Wanna Bet?

Drip……..drip……drip……..

A persistent drip of water from a leaky pipe fills the air of a dimly lit basement. An unconscious figure lies on their back, slowly coming to their senses. As consciousness returns, a sense of confusion floods their mind: 'Where am I?”

As they take in their surroundings, they realize they are in a large, open room with a single lightbulb above, a crate in the corner, and a filthy mirror on the wall. The air is stale and the smell of burning metal is overwhelming; possibly being a factory of some kind.

The figure looks at themselves and notices they are wearing a full-body black spandex suit, with a chest plate made of rusted metal. A sketchy outfit for sure but they decided to put a pin in that thought.

Cautiously, they survey their environment for an exit, but their search is fruitless: no doors, no windows, no openings in the walls. The crate appears to be locked shut with a digital lock, preventing any attempts to pry it open. Even the ceiling, which is made of a plain slab of concrete, offers no reprieve from the situation.

At a loss, the figure returns to where they woke up and ponders what clues could help them escape this puzzling predicament.

As they sit and ponder, a sudden flash of blue catches their eye. Looking to the source, they find a mirror covered in dirt and grime. With curiosity driving them forward, they approach it and begin wiping away the filth. When they finish, they take a step back, gazing into the silvery glass.

The figure has its features shrouded in bandages,concealing any information about themselves but leaving only a pair of hazel eyes visible. Furthermore, they notice a strange metallic collar around their neck. This sight is strange enough, but when the figure's collar flashes blue once more, their bewilderment increases.

Upon further inspection of the collar, they can find no sign of a latch or keyhole, suggesting that it may be stuck on for good. When they look back in the mirror, a question comes to mind: "Who is this looking back at me?"

Soon after a barrage of follow ups begin flooding through their mind. "Who are you? Why are you here? Where did you come from?" But no answers come forth. All that remains is the mysterious figure in the mirror, waiting for them to uncover the secrets of their past. Was this a case of amnesia and if so, would it be permanent? Although they were far from alarmed at the thought of missing memories, it could very well be for the better, as being anxious wouldn't contribute anything.

As they pondered the possibility, a crackling sound began to echo throughout the air. They scan their surroundings feverishly, trying to find the source, but to no avail. It was safe to assume that there were hidden speakers and, if so, hidden cameras as well. Someone had been watching them the whole time—it wouldn't be a stretch to guess that it was their captors.

"Hello?!" They shouted out, hoping to grab the attention of whoever was watching but as they did, a metallic monotone voice came out and left them shocked momentarily. No response came, but the crackling sound continued. "Is anybody there?" they continued despite their unflattering screech. "What is going on here? What do you want from me?!" Still nothing. Maybe communication was only set up to be one-way; or, it could be that their captors were simply cruel. Neither thought made them feel any better. After a few moments, the crackle started to dissipate, and a male voice proceeded to follow, as if clearing his throat.

"Welcome, welcome!" He began, sounding excited. "Thank you for joining me on this momentous occasion, although… you didn't have much of a choice. I'm sure you have many questions regarding your current situation, but information will be a luxury for those who earn it—and earn it you will. How do you earn it, you ask? Let's start with something simple, shall we?"

As if on cue, the light dims and begins to flicker. Then, the locked crate in the corner starts to rattle and shake. Their heart begins to beat faster as they take a step back. The rattling becomes more aggressive, and the sound of something banging from the inside can be heard. With each hit, the crate's cracks become more visible until a black figure breaks through and emerges, landing on all fours. It shakes its head a few times and then glances over in their direction.

Fear immediately consumes their body as they retreat until their back hits the wall. The figure notices this and starts to advance. A deep growl can be heard as it moves closer. All that can be made out is a bulky silhouette and certain features, like its luminescent red eyes and claws that extend unrealistically from its hands. As the figure reaches the middle of the room, the light source stabilizes and reveals it to be a werewolf - “a goddamn werewolf!" they exclaim in panic.

It has jet black fur with a white tuft on its forehead and its fangs seem like daggers. Fear is replaced by dread and their breathing becomes rigid as sweat runs down the spine. "What the hell is this?!", they utter in shock. One moment they’re sitting here bewildered and lost and the next they find themself in a bloody confrontation with a beast from out of a fantasy novel.

“For your first assignment…” the voice continues, “you simply have to…….survive. Then and only then will you have the privilege to learn more.”

“What the hell are you talking about?!” they shout outraged. “Survive?! With what means?! This room has nothing in it besides that damn monstrosity. Are you out of your mind?!” 

The voice continues its speech unbothered to their plight.

"Whatever means you choose to get out of this situation is completely up to you. Best of luck, and don't feel obliged to ask for help. This is just a recording. So put on the performance of your life!.........it depends on it." He finishes with a maniacal cackle.

"Son of a-!" The words die in their throat as the speakers went silent.

The werewolf suddenly stood on two feet, tilted its head back and emitted a spine-tingling howl. It dropped back down, and started galloping straight towards them.  Their mind flashes with one thought: "What the fuck?!"

End of chapter 1.