EVERYONE'S TRUTH - BEGINNING

[vivariummods]

Since the second group's first Calhoun Hour, the mouse in question hasn't appeared in the warehouse for longer than 30 minutes at a time. He only arrives during the early mornings to tape a random fruit of the day (apples, oranges, and pears so far) before scurrying off with his wagon. He refuses to provide any sort of medical relief for any of the test subjects, and does nothing more but providing the bare minimum to survive. So, when Day 9 rolls around, three days since that faithful finger breaking/eye blinding experience, it's no different; Calhoun comes in, tapes up some bananas, then promptly leaves afterwards, all without a word. An hour after he leaves, though... The screen in the Greenhouse, up against the wall besides the entrance, finally comes to life for the first time. It flickers on and on, flashing brightly. At first, there's nothing but static. Soon enough, though, it stays a consistent green tint. A blinking cursor hovers at the bottom and stays there for a few seconds, before it begins to type. DO NOT DRAW ATTENTION TO YOURSELVES COME TO THE LOBBY AND GO THROUGH THE NEWLY OPENED DOOR I WILL MEET YOU THERE....... And it ends there...

Comments

[elliexir]

[ Ellie nods in agreement. There isn't much to argue about, though she thinks Atsuro's plan is the best one they have right now. So, she goes over to grab the broken off ladder while Rio and Atsuro push the chest in the proper area. The ladder is lighter than she thought but actually holding it just lets her know how fragile it is. ]

All right, got the ladder, but it's not going to hold us! [ She brings it over for them to see. ] Rio, I think you gotta go on it first!

[toybombs]

[She makes a distressed whimper - the robot is also up there, and suddenly it occurs to her that this might not be much safer - but there's not enough time to think things through.]

O-okay!

[She'll gulp down her fears and prepare to climb up once it's ready to go!]

[babel_hacker]

[Once the chest is in place, he looks over and nods.]

Yeah! The girls should go first!

[There's a priority here. The smallest, most likely the lighter members of their group and of course, someone who knows medical aid. Even if he's afraid and wants to go next...!]

[toybombs]

[Okay Rio, you can do this! You... You can totally do this!

She climbs up onto the chest and, with a frightened look, the ladder itself. It's really rickety...

W-will she really be able to make it?]

[vivariummods]

[ The ladder feels weak and creaks when Rio steps onto it. Just when she's nearly at the top, the entire ladder breaks apart. Better make a jump for it...! ]

[toybombs]

[There's a definite squeak, but with surprising agility, she does indeed make a jump for it!

Oh god oh god oh god oh god just going to lie there in a quivering lump for a bit.]

[elliexir]

[ Ellie jumps back when the ladder breaks and splashes into the water. She then looks back up and cups her hands. ]

Rio!! Are you okay?!

[toybombs]

[Whimper, whimper, okay... She's alive, she's okay. Shakily, she stands up, peering down at the others below.]

I... I'm alright.

That was really scary-!

[Wow, no shit Rio.]

[elliexir]

[ There's a sigh of relief once Ellie sees that Rio doesn't seem to be hurt. ]

I bet, but awesome, okay, you're there! Is there anything there to help us up?

[babel_hacker]

If there isn't... can't we... climb on each other and get up there? And pull the last person up?

[toybombs]

[She blinks a few times, looking innocently curious.]

Eh-? You actually believed me when I said that...?

The door up here is locked. There isn't a way for any of you to escape.

[Obviously. Didn't they see the robot earlier?]

[elliexir]

[ ????? ]

What?

[ Dude, what do you mean by "you actually believed me"? ]

[babel_hacker]

Rio?

[Yeah, what? He might as well say it.]

What do you mean...?

1/2

[toybombs]

Ah, sorry, it must be hard for you to hear!

[She cups her hands around her mouth and yells.]

There. Is. No. Escape. For. You!

2/2

[toybombs]

[And then... she smiles. But it isn't anything like her timid expressions from before.

It's downright sinister.]

After all... I'm the only one here with a key from Zero.

The robot was a surprise, but... from the start, the only person who could really make it out of here alive was me.

[elliexir]

[ What? What? It takes Ellie some time to just process what's going on here. There's no escape? A key from Zero? Making it out alive? These are all things she might have been able to accept from hearing from someone like that creepy clown from before but from Rio. No way, that's impossible. ]

Are you serious? [ There's confusion thick in this, but also pain from this sudden betrayal. ] Rio, what the hell are you saying? What's gotten into you?

[babel_hacker]

[His eyes widen as her words sink in, but he doesn't want to believe it. The smallest and seemingly the meekest of them have the key? There's no way out? His mind is making some connections, like the hidden conspiracy theorist he never remembers being.]

Rio... are you saying you're... [It's hard to say, but it must be harder for Ellie, who's been with Rio the longest.] You're not saying you're with those people, right? The ones who brought us here?

[fushuuu]

...You sold us out. Played us like idiots...

[he looks down, letting out a long, violent hiss of breath at the water pooling around his ankles. unconsciously he takes on an offensive stance]

How long? Were we your puppets from the beginning?

[toybombs]

[She shakes her head. No need to take credit for things she hadn't done.]

It was a form of defense. It's harder to bring yourself to kill someone so pathetic, right? But it also means your guard is down even if you tried. But Zero must have seen through it right away... He already knew who his best choice was for a role like this. But he also told me that now would be my last chance to say my good-byes.

[Speaking of... She looks to Kaidou.]

That reminds me! It was so nice of you to just tap me during that stupid "Calhoun Hour." Not that I was really worried about getting hurt, but you're actually a very chivalrous person, aren't you?

[She taps lightly on her cheek. Bless you, Kaidou.]

And I really couldn't have gotten here without you, Ellie. You were always so kind, making sure I was safe and sound no matter what.

So, you won't mind if I go on ahead, right? I'm sure Zero has taken care of that robot by now. All I need to do now is reach the number 9 door and make my escape!

[elliexir]

[ Ellie can't believe what she's hearing right now. Her confusion remains but it quickly channels into anger. If there's one thing about Ellie, she'll say what's on her mind and be easy to call out on shit she doesn't agree with. ]

If you got the key, then help us out already! Don't give us that whole "last chance to say my goodbyes" bullshit when we're right here!

[fushuuu]

She'd rather have us drown.

[Kaidou's tone is especially low and growling, jaw tight as his clenched fists. It's not that he felt especially close to Rio or any of them, but...if nothing else, they'd seemed to be a team, and...you're just not supposed to do wrong by your team. It cuts closer to the quick than he expects, and he grinds his teeth because none of that matters.]

Hell of a way to pay back friendship.

[babel_hacker]

Is this the kind of person you are?

[Atsuro wants to be optimistic. Like maybe she was threatened. But this cuts deep into him.]

That you'll let people drown if it means you'll live? At least help us get up there!

[1st_response_is_anger]

Oh well that's just great. We get screwed over by a robot and now by you, Rio! *Fuck this game, fuck Zero, she knew it couldn't be that easy at all.*

I hope that key breaks! *Because if they need to pick a lock, one of the best things they have is the scalpel sitting in Maria's pocket.*

C'mon guys. You need to get up there and kick her ass. *Do you need the bottom of a human ladder? Because Maria will grit her teeth and be the base.*

[toybombs]

I don't remember ever owing you anything. You all chose to work together - and I chose to do what it takes to live.

[At Maria's words, she holds a fingers to her lips.]

Sorry, but only one person can go through. Those are the rules. You're free to try to pick this electric lock once I'm gone, though.

[Speaking of, it's probably about time to wrap this up. She gives one last wave as she turns towards the door.]

It's nothing personal. I really do appreciate all that help. I'll be sure to survive no matter what, so your sacrifices won't be in vain.

Enjoy your little swim!

[And taps her bracelet against the reader.]

[vivariummods]

[ The light on the electronic light goes from right to green with a small beep, and the door slides open. It will only remain open until someone goes through. ]