*The next day*

.

.

*Microphone's P.O.V*

It is now Saturday. Man. I'm so fucking tired.

I had met up with Taco last night... Well.. more a few hours ago.

We always meet up at midnight for some fucking reason.

Anyways, I just gave her the usual report. And vise versa.

We haven't had any luck finding Balloon. 

*sigh* I'm getting worried.... We all are still worried.

Doesn't help the fact that us current players just came back to the show.

But. We aren't recording yet. Mephone still needs to come up with a challenge for us.

During the 2 weeks at the hotel, Mephone hadn't came up with a challenge. Which was a little suprising. I didn't think he would give two shits about Balloon.

But he did. Mephone actually cared about Balloon. I could tell he was in distressed while searching. The host went together as a trio while looking for Balloon.

I never knew Mephone cared about us like that. He always seemed.... like he didn't care all that much about us. He didn't seem like he did on the show.... but. I suppose he secretly cared about us.

That's a nice thought. Mephone actually caring about us. I know Mepad cared about us, even if he didn't express a lot of emotions. Toliet. Well. He's Toliet, he always cares.

Back to the moment at hand. Since we weren't recording yet, Mephone told us that we could continue searching for Balloon while we waited. 

So. That's what we're doing. But, since we were in the contestant grounds.... We couldn't go off the show's parameters.

To cover more ground, we all just decided to search by ourselves. That's where we are now. I was searching closer to the hotel via the woods. 

I know I just said that we couldn't go off the show's parameters, but the woods count as show parameters. Mephone never gave a boundary for the forest and how far we could search. Which was pretty fucking dumb.

But hey. More areas to search! Right now, I'm close by to the hotel. It's around breakfast time, so nobody is out here right now.

I search for another 30 minutes when I hear something. It sounds like.... A siren. A police siren.

I start heading towards the sound. I stop when I get a glimpse of the hotel. I duck down behind a few bushes. 

I see a police car in front of the hotel. Did... Did OJ really call the police? I thought he was bluffing honestly. 

But he did it. Guess he's a man of his word. This is both good... and bad....

This is good because more people searching for Balloon. Police are good at this kind of stuff right?

They know what to do and they can call for back up when something is wrong. They have that commuinication. So, I think they are going to be a big help.

This is also bad because...... of the show. 

We're still on the show. They could walk on the show parameters whenever they can and invesigate in the backround. The show won't go anywhere if that happens!

Maybe we can talk to them if they happen to find the show parameters. Mephone could negotiate some sort of deal? Like... 

On the days we aren't recording, they can come and seach our area. Or something like that.

I feel like there was something super important that I was forgetting....

I'll figure that out later. Let me adjust my headset, or my 'gain' as Taco called it.

I need to figure out what the police and OJ are talking about. So I can report it back to the others and Mephone.

Okay. I adjusted it. Let's see what they're talking about....

"Thank you for coming officers.", I hear OJ say.

"It's no problem Mr. Juice.", one of the officers says back.

"So. We understand that you filed a missing person report... Correct?", another officer asked.

"Yes. That is correct.", OJ comfirmed.

"Alright. We just need to comfirm a few things before we head back to the station. From there, we will do things and come back with an invesigation team to help with the search. Okay?", officer 1 asked.

"Of course.", OJ agreed.

"Great. First thing's first. The missing person's name it 'Balloon'. Correct?", officer 2 asked.

"Yes. His name is Balloon Cross. He's 21 years old, he has um.... pink hair I think? I'm not sure. And he has dark skin and has yellow-golden eyes.", OJ said while describing Balloon.

Pink? I always thought he had more of a.... redish-pink sort of hair color. I have no clue right now. Not the time to debate on Balloon's hair color.

Let's hear what else they're talking about...

"Okay. So. We have a basic image of this boy. Anything else we need to know about his look/appearance?", officer 1 asked.

"Well... He has a backpack. I think it's a black bag. He usually wears sweaters, baggy sweaters. And. Um... That's about it. We... we didn't really interact with him much here.", OJ confessed, with a slight upset tone.

"Alright. Now. Most important question. When was the last time you folks saw Balloon?", officer 2 asked.

"Um... It was about... 2 weeks ago. We would've called sooner, but, we know how busy you all are. And we here had some more people to help out. They left yesterday to go back to a show we all were on at one point.", OJ explained.

At least he didn't lie to them. OJ is a truthful person when he needs to be.

"Two weeks. You said you all were on a show? What's it called?", officer 1 asked.

"Oh. It's called Inanimate Insanity. All of us here have been on the show at least once. Some were lucky enough to get on it a second time for the current season.", OJ answered.

"Inanimate Insanity? Hmm. Heard it was pretty popular. You all were in it?", officer 2 asked.

"Yes. Ask anyone in here, they'll tell you about their time in it. In fact, I was the winner of the very first season.", OJ boast.

'Loves to bring that up whenever somebody asks... doesn't he?', I groaned in my mind.

"Really? Impressive.", officer 1 said, sort of impressed. 

"Thank you. But, we're getting off tracked. We all were a part of the show. Including Balloon. He was one of the few who got a second chance at competing.", OJ said.

"Really? Then. What's stopping Balloon from going back on the show?", officer 2 questioned.

"Well. For starters, when you come to the hotel. You're out. You've been eliminated from the show. Second. There's parameters for the show. When competing, you can't leave. Balloon was eliminated around a little over a month ago. I doubt he would go back to the show.", OJ explained to them.

"Hmmm. Where exactly is the show parameters?", officer 1 asked.

"If you leave the hotel and just keep heading north. After a good hour, you'll make it. According to the host, Mephone.", OJ answered.

"Okay. We'll head over there after we get this information back to base. Thank you Mr. Juice.", officer 2 said.

"Alright. You are coming back? correct?", OJ wanted to confirm.

"Yes. After lunch, we will have more cops with us to help with this search. In the mean time, do what you all can. Alright?", officer 1 confirmed.

"Don't worry. We'll do our best to start with the search. When you bring the back up. I have a map of the area around this hotel. If you wanted to take a look at it after you come back.", OJ explained.

"Thank you. That will be helpful. Well. We best be off. We'll be back at around 12 pm, alright?", officer 2 thanked.

"Of course. We'll be awaiting your arrival. Good bye for now.", OJ said, parting ways.

"We'll see you later Mr. Juice.", both officers respond.

They all shake hands and the police officers head back to their car. After a minute, the car leaves the hotel. OJ had already went back inside, so it was safe for me to make movement.

'Man... my legs are sore! I should NOT have squated the whole time...', I groaned in my mind.

I began to stand up from my hiding spot, groaning in slight discomfort and pain. Man. I need to stretch my legs more....

'I should probably tell the others now. I've been out here for a little too long.', I suggested in my mind. 

So, I started making my way back to the contestant grounds. It was about an hour away, like OJ said, so, I walked a little slowly. Just cause this was urgent, doesn't mean I can't enjoy the scenery.

Man. It was a nice day today! It wasn't too cold, but it wasn't too hot either. It was this nice balance inbetween and it felt soo good. 

I just want to take a nap for an hour. ... But that can wait. We have important buisness to take care of. 

Let's head back to the show to inform the others of my discovery.

.

.

*1 hour later*

.

.

Man... I'm so fucking tired! Ugh.... I need to get out more..... My fucking feet hurt.

*sigh* Enough complaining. I'm back at the contestant grounds. Now... Where the hell was everyone?

I walk some more around the grounds. Hmm.. Not over here by the elimination area. I decided head to where our cabins are, since their probably over there. 

As I walked up to the cabin area, I can hear voices. I think it's them! Sweet! ... They are all wondering where I was huh?

I walk to the small camp fire and see everyone there. Eventuall, Knife notices me.

"There you are! Where the hell have you been!?", Knife asked, slightly concerned.

"Haha... Sorry.... I... I took a while to get back.. I wasn't lost. I just took my time...", I confessed.

I can see others do mental facepalms. A few, do actual facepalms. Fucking rude.

"Look. I understand today is a nice day. But next time... Please come back on time. We need to talk about what we found so far.", Mephone said.

"Sorry. I'll make sure to come back on time.", I apologized.

"It's fine. Now. What new discoveries have we found this fine morning?", Mephone asked us.

"Well. I found nothing new.", Knife flatly said.

"I haven't found anything either.", Fan said, looking at his egg with slight worry.

"I've tried to locate any sort of footsteps, but no luck there.", TestTube answered.

"No luck over on my end. But! I did find this cool rock!", Lightbulb said, pulling out a rock.

"Lightbulb... We're looking for Balloon... not rocks... but it is might cool!", TestTube said.

"I didn't find anything.", Baseball confessed.

"........ Me neither.", Suitcase said in an upset tone.

"Me and Mistah Mepad didn't find anything either!", Toliet shouted.

"Toliet is correct. We have yet to find anything about Balloon's whereabouts.", Mepad confirmed.

"I was busy coming up with a new challenge for you all. So I didn't search.", Mephone confessed.

"What about you Ms. 'Want to take her sweet time'?", Knife asked, sarcasticly.

"Well.. I did find something. But it's nothing to do about Balloon's whereabouts.", I said.

"Really? Yay! What did ya find!?", Toliet cheered.

"So. Don't get upset... I was close to the hotel. I was still in the woods, just closer to the hotel.", I spat out.

"Why would you go back to the hotel?", Mephone ask puzzled.

"Welll. I have no clue. I was just walking when I heard a siren noise. I went to go check it out and there was a cop car and two officers there. Talking to OJ.", I explained to them.

"Police? Why were they there?", Mepad asked.

"Remember our first meeting when we first learned that Balloon ran away?", I quizzed.

"I do. If I remember correctly.. OJ said that he would call the police after 2 weeks if we didn't find Balloon.", TestTube answered. 

"Oh yea! I remember! I'm pretty sure we had hot dogs for lunch that day!", Lightbulb beamed. 

"How the hell do you remember that of all things!?", Knife asked confounded.

"I had a hot dog with whip cream and sprikles that day!", Lightbulbs exclaimed.

"....", we all fell silent.

Most of us had a disgusted look on our faces. I don't blame them. A hot dog with whipcream and sprinkles!? That just sounds nasty! Ugh.

"Really?", Fan questioned.

"Yea! It was super good!", she cheered.

"We will never understand you Lightbulb.... But. Never change...", TestTube commented while smiling.

"Hehehehe!", Lightbulb laughed.

"Ok. Putting that aside. OJ actually called the cops?", Mephone quizzed.

"He did. They were talking about things.", I responded.

"What sort of things Mic?", Baseball asked.

"Well... it was just some basic stuff. Confirming that the information on the 'missing person report' was correct. Asking where they saw Balloon last, things like that.", I explained.

"Was that it?", Suitcase asked.

"No. OJ mentioned the show. So. There is a chance the officers will come over later today. Just to ask questions probably.", I stated.

Mephone's face went into a shocked expression, but turned backc to a serious face. I think he got a little nervous. Mephone went to jail before, it makes since for him to be a little nervous.

"That's about all I got.", I finished.

"Well. That is something. Not a thing we needed. But it's a small start.", Mephone said. 

"So. We're done for now?", Suitcase asked.

"Yes. You may all do what you please. After lunch today, we will search again.", Mepad explained. 

So. With that. We all got up and went our separated ways. I was gonna go on another walk because I felt like it. 

I start walking in a random direction deeper into the woods. It was sooo nice out. Man... I could go for a nap. Maybe I'll do that. Yea... I'm tired.

I kept walking until I found a nice tree to nap by. After a good 10 minutes, I found the perfect spot. Wow. This looks nice! 

I sit down next to the tree and get comfortable. Well.. as comfortable as I could. I was on the floor. After getting comfortable, I could feel my eyes grow heavy. 

*Yawn* Wow. I'm really tired. 

Not wanting to put a fight, I let my eyes close.

I was soon swept off to a nice slumber.

.

.

.

*2 hours later*

.

.

.

*Yawn* 

Man.... That was a nice nap...

I stand up from my spot, and do a nice big stretch. Wow! I needed that.

Okay. Now that I had a nap. I should make my way back to the cabins, so I could get some lunch.

I begin walking back from where I came from. I should come back here for naps. It was so peaceful. 

The walk wasn't too far from the cabins. Only a good 20 minutes. I continued walking when I could hear something.

I think it was coming from the cabin area. I walked a little faster, just in case they needed me. Whatever I was hearing became louder. 

... Talking. It was people talking. I'm pretty sure I could make out Mephone's voice. The other two voices I don't regonized.

'I should hurry up. It might be the police.', I think.

I pick up the pace from a slight speed walk, to a full on sprint. After a good 5 minutes, I make it back to the cabin area.

*pant* *pant* Yikes.... I really... REALLY need to workout..... I'm out of breath....

But, I'm back. I look up and see Mephone, talking to two police officers. It wasn't the same two that talked to OJ earlier. 

I see some more officers as well. Huh. I guess they came earlier? Wait.. What time is it anyways?

I decided to leave Mephone with those officers and look for somebody else. I walk around and I find Knife. Huh. Why is it always him?

"Hey. Knife.", I greeted.

"Huh? Oh. Mic. It's just you.", he 'politely' greeted back.

"What? I'm a 'just you' know?", I playfully asked.

"Yep.", he playfully responded.

"Rude.", I flatly say.

"I know.", he smugly said.

"Moving on. What's going on? What time is it?", I asked him.

"You don't know? Well. For starters. The cops are here.", he stated the obvious.

"I see that. But what time is it?", I pondered.

"It's 12 pm. Well.. 12:30. But still.", he responded.

"Oh? I thought they were gonna come later...", I suspected.

"Nope. They came like... 10 minutes ago.", he stated.

Huh. Guess they just got here. Like me who just got here. Good to know.

"Alright. Thanks for the info.", I thanked.

"No problem.", he said, as he walked away.

Hmm... I feel like I'm forgetting something. I know I thought this earlier... But it's still there.

What am I forgetting? Gosh! This is too frustrating...

......

......

I'll figure it out.... Eventually.

Now.... I think we're going to search for Balloon again.... I think?

I'm not sure. I think we'll eat then search for him. Yea. Lunch should be done soon. 

I'll wait a bit. I'll chill out here for a bit. Listen to the chatter. 

After a good few minutes, Mepad comes out of the kitchen hall.

"Lunch is ready!", he announced.

Nice! I see everyone get up and start heading towards the kitchen hall. 

Man. I can smell the food from here!

We all are inside and begin to grab a plate and the food that Mephone had made for us. We're having barbeque today. Nice. Not a huge bbq fan... but it's not bad. 

We all take a seat and begin eating our food. Man. This was pretty good. After about 30 minutes, we all finished and went back outside.

Mephone gave a small speech about the officers and how whenever we are not recording, they will come here to help search. Well. I good half of them will help us while the other half searches with the hotel. 

After his small announcement, we all set out to search for Balloon once more. The other contestants went alone again, just to cover more ground. The officers went in pairs because they could.

Man. I can't figure out what I'm forgetting! Maybe while searching it will click. 

I continue walking around shouting Balloon's name to see if he'll answer. Which, we all know he won't. If somebody want's to stay hidden, they won't answer to a name call. 

I kept walking for a good hour. Still nothing. Man. Everytime we do this, I start loosing hope of ever finding him. But we still have to try!

I walk more until I somehow stumble upon the open area. How the hell did I manage to come all the way here? Was my brain trying to tell me someth-

.................

.................

Wait... 

WAIT!!! 

TACO! 

Now that the cops are here trying to find Balloon...

And there are bound to be a good amount of them...

Taco could be found!

Shit! I have to call her!

I reach for my head, only to find my earpiece wasn't ear. Damnit.

I have to head back to the cabins... NOW! 

I turn around and started walking back to the cabins. Walking turned into speedwalking. Which then turned into a full on sprint.

How could I forget Taco!? Man! I feel so stupid!

I just hope I get back in time to update her on this bad situation she was in....

.

.

.

*Taco's P.O.V*

I was just hanging out in the living room of the cabin. Waiting for Balloon to come back.

He like to go out on some afternoon walks. I don't mind. Today, dhe didn't want to be out too long, so they should be back soon.

Which is good. It means I could get a cooked lunch! Yes! I always wanted to see what Balloon could cook up for lunch.

Speaking of xem... Balloon just walked through the door.

"Hello Balloon.", I greeted.

"Hm? Oh. Hey. *yawn*", Balloon greeted, yawning afterwards.

"Mmm? You alright Balloon? You seem... tired.", I asked in a concerned tone.

"I'm fine.... just didn't *yawn* didn't get much sleep last night...", Balloon confessed rubbing their eyes.

Hmmm.... I don't think he should cook. I was lucky to make us breakfast today. Balloon said she would make us lunch, but judging by how tired they looked... I don't think xey should cook.

"Hey. You don't have to cook. You seem tired.", I told her.

"No. No.. I got this. I'll just make something0 simple. Maybe some nachos or something... I'll figure it out...", he said.

He made his way to the kitchen to begin cooking. I still don't think she should cook, but I'll let them be. I just hope xe doesn't burn anything.

I sit here for another 30 minutes before I hear Balloon again.

"Ow!", I hear xem shout in pain.

I instantly get up and rush towards the kitchen. 

"Balloon! You okay!?", I asked worried.

"Ah! Taco! I'm okay! I.... I just cut myself...", they confessed.

"How? I thought you were making something simple!?", I asked startled.

"Oh. I was... but then I saw that we had chicken. And some tortillas. So... I decided to make some chicken tacos. Is that okay?", she explained.

"Chicken tacos? Hmm. Sounds good. Sure. It's fine.", I say.

"Cool. The tortillas are done, and so is the chicken. I just to cut the chicken and grab some shredded cheese and it'll be done!", he exclaimed.

"That's a lot.... let me help. And grab you a bandage.", I offer.

"Oh. Yea.. thanks! You don't need to.. just grab the cheese and the sour cream and set them out. If you want anything else on the tacos, grab it out. I'll finish cutting the chicken... the best I can without getting blood on it.", Balloon stated.

"Alright.", I say.

I head over to the fridge and open it. I grab the cheese and the-

"SOWA CREAM!", I yell.

I clapped my hands on my mouth. Ugh.. I thought I had that under control!

"AAH!", I hear Balloon screamed.

"OW!", xey shouted in pain afterwards.

"Balloon! Are you okay!? I'm sooo sorry! I thought I had that stupid thing under control!", I apologized as I turned around.

"Ngh... It's okay Taco! ... But... Why did you yell 'Sour Cream'? I haven't heard that from you in years!", they asked confused.

"Hahaha... Well... I'l tell you later....", I explain, flustered.

"Ok... You got the other stuff?", she asked.

"Yea. Here.", i said giving them the things.

"Ok. cheese, sour cream, and some lettuce. Okay. I'll cut the lettuce real quick. Could you get the bandage? I .... I cut my hand.... again...", he said getting a little flustered.

"Sure!", I confim as I head out the kitchen.

I head to the restroom and grab the medical kit. I grab the bandages and the disinfecting wipes. I leave and head back to the kitchen.

Oh. Looks like Balloon finished with the lettuce. I walk up to him and grab his hand.

"Ow.", xe winced.

"Sorry. Ok. So. This is gonna sting.", I said, ripping the package of the disinfecting wipes.

I grab a wipe and start cleaning their wound.

"Ow. Ow. Ow.....", he winces.

"Sorry again.", I apologize.

"It's -ow- okay... -ow-", she said.

After that, I start bandaging his wound. And... Done!

"Okay. Done. Feel better?", I asked.

"Yea. Thanks Taco.", he thanked.

"No problem. Now. Let's eat!", xey exclaimed.

We grab a plate and make our tacos. Balloon got his with cheese and sour cream. Hah! I held it in!

I made mine with just lettuce. I'm basic, shut up. We then head to the living room. Balloon had his laptop with him; which they remembered only a few days ago by the way! So. We got on it and watched some YouTube.

I take a bit out of my taco. Holy shit! This is soooo good!

"Balloon.", I start.

"Y-yea?", she answered.

"This taco is sooooo GOOD! Like.. holy shit!", I praised.

I can see his face go red as she became all flustered. Hmm. Has xey never been complimeted before? They does this all the time when I compliment him on his food.

"Aw... T-t-thanks Taco! Hehe.... I-I-I try my best....", he thanked, stuttering.

"Anytime!", I say.

We continued to eat and watch some random YouTube videos. It was nice like this. Just us and nothing else.

Then... My headset rang. Must be Mic.

"Oh. Hang on... Mic's calling.", I say as I pause the video.

Balloon nods as he stays quiet. I put the headset on and answer the call.

"Hello?", I greet.

"*pant* Hey. Taco.", I hear Mic greet back.

Was she panting? Did she run or something?

"Mic. You good? You sound tired.", I asked.

"I'm... *pant* I'm ok. I ran all the way back to the cabins just now.", she said.

"Why? Is everything okay?", I wondered.

"Yea... sort of....", she trailed.

"What's going on?", I asked growing concerned.

"... Remember when I told you OJ would call the cops if Balloon wasn't found in 2 weeks?", she quizzed.

"Yea. Why?", I asked suspicously.

"... He did it. The police are now helping look for Balloon.", she said in a serious tone.

..... Shit. The cops!?

"... Fuck.", was all I could say.

"I thought I would call and update you immediately.. just in case.", she confessed.

"Thanks for the heads up. See ya.", I say as I hung up.

She didn't get the chance to say anything else.

..... Fuck. This is bad. Really bad. 

The cops are involved now. Me AND Balloon aren't safe walking outside alone. Either one of us could be caught!

"T-Taco? ..... What... What happened?", Balloon asked timidly.

"..... We have a problem...Balloon", I started.

"A p-problem? W-what kind of problem?", he asked nervously.

..............................

..............................

..............................

"The cops are now involved in searching for you...."

.

.

.

*End of Chapter 18*

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WOOO!

DONE!

This.....

This is my longest chapter....

HOW THE HELL DO I JUST WRITE RANDOM BULLSHIT AND HAVE OVER 4000 words!?

No matter.

Anyways~

The police are now helping team OJ to search for Balloon!

What's gonna happen? 

That's for you to find out next time!

Before I end this...

*pops party popper*

THANK YOU ALL SOOOOOOOO MUCH!

This book... has...

3K READS!

3K!!!!

HOLY CRAP!

WHY IS MY BOOK SO POPULAR!?

Thank you for the reads!!!

I'll see you in the next chapter!