THE FINALE - 【 ZERO 】 ESCAPE

[vivariummods]

It's been ten days since the so-called "anniversary" on Day 90. Every single trace of a makeshift casino has been cleared out, leaving this suspiciously identical second warehouse empty (and the doors within that lobby locked), and Calhoun has mysteriously stopped dropping by as often as he should have. In the rare times he did drop by, he hemmed and hawed about what was happening and outright avoided answering any questions, shrieking that he's a busy mouse and he shouldn't be harassed by test subjects. Thus, for nine whole days, not a single particular event has occurred. No Calhoun Hours, Ambidex Games, or even a little announcement. It's not until the morning of the tenth day that something finally transpired. A loud siren goes off and the sound of a heavy door being slid open echoes from the second warehouse's lobby. Within seconds, however, both nuances cease and silence returns...

Comments

[blind_badass]

*Snake couldn't stay in this place any longer. Surely his family still lived somewhere, wherever the hell they were, since Zero neglected that bit of information. However, venturing out alone into the wilderness sounded like a great way to get killed. Still, he couldn't stay here.*

I'm going to leave.

[not_that_sasuke]

[Sasuke's around, if... quiet, aside from the occasional soft footstep. Which isn't terribly unusual for him, but in the current circumstances...

It's potentially worrying.

He has yet to voice what his final decision would be. Part of him knows that he ought to go out there, if only to reclaim his freedom. And yet...

And yet... it's tempting. Living in here, even with his freedom restricted, having the luxuries of food and a roof over his head. That, and with the technology Zero has...

He wouldn't even have to deal with his memories, either.]

[blind_badass]

Sasuke? You know, I won't judge you based on whatever decision you make. If you do stay here...at least there will be someone good here to look out after everyone else.

[not_that_sasuke]

[When he finally does speak, his voice is even quieter than the norm.]

...You'll think I'm a coward.

[Probably because he is.]

[blind_badass]

Have you decided to stay then?

[not_that_sasuke]

...

If I stay here... Zero could probably erase my memories again.

[It's... honestly a very tempting option.]

[blind_badass]

Well, that is entirely up to you. I can see why it's tempting. I wish I didn't remember waking up for the very first time and losing my sight and my arm with no one to explain it to me. I could have done without that particular memory. *It still gave him occasional nightmares.*

It's kind of strange. I didn't know you before I got here, but if we're going to part...I'll miss you, Sasuke.

[detectiveofthewest]

"Of course ya are," said Heiji, taking Snake's hand. "And I'm going with ya, obviously."

As if there had ever been any question about it.

[blind_badass]

You want to walk into a wasteland with me? *He said the question lightly, but he gripped Heiji's hand tightly.*

[detectiveofthewest]

"Don't be ridiculous. You think I'm gonna let you walk off by yourself?" You'd better take responsibility, Mr. Averly. No making out and running.

[blind_badass]

I suppose...I suppose someone does need to look after me. I'd rather it be you. *Nevermind that people are watching. Heiji gets squeezed for being the best boyfriend.*

[detectiveofthewest]

"W...we're going to look after each other," said Heiji, turning red despite himself. Getting hugged like this was awfully nice.

And then, more quietly: "I'll keep you safe. I promise."

[blind_badass]

I'll keep you grounded then. Fair trade, I think. *He let go and kissed Heiji on his cheek.*

[detectiveofthewest]

Keep him grounded...? Well... maybe.

"Well, as it turns out, you're in luck!" said Heiji, smiling. "I know all about survivin' out in the open." All those amassed facts were going to be useful!

[blind_badass]

Good, then you can pass them along to me. If I can learn physics, I can certainly learn outdoor survival. *Nevermind that those were two different things. A mere trifle.*