vivarium | CALHOUN HOUR

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CALHOUN HOUR - SURVIVOR

At the crack of dawn, presumably, Calhoun gathers everyone in the first floor warehouse to make an announcement.

"That's right, it's time for another of my special events!" He seems pretty pleased with himself. "I noticed you lazy, fat test subjects really let yourselves go last round! It's like I don't feed you here or something."

"Well, I'm worried about your health, always lazing about and not getting proper exercise. So, I decided to be the change I want to see in the world, and so we're going to do something a littttttttllllllle different this time."

"To stop you guys from getting soft from all the fun you're having here, it's time for a little workout."

From one of the doors Calhoun never lets anyone go through there's a loud, metallic banging sound repeating, as if something is trying to get out. Calhoun does not seem troubled at all by this. In fact, he seems pretty excited.

"The rules are simple, everyone's getting sixty coins to use as they see fit. You'll notice the vending machines on both warehouse floors. Anyone who isn't caught will even get a memory back." But what does that mean?

"So go on, survive for 23 hours, I'll even give you a five minute head start. Good luck!"

And with that he scurries off. Should people hang around they'll get to witness that same door open five minutes later. From the door comes several figures, human in shape but something is very, very wrong.

They seem to be robotic, skeletal humans. At one point they must have had some synthetic skin over them but most of it seems to be melting or ripped off. They don't move very fast, mostly they shamble about until they focus on a target. Better hope it's not you!

BASIC INFO ✖ FIRST TEN HOURS ✖ LAST HOURS ✖ POST EVENT MINGLE

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

~~HE WASN'T STUMBLING GODDAMMIT WHO REARRANGED THESE CHAIRS~~

"Snake?" Oh. So he was safe; that was good. Heiji listened for the sound of robots shambling around, but when he didn't hear any, he continued, voice low:

"Where you been hiding? I been looking for you everywhere!"

I've been trying to look for you too. We must have kept missing each other because I've been with other people... *So many crazy things going on. He canted his head and scrunched his closed eyes more.* Why are you tripping over everything?

"I ain't tripping over everything, someone moved all the chairs," said Heiji, a little annoyed. He really was trying not to knock shit over; it'd only attract the robots.

"Anyway... I'm glad you're okay. I was worried."

Why would that matter if...*Wait a moment.* Are the lights all off?

*He smiles and hopefully Heiji can tell by his voice.* Thank you. I had a feeling you'd be just fine and causing ungodly amounts of damage somewhere.

"Yeah. You can't tell? I figured you'd be able to hear the fluorescents or somethin'." Could someone feel the light of the warehouse? Heiji had never really given it much thought.

In any case, he could relax a little now that he knew Snake was alright -- okay enough to be smiling about it, anyway. "Yeah, well. You were right on both counts, I guess. Couldn't just sit around and let them have the run of the place. So, um... I can't really get from one end of this place to another without bumping into stuff."

Usually I can hear them but I've been trying to pay more attention to other sounds, like the robots.

*Oh? What was this? Heiji admitting he needed help? Snake's smile grew into a grin.* Well, welcome to my world, Heiji. Where do you need to get to and I can guide you there.

Nnnggh.

"...Just to the other side of the cafeteria would be fine. I figured this would be a good place to cool my heels for a while. Thought if any robots got in, they'd bump into the chairs and make a racket." Thereby giving him plenty of opportunity to escape.

That's simple enough. However, if I'm going to be your guide, you're going to need to hold my hand. Or my jacket as you prefer. *He's actually quite proud to be the leader this time. He'd keep Heiji safe!*

Ugh. Which was worse: holding Snake's jacket like a little kid? Or holding his hand, like... like whatever?

He reached out and took Snake's hand. Heiji's fingers were quite warm; there were calluses on the palm of his hand and on the inside of his thumb from gripping a shinai. "Is this alright?"

*He hadn't held Heiji's hand before. Snake wondered if the calluses were from some kind of weapon? He had been practicing with something of the kind, if Snake recalled. It's also a firm grip on his real right hand.*

All right, let's try the other side of the cafeteria. *Without hesitation, Snake led the way, picking around the scattered chairs. He bumped into one or two, but he never hesitated.*

Well. Heiji wasn't really in a position to think about much right now, since almost his full attention was focused on (a) avoiding chairs, and (b) the fact that he was holding hands with Snake.

"So... you ain't hurt or anything, right?"

No, not at all. *Clearly Heiji had no idea about the modified flail tied to his waist. He'll surprise him with that later.* A few close scares but other than that...*he trailed off and froze. He could hear something approaching. A familiar heavy tread.*

Surprise... yes, that was probably one word to describe it. Heiji came to a stop, reaching into his pocket to finger one of the flares in his jacket. Fuck this shit, if it was a robot and it came too close, he was going to stun it so they could get out of here.

*Although instead of just standing there, Snake led them into a corner of the cafeteria, still holding Heiji's hand. He crouched down and tugged at Heiji's hand so he'd do the same. If he could take a few moments to listen to where the robot was going, then he'd be able to plot better the route out to the hallway.*

"What're ya doin'?" Heiji whispered as quietly as he could. What if the robot heard their footsteps? And what was Snake doing? If he could at least see where they were going...

He crouched down next to Snake, but this kind of sucked.

*Could Heiji not hear the robot prowling in the room? He let go of Heiji's hand to press to fingers of his real hand to Heiji's lips so he'd hush. The robot was meandering around near the entrance. They have to wait for it to either leave or pick another direction.*

Snake, that was...

That was really unnecessary! Why couldn't you just clap your hand over his mouth like a normal person? Was this another princely quirk or something? Pure surprise at being shushed in this way was mostly what prevented Heiji from protesting.

*As soon as he heard the robot moving for the opposite side of the room, he took Heiji's hand and quietly led him to the entrance. He didn't feel safe to talk until they were well down the hallway.* That was a close one.

"Y-yeah," said Heiji, failing to realize that really, he didn't need to still be holding Snake's hand.

"...Thanks."

*Hey, it's still dark everywhere. All you're going to do is trip and embarrass yourself, Heiji.*

If you need to rest for a while, one of the safer places is the balcony in the theater. Do you want to head there?

Excuse you, Snake, he could do just fine as long as there weren't chairs thrown all over the place. Which there actually were in the theater, so.

"...If you're okay with leadin' me that far, I guess. I could probably get there on my own."

Oh I'm sure you could. *He says with a tone that just screams, "Oh REALLY, Heiji." That's probably why he still has a grip on Heiji's hand as they walk the winding way through the warehouse. They might try to dodge a robot here and there, but Snake never loses his way.*

Okay, that was it. Heiji pulled his hand free of Snake's and took a step or two away.

"You don't believe me, fine. But don't treat me like a child. I don't do that to you." If necessary, he'd make his own way there just to prove Snake wrong.

Because I'm older. *But, he supposed Heiji did have a point. It wouldn't do to gloat too much on how much better he was roaming in the dark. Especially since it was TRUE. He sighed.* Fine then. Follow me just by what you hear.

"No, 'cause I know you can take care of yourself, and you wouldn't like it." But he'd follow Snake anyway, hands in pockets, the brim of his cap drawn down just in case they ran into one of those flickering electronic screens. In this darkness, he didn't want to be blinded by sudden light.

CALHOUN HOUR - SURVIVOR

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It's like they have a daily quota to piss each other off

Heiji's going to start calling him gramps or sth

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