Gus, Trainer, of Puppets Mall Exodus V

“Let’s go!” Penney urged, leading the charge through the newfound exit. They raced through a short hallway that led to a room filled with oversized playing cards and whimsical drawings that seemed to come to life. Brightly colored flowers swayed as they passed, drawing laughter through their anxiety and step-farts. “Incredible!” Gus gasped as various cards spun in the air; some were even singing in harmony. “What’s the riddle we have to solve here?” Suddenly, a chatty card with a top hat bounced towards them, wearing a cheeky grin. “To escape, dear friends, here lies your test: Solve my riddle, and you’ll be blessed...by a sadist", it whisper-trailed.” “What’s the riddle?” Penney asked, kneeling to meet the card’s animated gaze. The card puffed out its chest and spoke: “In a million colors, I shine so bright. I mark the end of day and the beginning of night. What am I?” Penney’s mind raced—could it be…? “A sunset!” she shouted. With a delighted twirl, the card exclaimed, “Correct! Now hurry, for Michael draws near, and the time to escape is quite clear, foe the hunt is *****!” The walls began to tremble with an excited energy, and a door at the far end swung wide, revealing bright light. “Go, go!” Gus urged, nearly dragging Penney toward the opening. As they burst through the exit, laughter followed them, a juxtaposition to the looming threat of Michael. What greeted them was a hallway of mirrors, each reflecting a distorted version of themselves—heightened excitement, fear, and a sprinkle of madness sparkling in their eyes. “We can use the mirrors!” Penney said, repurposing the chaos. “Let’s confuse him!” They darted in and out of reflections, giggling like children as they prepared for Michael’s eventual entry. With cleverness and agility, they utilized the mirrors to multiply their images, creating illusions that might just be their ultimate escape plan.