skyagain | catchall estelle

Right... you mentioned "hellhounds"...

... Can I ask what happened to you all?

... Like I said, rich people. We had to go to a party for a prize. Seemed fishy from the start, but there wasn't much of a choice. Eventually they revealed it was last one standing. Then they let out the hounds. People started killing each other.

[ he says it kind of blandly. you know. stuff. people. murder. ]

[She looks a little pale -- and distant, even, as if remembering something... but she closes her eyes and makes herself focus.]

So you were attacked by both the hounds, and the other people there...?

[ ... kind of huffs ]

Yeah. Brainwashed Rupert and Kaeya so they'd attack us, too.

[That gets a horrified look from her.]

No...

That's horrible.

Yeah. Wasn't great. But they snapped out of it eventually.

I hope they'll be okay. Being used like that... it's like a waking nightmare.

... You sound like you've got experience.

[She just... looks downward and nods.]

... Maybe you can help them learn how to deal with it.

[ he won't pry if she looks this sad about it!! darn!! ]

You're right... I should try talking to them.

... But, uh... Maybe let them bring it up first.

[ cloud realizing what he is advocating for belatedly ]

[That brings a faint smile to her lips.]

I know. Don't worry.

... Right.

[ he's looking a little tired but he shakes his head ]

Anyone tell you you can ask for your contract yet? From the staff. There's a little information in there.

[She nods.] There was something I wanted to look into, so I had a look at it yesterday.

[ little approving smile!! ]

Good. [ he shrugs ] I got it on Monday, and there's some stuff on there that's still bothering me.

Like what?

"If a Player is unable to return to the lobby to check out, they fail the terms of the contract". Makes it sound like getting to the lobby might be a bigger deal than it is now.

[Her eyes widen.]

You mean that on the final day, they could just obstruct our access to the lobby?

It's a long way's off, so there's no way to tell for sure yet, but there's nothing in the contract guaranteeing we'll be able to reach check out, either.

Just when we think we're at the finish line, that simple-sounding task may become another form of "entertainment"...

I think that's a likely scenario.

Tripped at the finish line. Sounds about right for it.

Knowing that, I'm not sure what we can do to prepare for it...

Knowing it's a possibility's a start. That way you don't think you're at the end of the road when you're about to get dropped off a cliff.

... Right. I suppose it's worth being vigilant, even without a precise plan.

Thank you for warning me. About this... and about what was going to happen today. I don't think I would have been as prepared as I was, if not for you.

(no subject)

skyagain - 2022-06-17 22:12 (UTC) - Expand