@vaisyllableta
[ Behold: the bacteria in a petri dish. They're walking around, perfectly fine with the environment, somehow. They're... Well, outside. It's best not to question that. The little PNG background childβagain, it's best not to question these sort of thingsβseemed relatively sure of the labyrinthine geometry they were traversing through, although they likely haven't been here much if not at all. It's just not safe to be going on the government facility equivalent of urbex trips anymore. Of course, no government would likely support something like this, but it's probably around the same level of top secrecy. ]
[ Despite not really needing clothing since there's not really much in the way of an actual body to cover up, they're in a slightly oversized and bloodstained grey sweater. Of course, there had been an attempt to wash said blood out, but that did little other than fade the color. At least from an outsider's perspective it's not too noticeable. Maybe if it were actually red, instead of... Whatever that is. ]
[ Eventually, seeing as they can't seem to find anyone nearby, they opt to just sit where they are and wait. Too tired to keep walking. They should be found by who they intend to be found by, at least at some pointβ¦ ]Β
[ Of course, leave it to Psi to experience the equivalent of losing your kid in a shopping mall ]
[ Despite his years of experience, these halls weren't exactly memorized. He was never the most well put together employee, and despite his best efforts, he could never quite seem to find his way around. Didn't help that this building seemed to be ever-changing, or at least put on the illusion of it. ]
[ His own navigational issues would have to be set aside, though. ]
[ As much as, realistically speaking, nothing terrible would happen, he couldn't help but worry for Writer walking down these hallways alone. Especially considering some ... More or less shared negative experience with a certain admin, it was safe to say both of them were treading on thin ice. Psi couldn't stand to think about the "what ifs" of the matter. He had always been the anxious type. ]
[ Mind deep in branching thoughts, Psi rounded a corner before coming to a sudden halt (nearly causing him to trip over his own feet). Seemingly, his method of "scower the sector until you find them" had worked in his favor, Writer being in sight at the opposite end of the hall. ]
[ Regaining his bearings, his shoes clicked on the tile floor beneath them, approaching Writer with an enthusiastic wave. ]
Gods, there you are! And here I was, starting to believe we had both gotten lost...
[ As it turns out, they'd fallen asleep while sitting there waiting for Mr. Trident Man. Maybe a little concerning, but in specifically their case it wasn't too unheard of. They genuinely have a habit of simply passing out. ]
hhhwhaa??
[ Of course, they were almost instantly awoken by what was almost certainly someone about to come get them, for better or for worse. They were entirely expecting for the latter to be the case, subconsciously tensing up and seemingly on pretty high alert despite having just been roused from sleep. Bleary-eyed, they would look around for a comedically long time before finally spotting Psi and ever so slightly relaxing. Turns out, white on white is just as hard of a distinction to make between grey on grey when you can't see that well. ]
[ Even though their appearance takes on the form of what's just basically a practically solid-color grid checkerboard thing (much alike Author), it's easy to tell that they haven't been doing very well. The little false-godbeing doesn't have to worry about regular human bodily limitations, except for the fact that they are indeed still human, however far that definition will stretch for something like them. Their body won't fall into a state of disrepair from something as simple as not taking care of themselves, but it doesn't mean that their actual quality of life is any better than someone with super ultra mega depression. That is to say, they're a fucking mess. ]
[ Psi stopped shortly in front of them. Despite the lack of distinct facial features, you could tell he wore a warm expression. A stark contrast from the cold around them. ]
I .. Apologize for taking so long. Navigation has never been my strongest suit. [ He chuckles. ]
You're alright though, yes? Nobody has tried to bother you?
[ Psi stands with his hands clasped together, oddly polite. Oh, well, suppose he's always like that.. ]
I-
[ They blinked quite a bit, taking a moment to process words. They're likely fully awake by now, but that seems largely irrelevant to how tired they still seem to be. ]
.. um. probably not. Otherwise, I'd be... you know.
[ Kid just looked away, fidgeting with their hands a slight bit. It goes without saying that in this instance, had someone else found them, it probably wouldn't be a very pretty sight. Especially not for him. They personally felt largely indifferent about the idea of having been caught. Perhaps "indifferent" isn't exactly the right word for it, but... They wouldn't have minded it. Of course, hardly anyone enjoys being in pain; they certainly do not. But they've had it coming for quite some time, haven't they? ]
[ ... ]
[ They really weren't good at making conversation, were they? Not a clue on what to say, and it's around the time where one should introduce their own words in order to keep things flowing smoothly. They're... How old were they? Either way, old enough to where they should at least know how to interact with other people by now. ]
um. Β Β uh Β Β Β Β Β Β how are you?
I've been well! Shockingly so, if I'm being honest.. Smooth sailing despite everything. Walk and talk?
[ Psi steps forward, now stood beside Writer while keeping a comfortable distance. He wouldn't want to startle the kid at all. ]
Now that I'm generally aware of my surroundings, I can guide you back to Divi's office. Not far from here, I believe, just a few halls down.. I've been keeping a handful of potted plants in there for some time now! It's .. well, a little disorganized, do keep in mind ..
[ Sheepish, he slowly begins walking, though soon looking back to make sure Writer follows. ]
oh- Β Β Right now??
[ They looked back up at him, hurriedly attempting to get up from where they sat. Their legs were a little weak-feeling, like they would genuinely just give out from underneath them, but that was fairly normal all things considered. However they did almost manage to fall while doing so, somehow. ]
[ They would take a few steps toward Psi, and then abruptly stop. ]
... Are you sure I'm allowed?
[ They then just stood there with an expression of concern, or perhaps fear. They still felt like an intruder. Like they weren't welcome. It didn't help that both were most definitely true statements to an extent. They definitely weren't supposed to be here, after all. They'd literally end up maimed if found in these facilities. What were they expecting when they didn't feel any sort of warmth or sense of belonging? ]
[ Psi can't help but let out a hearty laugh. ]
Gods, I'm not allowed here! I shouldn't be in this building at all but the folks in the moonbase all like me enough to let me hunker down. Trust me, he is one bad day away from having my head on a spike for this. I'm not exactly above breaking the rules anymore, hehe..
[ His head tilts slightly, his own way of 'winking' without having traditional 'eyes'. ]
You'll be okay, Kiddo. Divi wont mind me having a visitor 'round, I promise. I'll make sure you're okay.
[ Psi waves his hand slightly, an attempt to encourage them to follow. In this moment, he really was the warmest thing in these cold, uncaring hallways. A stark contrast to the rest of the facility. ]
[ The child would stand there for a moment longer, before hesitantly taking a few more steps and soon walking over. They honestly were quite afraid. Not of being hurt or found out, but of the much worse outcome: turning out to just be a burden again. What if he's wrong, and the green Division actually does mind the unwanted guest, just like the other one? Or what if, when they finally grow comfortable again, everyone around them is just tired of them being around, and wants them to leave? What if he's just lying to make them feel better? ]Β
[ If anything, he's doing this out of pity. ]
ook. I trust you.
[ They didn't. If they really did trust his word, then why did they still look so uneasy? ]
> A green, only slightly noticeable light blinks on one of the cameras scattered across the moonbase's vast expanse, specifically, in this very hallway, at this very moment. it remains on, afterwards, glowing an ever so dim, barely visible light.
[ Giving just a nod, Psi begins to walk forward again, occasionally glancing back to make sure Writer is still there. ]
That's all I can ask for, really. I'm happy that you do.
[ Despite his outwardly calm demeanor, Psi couldn't exactly let himself breathe. He felt eyes burrowing into the back of his head. Heard extra pairs of footsteps despite them being the only two bodies in the hall. He knew it was nothing more than paranoia.. At least, that what he wanted to think. Regardless, he couldn't shake the feeling. Something wasn't right. ]
[ That didn't matter, though. The last thing he wanted to do was scare Writer, someone who was already skittish enough as is. Lord, he felt awful for that kid. Nobody as young as they were should have to experience anything of this degree. Gods, how old were they again? Fourteen? Fifteen? Psi couldn't quite remember off the top of his head, not that the specifics mattered, it was horrible regardless. ]
[ It was only natural for Psi to want to protect this kid. If seemingly nobody else would, then he would. ]
[ Birds of a feather flock together. And in here? They were both outsiders. At least they could bond over that. ]
[ They trailed behind, gradually getting a liiiittle bit more comfortable as time went on. Nothing bad has happened yet. Maybe, just maybe, things will turn out okay. ]
[ They would retreat their hands into the sleeves of their sweater, lightly swaying the dangly little bits of fabric as they walked. It felt good to do so, although they would stop whenever he turned to look. It was just simple force of habit, to not do weird things like that when being observed. ]
[ Despite appearing rather content, their mind still couldn't help but drift. They recalled what it was like to taste their own blood, to see it pooling around their broken body. They could distinctly remember how muddy everything got, how dizzy and lightheaded they felt while being actively unable to give in. They were so acutely aware of how their body was perpetually failing, held stagnant in this sort of alive-yet-simultaneously-dying limbo. It hurt. It hurt more than anything. Yet, it also wasn't so bad. The constant shock and numbness likely dulled some of the pain they would have experienced, and besides.. They deserved it, didn't they? ]
[ They couldn't help but wonder when they would be in that sort of situation again. Would it be here, or in the safety of some place else? Would it follow the painfully familiar pattern of them being knocked unconscious and quite literally kidnapped? This time, would anyone be there for them? ]
[ ... God, they hoped not. He shouldn't have to be forced to deal with them when they're like that. ]
[ ... ]
Did.. did you really mean it when you said you'll be there for me?
> as the two walked through the hallway, the cameras ahead of them seemed to have that same green light flicker on on them, all at once. and yet, the silence and cold throughout the hallway persisted. hell, the already chilly atmosphere seemed to get even more cold β or were it their own minds that were beginning to crack under the constant pressure of a possible malicious presence watching their every single move, hearing each word?
[ Caught mildly off guard, Psi nearly stumbles over himself before finding his walking pace again. ]
Of course I did!
[ ... ]
[ His hand raises to rub the back of his neck. ]
... I know that's easy for anyone to say, but I do truly mean it. And I intend to prove that I do. I'm not one to go back on promises!
[ Psi places a gentle hand on Writer's shoulder as they walk, trying to be reassuring. ]
[ . . . ]
[ And yet, he can't help but slightly shiver. Was it always this cold? ]
[ They genuinely flinched upon being touched, letting out a small little sound of surprise. They definitely weren't expecting that, or really any positive physical contact at all. They were so confused. ]
wh- huh??
[ They stared up at him, absolutely bewildered. ]
> ...and then, a quiet, distant echo of a footstep managed to reach the eardrums of the two. then, another, and another, and onwards it went. somebody was approaching. was it him? or it somebody else, who, most likely, could see through the multitude of cameras? would finding out be worth the risk?
[ Psi abruptly stops moving, his grip tightening slightly as to stop Writer from walking further ahead. ]
. . . [ He mutters under his breath ] of course, now of all times..
[ Glancing around, his hand moves to Writer's forearm, gently tugging them along as he moves to round a corner. hoping that whoever was passing wouldn't notice the two scampering about. ]
Gods, I'm not taking any chances.
[ They tensed up, slightly resisting against being dragged, but not enough to prevent themselves from being relocated. ]
gh- Β what are youβ
[ They stopped, now too hearing the unmistakable sound of footsteps on the tiled floor. Alarmed, they would suddenly start to slightly cling onto Psi rather than attempting to escape his grip like before. Perhaps they trusted him a lot more than they thought they did. ]
> clack, clack. distant, metal on hard tile. absolutely unmistakeable sound, especially so, for somebody who has worked here for years. somebody, most likely the least wanted one, getting closer and closer with each second spent not getting away. could it be another individual, partolling, considering the lack of teleporting-ahead-of-the-two-intruders, which would've been a more optimal, and hence more likely, course of action for that bastard in specific?
Okay .. we'll just .. take a little longer of a route! Yes..
[ Psi's voice is kept low, a slight quiver revealing how unsure of himself he is. ]
There's such a low chance h- ... they, whoever they are, decide to turn this way. We'll surely be fine to keep walking. It'll just ... take a little longer! Nothing wrong with getting the legs moving. [ He begins to step forward again, keeping a steady pace but taking as quiet of steps as possible, his hand now gently on Writer's back in an effort to guide them forward as they walk. Now more than ever he wants no attention to be drawn to the two. It'll be fine! .. right? ]
are you sure its gonna be okay
[ They whispered, glancing over at him as they shuffled along. They were rather stiff while moving, being... Well, horribly anxious and filled with impending doom. ]
[ ... Please don't let it be true. Don't make him have to see the walls painted red with their blood. He does't deserve that. ]
> a faint feeling of electrostatic burns through the air ahead-
> PANG.
> right ahead of you there.
You think I can't see right through you, Psi?
> loud. so very loud, with an undertone almost akin to a rasping, unsteady growl. Not to mention the sheer disdain. oh, he's pissed. oooh boy.
The difference between you and I has always been the amount of intelligence and common sense, hasn't it?
Oh, you'd really go to any extents to get to your loved ones.
> a quick gesture of a hand and multiple fingers in a specific, almost perfectly refined manner, darting outwards.
> PANG.
> a slight jerk of the hand upwards, and the poor child is hanging up in the air, by what appears to be an invisible grip around the throat, signified only by a faintly glowing icon of a square at their throat. the Development Assistment Tools. of course, he'd even use THAT to hurt somebody.
Even if it means leading them straight into a trap.
