?''\n\nRex turned to the kitchen, and perked his ears up to listen. ``Probably not. He was pretty pissed. The good news is I don't hear anything breaking, so he's not too pissed.''\n\nZoe stood up. ``Well, if he's gonna be in there for a while, I say we finish eating and then give this place one more look before we head back.'' She said, grabbing another container of sushi. ``I hate to say it, but with food like this, I think I could learn to like this place.''\n\n``Well, she's certainly enjoying herself.'' Charlene said with a smirk. Her eyes were trained on Summer, who was happily roaming the greenhouse, chirping excitedly at each plant she stopped at. ``It's honestly kind of nice in here, isn't it?''\n\nThe greenhouse was filled with rows of plantlife, some growing out of the ground and others in pots on shelves. The walls were made entirely out of glass, but Charlene couldn't help but question the purpose behind that, as only a mere twelve inches beyond them was a solid concrete wall. A huge set of double doors was set in the opposite wall, and above the plantlife, an array of lighting beamed down, keeping the greenhouse well-lit.\n\nMae shielded her eyes as she stared upwards, taking her hat off to fan herself with. ``Yeah, but it's dang hot. Think we can turn those lights down just a bit?'' she asked.\n\n``No, you mustn't!'' Summer suddenly shouted from across the room. ``These little plants need that light if they're going to survive!''\n\n``Well, alright, but if I stay in here much longer, I ain't gonna.'' Mae grumbled.\n\nGinger's attention was immediately drawn to the double doors, and she made her way to them, careful not to disturb any of the plants. ``This must be some kind of supply closet.'' She said as she took hold of the handles, grunting with effort as she tried to open them. ``I can't tell if they're locked or just heavy... hey, can somebody give me a hand here?''\n\nCharlene nodded. ``Yeah, I'm on my way!'' she said, stepping deeper into the greenhouse. About midway, she suddenly stopped, letting loose a huge sneeze. ``Oh, god... what's...?'' she asked, sneezing again and rubbing at her eyes.\n\nSummer gasped, her feathered crest rising in shock as she covered her beak with her feathered hands. ``Oh! Are you alright?''\n\nMae rushed forward, and covered Charlene's face with her hat. ``Get her back! She must be allergic to somethin' in here, and bad!'' Ginger left the door and helped Mae escort the chimpanzee back to the hallway, where she began breathing a little easier.\n\n``Thanks, girls...'' Charlene gasped out, catching her breath. ``I don't know what's in there, but whatever it is, it doesn't like me very much.''\n\nSummer stood at the door, still inside the greenhouse. ``Is she... is she okay?''\n\nMae nodded. ``Yeah, I reckon she'll be fine. But there's no way I'm lettin' her set foot back inside there.''\n\nThe cockatiel let out a sigh of relief, her crest dropping back down. ``Thank goodness! Charlene, I'm so, so sorry! If I knew you had allergies, I would have never insisted on us searching the greenhouse.''\n\nCharlene waved a hand dismissively. ``It's okay, really. I didn't expect that I'd be allergic to something in there, either. It's never been a problem before. Besides, I expected any team with you on it would be coming here as soon as the word `greenhouse' was uttered.''\n\n``Either way, we can't search in there like this, can we?'' Summer said. She tried to remain chipper, but couldn't keep a bit of disappointment out of her voice. ``I really don't want you to suffer like that just because I wanted to see some plants! We should go see if one of the other teams wants to trade. I'm sure they'll understand, right? We can swap with Team B!''\n\nGinger shook her head. ``No, we'll be okay. The greenhouse is big, but aside from those huge locked doors, there's really not much to check. If Mae wants to stay out here and keep an eye on Charlene, I think the two of us can handle it.''\n\nCharlene waved a hand in the air. ``No, I'm good, I was fine standing at the door. I can at least check the front of the room.'' She said, standing up - or trying to, before Mae pushed her back down.\n\n``Nothin' doin'! I'm the closest thing we've got here to a doctor, and I say you're stayin' outside.'' She said, pushing some authority into her voice.\n\nThe chimpanzee grumbled. ``You're a veterinary student...''\n\nThe cow grinned. ``And you're not, so like I said, I'm our resident doc. Now, Ginger's right. You're stayin' sat down, and I'm stayin' here to make sure you do!'' Turning to Ginger and Summer, she gave them a nod. ``If you two need anythin', just give me a shout.''\n\nSmiling, Ginger nodded back. ``Of course! I'll come back later with somebody else to get that door open. I'm sure Dustin and Zoe can handle it.'' She said, walking back into the greenhouse with Summer.\n\nSummer was already back to tending the plants, delicately checking the leaves on each one. Ginger occupied herself with the glass walls, pushing against each to search for a hidden hinge, but finding nothing. Feeling defeated, she joined the cockatiel, who was crouched down next to a small bush with a concerned look on her face.\n\n``Is everything okay?'' she asked as she crouched down next to her. Summer's head crest shot back up, realizing that the sheep had joined her.\n\n``Oh! Um, yes, I suppose, in the sense that the plants are healthy... but...'' With a sigh, she turned back to the leaves in her hand. ``The plants themselves are what I'm worried about.''\n\n``What do you mean?'' Ginger asked, reaching out for one in front of her.\n\nWith an urgent chirp, Summer smacked her hand away. ``Oh! Don't touch that one, it's dangerous!''\n\nThe sheep's eyes widened, and she held her hands close to her chest. ``Dangerous? How?''\n\n``Well... most of the plants in this greenhouse are safe enough. A lot are even edible, or make great natural medicines. But this section in particular...'' Her voice took on a grave tone. ``These plants are all poisonous. Some of them to the touch, even. That one you were about to hold would give you a terrible burning rash, open sores, and a serious infection. And this one I have, that looks like tea leaves? It causes instant death if eaten.''\n\nGinger immediately stood up, backing away from the plant. ``Th-then... we have to get rid of these plants, right now! Before somebody hurts themselves!''\n\nSummer shook her head. ``As much of a plant lover as I am, I'd agree with destroying them, except...'' She raised a hand, pointing to a sign on the wall.\n\nALL PLANTS IN THIS GREENHOUSE ARE NOT TO BE REMOVED OR DAMAGED.\n\n``I don't know about you, but I personally don't care to find out what The Host would do if we broke that rule.'' Summer said.\n\nGinger nodded. ``I guess you're right... but we at least need to warn the others about it. Any one of us could wander in here, touch the wrong plant, and...'' She shuddered. ``...die.''\n\n``You're absolutely right!'' Summer chirped, standing up and dusting her hands. ``And since I know what plants are what, I should come back later and use something to mark the off-limits ones.''\n\nSmiling, and satisfied with the results of their search, Ginger turned and went back towards the hallway with Summer. Before she closed the door, she took one last, pensive look inside. She couldn't help but wonder why such dangerous plantlife was growing in the hotel to begin with... and who planted it.\n\n","writing_bbcode_parsed":"``Okay, this thing's pretty nice.'' Lorena said, kneeling down to dip a finger in the pool's water. She swirled it around a bit, enjoying the look of the ripples. ``Water's a good temperature too... size is just right for all of us. Maybe we should set up some kind of party, so nobody feels tense around each other?''

Barad and Bao had already split up to check the rest of the room on each side of the pool. It was flanked on either side by an array of furniture, including tables and a small bar set up at the far end. A few doors were also set into the walls on the left side, which Barad opened in order to find a men's changing room, a sauna, and a women's changing room.

Bao nodded. ``This place does look to be set up pretty nicely.'' He said, ducking behind the bar to check the contents. ``Nothing alcoholic here, though. Just sodas, bottled water, and a few snacks.''

The mention of snacks caused Lorena's stomach to growl a bit; she suddenly realized that she hadn't eaten anything since waking up in her desk. ``What kind of snacks?''

The panda shook his head. ``Nothing too exciting. Just chips and mixed nuts. They all still look like they're good to eat, though... nothing seems to be expired.''

``Well, pass me a bag of chips. I'm starving. You guys should probably all eat something, too.'' She said, walking over to join Bao at the snack bar. She glanced over at the door leading back to the rest of the hotel, and saw that Gregory hadn't moved an inch. ``You too, creepy! Get over here!''

The moth winced. ``Please don't refer to  -  refer to me as `creepy'. My name's Gregory, please call me that.''

Lorena rolled her eyes. ``Okay. Come on over here, Greg, and have some chips.''

``No, not `Greg', I prefer  -  prefer... oh, I suppose I'll take it as progress.'' He said, before slowly making his way to the snack bar.

Barad finished his examination of the other side of the room, joining them as well. ``There's a hot tub at the far end of the pool, as well. I really hate to admit it... but so far this hotel does seem like a pretty nice place.''

Lorena smirked. ``Almost like... Paradise?''

The dragon chuckled, reaching for a can of mixed nuts and a soda. ``Well, threat of murder aside, I guess the name isn't entirely off the mark. All things considered.''

``That doesn't mean I'd want to stay here, though.'' Bao chimed in, taking a seat in one of the nearby deck chairs. ``Just because a prison's nice, that doesn't make it any less of a prison.''

The bat snapped her fingers. ``Exactly! Which is exactly why we need to have a pool party, so everybody can relax!''

Gregory perked up. ``Pool party? And I assume everyone  -  everyone will be in attendance? In swimsuits?''

``Yeah, Greg, that's usually how pool parties work. That's not gonna be a problem for you, is it?'' Lorena asked.

``Oh no, no, no problem at all. I admit that I'm not  -  I'm not very fond of water, and I certainly can't  -  can't swim, but I can at least attend. And I'll even  -  even dress for the occasion.''

Barad shook his head. ``I think he just wants to see Ginger in a swimsuit.''

Beneath his neck fluff, Gregory's face began to turn red. ``Not at all! I just want to  -  want to be... not viewed as a creepy stalker.''

``A good first step for that is to cut out the creepy stalking.'' Bao muttered. A glance from both Gregory and Lorena told him that he wasn't quite as quiet as he had hoped, and he turned his head down and returned to his snack.

Lorena smiled. ``He's right though. So, tell me something, Greg. And don't even try to deny it. You're into Ginger, aren't you?''

The moth took a few steps back. ``I... I don't know  -  know what you mean.''

``I've only known you for a day and even I can see it.'' Barad said.

Bao nodded. ``Yeah, it's pretty obvious.''

Lorena smirked. ``There you go. Like I said, no point in denying it. So, come on, out with it. What is it about Ginger that's got you so interested in her?''

Gregory stepped back again, nearly tripping over a deck chair. He immediately shifted to the left, putting a table between himself and the other three. ``Why are you all  -  all ganging up on me like this...?''

With a heavy sigh, Lorena stepped towards him. He tried to back away again, but she was too fast, and planted both hands on his shoulders. ``Greg. We're not ganging up on you. You said you want to be accepted by everyone else and shake this creepy stalker image? Then you've got to open up about it. A good first step is admitting that you like Ginger, and telling us why. Then we can help you some more.'' To drive her point home, she gave him a warm smile. ``Don't forget, I'm one of her best friends. If you seem genuine, I might be able to put in a good word for you.''

His face still red, Gregory cast his eyes down, then back up. ``Okay. If you must know, I  -  I really like... the stripes in her wool.''

``Her wool?'' Lorena asked, her eyes going wide. Gregory simply gave a silent nod in response. ``You mean the thing that she's always been bullied about, and is convinced makes her a freak?''

``Yes. I think it's  -  it's quite appealing.''

Barad slapped his forehead. ``And you don't think that giving her a genuine compliment like that would go over better than quietly watching her from the shadows?''

Lorena grinned again. ``Well, there you go! Okay, step one complete. We now know why you've been stalking her. And step two... is for you to loosen up a little. Are you ready for that?''

Gregory glanced from person to person. He smiled beneath his neck fluff, although none of them could see it  -  maybe these three were actually trying to help him out. Looking back at Lorena, he smiled. That smile faded quickly as the bat suddenly pushed him, having subtly maneuvered him during their conversation until his back was facing the pool.

As soon as he hit the water, panic set in, and he began to thrash about. Lorena was laughing at the edge of the pool, and Barad simply stared, wide-eyed and frozen in place. Bao jumped to his feet. ``What the hell are you doing?!'' he shouted as he ran from his spot, diving into the pool and grabbing hold of the flailing moth.

Barad turned to Lorena, casting his wide, red-eyed stare at her. ``Wha... what did you do that for?!''

Lorena shrugged. ``I told him he needs to loosen up. That's a good way to do it, don't you think?''

He knelt down at the edge of the pool, extending a hand to help Bao and Gregory. ``Yeah, it would be if he didn't say he can't swim!''

As the panda and dragon helped Gregory out of the water, Lorena bit her lower lip. ``Oh... he... did mention that, huh? Um, my bad, Greg. Sorry.''

Team B had already checked half of the hallways on the ground floor. To their surprise, they discovered that despite the second floor clearly being a hotel as they expected, the ground floor's rooms had instead been furnished as though the building was the school they initially assumed it to be.

``This place just gets stranger.'' Edison said, shaking his head as he closed the door on another classroom. ``Why would they want half the hotel set up this way?''

Elena opened another door to check it  -  another classroom. ``I wonder... perhaps this hotel is actually meant to be some sort of shelter for a larger population? If that's the case, then having a school would make sense.'' She gave it a quick visual examination, counting exactly sixteen desks and a large screen along the wall, which was still showing the display of a blackboard.

Jamie reached up over his head to turn the knob for his own door to check. ``You mean like a fallout shelter? Interesting theory. What makes you think that?''

Elena continued down the hallway. ``Didn't it occur to either of you that this building doesn't have any windows at all?'' she said, and all three who were joining her stopped walking. ``I'm actually a little surprised that you two in particular didn't realize it... it's fairly obvious.''

Dustin raised a hand to give one of his horns an awkward rub. ``Hey... how come just those two? I didn't notice either.''

Edison smirked. ``Obviously because we're both geniuses, in our own way.''

``Hey, man, don't you think that makes you sound kind of conceited?'' Dustin asked. ``I mean, yeah, you're obviously smart, but saying it like that makes you sound full of yourself.''

Elena opened another door. ``Yes, but he's not wrong. That is what I meant. Out of all of us here, I get the feeling that Edison and Jamie are the smartest of us all.'' When she looked inside, she saw some still-lit green bulbs on the desks, although every other room had them bare. ``Hey, this is the room we all woke up in!''

``Good, then we don't need to check that one.'' Edison said, but Jamie turned around and pushed past him.

The mouse stepped past the elephant and into the room. ``No, I want to give this room a more thorough examination. We still don't know how The Host was watching or listening to us in here.''

Dustin stepped up to the door, hands raised behind his head. ``Sounds like a good excuse to take a break to me!''

With a sigh, Edison joined the others inside. Jamie was already running his small fingers over every inch of the screen  -  at least, every inch he could reach  -  as if searching for some sort of seam or camera. Edison instead chose to take a close look at the walls and ceiling, while Dustin simply took a seat in the same desk he woke up in. Elena smiled, sitting down in the desk next to his.

``A break sounds wonderful.'' She said, turning to him and placing her hands on the desk, careful not to line them up with the loose straps. She was pretty sure that they wouldn't hold her down again, but thought it better to be safe. ``You're pretty good at this, you know.''

The horned tiger raised an eyebrow at her. ``Good at what?''

She simply smiled. ``Being a leader. Staying positive. Taking charge. You may not know it, but your idea to form the teams set everyone else at ease, just knowing that somebody among us had at least some kind of plan. And the way you insisted on leading us yesterday, to keep everybody safe.''

He grinned. ``And let me guess, that's why you wanted me on your team, isn't it?''

Elena turned away, but kept the smile on her face. ``Not entirely. But it is nice.''

Dustin leaned back in his seat, putting his feet up on the seat of the desk in front of him. ``Well, if you say so. But I have something to ask you, too. What was it that made you realize we don't have windows in here? I think you're the only one to make that connection.''

For the first time, the smile dropped from her face, and she turned her head up towards the ceiling. ``I was trying to see the moon.''

``The moon? What for... oh, wait, is this part of your religion?'' Dustin asked.

She nodded. ``Yes. Part of my belief system requires nightly prayer to the moon, including eye contact with it. If I can't see it, then it can't hear my prayers, or give me guidance.'' Her frown deepened, and Dustin saw a tear forming in her eye. ``To be trapped like this... I've never felt so cut off in my life. And the thought that I may never be able to see it again...''

Dustin wasn't sure what to say. Elena had trailed off, now totally silent. He stood up, planting a hand on her shoulder. When she turned her gaze to him, he gave the elephant a confident grin. ``Well, don't worry about that. We're getting out of here, remember? Just gotta find the door.''

Elena reached up, wiping the tear away from her eye, and smiled again. ``There's that wonderful positivity of yours again. Thank you.''

At the front of the room, Edison cleared his throat. ``If you two are finished with your break, we'd like to keep searching. There's nothing here.''

Dustin took his hand off of Elena's shoulder, crossing his arms as he looked around. ``Nothing? Really? So how did The Host know what we were doing?''

Jamie shrugged. ``I have no idea. But we both took a thorough look at everything, and there are no cameras or microphones anywhere.''

``That's so strange.'' Elena said, stepping towards the front of the classroom with the others. ``It seems impossible that they would be able to hear our introductions and release us, in that case.''

Edison scratched his chin. ``Well, I can think of one possibility, but it's not a pleasant one.''

``Yeah? What's that?'' Dustin asked. ``Any theory's worth chasing right now.''

The ferret glared at him. ``Are you sure about that? Because once I say this, there's no taking it back. It might be best if I don't.''

Dustin rolled his eyes. ``Nah, man, out with it. Don't keep any secrets. What are you thinking?''

Edison sighed, then crossed his own arms to match Dustin's pose. Elena and Jamie remained silent as they waited to hear him speak.

``If there are no microphones or cameras in this room, but The Host knew what was happening in here regardless, then there's only one way to explain that.'' He said. Elena gasped, knowing immediately what he was going to say.

Edison frowned. ``Out of the sixteen people that woke up in this room, one of us... is The Host.''

The hotel's restaurant took Team C a bit by surprise. While they were certainly expecting something large enough to accommodate the hotel's guests, it was far bigger than they thought it would be. Set up like a cross between a cafeteria and a classic diner, it had rows upon rows of tables and benches to sit at, while glowing neon signs and restaurant-style booths lined the walls. At one end, a buffet table spanned the length of the wall, while a nearby door presumably led to the kitchen.

``Whoa, this place is huge!'' Rex shouted as soon as they entered, his voice echoing in the empty room. ``Looks like they're set up for a few hundred people, at least.''

Zoe shook her head as the took in the mismatched decor. ``They should have decided on one theme, though. This place looks... confusing.''

``Don't care about the theme.'' Kick said as he pushed past the rest of the group, making a beeline for the buffet table. As soon as he arrived at it, he threw his hands up in frustration. ``Un-fucking-believable! What kind of restaurant has an empty buffet?!''

Rex shrugged. ``Maybe The Host just didn't have time to put anything out?''

The rabbit scoffed. ``My ass he didn't. That rust-bucket had time to strap us to desks and make up rules for whatever game he's playing, he's got time to make a goddamn salad.'' Complaining to himself, Kick marched to the kitchen door, shoving it open and disappearing inside.

``I guess that's why he wanted the restaurant assignment.'' Jo said, shrugging as she started examining the booths. ``Well, while he's `searching' the kitchen, let's all start out here.''

Thankfully, despite the size of the dining room, the search itself didn't take long at all. Aside from the tables, booths, and signs, there wasn't much else to examine. Satisfied that they had seen all there was to see, Rex took a seat in one of the booths.

Zoe stood nearby, her hands on her hips. ``Don't you think we should go help Kick in the kitchen?'' she asked.

``Nah, trust me, he's better off in there alone.'' Rex said, grinning. ``When Kick gets hungry, he gets mad, and when he gets mad, he gets nasty. I remember one time when we were just getting the band together, we almost didn't land our first gig because he hadn't had breakfast yet.''

Jo sat down across from Rex. ``Yeah, he seems a little  - ''

``Man, he was in such a bad mood that day, I thought he was gonna strangle the club's owner!'' the hyena continued, undeterred. ``He kept yelling about the pay being too low, or how he wasn't gonna change our band's name, or the way we were dressed. Oh, yeah, he's the guy responsible for our band's image, including wardrobe.'' He said, lifting his head a little to show off the collar and bone-shaped tag around his neck.

``So he told you to wear that? Isn't it humili - '' Jo tried to ask, but was interrupted again.

``Yeah, we've all got our responsibilities in addition to playing. Kick's the image guy, Dustin handles our fans and getting us places to play, and I write the music! Gotta put that experience from having Rotten Sam as an uncle to work, right? Who better for it? Of course, since Kick has me wear a muzzle on stage, I can't sing any of the  -  oof!'' Rex's words were stopped by a piece of bread flying through the air, striking him in the side of the head.

Jo and Zoe turned to see Kick striding across the dining room floor, a half-eaten apple in one hand and a tray covered in boxes in the other. ``Rex, shut the fuck up. Jo's trying to get a word in edgewise.'' He said, setting the tray in the middle of the booth and taking a seat next to Rex. Smirking, he punched the hyena in the arm. ``And that's part of why he's muzzled on stage, for the record.''

``Yeah, I get it.'' Zoe said, sitting down next to Jo in the booth. ``So, did you find anything in the kitchen? Aside from all this food, I mean?''

Kick shook his head. ``Nothing you wouldn't expect. A few fridges, a well-stocked pantry, some ovens and stuff like that. No secret tunnels or anything about The Host. So I figure, let's go ahead and eat up while we're here.'' He said, motioning to the tray. ``Wasn't sure what you two like, so I tried to grab a bit of everything.''

The boxes on the tray, everyone noticed, were individually packaged meals. Each was labeled with a picture of the food contained inside, along with nutritional facts. As he said, it appeared that Kick had put a wide assortment of boxes on the tray, containing salads, sandwiches, various meats, and even soups.

Jo smirked. ``Wow, Kick, you can be kind of considerate when you want to be.''

The rabbit glared back. ``The fuck's that supposed to mean? The hell did I ever do to you to make you think I'm not a nice guy?'' he snapped.

``Yelling at everyone doesn't help.'' Zoe said, avoiding eye contact while taking a box of sushi from the tray. Kick immediately began staring daggers at her, and she shrugged. ``Neither do the constant death glares and threats.''

Scowling, he tossed his apple core on the tray and slumped back in the booth, crossing his arms. ``Yeah, well, that's just how Kick is. Better get used to it.'' He said.

Zoe glanced at him. ``Talking in the third-person now?'' she said with a chuckle. Unamused, Kick glared at her for a moment, before raising a middle finger in the air and standing up. ``Oh, come on, I'm just kidding!'' she called as he stomped back to the kitchen, but he just raised his finger again before vanishing through the door.

Rex sat awkwardly in the booth, silently picking at the offered tray in front of him. ``Uh... sorry about that. He gets kind of sensitive about things.''

``No kidding.'' Jo said, her eyes lingering on the swinging kitchen door. ``What's the deal with... all of that, anyway? Especially the whole `Kick' thing.''

``Yeah, why's he hate his name so much?'' Zoe asked, popping a piece of sushi in her mouth. ``He said it was Clover Wakefield, right? That's honestly not a bad name. In fact, I kind of like it. So why doesn't he?''

Rex twirled the now vacant stick of a corn dog between his fingers. ``I'm not gonna tell you that.'' He said. ``I mean, I obviously know why, but that's up to Kick to explain, don't you think? I'm not much of a friend if I talk about him behind his back.''

The shark grinned. ``I can definitely respect that.''

Jo nodded. ``You're right. It's his business, not ours. So... think he'll be back out of there any time soon?''

Rex turned to the kitchen, and perked his ears up to listen. ``Probably not. He was pretty pissed. The good news is I don't hear anything breaking, so he's not too pissed.''

Zoe stood up. ``Well, if he's gonna be in there for a while, I say we finish eating and then give this place one more look before we head back.'' She said, grabbing another container of sushi. ``I hate to say it, but with food like this, I think I could learn to like this place.''

``Well, she's certainly enjoying herself.'' Charlene said with a smirk. Her eyes were trained on Summer, who was happily roaming the greenhouse, chirping excitedly at each plant she stopped at. ``It's honestly kind of nice in here, isn't it?''

The greenhouse was filled with rows of plantlife, some growing out of the ground and others in pots on shelves. The walls were made entirely out of glass, but Charlene couldn't help but question the purpose behind that, as only a mere twelve inches beyond them was a solid concrete wall. A huge set of double doors was set in the opposite wall, and above the plantlife, an array of lighting beamed down, keeping the greenhouse well-lit.

Mae shielded her eyes as she stared upwards, taking her hat off to fan herself with. ``Yeah, but it's dang hot. Think we can turn those lights down just a bit?'' she asked.

``No, you mustn't!'' Summer suddenly shouted from across the room. ``These little plants need that light if they're going to survive!''

``Well, alright, but if I stay in here much longer, I ain't gonna.'' Mae grumbled.

Ginger's attention was immediately drawn to the double doors, and she made her way to them, careful not to disturb any of the plants. ``This must be some kind of supply closet.'' She said as she took hold of the handles, grunting with effort as she tried to open them. ``I can't tell if they're locked or just heavy... hey, can somebody give me a hand here?''

Charlene nodded. ``Yeah, I'm on my way!'' she said, stepping deeper into the greenhouse. About midway, she suddenly stopped, letting loose a huge sneeze. ``Oh, god... what's...?'' she asked, sneezing again and rubbing at her eyes.

Summer gasped, her feathered crest rising in shock as she covered her beak with her feathered hands. ``Oh! Are you alright?''

Mae rushed forward, and covered Charlene's face with her hat. ``Get her back! She must be allergic to somethin' in here, and bad!'' Ginger left the door and helped Mae escort the chimpanzee back to the hallway, where she began breathing a little easier.

``Thanks, girls...'' Charlene gasped out, catching her breath. ``I don't know what's in there, but whatever it is, it doesn't like me very much.''

Summer stood at the door, still inside the greenhouse. ``Is she... is she okay?''

Mae nodded. ``Yeah, I reckon she'll be fine. But there's no way I'm lettin' her set foot back inside there.''

The cockatiel let out a sigh of relief, her crest dropping back down. ``Thank goodness! Charlene, I'm so, so sorry! If I knew you had allergies, I would have never insisted on us searching the greenhouse.''

Charlene waved a hand dismissively. ``It's okay, really. I didn't expect that I'd be allergic to something in there, either. It's never been a problem before. Besides, I expected any team with you on it would be coming here as soon as the word `greenhouse' was uttered.''

``Either way, we can't search in there like this, can we?'' Summer said. She tried to remain chipper, but couldn't keep a bit of disappointment out of her voice. ``I really don't want you to suffer like that just because I wanted to see some plants! We should go see if one of the other teams wants to trade. I'm sure they'll understand, right? We can swap with Team B!''

Ginger shook her head. ``No, we'll be okay. The greenhouse is big, but aside from those huge locked doors, there's really not much to check. If Mae wants to stay out here and keep an eye on Charlene, I think the two of us can handle it.''

Charlene waved a hand in the air. ``No, I'm good, I was fine standing at the door. I can at least check the front of the room.'' She said, standing up  -  or trying to, before Mae pushed her back down.

``Nothin' doin'! I'm the closest thing we've got here to a doctor, and I say you're stayin' outside.'' She said, pushing some authority into her voice.

The chimpanzee grumbled. ``You're a veterinary student...''

The cow grinned. ``And you're not, so like I said, I'm our resident doc. Now, Ginger's right. You're stayin' sat down, and I'm stayin' here to make sure you do!'' Turning to Ginger and Summer, she gave them a nod. ``If you two need anythin', just give me a shout.''

Smiling, Ginger nodded back. ``Of course! I'll come back later with somebody else to get that door open. I'm sure Dustin and Zoe can handle it.'' She said, walking back into the greenhouse with Summer.

Summer was already back to tending the plants, delicately checking the leaves on each one. Ginger occupied herself with the glass walls, pushing against each to search for a hidden hinge, but finding nothing. Feeling defeated, she joined the cockatiel, who was crouched down next to a small bush with a concerned look on her face.

``Is everything okay?'' she asked as she crouched down next to her. Summer's head crest shot back up, realizing that the sheep had joined her.

``Oh! Um, yes, I suppose, in the sense that the plants are healthy... but...'' With a sigh, she turned back to the leaves in her hand. ``The plants themselves are what I'm worried about.''

``What do you mean?'' Ginger asked, reaching out for one in front of her.

With an urgent chirp, Summer smacked her hand away. ``Oh! Don't touch that one, it's dangerous!''

The sheep's eyes widened, and she held her hands close to her chest. ``Dangerous? How?''

``Well... most of the plants in this greenhouse are safe enough. A lot are even edible, or make great natural medicines. But this section in particular...'' Her voice took on a grave tone. ``These plants are all poisonous. Some of them to the touch, even. That one you were about to hold would give you a terrible burning rash, open sores, and a serious infection. And this one I have, that looks like tea leaves? It causes instant death if eaten.''

Ginger immediately stood up, backing away from the plant. ``Th-then... we have to get rid of these plants, right now! Before somebody hurts themselves!''

Summer shook her head. ``As much of a plant lover as I am, I'd agree with destroying them, except...'' She raised a hand, pointing to a sign on the wall.

ALL PLANTS IN THIS GREENHOUSE ARE NOT TO BE REMOVED OR DAMAGED.

``I don't know about you, but I personally don't care to find out what The Host would do if we broke that rule.'' Summer said.

Ginger nodded. ``I guess you're right... but we at least need to warn the others about it. Any one of us could wander in here, touch the wrong plant, and...'' She shuddered. ``...die.''

``You're absolutely right!'' Summer chirped, standing up and dusting her hands. ``And since I know what plants are what, I should come back later and use something to mark the off-limits ones.''

Smiling, and satisfied with the results of their search, Ginger turned and went back towards the hallway with Summer. Before she closed the door, she took one last, pensive look inside. She couldn't help but wonder why such dangerous plantlife was growing in the hotel to begin with... and who planted it.

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