Prologue
I woke up in a forest and my head was spinning. I could hear the chirping of birds. This definitely wasn't somewhere I knew. I don't even think I'm in the same country anymore. I looked around and I was alone but that wasn't right. I was in my classroom going over notes with my teacher.
"Where am I?" I asked but got no response
Then breaking the confusing yet tranquil silence was the sound of speakers turning on.
"Hello it's good to see that everyone has been transported safely. We wouldn't like it if my possessions were damaged before the game could begin. It would be such a shame and quite the disadvantage."
"possession? Game? What's going on?"
"I know many of you are curious about what's going on so allow me to explain. All 1500 of you have been transported to an island off the coast of Jamaica and have been separated for the sole purpose of participating in my game. What would that game be? You ask simple it's a game of tag with a catch. Anyone you tag dies."
"Wha…?"
"The rules of the game are simple, tag anyone who is not yourself. when you tag someone they die when that happens you may remove the token on their person that acts as currency that allows you to purchase food, clothes, and how would I put it…. Upgrades yes let's call them that. Last one person or group surviving it matters not to me who wins. Good luck."
Good luck? What did he mean by that.
Panic surged through me as the announcement ended. I frantically looked around, trying to spot any sign of familiarity or safety, but the forest remained ominously still. My mind raced with the implications of what I had just heard. 1500 people, an island, and a deadly game. The reality of it started to sink in, and fear gripped my heart.
"This is madness."
As the speakers crackled and fell silent, the oppressive stillness of the forest pressed in around me. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. This was no ordinary situation; it was a nightmare. Survival now meant playing by someone else's twisted rules.
I needed a plan.