Chapter 23 - Gamemaster
The next morning, Holo sat at the table with Trixie and Scarlet, his hands trembling slightly as he recounted the events of the previous day. Both girls listened in silence, their expressions growing darker with every word he spoke. By the time he finished, they were both seething with rage.
"She what?!" Trixie exclaimed, slamming her hands on the table and shooting to her feet. "That perverted freak tried to—she's dead. I'm going to break every bone in her disgusting body."
Scarlet's reaction was less explosive but no less terrifying. Her eyes narrowed, and her voice dropped to a chilling calm. "She thinks she can get away with that? Holo, you don't have to worry about her anymore. I'll make sure she never lays a hand on you again."
The two girls exchanged a glance, their usual animosity momentarily set aside as they shared a common enemy. Without another word, they turned toward the door, their determination clear.
"Wait!" Holo said, jumping to his feet and stepping in front of them. "You can't just go in there and hurt her."
"Why not?" Trixie demanded, her fists clenched. "She deserves it after what she did to you."
"Exactly," Scarlet said, her tone icy. "She needs to learn that there are consequences for her actions."
Holo shook his head, his expression pleading. "I don't want this to turn into more violence. She's already been punished with the collar. That's enough."
"Enough?" Trixie repeated, her voice rising. "Holo, she tried to assault you! How is that enough?"
"Because I don't want anyone getting hurt," he said firmly. "Please, just hear me out."
The two girls hesitated, their anger still simmering but tempered by his words. "What do you want us to do, then?" Scarlet asked, her arms crossed.
"I need your help," Holo said. "I need to figure out how to get through to her. To fix her, like I'm supposed to."
Trixie snorted, crossing her arms. "Fix her? She's broken beyond repair."
"Maybe," Holo admitted. "But I have to try. I can't just give up on her."
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Scarlet raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "And how exactly do you plan to do that?"
Holo hesitated, unsure of how to explain. "I... I don't know yet. That's why I need your help. You both went through this with me. You know how it works."
Trixie frowned, her anger giving way to reluctant curiosity. "You're asking us to help you deal with her? After what she did?"
"Yes," Holo said, his voice firm. "Because I think you both understand her in ways I don't. And if I'm going to reach her, I need to know how."
The two girls exchanged another glance, their expressions softening slightly. Finally, Trixie sighed and sat back down. "Fine. I'll help. But only because it's you."
Scarlet followed suit, her gaze still sharp but less hostile. "I suppose I can offer some advice," she said. "But don't expect miracles. Felicia isn't like us."
Holo let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "Thank you."
Trixie leaned forward, resting her chin in her hand. "If you really want to get through to her, you'll have to play her game."
"What do you mean?" Holo asked.
"She's a manipulator," Scarlet explained. "She thrives on making people uncomfortable, on taking control of every situation. The only way to break through that is to beat her at her own game."
Trixie nodded. "Yeah. You have to turn the tables on her, like you did with us. Don't let her get the upper hand."
Holo frowned, unsure. "But how do I do that?"
"Simple," Scarlet said, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "Do what she does. Flirt back. Make her uncomfortable."
"Flirt?" Holo repeated, his face turning red. "I can't do that."
"Sure you can," Trixie said with a grin. "It's not that hard. Just tease her a little, catch her off guard. She won't know how to handle it."
"But what if it doesn't work?" he asked.
"Then you try something else," Scarlet said, her tone firm. "But you won't know unless you try."
Holo sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I don't know if I can do this."
"You can," Trixie said, her expression softening. "We believe in you, Holo."
Scarlet nodded, her gaze steady. "You've already made progress with both of us. This is just another challenge."
Their words gave Holo a small spark of confidence. He wasn't sure if their plan would work, but he was willing to try. For now, it was his best shot at reaching Felicia.
"Okay," he said finally. "I'll do it."
Trixie grinned, patting his shoulder. "That's the spirit."
"Just be careful," Scarlet added, her voice low. "Felicia is dangerous. Don't let your guard down."
"I won't," Holo promised, though his heart still raced with nerves.
As he prepared to face Felicia again, he couldn't help but wonder if he was truly ready for what lay ahead.