Chapter 1: Setting the Board
Chapter Text
Pregame
The year is 21XX, it was an average afternoon, just like any other. The weather, unimportant, the season, unimportant as well, merely a temperate day.
Then suddenly, while you were at home, or at work, or wherever, you somehow heard the news. A sweepstakes, the website said, a free ticket to the luxury 21st century resort, the Golden Island Hotel, located on the private island of Insula Aurea. The price? A simple survey. You figure there isn’t much harm in responding, you have time to kill anyways.
When you click on it, the first thing that appears is a lengthy list of terms and conditions. You instinctively click agree, and move on.
The main body of the survey opens before you, a little lengthy perhaps, but you press on, the tickets could soon be yours.
Click to possibly win free tickets to Insula Aurea!! :D
Hello, and welcome to Infiltrators at the Golden Island Hotel! To briefly explain what is happening here exactly, this is an SYOC story with a mafia style premise. Now, those words may mean nothing to you so I’ll explain further.
SYOC means: “Submit Your Own Character”, it means that whatever character you submit in that form, has a chance of appearing in the story!
Mafia is a deduction game where you and other innocent players attempt to snuff out all the mafia. In this case, the mafia are the infiltrators and they will kill a participant every night. There are other roles as well but that’s the basic premise. Due to this premise, this story will require audience participation so please only submit a character if you plan on keeping up with the story concurrently.
Now, this story will also have some twists to keep it interesting.
Firstly, one of the biggest obstacles in starting this on time, are these:
That’s right! We’ll draw your characters!
Please be patient with us.
Secondly, this story isn’t just a SYOC, it’s also a CYOA. What’s a CYOA? And why both? I will answer the first question only, please don’t badger me with this too much or I will call security. CYOA stands for: “Choose Your Own Adventure”, basically, at the end of each chapter, normal audience members, and others too, if your character got in you can still participate in this, especially if your character died, will be able to vote on what one mostly audience controlled character will do.
Thirdly, the characters you submit will change the story and word building in minor and major ways. If you want to, you could even submit an alien! So take note that by submitting a character you agree that they might be more than just a guest into this world, but an active part of forming it.
Fourthly, there are only 12 total character slots, I know that’s pretty few, but drawing is hard! Not only that, but when I originally started planning this project, I asked some people if they wanted to volunteer, and since they did, their characters are already in. Sadly for you, random internet stranger, that means there are only 6-7 slots left open at the moment.
Thanks for reading this, and possibly applying! Hopefully we can start this story as soon as possible.
Chapter 2: [Prologue][Day 0][Early_Morning][Part 1] "Storm on the Horizon"
Notes:
Welcome to Insula Aurea,
The Moderators wish you a relaxing first stay,
Before anything begins, please unpack your belongings, and make yourself at home.There is nothing else for you to do,
Just engage idly, and take part in the events as they are,
That is all that you are able to do.The difficulty level is unfair,
The Moderators intend for your surrender, completely and totally.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Infiltrators at the Golden Island Hotel
Day 0, Part 1
[NOW PLAYING ”Towering cloud in summer” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZd41NMBM4s ]
Within a fairly normal looking room, stood a robotic looking obelisc. The edges were smoothed and on the bottom were wheels. The front housed a screen on which a fairly tall looking, sporty man was pictured.
It was an odd picture to be certain. The room was hardly strange itself, a closet, a mirror, a desk, a dresser, the biggest missing element being a bed. In the middle of this normal picture, of course, was this tower, complex machinery simulating a human.
He pantomimed getting ready, an odd sight for an outsider looking in but for him it was routine. As a sentient AI, he had no need for such actions but he did them anyway, anything to be more human.
He looked over himself in the mirror apparently satisfied with the results, not that his outfit changed terribly often. He looked himself up and down, yup, nothing missing. He waved his room goodbye and left out the front door.
Outside, a car waited for him. It was fairly nice looking, clearly quite valuable. A door opened and out stepped a woman. She was fairly tall with jet black hair tied into a high bun.
???: [Smiling] “Good morning. Apollo Valentine, correct?”
Apollo: [Smiling] “Speaking. I hadn’t expected a personal concierge. How kind of you to provide for me~.”
The girl gives some semblance of a smile to that.
???: “It’s the least we could do for someone such as yourself. It’s not everyday you get the opportunity to meet a sentient AI.”
Someone else steps out of the car and lowers a ramp. The girl gestures for Apollo to wheel himself in.
Apollo: [Shocked] “How accommodating… To think I was worried I wouldn’t be accommodated for.”
Apollo: [Confident smile] “I suppose I should have expected this much from a perfect girl like you.”Above him, a message appears. “Your favorability with Apollo has increased! ❤❤❤”
???: [Eyes closed, smile] “You’re far too kind, Mr. Valentine. Please, let us embark.”
Apollo follows the instructions of the pretty lady and they depart.
Apollo: “So just what is your name, cutie?”
The girl reaches into her skirt pocket for something, before realizing Apollo doesn’t have hands to take it. She sighs to herself.
???: [Hand over heart] “I am very pleased to be acquainted with you. My name is Frederica, I hope we may get along from now on.”
Apollo: “Frederica? It’s very nice to meet you as well. That’s quite the pretty name you have there.”
Frederica gives a warm smile.
Frederica: [Looking away] “Now, I’ve been asked to inquire on your streaming activities. Do you intend to continue them on the island?”
Apollo: [Scratching head] “Haha, I’m not quite sure myself. I think I’m more interested in taking some time off.”
Frederica: [Head bowed] “Quite alright, I can’t blame you on that front.” With that Frederica stares out the window.
Apollo: “So, are you gonna be joining me for this island getaway?”
Frederica: “No, I have many duties to attend to. I must leave the island around noon. I’ve been asked to remain on the island until you are completely checked in.”
Apollo: “How sweet of you.”
Frederica: “Well, I am simply doing my job. You needn’t thank me any further.”
Their conversation turns to small talk at this point.
[Switch]
Inside what looked like a stylishly designed office, a young blonde woman of medium height was preparing herself up in front of a large mirror.
Her doing such a thing in what clearly looks like an office at first glance is of course, odd.
A large glass desk, with plenty of space not only for her computer setup, but also for her art supplies, lots of storage space, and another couple extra desks, this time dotted with anything ranging from sketches, finished renders, to entire wardrobes neatly folded, yet still crammed together.
None of these are odd for the office of the CEO of a design and fashion company. Even though it seems a bit too busy for someone with such an upstanding position, she might just be that dedicated to her work!
That is the right course of reasoning, she IS dedicated to her work, so dedicated in fact, that her office is also her home, literally.
Avalon Jessica Harper, chief executive founder and heir of one of the newest rising stars in the fashion world, she managed to carve this path for her company through a bit of luck, skill, and most importantly: a lack of work/life balance.
One would think renovating half of an entire floor into your own personal apartment is a bit of a frivolous expenditure, but the result can’t be denied, her company has been doing better than ever since.
Avalon: [Grumbling] “Fucking PR team, first public appearance I make in two years and they make me waste an entire day on an interview about my apartment. Who even reads those stupid motivational work articles?” She says to herself while straightening her tie.
Avalon: [Serene] “Calm yourself Ava, today’s the big day, you’re finally going on vacation. But… that doesn’t mean you have to wake up at 5 am.” Staring at the barely visible rays of sunlight peeking over the horizon, anxiety and fatigue washes over her like a tsunami.
Avalon: [Grumbling] “Just a FEW days and I’ll be having the time of my life on that cruise, just a few days…. *yawn*. I’ll get some sleep on the ride over… probably…”
Barely twenty minutes later, Miss Harper is spotted stumbling out of the building, towards the employee parking garage.
Eventually, she makes it to her car, a combination bottle green Chevrolet and yellow BMW.
Avalon: “I’m sure I can manage to drive this just fine, a… year or so without driving… plus some other things can’t be too bad for one’s driving skills!” She says to herself as she thinks she should have booked a hotel to stay at, one preferably close to the pick up spot.
And with a bit too much confidence, Avalon enters her car, and drives away.
[Switch]
[NOW PLAYING ”White shadow” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQK2QbMW-Qk ]
The slow, rhythmic rumble of the moving bus kept the lanky boy on the precipice between slumber and wakefulness.
Idle chatter fills the room, further perturbing his moment of peace.
Sitting by himself, all ‘Zac’ can think about is his current destination.
A peaceful island, where he can enjoy life, living by his own will, if only just for a while.
He’d gotten on the bus much earlier today, and had to wake up even earlier than that, but it was worth it.
There were many others there, all going to the same island, some looked like staff, some looked like other guests.
Zac: [Morose] “I really should stop feeling so depressed about this, after all, not everyone’s as lucky as me.” He mumbles, a small smirk creeping up his face after a while.
Zac: [Satisfied] “That’s right, it’ll all be fine. It’s probably going to be kind of scary talking to so many strangers, but again, it’s fine. I like scary.”
Before he could talk to himself further, he noticed the other people on the bus staring at him talking to himself.
So he does a short apologetic nod, and resigns back to his mindscape.
[Switch]
The cold wind of the morning blew over the tall boy making his way through the desolate street. Making his messy blue hair get into his face, again.
Robin: [Annoyed] “Sffufidd fucckf.” He cussed with a mouth full of hair before, for the millionth time this walk, having to take it out.
Robin: “This is what I get for not calling a taxi.” He grimaces as he says that.
Much, much earlier this morning, earlier than everyone else, in fact, Robin Anderson woke up at a friend’s house he crashed at. That house was the closest place he could get to the meeting point, so from there, he had to walk on foot.
And it’s during this walk, that he started to feel a little guilty, because the previous week, he learned that he was the only one out of his friend group to win the sweepstakes.
Meaning everyone else is stuck back home, left to think about what happened, while only he gets an out.
Robin: [Grumbling] “Goddammit Marianna…”
The wind slowly picked up, as it does, when one gets closer to the sea.
Robin: “Not much left… at least.” He lets out a dejected sigh.
This vacation better be worth it.
[NOW PLAYING ”Doorway of summer” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sxfABkV3oU ]
[Switch]
She hasn’t had much experience with different methods of transport on Earth, but Zinnia had to say, trains were some of the coolest she’s seen so far.
Certainly much better than planes, those cramped death birds caused too much anxiety for someone with her job, but turbulence is no joke, she can tell you that from experience.
As she looked at the passing scenery, she took out a ticket from her pocket.
If she understood the message correctly, all she has to do is reach the southern dock from that coastal town early this morning, dock the boat, and then she’ll reach Insula Aurea.
Zinnia Crohan is not sure just how large this island is, but having free stay there certainly helps, and from what she understood, she’ll also be able to visit the surrounding area.
Zinnia: [Energized] “I’ll find what I’m looking for, I’m sure!”
Then, the very next moment, the train passes by a humongous herd of horses, snapping Zinnia out of her thoughts, and causing her to stare cautiously.
[Switch]
Sitting in another carriage of the same train, is Aaron Kentar, a college history professor.
And at the current moment, he’s staring at his reflection in the window.
What he sees is an old man, soon to be reaching his sixties, with fully white hair tied up in a ponytail, and a bushy beard.
Basically, what one would call the most stereotypical look for an archeologist, which, he supposes, he kind of is.
Aaron: [Reserved] “This trip should do me some good, I suppose.”
Aaron: [Curious] “At least the location is interesting, a twenty-first century themed hotel. Hopefully someone there has something to tell me about its history.”
He lets out an extremely loud sigh.
Aaron: [Annoyed] “You’re right, Percy, I really do let myself be controlled by my work. But it’s not my fault the past is so interesting” The old man mumbles before checking his watch.
Aaron: “Not much left before I get there.”
[Switch]
The bus, the one that’s transporting people towards the dock, ended up stopping just outside a suburb, apparently to pick someone up.
That someone is fair skinned, extremely young looking for his age, and has his left arm held up in a cast.
Somehow finding his way onto the bus while looking around like a confused yet curious puppy, Christopher decides not to go to the first free seat he sees, but instead sits down somewhere further in the back.
By sheer bad luck, not his mind you, he managed to sit down next to Zac.
Christopher: [Happy] “Sup!” He cheerily greets the boy sitting next to him.
Zac: [Confused] “Hello…? Do I know you?” The other person quickly retorts.
Christopher: [Thinking] “...” He seems unsure. “I don’t think so actually? Who are you?”
Zac sighs and introduces himself.
Christopher: [Happy] “Cool! We know each other now. So are you a staff member like those other people on this bus or…?”
Zac: [Smirking] “Wow, so you can almost form a coherent thought! Too bad for that possibility, you can clearly see I brought my luggage with me.” He points to a suitcase he left below his seat.
Christopher: [Laughing] “Ooh, but you looked kind of depressed, just like most of those guys.” He, for some reason, literally points at other people on the bus, only some of them staff members.
Zac: [Confused] “No… no, those aren’t… how did you even figure out there are other staff members on this bus??” He lets out a slight chuckle.
Christopher: “It said so in the email I got.”
Zac: [Smiling] “That makes sense, me too.”
Christopher: “Oh wait I forgot to ask, shit. This bus does go to that golden island place, right?”
Zac: [Smirking] “Yup, it’s gonna drive us through the sea, and park on top of the building.”
Christopher: “Neat. Can’t believe I won a ticket to such an exclusive place.”
[Bragging] “But I guess no one in their right minds would deny a totally super famous baseball player like myself!” He points towards himself.
Zac: [Smirking] “(Oh my god he bought it)”
Christopher: “...”
Zac: “...”
An awkward silence ensued, as the man sitting next to him had run out of witty comments to make.
[NOW PLAYING ”HANE [Feathers]” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRaNer0BgwY ]
[Switch]
Most people would think that a(n) (in)famous singer wouldn’t be the kind of person to choose to take the train when commuting anywhere.
Alice also thinks that, but sadly, she doesn’t get to choose.
Going from carriage to carriage, she notices something, that there’s barely any empty seats.
Alice: [Annoyed] “Coooomeee ooooonn, I just want to sit somewhere!” She grumbles not so silently to herself, causing someone further in the carriage to notice.
Aaron: “There’s an empty spot here, if you’d like.” The old man waves at her.
Seeing that it’s the only spot available, Alice sighs extremely loudly, and makes her way over.
Alice: [Annoyed] “You better not be some kind of weirdo, alright!? I have an extremely heavy suitcase, and I have hurt people with it befo-” She says as she sits down, before noticing something.
[Curious] “Are you also going to Insula Aurea?” She points at a ticket sticking out of his pocket.
Aaron: [Awkward] “Oh… umm, yes, yes I am. I take it you are also going there?”
Alice: [Smirking] “Yup.”
[Angry] “So you better not try anything there either, because I have an extremely heavy guitar with me as well and I KNOW how to use it as… in err… in ways guitars are NOT meant to be used!!”
Aaron: [Awkward] “I’ll try?? It’s clear that I have to be… extremely afraid of you.”
Alice: [Proud] “Exactly.”
“...”
“Wait you don’t actually seem to know-”
Aaron: “Anyways, my name is Aaron.” He holds out his hand to shake.
Alice: “Nice try old man, but you won’t get my name so easily.” She shakes his hand.
Aaron: [Anxious] “A… Alright… I wonder if everyone there will be as energetic as you…” He mumbles to himself.
Taking out her phone, Alice seems to have given up on continuing this conversation, but she does mumble something to herself, which Aaron seems to make out.
Alice: [Smirking] “So… he doesn’t know…”
[Switch]
Standing in front of a nondescript office building, an oddly old looking young man is standing awkwardly, staring down the road.
???: [Neutral] “Just one last job, you can do it Billy.”
“One last job, and you’ll be free to run the business as you please.”
The somber man massages his face, while he lets out a deep breath.
“So…”
Billy: [Ecstatic] “So cheer up and get ready to face the world! It’s not every single day that you get to go to Insula Aurea!”
“Besides…! They said I’d have fun there anyways, probably.”
As he loudly mumbles that to himself, a bus stops in front of the building, and he gets in.
He stares down at his tickets, joy filling him. Sure, this wasn’t the best circumstance but imagine it! An island paradise, a luxury hotel, what wasn’t to like? Well, that’s what he told himself anyway.
Eventually, the bus dropped him off at his destination, well, his first destination.
Billy: [Thinking] “This should be it…” He looked down at the map he brought with him. “Looks like the station.”
A train station was his destination and soon enough, he would board the train.
He scoured the isles for an open booth to sit at. He opened the door to check.
Zinnia: [Scared] “Nooooo!!! The horses! They’ve come for me!”
Briefly, he considered leaving with that comment but decided better of it. A joke would cut the atmosphere, he figured.
Billy: [Smirk] “No, no, I assure you not. I’m far worse. You see… the unicorn mafia has come to collect on your head…”
Zinnia: [Scared] “N-Not the mafia! Me head is too valuable! Please, tell me there’s another way!?!”
Billy: “‘Fraid’ not, say your prayers.”
Zinnia: [Crying] “I’m too young to die…”
Seeing as this woman was now in hysterics, backpedaling was in order.
Billy: [Nervous] “S-Sorry, I was just kidding around. I didn’t mean to frighten you…”
Zinnia: “H-Huh? So the unicorn mafia isn’t after me?”
Billy: “N-Nope, no one is.” He mumbles to himself, “Probably not anyways…”
Zinnia: [Happy] “Oh what a relief! Me life flashed before me eyes it did!”
[Questioning] “Just what is your name, funny man?”
Billy: [Confident] “Billy. Billy Lovelet. Yours?”
In her best imitation of Billy’s voice she parrots, “ Zinnia. Zinnia Crohan.”
Billy gives an awkward laugh. Zinnia takes this as a successful joke.
[NOW PLAYING ”Monochrome clock” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8Bda1WfDfk ]
[Switch]
During the morning rush, on the crowded highway, a light blue Subaru can be seen driving haphazardly, passing cars left and right, with clear killing intent.
And inside that dangerous Subaru, sat a hooded individual, with a veil that almost fully covered their face.
Ash: [Demure] “Please… I have somewhere to get to…” It murmured to themselves.
A car merged into the highway from an onramp, surprising Ash and causing them to swerve to the right and almost hit a barrier. Thankfully for them, they caught themselves in time.
Ash: [Annoyed] “Hmm… maybe that was not a good idea.”
Shrugging off the near death experience, Ash continued their leisurely drive towards the docks, reminiscing about the time their acceptance letter arrived.
It was around a month ago, when they got a text message telling them about an email which mentioned how a letter was supposed to arrive that day, and if it didn’t, who it should call.
Each message came from a different address, and from a seemingly completely different company, if Ash was more curious, they might have investigated a bit, but it has no interest in random unimportant companies.
The letter said when the trip would take place, how long it would take (around two weeks) and where to go to be picked up. It also mentioned a couple ways to get to the docks if they couldn’t drive there.
The island itself was in the middle of an extremely large bay, which once used to be a coastal city, but it’s all flooded ruins now.
One of the more interesting facts about the island that Ash heard of online, was that since the entire flooded bay was surrounded by a city, at night on the island, everyone would be able to see all the city lights fade into the sky and be replaced by stars.
Ash: [Fantasizing] “Bright stars… city lights… the night sky and……..….. bathing in……. the moonlight! …I just can’t wait!”
Ash: “As satisfied as I am with my life… this even… I’ve really been looking forward to it…” They tell a little doll they placed near their steering wheel earlier.
It immediately flies out through the window, and disappears.
Ash: [Calm] “Oh… goodbye little Arei, I’ll remember you…”
[Switch]
Driving his white Porsche carefully through the intercontinental highway, Philip Beauregard, the infamous former United States Senator, can be heard loudly, succinctly arguing with someone over the phone, like a public speaker, trying to seem calm while making sure everyone in the room hears him.
Philip: [Neutral] “M’am, I understand you have to follow procedure.” He calmly explains himself. “But I really insist I not take part in the contest or whatever it is you’re holding, I just wish to enjoy a normal vacation.” He responds to the voice on the other side of the phone.
The voice responds back, causing Phillip to look unsatisfied.
Philip: [Exasperated] “No, I… fine! Just make sure you don’t film me or post photos of me on your website.” He huffs, uncharacteristically losing his cool for a moment. “And I don’t want the premium room! I have *enough* bad press already.”
Hearing what the smoothly aggravating voice had to say, Philip teeters ever more closely to shouting at the lady on the phone.
Philip: [Exasperated] “I don’t even own any shares in your hotel!” He shouts, before yet again taking a long breath, and regaining his composure. “I’ll repeat myself one more time, all I wish is to enjoy a normal stay at your hotel, as normally advertised on your website. Everything else is unnecessary and unwanted, goodbye.”
He hangs up the phone.
Philip: [Tired] “Just one vacation… one long… calming!... vacation, until this all blows over.”
“I should have gone to Italy.” He sighs.
[NOW PLAYING ”HANE [Feathers]” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRaNer0BgwY ]
[Switch]
The girl gave one last look over her bag. Sketch book, check, masks, check, paint, check. “Good”, she thinks to herself, “everything is present and accounted for.”
She picks out her clown mask and puts it on.
“Now I’m really ready for today.”
The girl packed her sketch bag and her suitcase and left, ready for her vacation.
She managed to catch the train on time, a rarity for a girl such as herself. She entered and attempted to find an open booth. She doubted most people would want to sit with a girl in a clown mask. Eventually, she found a suitable booth.
???: [Neutral] “I hope this ride doesn’t feel too long…”
She sighed to herself and pulled out a blank mask from her bag.
Soon enough, she began to mindlessly craft another mask for her collection.
???: “Excuse me kind lady, is this booth open?”
The girl was surprised to see this person. Yet, another mask clad individual had entered her booth. Stranger still, it was one she knew.
The pair stayed silent for a moment, before the new party raised their hands.
???: <It is… good to see you, J e t t i c a.>
The girl giggled to herself, she was glad to see their lessons were paying off.
Jettica?: [Happy] <Not quite Mask,> she brought them closer, <It’s J e s s i c a, okay?>
Mask looked quite embarrassed with themself, well, they might have, it was impossible to tell with the tragedy mask covering their face.
The girl appeared happy with them or so her mask portrayed.
The girl’s name was Jessica McLallen. Her dark blue hair was tied into short twin tails. A leather apron covered her whole front. Looking over her, nearly all of her skin was covered in some way or another.
The person opposite to her was called the Mask, or at least, that’s the name they gave to others. They were wearing a black bodysuit alongside a cape. Over their face was a tragedy mask, one Jessica had crafted herself.
Mask: [Awkward] <Were you…> Mask looked down at their hands in thought, unable to think of the sign.
Jessica pulled out her sketch book and began writing.
Jessica: {Yes I was. I’m super excited for this trip.}
Mask [Ecstatic] : “What a delightful surprise this is! To be able to spend a vacation with my bestie.”
Jessica: [Happy] {I can’t wait for this. This hotel is apparently super fancy.}
Mask: [Confident] “Indeed it is! The ornate styling, the rich culture… I can hardly wait!”
Jessica giggled at her friend. She could hardly wait for this to begin.
[Switch]
Slowly approaching the gray, drab dock, decorated with not one, not two, but five parking garages built side to side in front of it, was the delinquent, Robin Anderson.
Robin: [Exhausted] “I’m… almost… there…” He wheezes, the walk had taken its toll on him.
In the next moment, a couple cars speed past him, a combination bottle green Chevrolet and yellow BMW, a Subaru (which almost hit him), a white Porsche and a few other vehicles. They go further into the parking garage.
Finally reaching the spot he was told to arrive at, Robin finds the docking area, where a large crowd of people, somewhere around a hundred, have gathered.
Oddly, no Insula Aurea representative seems to be here.
Robin: [Exhausted] “Fuck’s… sake I… better get the best seat on the damn boat…”
[Switch]
Then, a fancy looking, oddly tall limousine drove in, stopping right in front of the crowd.
A tall man with a ponytail exits, and goes to open the passenger side door, from which a fairly tall dignified looking lady, with hair as dark as the night sky, comes out.
The two go to the back, and open a much larger door, revealing a metal behemoth.
Apollo: [Hands held together, smiling] “Why, thanks for the grand reception!” The young looking man on the screen exclaims.
Frederica: [Smiling] “Only the best for our VIP, are the modifications we made comfortable?”
Apollo: [Winking] “I just had to open up a little, nothing wrong with some fun~” Hearts flutter on his screen.
[Switch]
Seeing the strange commotion, the crowd turns its attention.
Jessica: [Surprised] <Is that Apollo Valentine?> She discreetly signs to a friend standing next to her.
Mask: [Curious] “What? There’s too many people around, I can’t see your hands.” The friend whispers back.
[Switch]
From the far side of the group, near the water, a familiar duo is seen.
Aaron: [Calm] “I hope this means the staff finally arrived.” The man sighs, commenting on the poor planning of the event.
Alice: [Angry] “Fucking hell, this is bollocks!!” The girl screams as she shoves her phone into Aaron’s face.
Aaron: [Perturbed] “Woa, woah what are you-!?” He shouts in surprise.
Alice: “Look at this crap! I got fucking banned!” The phone screen shows a forum, now blurry, with a textbox in front of it.
The message inside reads ‘Oopsie, seems like you said something against our rules. Sorry girl, you’re getting timed out for forever and EVER. [2 hours]’
Aaron: [Confused] “W-Were you timed out unfairly, miss?” He asks, trying to placate her.
Alice: [Scowling] “Not by their stupid rules! According to them, I’m not ‘allowed to’ tell the real reason why they’re canceling "Dress to Impress”!”
Aaron: “The real reason being…?”
Alice: “They knew Cassandra Williams was going to win and they wanted to stop her!” She reveals, before going back to looking at her phone while grumbling obscenities. “Stupid Imperi mods…”
[Switch]
Further away from the crowd, but now in a completely different direction, this time next to the garages, stands another duo.
Zinnia: [Confused] “I REALLY don’t get it, why can’t we go join everyone else there?”
[Happy] “It looks fun!”
Billy: [Anxious] “Because! I’m a celebrity, I can’t just go out in public like that without preparing myself…!” He hastily explains.
Zinnia: “Fine fine, I get it, I can see you’re probably telling the truth! But I don’t see why you being a celebrity should matter.” She tells him.
Billy: [Sweating] “B-Because! Well, because I also don’t want to steal that robot guy's attention-!”
Zinnia: [Looking to the side] “He doesn’t seem to be getting that much-”
Billy: [Sweating bullets] “Well well well, uhm, actually, I’m not going to go there because… because I’m just jolly, totally holy, afraid of boats! Falling off of them seems so scary!” He claims.
Zinnia: [Sighing] “There’s nothing that looks like a boat here but alright?”
[NOW PLAYING ”Towering cloud in summer” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZd41NMBM4s ]
[Switch]
Inside the parking garage, walking towards the outside, with their feet, which are moving, is Ash, who just now stopped as they’ve seen someone who isn’t moving, lying on the ground.
Ash: [Neutral] “Are you… alive?” It says after taking a closer look, reaching a hand to poke the body.
Robin: [Yelling into concrete] “YwHEsWS” The man’s muffled yell sounds out.
Ash: [Curious] “Then… why aren’t you getting up? Is there an… issue…?”
Robin: [Yawning] “I’m just…. fuck’n tired… Who the hell are you?” He yawns as he slowly gets back up on his feet,
Ash: [Smiling] “My name is Ash…. although I… don’t think I needed to tell you that right now… you’re also a guest at… Insula Aurea… are you not?”
Robin: “Yeah.”
“Why do you talk like you’re on [0.5] speed on Youtube?”
Ash: [Smiling] “Let’s go, take my hand so you don’t fall down again.” The hooded stranger takes Robin’s hand, and leads him towards the crowd while making sure he doesn’t fall.
[Switch]
Even further inside the parking garage, two posh fancy cars are parked side by side.
Avalon: [Neutral] “Oh, hello.” She waves at the smartly dressed bald man just getting out of his car. “Are you also a fellow winner of the sweepstakes?” She laughs politely.
Philip: [Smiling] “Of course, miss, just as yourself.”
Avalon: [Politely smiling] “I personally can’t wait to see where this cruise leads u-”
The man gives her an odd look.
Philip: [Confused] “Cruise? I was under the impression that this was a resort on an island.” He explains.
“Are you from another contest that I haven’t heard of?”
Avalon: [Awkward] “That must be the case, Insula Aure-”
Philip: “The word ‘Insula’ means island.”
Avalon: [Politely laughing] “Of course it does.” She chuckles. “I was just joking.”
Philip: “Misunderstandings happen, miss.”
Avalon: [Awkward] “O-of course!” She croaks.
The two walk outside.
[Switch]
So much further into the parking garage, so far in fact, that it’s now outside, and almost half kilometer away, sit Christopher and Zac, who are still in the transport bus.
Zac: [Awkward] “So… video games…” The shrimpy lets out.
Christopher: [Awkward] “Yup…” Sighing, the brunette averts his gaze.
Zac: [Face palming] “How is there not a SINGLE video game we play that we both at least KNOW OF!?!?”
Christopher: [Awkward] “I…I don’t know! I don’t know how it’s possible!”
Zac: [Annoyed] “All you play are obscure baseball simulators, baseball mmos, baseball fps games, baseball life simulation games, I… I don’t even know what those are!!”
Christopher: “I… I like baseball… okay!?”
The boy just gives him a look of disdain combined with pity and a hint of sorrow.
Zac: “I know…”
Christopher: [Desperate] “I can prove it…!” He flexes his biceps.
Eventually the bus arrives, and drives into the sea.
But that’s only what Zac wishes, and Christopher thought would happen once they arrived.
[Switch]
The bus slows down to a halt, and everyone slowly makes their way out.
To all the guests' relief, the staff finally gather everyone in one place and explain that a boat will arrive shortly to take them to Insula Aurea. Hearing that, an audible, yet untraceable cry of despair emanates from the group.
Once the boat arrives, they explain that everyone will be separated into a couple boarding groups, each having their own compartment.
And, how odd, the list for the people in the compartment you’re going to be in is as follows!
- Aaron Kentar - TTTT2556
- Alice Grey - LoveIslandFan777
- Apollo Valentine - ComplicatedYetSimple
- Ash Pyke - ArielixDemon
- Avalon “Ava” Jessica Harper - AsmodeaLudenburg
- Billy Lovelet - Moonglass_Gal
- Christopher Marigold - PineappleMan670
- Frederica - Non player character
- Jessica McAllen - Majority vote player character
- Larrry Bi - Non player character
- Mask - Non player character
- Philip Beauregard - Rikki Snake
- Robin Anderson - Kuma_the_mr_Parker_enjoyer
- Zac -GrimmReader444
- Zinnia Crohan - IvoryAntlers
[Switch]
Entering inside, Jessica realizes she’s last. And seeing all those seats in front of her, she wonders who she’s going to sit next to.
[NOW PLAYING “World of probability - Gnosia OST“ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGPV-s4T0gw ]
Votes
[Q1] Who does Jessica sit next to? (Vote one person in the comments)
- Aaron Kentar
- Alice Grey
- Apollo Valentine
- Ash Pyke
- Avalon “Ava” Jessica Harper
- Billy Lovelet
- Christopher Marigold
- Frederica
- Jessica McAllen
- Mask
- Philip Beauregard
- Robin Anderson
- Zachary “Zac” Altivo
- Zinnia Crohan
-
“WOAH IT’S FINALLY DONE”
“And this is just the start, I still have so many sprites to draw”
“Still, I want to say thanks to everyone who submitted, and I do mean everyone.”
“Please don’t feel discouraged if your character didn’t get in, it happens.”
“And I hope this story can be something everyone, even people who don’t have their own character in, can enjoy.” - Hano
“And so it begins.”
“I hope you’ve all enjoyed this chapter.”
“Thank you to everyone who submitted and I hope even if you didn’t make it in, you’ll still enjoy this story.”
“Until next time.” - Jinx
“Form for characters that are in here”
“Click here to choose who your characters are going to sit next to (introduce themselves to) on the boat, and other stuff!”
"And click here if you want to submit songs for your character!"
"Also click [Too late sorry!] to join the discord server we use! It has other cyoas' and syocs' in there as well."
Notes:
This took so long but we did it.
Please submit the form in 3 days. (It's fine if it's late, people are busy, but still, think of this as the desired time)
Chapter 3: [Prologue][Day 0][Morning] "An Introduction"
Summary:
Where the characters introduce themselves.
Notes:
“Yesss, finally, the players are FINALLY here! ^-^”
“Wonder who’ll get past the totally terror-filled qualifying round? :O”
“But for now it’s intermission, man, after all this work, I want a drink!!!”
Chapter Text
Infiltrators at the Golden Island Hotel
Day 0, Morning
[NOW PLAYING ”Paradise Killer OST: Breeze With U” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y27Xcd2nZc ]
[Location: Boat cabin]
[Introduction Scene]
Walking into the room ahead of everyone, Zinnia turns, motions to everyone, and then to herself.
Zinnia: [Neutral]"Since we're gonna be a crew for the time being, we should all know each other's names!"
Zinnia: [Waving] “Me name’s Zinnia! I like to travel!”
Zinnia: “You’re next!” She points to the pink haired man.
Billy: “M-Me? Zinnia, I c-couldn’t possibly. I, uh, I’m s-scared of introductions!”
Zinnia: “Nonsense! The best way to get over fears is to face them! What’s your name, big guy?”
Billy: “M-me?! Well…” He coughs loudly.
Billy: [Winking] "You probably already know me, I'm Billy Lovelet, the leading star of “Guided Love".
An awkward silence ensues. Aaron and Philip cough simultaneously.
Jessica: [Neutral] {You did that reality show, right?}
Billy: [Winking] “That’s right you must be so charmed to meet me!”
Jessica doesn’t respond.
Alice: [Confused] “Wait, I got it! You’re from that show everyone on the forums is calling boring and bland and ‘an insult to reality tv’!” She claims.
Billy is stunned into silence.
Alice: [Neutral] “Well, they’re probably wrong, most of them are idiots.” She states. “No one would make a reality tv show where each relationship goes well, right?”
Billy has begun sobbing.
Christopher: [Neutral] “I think I heard of his show! They’re planning on rebooting it, right? At least, a friend of mine says so… or that they should remake it, or cancel it? Not exactly sure.”
Billy murmurs something about it being production’s fault. He’ll be fine, totally.
Christopher: “...S-So, how about I go next!”
Zinnia: “YEAH!!!” She cheers with overwhelming excitement.
Christopher: [Flexing] “What’s up everyone! I’m Chris, I play baseball for a living! If you guys wanna talk sports or whatever, just let me know!”
Alice’s gaze falls onto his broken arm.
Alice: “And that? Did you get that from playing ball?”
Christopher: [Nervous] “...Zac, how about you go next, buddy?”
Zac stares back, unblinking.
The room is drowned by the intense light of the morning sun, the only sound that can be heard is the gentle movement of the boat through the bright blue sea.
Apollo: “How about I go next then? I’m great at introductions!”
Apollo: [Winking] "Yo! Name's Apollo Valentine, it's really cool to meet you!"
In the time that Apollo has taken to introduce himself, Jessica has swapped to a different mask. This one is bright pink with attached hands covering the eyes.
Avalon: [Confused] “Are you, like, a talking vending machine or something?”
Alice, who’s next to her, nods.
Apollo: [Awkward] “Ignoring the insensitive comment. No!”
Apollo: [Neutral] “I’m sure you know of the first AI to pass the sentience test, right?” He asks the group.
Ash: [Smiling] “Ah, I do! Such a remarkable individual!”
Aaron: “I’m sure we all heard about that, up until last year, it was the event of the century.”
Avalon appears more confused still. I guess living in your office full time isn’t all it was cracked up to be.
Apollo: [Smiling] “So yeah, I’m one of them. I’m not super well known or anything. I’m the least impressive one, I’d say.”
Jessica: [Blushing] <You’re very impressive!>
Apollo: [Smiling] <Thanks! Always glad to meet a fan!>
Jessica switches to another mask. This one bright red, slightly sweating. She retreats behind Mask.
Mask: [Happy] “You scared her so much, she’s like a completely lost wet alley-cat!” They exclaim. “For shame!!!”
Jessica is curled into a ball at this point.
Mask goes over and kneels besides her.
Apollo: [Slightly confused] “A-Alright…! Frederica, your turn, miss!”
Frederica seems a little taken aback at being included but her composure quickly reforms.
Frederica: [Eyes closed, smiling] “Certainly, Mr. Valentine. Greetings all, I am Frederica. I’m assisting Mr. Valentine in his accommodations on the island. If you need any assistance, I shall do my best to provide you with the best service that we are able to at this fine hotel.”
The masked individual, after speaking encouraging and not too witty words to their friend, walks back to the group, with their friend at their side.
Mask: [Gleeful] “Good morning, wonderful co-stars!” They shout. “I am THE Mask.” Pause for applause.
Jessica, and only Jessica, gives a round of applause.
Mask: [Awkward] “...Yourhumblefellowactor.” They quickly retreat backstage. (Behind Jessica)
The other masked individual looks back at her friend with pity, probably pity anyways. She pulls out her sketchbook and starts writing.
Jessica: [Neutral] {Hello everyone! My name is Jessica! It’s great to meet you all!!!}
Aaron: “It is nice to meet you too, miss. Might I inquire about the masks you and your… friend? I suppose? Are wearing?” The old man speaks up.
Jessica changes to an awkwardly whistling mask.
Jessica: [Awkward] {I-I dunno whatcha mean, mister.}
Mask: [Angry] “Rude! These are our faces!”
Philip: [Confused] “Is this some new kind of plastic surgery that kids are getting these days?”
Avalon: [Doubly confused] “What…?”
Alice: “Well, ignoring *those* weirdos… Is anyone going to go next?”
An awkward silence ensues.
Alice: [Nervous] “G-Geez, if no one else is gonna talk then I guess I’ll have to!”
Alice: “Alice Gray. I do music, or I used to, I guess.”
Zac: [Neutral] “Didn’t you cause your lead vocalist and her husband to divorce?”
Christopher: [Awkward] “R-Right, she seduced him or something!”
Alice: [Angry] “God! All of you bitches are the same! Blaming me for bullshit that I had nothing to do with!!!”
Christopher: [Surprised] “A-Alright! S-Sorry?”
Alice huffs and takes a seat.
As everyone stares at her walking away, she walks past Philip, and the group’s gaze turns to him.
Philip sighs.
Philip: “I suppose I ought to get this out of the way now…”
Philip: [Neutral] "I feel like you might know me already from the news, but I am former Senator Philip Beauregard. Please don't talk to me about politics, I had enough for a lifetime."
Yet again, silence ensues, but only for a short, yet all powerful moment.
Robin: [Angry] “Are you for REAL!? NO ONE has anything to say about this fuckwad!?”
Robin: [Accusatory] “This adulterous pervert slept with some twenty something secretary and you fucksticks have NOTHING to say!?!”
Ash: [Sighing] “...What is left to say?”
Mask: “I heard he caused education to lose out on a lot of funding.”
Ash: “I suppose I should stay silent for longer…”
Philip seemingly has nothing to say on the matter, rather his gaze moves over to Avalon.
Philip: “Well, how about you go next then?”
Avalon: [Sweating] “...Uhh… UHm….” Avalon looks all around for an opening, a chance to escape. Yet she finds none.
Robin: [Annoyed] “Is she your new ‘secretary’?”
Avalon: [Terrified] “N-NO! I… I am… I am… Ava…lon…”
Apollo: [Thinking] “...That sounds… weirdly familiar…”
Avalon: “I did not know who that MAN was before coming here!” She points to Philip.
Avalon takes the time for a few deep breaths and slowly recomposes herself.
Avalon: "Okay… My name's Avalon Harper - yes, from the AVALON, hold your excitement, don't take your shirt off, form an orderly queue for the autographs. If anyone needs better clothes - some of you do, clearly - do hit me up, I'll offer a discount!"
Apollo: [Shocked] “Wait, so you’re saying that you, Avalon Harper, are the CEO of AVALON!?!?”
Avalon: [Suffering] “Yes. Yes I am.” She turns around. But she does not walk anywhere.
Ash is the next person to speak.
Ash: “I suppose I shouldn’t stay silent for much longer…”
Ash: [Smile] "My name is Ash Pyke... I work in a funerary home as an undertaker... I pray we never meet there... Ahuhuhuhu~!"
Ash: “...And my companion?”
The room is silent for a moment before Robin realizes Ash is staring him down.
Robin: [Nervous] “F-Fine, just quit looking at me like that!”
Robin: "Name’s Robin Anderson, guess most people would call me a 'delinquent' or some bullshit, but hey, don't worry, I don't bite, 'least not hard."
That last comment triggered a blush from Billy, something Robin, probably, chose to ignore.
Zinnia: [Happy] “Okay, is that everyone!? Great, so I have some other crew bonding activiti-”
Christopher and Alice (from the back) cough loudly, both pointing to the two people still unintroduced, Zac and Aaron.
Aaron: [Surprised] “Oh right, I apologize.”
Aaron: "Greetings, my name is Aaron Kentar. It's a pleasure to meet you."
That left only one. Everyone’s gaze fell onto them.
Christopher: “C’mon, Zac, it’s your turn now!”
Zac: [Awkward] “...”
Zac: [Awkward] “...hi.”
Zinnia claps her hands.
Zinnia: “All done? No one left? Everyone in this room introduced?” She asks the group.
Jessica points to the sleeping man.
Zinnia: [Happy] “Great! Everyone alive has been introduced!”
Zinnia: [Excited] “So, what do you say, does anyone want to take part in any crew bonding games?”
People start walking over to their seats.
[NOW PLAYING ”Paradise Killer OST: Idle Lands” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_y3-zWHdzI8 ]
[Seat conversations]
[Avalon & Philip]
To Harper’s dismay, she found herself sitting next to the apparently infamous Philip, and the unbreakable window blocking her only way of escape from this awkward torment, a slow, painful death by drowning.
Philip: [Awkward] “...”
Avalon: [Awkward] “...”
Philip: “So… what’s it like running a design company?” He unknowingly finds himself asking.
Avalon: “...” She stares at the window, seeming to not have noticed him.
Philip: “... Miss Ava, what is your job like?”
Avalon: “...” She stares at the window harder.
A single, nigh imperceptible drop of sweat forms and evaporates in the span of a second, and it would have gone unnoticed, and almost did, were it not for Philip’s keen, practiced sense of when someone is trying to forget he exists.
Philip: “Avalon?” He’s about to poke her in an attempt to get her attention, but she flinches and snaps her head back to him the moment he starts to move his arm, causing a confused look to form on his face.
Avalon: [Awkward] “Y-Yes?”
Philip: “I asked what you-”
Avalon: “Oh, sorry, I’m listening to music. I usually do that while travelling.” She tells him.
He stares at her head, barren of any musical device, and notifies her about his findings.
Phillip: “With what, exactly?”
Avalon: “It- I’m listening with an implant.” Face straight and breathing firm, she points to a specific spot right under her ear, as if to say: ‘It’s right there. Can’t you see it, under my skin?’.
Philip: “Weren’t those banned a decade ago?” Philip innocently asks, dead set on having a polite conversation, even if it means causing the person next to him excruciating pain.
Avalon: [Serious] “It’s illegal.”
Philip: [Confused] “It’s… illegal? Yes, I know that.”
Avalon: “I mean. I. It’s an illegal one. I own it. Illegally.”
The ex-senator smirks.
Philip: “You know those were banned because they’d allegedly break once they stopped getting firmware updates, right? Allegedly causing brain damage.” He informs her.
Avalon: [Internally screaming] “...”
“I see.” She nods.
“...”
“I’m going to the bathroom.”
Avalon awkwardly moves past Philip, and leaves the room.
[Switch]
[Alice & Apollo & Mask]
Sitting in between the personification of the word drama and the newest mobile phone, Alice tries to figure out where she went wrong in life.
Mask: [Playful] “Heeeey Alice, you okay?” They ask her with their soulless eyes, which are somehow radiating joy. “Need some… uhhhhhh-”
Alice: [Annoyed] “I don’t need anything!” She spats.
Mask pouts.
Alice: “I’m FINE. And would rather be left alone!” The ex-bassist grumbles while taking a light blue colored vintage phone from her pocket.
She stares at the unlit screen, Apollo’s reflection stares back.
Alice: “Hey you, phone guy, can you please go somewhere else?” She asks him as politely as she can.
Apollo: “Huh, what. Did I… hear you wrong or something?” He asks.
Alice: [Vindictive] “I told you to go away!” She yells.
Apollo: [Surprised] “Wha… lady, this is the only wheelchair spot in the room!” Apollo yells back.
Alice: “Oh, come on! You’re a robot, you can get a better body that this lame vending machi-”
Apollo: [Angry] “You stupid fuc-!”
Mask: [Loud] “Ooookey dokey, let’s stop now!” Mask puts themself between the two, then turns to blonde.
[Hands clasped] “Alice, matey, can you please tell your fellow crew the reason yer so mad at me fellow matey’ Apollo?” They ask her, slowly slipping into a bad pirate accent, with full sincerity.
Alice: [Confused] “...?”
Alice: “...”
Alice: “Phh…”
Alice: “PhhHPphh.”
Alice: “PHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA” Alice laughs like a terrorized swan, periodically stopping to swallow air.
Mask: “What. Wait… are yer… laughing at me, ye matey!?” They gasp dramatically.
Alice nods her head, and points behind Mask.
[Instead of Apollo, his wheelchair screen displays Mask with a pirate jpeg pasted over their head with a question mark emoji to the right]
Mask: [Pensive] “...”
[Switch]
[NOW PLAYING ”Paradise Killer OST: Breeze With U” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y27Xcd2nZc ]
[Billy & Zinnia]
The brown, curly haired woman quickly brushes past Billy, and sits down on her seat.
Zinnia: [Serious] “Bill. Sit down.” She immediately tells him
BillyBill: [Confused] “Wha… what’s going on!?!?”
Zinnia: “Bill, listen to me, I’m about to tell you something very important.” She leans in close.
Billy: “A-Alright, I’m listening.” He leans in closely with his ear turned towards her.
Zinnia: [Whispering] “Your show is called ‘Guided Love’. So, I need you to guide me to me love.” Her whispers, which are on the loud end, are luckily mostly muffled by everyone else's conversations.
Billy: [Surprised] “Woa that’s…! Well, you can never go wrong with Lovelet!” He exclaims, clearly taken aback.
Seeing a few heads turn towards the source of the noise, himself, he quietens down a little, but not enough for them to not hear him.
Billy: “Look, I’m kind of doing something else right now, you know… uhh.” He gestures around him. “I can’t promise to help you as much as I’d want to.”
Sensing the sincerity in his tone, Zinnia nods.
Zinnia: [Sad] “I’ve been looking for so long, Bill, and I’m determined to look for as long as it takes.”
Billy: “I understand.” He reassures her. “We can talk about this more on the island, I heard there’s plenty of cool spaces to chat there.”
Zinnia: [Happy] “Great! This day is just getting better and better.”
Zinnia: “...”
Zinnia: [Curious] “What’s up with all that rubble sticking out of the water?” She asks, pointing to the algae covered brick and metal columns jotting out of the sea.
Billy: “You don’t know? I thought this was explained on the website…” He comments, unsure how to respond, he doesn’t know that much about history, after all.
Zinnia: “Websites are evil and full of spiders.”
Billy: “That IS true.” He nods. “Okay, I’m not sure on the specifics but-”
He coughs.
Billy: [Dramatic] “Ahem! Long ago, this beautiful , tropical bay was a not beautiful , not tropical , tourist spot, probably !“ He enunciates each word carefully, and each is more dramatic than the last.
Billy: “Then climate change happened, and this is all that’s left.”
Zinnia: “Woaw. So we’re gonna be staying in a flooded ruin?”
Billy: [Pensive] “Sadly, yes.” He regrettably admits, eyes downcast.
Billy: “Buuuuuut! I heard that there’s a fully functional hotel right beside, so we can sneak off there.”
Zinnia: [Excited] “Yes! So do you know anything about any off island tours or…?”
Billy: [Neutral] “I didn’t hear anything about tha-” He cuts himself off mid sentence, as he sees Avalon briskly walk away from her seat.
Billy: “Sorry, I’m going to go check on her.”
Billy leaves as well.
Zinnia: “I taught him so well…”
[Switch]
[Ash & Robin]
Ash: [Calm] “You don’t seem to be dying.” It takes its arm away from Robin’s forehead.
Robin: “You sure?” A drop of sweat falls off his face.
Ash: “Hmm……….. No.”
Ash: “Let me give you my funeral home’s number.” They take a business card, an antique practice, and give it to the boy sitting beside them.
Robin: [Befuddled] “W-Why the fuck are you giving me this??”
Ash: [Demure] “In case you die… You should give it to your … family.”
Robin: [Suffering] “Why am I stuck with the fucking grim reaper…” He complains.
Robin: “Can we talk about any-fucking-thing else? Please.”
Ash: “I love talking…” They claim.
Robin: [Rolling eyes] “Super wow.”
Robin: “...So. Why did you come here?”
Ash: [Smiling] “What do you mean…? Why wouldn’t I come here?”
Robin: “Fuck. I mean, on this vacation, why sign up?”
Ash: “To claim your soul, you’ve been dead for a while, you see! Died multiple times, even!” It tells the blue haired guy.
Ash: “Puhuhuhu, don’t look so mad, I’m joking.”
Ash turns their gaze to the ceiling, and thinks for a slow moment.
Ash: “I suppose it must have been… fate, or the universe, or some higher being or-”
Robin: [Blunt] “Can you cut through the mystic bullcrap?”
Ash: [Giggling] “Aren’t you quite rude to your elders!” It finds the situation amusing.
Ash: “But yes, I was joking. I simply felt like it was time for a break, a vacay, a chill time period, my detox era, so to speak.”
Robin: [Smiling] “Alright, s-so…, why sign up to this contest then? Why not something else, like a normal vacation?”
Ash: [Laughing]“The same reason as nearly everyone… here. It’s cheaper!”
Ash: “...”
Ash turns to stare at the sea.
Ash: “So bright, vibrant, so full of life… yet still, a… persistent memory of what is gone.” What was once flooded ruins, and are now just mounds of metal and concrete, sticking out of the sea, slowly pass by.
Robin: [Confused] “Huh…?”
Ash: [Sincere] “I just wanted to… experience something… memorable, meet new interesting people and… be… interesting… to them, in turn.”
Robin: “I think I get that, you’re pretty cool, Ash.”
Ash: “Thank you...”
Ash: “It’s the… tailor made grim reaper costume.”
A brief, confusing silence ensues.
Ash: “...Can you… tell me why you decided to join this… experience?”
Robin: [Surprised] “Uhh….!”
Robin: [Dismissive] “No, bugger off.”
[Switch]
Grey, rather than sulking on her phone, is chatting carefreely with Apollo, and Mask is also there.
Alice: [Smiling] “Right, so most people only know of the more popular Imperi reality shows, like ‘Carriage in Murder’ and ‘Spiralled Chasm ClimbOut’, all thrillers.” She explains. “Apparently this is the only thing they think people watch anymore! Because they keep cancelling and changing other shows!”
Apollo: [Neutral] “Got it. Completely.”
Alice: “Now, I like drama, I’m that kinda person, yes, I admit it, give me as much conflict and tragedy as possible. But! It has to be authentic!”
Mask: [Curious] “They’re all reality tv shows, riiight? Aren’t they usually all inauthentic?” Mask chimes in with a question.
Alice: “Ugh.” Alice scoffs.
Apollo: “I think I have the same question as Mask.” The cuboid robot also speaks up.
Alice: “Okay, that actually relates to what I was saying. Thanks for reminding me, ‘Pollo.”
Mask: [Pensive] “...”
Alice: “So, I like the conflict that you see when people fight, for a prize or whatever, because it’s easy to get invested in.”
Alice: “But these latest shows, god they’re SO fake.” She rolls her eyes.
Alice: [Ranting] “They’re the same, gameplay wise, but they keep trying to make it seem like the contestants are actually in danger or even killing each other! And none of them are actors, so as much as their fights about the prizes are real you can TELL how staged the deaths are.”
Mask: “Then why don’t you watch something with actual actors?”
Apollo: “Acting seems fun.” He blurts out of nowhere.
Alice: “Lame! There’s a billion shows out there, literally, with literally anything I could ever want to watch.” She responds to Mask's question.
Mask: [Cheerful] “I am, oddly, actually feeling worried about you now! What’s the problem with you being able to watch… what you want to watch???”
Alice: “But THEN I’d have nothing to complain about! It’s just my hobby!”
Mask: “Maybe you should try acting!”
Alice: [Surprised] “Where did that come from?”
Mask: “Well… I dunno’, you seem like you’ve only watched reality tv and done nothing else at all for the past month.”
Alice: [Shocked] “I…! Ugh! ‘Pollo, are you hearing this!?”
Apollo: “What else do you like to do?” He asks for reasons unknown to the two people sitting beside him.
The two stare at him in silence for a short while, the sound of their conversation being replaced with the constant chatter of everyone else in the room.
Alice: “‘Pollo?”
Apollo: “Oh, sorry, you asked something?” He asks, an embarrassed expression forming on his face.
Apollo: “Hahaha… I’m kinda… actually… deaf… or hearing impaired…”
Alice: [Sincere] “Apollo, bestie, you know I love you, but how does that work?”
Mask: “But it seems to me that you’re hearing us right now!”
Apollo: [Embarrassed] “Look, I don’t know how my body works!”
He takes a deep breath to recompose himself.
Apollo: [Neutral] “Okok, let me explain: I can hear stuff, but I can’t understand them, they’re just vague sounds to me. Your voices, for example, they’re too similar, I can’t tell them apart at all!”
Mask: “But sire, matey, comrade! We don’t sound alike at all.”
Apollo: “Oh right I also can’t tell what you’re saying at all.”
The two stare at him in confusion once more.
It seems the robot forgot to get to the point.
Apollo: [Embarrassed] “Right, uh, so, because I can’t do it, I have an audio to text program installed.” His avatar’s hand points to the black hearing aids in his ears.
[Pensive] “But it doesn’t work so well when there’s too much ambient noise…”
Alice: [Smiling] “Oh, I get it, don’t worry, we can chat more at the hotel.”
Mask: “Yeah!”
Apollo: [Sincere] “So talking to me here might be quite complicated.”
Alice: “Apollo? We said it’s fine.”
Mask: “Yeah.”
Apollo: “So if you want to talk more at the hotel…”
Alice: “He’s not hearing us.”
Mask: [Pensive] “Yeah…”
Alice: “Just nod, Mask.”
[Switch]
[NOW PLAYING ”Paradise Killer OST: Lady Blue” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MIN50H8YIY ]
[Aaron & Christopher & Zac]
He could feel his social bones itching, sitting in between Aaron and Zac was clearly not a good choice for Christopher, but it was the one he made nonetheless.
Plus, he already finished munching on the chocolate he got from Zac, and now he’s feeling energized from the sugar.
Christopher: [Determined] “...You can do it.” He murmurs.
The old man beside him turns his head in response.
Aaron: [Confused] “Excuse me?”
A sound of pain emanates from deep inside Christopher.
Christopher: [Awkward] “N-Nothing, sir! I just…”
He lightly elbows Zac.
Christopher: “Help me out here-”
The overworked student flinches in response.
Zac: “What do you want?” He asks as he reaches his hand up to his headphones.
Christopher: “...Do you play any sports?” He asks, seeming like he originally wanted to say something else.
Zac: [Confused] “No…? Why?”
Christopher: [Energized] “Dude, you have to do something! You’re in college, aren’t you?”
Zac: [Annoyed] “Don’t tell me what to do.” He spats. “And yeah, I am.”
Christopher: “Then we have to play something on the island!” He declares, ignoring Zac’s snide attitude. “I’ll show you, it’ll be fun!”
He flexes his right arm.
Zac: [Sarcastic] “Yeah, I’m sure there’s an entire sportsfield there. I heard there’s even a baseball stadium.”
Christopher: “Neat, can’t wait to get there.” He laughs. “Maybe we’ll find some more people and form teams.” He flexes his arm again.
Zac: “Just make sure you don’t break your other arm-”
Christopher: [Awkward] “Uhh…” He doesn’t seem to know how to respond.
Zac: [Worried] “Oh uh…sorry.”
Christopher: “...”
Zac: “...”
Aaron: [Sighing] “Have you two known each other for long?” The old man speaks up, his question surprising the two boys beside him.
Zac: [Confused] “We met today?”
Aaron: “I suppose that makes sense, you don’t seem to know a lot about each other.” He states. “But you are oddly friendly to someone you just met.”
Christopher: [Neutral] “I just get along with people, it’s not hard.”
Zac: “So, do you just trust random people, then?”
Aaron: [Neutral] “Yet you, Zac seem pretty comfortable telling that to someone you just met.”
Zac: [Surprised] “That’s… well…. look, literally, just look at the guy.” He turns to the baseball player, who’s sporting a naive smile. “Does he look untrustworthy to you?”
Aaron: “I suppose not.”
Christopher: [Smiling] “Yeah, I’m the best!” He flexes his arm again.
[Switch]
[Jessica, Frederica, Larry Bi?]
Jessica scans over the room. There are a few seats still left.
Maybe she could talk to Apollo? No, she decided, Mask seemed to have that covered.
Philip was a no go for sure, especially with the scandal… Even if she’s a little vague on the details still.
…She’ll do.
Jessica took a seat next to Frederica and the still sleeping man.
Jessica: [Smiling] {Hey, do you mind if I sit here?}
Frederica gave Jessica a kind smile and lifted her hands.
Frederica: [Eyes closed, smile] <Certainly not, Ms. McLallen.>
Jessica was a little shocked at this development. This girl knew her last name *and* sign language!?! This required further questioning.
Jessica: [Curious] <I didn’t think you would know sign language. Also, how do you even know my last name???>
Frederica giggled slightly at her question. Was this a good development? Jessica was unsure.
Frederica: <Well, as for sign language, I’m fluent in many languages, sign language is simply one of them. As for your last name, I know the names of everyone on the island, not simply yours.>
Frederica pointed at the sleeping man,
Frederica: <Him, for example, that is L a r r y B i.>
Frederica: [Head tilted, smile] <And you, of course, are J e s s i c a M c L a l l e n.>
Jessica: [Excited] <Wowie! You’re really smart! I don’t think I could memorize even half of the people’s names in this room, let alone everyone on the island!>
Frederica: <It simply comes with the job. I assure you, there are people far smarter than I.>
Jessica: <Geez, I’m not so sure about that one… Well, I know one thing, you’re the smartest person I know!>
Frederica: [Smile] <I appreciate your kind words, Ms. McLallen.>
[Switch]
[Location: Hallway outside of the boat’s bathroom]
Outside the cabin everyone is seated in, further down the hall, is a small door leading to a tiny room, the bathroom.
And knocking on that door, with an anxious expression, is Billy.
Billy: “Hey, Avalon, you okay?” He shouts.
Avalon: [Neutral] “Yes.” She answers from behind the pink haired man.
Billy: [Surprised] “T-That’s great!” He smiles. “Listen, Phillip… he didn’t do anything, right?”
Avalon: “Oh, that’s what this is about?” She asks. “He didn’t do anything, I’m fine.” She states with a bland yet confident sounding voice.
Avalon: [Staring to the side] “It just felt… weird standing next to him. Usually I can handle myself in situations like these but the news about the scandal he was involved in caught me by surprise.” Avalon explains herself, ending with a sigh.
Avalon: “Plus, that cabin is so cramped and loud, I just want a break.”
Billy: [Neutral] “Thanks for telling me, ‘preciate it.” He winks. “I’ll go back now, see you on Insula Aurea.”
Avalon: “Goodbye, Lovelet.”
[Switch]
[Location: Boat cabin]
[NOW PLAYING ”Paradise Killer OST: EGO 24-7” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99iBa-MgNiA ]
The intercom of the boat sounds.
Announcer: [Awkward] “A-Attention passengers, we will soon be arriving at… at the Golden Islan- I mean at Insula Aurea.” The man on the speaker declares. “P-Please pick up your bags, and follow our personnel off the boat. Each group will get off one by one starting with…”
Frederica stands up at this comment.
Frederica: “As we will be departing soon, I’d like to take a moment to inform you all of the coming events.”
Frederica: [Pointing up] “We will soon be arriving at the beautiful Insula Aurea, but do remember to handle check-in quickly, you will have plenty of time to enjoy the facilities afterwards.”
Zinnia: “Islands are badass!”
Frederica: [Smiling] If you need any assistance with this step, I will be in the main hall with the reception desk until I must depart in the afternoon.”
Frederica: “Now then, let us depart everyone. A great, beautiful tomorrow awaits you all.”
The group orderly takes any luggage they have with them, and leaves the cabin. The last one to leave is the sleeping man, Larry Bi, who quickly shuffles out of the room after them.
[Location: Reception]
The group follows Frederica’s advice and enters the main hall. They quickly spot a map at the back of the room, telling them what the hotel has to offer.
Avalon quickly walks to the reception desk and pulls out her ticket. The machine pings positively and a white bracelet with golden trim is presented to Avalon.
Avalon: [Confused] “What… is this?”
Frederica: “Ah, I do apologize for failing to explain something so major.”
Frederica: “These are your room keys. Insula Aurea has many special facilities which use these bracelets for interfacing. Simply lock the bracelet in place and it can be scanned to open your rooms and access other aspects of the hotel.”
Avalon stares at the bracelet with some trepidation but quickly decides the isolation of her room is worth whatever this bracelet tracks or whatever.
Billy: “Y-You heard her! Let’s check in, everyone!”
Zinnia: “Yup! Let’s not let the other guests wait too long!”
The group begins to check themselves in at this point with a few struggling with the machine. Zinnia, Jessica, and Mask in particular really take a while to figure it out, but they manage with Billy’s help. Finally, Apollo and Frederica reach the machine.
Frederica scans the ticket. This time, instead of a bracelet, Apollo feels the machine attempt to connect to him.
Frederica: “In lieu of a room key, the hotel has created an app which will allow you to communicate to the hotel’s system directly to utilize the bracelet functionality.”
Apollo: “Cool!” A bracelet appears on his right arm. “I’m wearing this either way, though. They’re stylish.”
Frederica: [Smiling] “I’m pleased you enjoy the design, Mr. Valentine.”
Frederica: “I believe the app will inform you of your room assignment, Mr. Valentine.”
Apollo: “...I GOT THE PENTHOUSE!?”
Frederica: “It appears so.”
Excited to see his new room, Apollo heads to the elevator, wherever that is, he hopes to find it.
Only Philip remains inside the reception.
Philip: [Neutral] “I don’t have a ticket, I booked a room here normally.”
Frederica: [Surprised] “Oh, I… did not believe that was possible.”
Philip: “Neither did your coworkers. But ‘TopOnlineVacations.com’ let me book a room just fine. Here’s the online receipt.” He shows his phone.
Frederica looks over the receipt and notes to herself the address.
Frederica: “I see… Well, allow me to assist you.”
Frederica walks over to the machine, kicks the side of it, and an access panel opens.
Frederica: “Let’s see… you had room B8… so I’ve got to…”
Frederica continues to murmur to herself. Eventually, a bracelet pops out of the front. She closes the panel.
Frederica: “Apologies for the wait, sir. Here you are.”
Philip: “Thanks for the… speedy … service.” He rolls his sleeves, and puts his bracelet on.
Philip: [Curious] “Hmm, I can’t even feel it, and my clothes fit over it just fine.”
Frederica: “The bracelets are designed with comfort first, I believe you will find you’ll forget you even have it on soon enough.”
Philip: “What happens if we break them?”
Frederica: [Confident] “I believe you’ll find that to be quite difficult, Mr. Beauregard. These bracelets are extremely strong.”
Philip: [Spacing off] “...Sorry, what was that, again? Nevermind, I’m going to my room. Have a good day.”
Frederica: [Bowed head] “The same to you, sir. If you need me, I shall be here.”
[Switch]
[Location: Jessica’s room]
After leaving her luggage in her room, Jessica walks up to the map in the reception. She looks over the rooms. Where will she go?
She thinks of the people she met today. Will she look for one of them instead? Who?
[NOW PLAYING “World of probability - Gnosia OST“ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGPV-s4T0gw ]
Votes
Please only vote on one of the questions.
[Q1] Where will Jessica go? (Vote two places in the comments if you picked this question)
- Her room
- Dining Hall
- Reception
- Pool
- Outside Area
- Bar
- Library
- Laundry Room
- Art Gallery
- Tea Room
- VR Room
- Computer Lab
- Music Lounge
- Gym
- Rooftop
[Q2] Who will Jessica hang out with? (Vote two people in the comments if you picked this question)
- Aaron Kentar
- Alice Grey
- Apollo Valentine
- Ash Pyke
- Avalon “Ava” Jessica Harper
- Billy Lovelet
- Christopher Marigold
- Frederica
- Mask
- Philip Beauregard
- Robin Anderson
- Zac
- Zinnia Crohan
-
“AFTER MONTHS OF WORK, THE SPRITES ARE FINISHED (Mostly)”
“Also guess what, I’m making a vn based on this. Will I share it with random Ao3 peeps? Who knows, still telling you this.”
“This world is finally ready to unravel.”
“These end of chapter things are great for talking, let’s chat.”
“Uhh… let’s kin Zac and not do that instead”
“Thanks for reading!” - Hano
“It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”
“Even so, I hope you liked the chapter.”
“The island is finally here, what will you do in this new sandbox?”
“i still dont know how to write these end of chapter things lmao”
“Well, I hope you visit the hotel again very soon, the story will soon begin in earnest.” - Jinx
“Click here to choose what your characters will do in the next chapter!”
Chapter 4: [Prologue][Day 0][Noon] "The first move"
Notes:
“I finally got that drink!!!! (✿◡‿◡)”
“Ooooo, I’m in this chapter too!!!! I’m so nervous… `(*>﹏<*)′”
“Just kidding! I’m good at everything I do! (￣y▽,￣)╭ ”
Chapter Text
Infiltrators at the Golden Island Hotel
Day 0, Noon
[Time: Early noon]
[Location: 2nd floor hallway]
[NOW PLAYING ”Paradise Killer OST: Knife & Crystal” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uNuXLA1pgE ]
After leaving the reception, Jessica went to her room to get rid of the luggage she was carrying, so did everyone else.
Exiting the guest room labelled “B11”, she notices something odd. To be more exact, someone odd.
Ash: [Surprised] “Hello.” They remark, exiting room “B9”.
Jessica: [Happy] {Hey there, Ash!!!!}
Alice: [Angry] “I heard an ‘A’ name, which one of you bitches was talking about me behind my back!?!” She forcefully states, exiting room “B7”.
Ash: [Playful] “Perhaps… the tall man behind you?”
The ex-bassist turns, and ends up face to face with Aaron.
Aaron: [Curious] “Good day, you three, why are you yelling?” He remarks, having just exited room “B3”.
Jessica: [Happy] {Alice is just being silly! Isn’t that right, Alice?}
Alice: [Annoyed] “Bite me.”
Jessica: [Happy] {So silly…}
Soon enough, the baseball star exits his room, “B13”.
Christopher: “Sounds like the party has already started! You weren’t gonna leave me out, were you?”
Robin: [Happy] “Yoo! You guys are on this floor as well!?” He exclaims with uncharacteristic childlike innocence, as he leaves the room labelled “B5”.
Alice: [Neutral] “You’re awfully chipper.”
Robin: [Neutral] “Hmm…?” He returns to his usual flat face.
Zac slams open his door, “B4”, looking exceptionally tired.
Zac: [Annoyed] “Can’t even have a fucking nap in this place!”
Christopher: “Calm down buddy, we’re just here having a good time!”
Zac looks thoroughly not calm.
Zac: [Sarcastic] “Yeah the best ‘good times’ are had in hallways at 2 PM.”
Christopher: “Yeah, I’m glad you agree!”
Cutting the sarcasm is Mask exiting their room, “B6.
Mask: “Yeah! We’ve gotta get this party going!”
Jessica: {Will we eat anything at this party?}
Mask points to the wooden floor.
Jessica: [Deadpan] {You should stop eating the floor.}
Mask looks devastated… Probably.
Philip soon exits his room, “B2”, looks at the present company, and decides to take the elevator down.
Avalon exits her own room, “B1”, right as the elevator doors close.
Avalon: [Neutral] “Good morning.” She greets in a refined tone.
Alice: “It’s noon.”
The seamstress lets out a long sigh.
Avalon: “I said what I said.” Sadly for her, the sun does not work for ‘AVALON’, so the time remains unchanged.
Zinnia finally exits her room, “B8”.
Zinnia: “Did somebody say party!?!”
Billy: [Excited] “Yeah! Party! Everyone, let’s dance!” He yells right after, the door to his room, room “B12”.
Mask: “Maybe we shouldn’t party now, it’s just really definitely absolutely not the right time!” Everyone but Billy nods in agreement.
Billy having noticed something, looks a little disturbed,
Billy: “S-Say, um, this is everyone from o-our boarding group, right?”
The group at large looks around.
Alice: “No. It’s not.”
Billy: “But this is still most of us! Isn’t that weird?”
Robin: “Why would it be? Maybe the boarding groups were decided when we got booked so we’re all near each other AND were in the same group.”
Mask: “More importantly!” They exclaim. “Do all your rooms have strangely large yet still not that large vents?”
Aaron: “Do you mean the air conditioning?”
Mask: “Oh… that’s what that was… and here I thought it was a reference to a 21st century social deduction game…”
Jessica: {...That’s just you. I still think you should see someone for that.}
Mask: “I can see very well!”
Jessica: {I made that mask. I know you have no peripheral vision.}
Mask: [Pensive] “...”
Alice huffs, and walks past the group.
Alice: “Whatever! I’m going to the pool!” Leaving as she says that.
Aaron: “I’m sure we all have busy days ahead, I’ll be taking my leave as well.”
Not so long after, the whole group once again splits up, going their own ways.
[Switch]
[Location: Reception]
[NOW PLAYING ”Paradise Killer OST: 8th Street Rose” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srv68j9RP_k ]
Frederica stands firmly in the lobby, next to the hotel service desk, exactly where she said she would be.
From the other side of the room, the doors of the elevator can be heard opening. A bulky, square shaped phone exits, Apollo, to be more exact.
Frederica quickly takes note of the new visitor and puts her flip phone back into her pocket.
Apollo: [Surprised] “What is THAT?!” The whirr of wheels accelerating reverberates across the room as he approaches Frederica.
Frederica looks surprised for a moment before speaking.
Frederica: “It is my telephone. Is there a particular issue with the model I have chosen to use?”
Apollo: “T-That’s a phone!? I thought it was, like, some ancient relic!” He exclaims.
Frederica: [Embarrassed] “W-Well, I assure you it is no such thing! My cellular device still works perfectly fine thank you!”
Apollo: [Smug] “‘Cellular device’...? Frederica, do you hear yourself? No one alive still calls their phone a cellular device…”
Frederica: “Ash does.”
Apollo: [Shocked] “They do!?!
Apollo chuckles to himself, “I guess we have two ghosts in this hotel after all.”
Frederica blushes even further red at that comment.
Frederica: “I-I assure you, Mr. Valentine, I am no specter of the astral realm!”
Apollo giggles to himself once more, “Hehe, specter…”
Frederica appears to be three comments away from jumping off the building so Apollo chooses to get to the point already.
Apollo: [Excited] “So, since you’re like… my tour guide, I think; You should prooobably show me around, right?”
Frederica quickly returns to “work mode” at this request.
Frederica: [Eyes closed, smiling] “Why, of course I can, Mr. Valentine, it is my pleasure to assist you today for as long as I may.”
Apollo: [Embarrassed] “And after that, I think I want you to explain some of the… stuff in my penthouse…” He says, struggling to come up with an excuse.
Frederica, having picked up on his complete lack of confidence, chuckles slightly, “Mr. Valentine, if you want a tour, you need only ask. You needn’t give an excuse to see more of this lovely hotel.”
Apollo pauses for a moment having realized something, “You know you can use my first name and stuff, right? We are friends, aren’t we?”
Frederica is a little taken aback at that comment. She seems a little hesitant to answer.
Frederica: “I… suppose if that is what you would prefer from me, M-... Apollo.”
Having reached a common accord, the two depart deeper into the ground floor, beginning their tour.
[Switch]
[Location: Outside Walkway]
[NOW PLAYING ”Paradise Killer OST: The Lemegeton Bop” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCydUYWPztA ]
The brilliant deadly ball of hellfire in the sky shined brightly over the island, the waves glistened as they gently rolled over the patch of dirt generously deemed ‘the beach’ by the administration, and guests hurried to take as many of their clothes off as quickly as possible, so they could jump into the only safe water body nearby, the pool.
Alice, the blonde ex-bassist, suffered through the heat, as she did not notice the clear, quicker method of getting to the pool through the inside. Instead, she trudged, holding a bright tote bag and donning a stunning swimsuit, through the sun-scorched walkway overlooking the hotel.
Oddly enough, she had a smile almost brighter than the sun covering her face, and eyes shut tight all to avoid the terrifying glare of the aforementioned celestial object.
Alice: [Happy] “Robin, bestie, hiiiii!!” She greets the half naked guy slowly slumbering towards her, another victim of their hubris.
Robin: [Suffering] “....Yo….” He slowly lets out.
Alice: [Excited] “Are you also going to the pool?!”
Robin: “....Yeah…” He tells her as he takes another painful step, his flip flops already scorching his feet.
Alice: [Annoyed] “I can’t BELIEVE we’re on a (almost) TROPICAL island, and we can’t swim in the sea! I’ve been looking forward to this, like, my WHOLE life!” Her frown quickly turns. “But hey, at least I get to see the Suuuuuun~~!”
Robin takes another step, his blistering skin feels like it’s about to pop.
Robin: [Agonizing] “...Why are you… so happy…? I didn’t think… It’d be so hot…” He told her, thinking back to an earlier weather report he saw on his phone, which mentioned incoming rains for the next week hitting the area.
Alice: “Did the sun get to your brain or something? I’m from London. L O N D O N.” She spells it out for him. “You know, the place that is suffering from a two decade long extremely dense cloud cover. I hadn’t seen the sun in months before leaving, and that’s because I travel sometimes! And a sunny day like this?! In Britain!? Robin, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, I’d rather DIE than go back to that place before I got three cancer diagnoses worth of direct sunlight, you get me?”
Robin: “...Uhummnm…” He nods weakly as he intently listens to her story. The distraction helping him cope.
Alice: “Oh we’re at the pool alrea-”
[Location: Pool]
Immediately, Robin drops his backpack, and jumps belly first into the pool, emanates a sharp, painful yelp, then slowly sinks into the pool.
Alice: [Excited] “Wait for me pool boy! I’ll get us some chairs, and join you!” She says as she walks off, not out of view, but slightly obscured by other guests moving around.
Sensing a moment to himself, Robin paddles over to an empty edge of the pool, and rests with his back pressed to the cold wall.
Robin: [Mumbling] “Finally…” His shoulders relax, and he can feel his mind drift far away. A brief look of conflict appears on his face, then it quickly disappears, replaced with a calm peaceful expression.
[Switch]
[Location: Sauna]
[NOW PLAYING ”Breeze With U” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5TyfId_hSI ]
Larry had a tiring day, and, as he was tired, as people over 25 usually are, he decided to continue resting. Of course, napping gets boring after doing that all day, so he decided to take advantage of one of the perks of this hotel, and go to the sauna.
Thankfully for him, it was completely empty. It seems like people have better things to do immediately after checking in at a hotel.
[Switch]
[Location: Tea Lounge]
[NOW PLAYING ”Paradise Killer OST: To The Heart” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3zV2z3Pdl0 ]
Billy, having had one of the worst mornings of his life, chooses to visit a relaxing room to start his vacation.
Sure, he did just cry on the floor in front of complete strangers AND no one even knew his show but… but… uh… the day could get better?
The room is ornately decorated in the style customary to what people on Pinterest nowadays call ‘the victorian aesthetic’, which combines aspects from the actual victorian era and characteristics of the early 21st century tv show, “Victorious”.
Lounging on a gaudily colored couch, Billy is doing what he does best.
Billy: [Determined] “S-So, to make sure to have a healthy sleep schedule!-” He rolls his eyes. “That’s stupid, I can’t say that.” He tells himself. “C’mon, man, you can do better… “In order to be good role models towards our fellow guests we should-” No, not that either…” He sighs.
The door to the room opens, and a menacing, robed, figure strolls through.
And walks directly over to the “Scented Ariana Grande Candles” table.
Ash: [Happy] “Aaahh…… This…. This is what life is meant to be…!!!”
Startled, confused, interrupted and feeling increasingly terrified by the new presence, Billy stops talking to himself.
Billy: [Anxious] “O-Oh, hey, Ash! How are you doing, buddy?” He chuckles awkwardly, begins couching, seemingly choking on his spit, punches his chest a little too hard, then coughs awkwardly once again before walking over to the new person in the room.
“Cough cough cough!”
Ash: [Curious] “Did you… just say ‘cough cough cough’ out loud?”
Billy: “No.”
Ash: [Neutral] “I think… I forgot your name…”
Billy: [Sad] “Sometimes… I wonder why I even keep on trying…” He sighs.
Ash: “So… your name is ‘sometimes’? Wasn’t it something else?”
Billy sniffles slightly but resists crying, it’s happened too many times today!
Billy: [Annoyed, sad] “It’s BILLY!”
Ash: “...I thought it was Larry?”
Billy: “...”
Ash: “Anyways… What was your chosen profession again? You… played… Match four…? Match checkers…? Are you a professional board game player?”
Billy looks on in awe? shock? It was certainly an emotion to being called the wrong name to a profession he never claimed.
Billy: “You are a cruel wicked being.” He states.
“Like many of my clients, actually. Are you looking for love?”
Just then, the door opened, in entered Apollo and Frederica.
Frederica: “And over here is our Tea Lounge, authentically themed around the Victorian styling popular in the 21st century.” She points to the most massive Ariana Grande candle. “These were quite popular for the time.”
Apollo pays no mind to the candle and instead shifts his focus to the other residents.
Apollo: “Look! It seems like there are other people enjoying the lounge too.”
Ash: “Ah… It is nice to see you, Apollo, Frederica…”
BIlly mumbles to himself about the only one being forgotten.
Ash: “I wanted to ask you, dearest mechanical automaton entitled… “Apollo”, after the greek god, what is your opinion on the topic of-”
Billy: [Excited] “Love! The topic of LOVE! I’m an *expert* on it, did you know?” He butts in.
Apollo and Ash stare at him for a moment… It seems they didn’t know.
Apollo: “...What do you know about love, Billy?”
Billy: [Happy] “Love is a wondrous connection between people, one I, as a matchmaker, excel at!” He heavily stresses the last part. “In fact, I would even like to add that, over the course of our vacation here, you maaaay get to see my *amazing* skills in action!”
Apollo: [Neutral] “Cool.”
Ash: “...Anyways… as I was aski-”
Billy: [Excited] “Hey, guys, gals and nonbinary pals, what do *you* think about love?”
Frederica stares off into the distance, firmly not tuned into the conversation.
Apollo: “Well, if you’re asking me… I do have a lot of experience with love, actually.” He winks.
Billy: “A fellow connoisseur, I see-”
Apollo: [Dead neutral] “No I actually go on dates with people.”
Billy seems sad at the implications.
Ash: [Confused] “Well… isn’t… that… something… could you please… elaborate on the details of that?”
Apollo: “S-Sure, you meet a girl, or a guy, on some dating app or whatever, you go on one or two dates, that kind of thing.”
Ash: “One or two… dates? Is that all love is to you? A fling?”
Apollo: [Annoyed] “What? Hell no!” The avatar on the screen takes a step back.
[Neutral] “You can’t really define love, not like a scientific term or anyth-”
Billy: “*I* found the formula to love.”
Apollo: “ing… Anyways, love is something that… everyone experiences differently, I do experience it as well! Obviously, not like any of you, but I doubt any of you experience it like anyone other than you, either.”
Ash: “...But how do you know you’re experiencing love at all. What even is love to a machine?”
Apollo: “W-Well, I guess you’re asking what love is… to me, personally… right?”
Ash: [Smiling] “...”
Feeling creeped out, Apollo continues.
Apollo: [Awkward] “I-It’s… a feeling of… belonging, I suppose, or a connection? Something deeper, maybe, concrete, understanding each other, that’s a big part… but not all.”
[Neutral] “One important part of any relationship is what the people involved want from it. For me, well, I just told you… I want someone who understands and likes me for who I am…”
“B-But…”
Ash: [Curious] “...But…?”
Apollo: [Angry] “But what I *DON’T* want is some prick who forces his love upon others! The last thing I want, the *worst* thing I could ever do, or experience, is someone doing that to me, or me doing that to someone… to someone else!” The slowly chassis turns to Frederica.
[Sad] “I… I’m sorry for flirting with you like that… we just met, and I couldn’t keep it in my pants, I’m sorry! I don’t know what came over me!” Tiny, crystalline, digital tears form in his eyes.
Frederica, having been completely zoned out, returns to Earth.
Frederica: “Hm? Oh, you really needn’t worry yourself over such matters. I’m completely fine, really.”
Meanwhile, the other two members of this conversation stare on as this man has cried over this woman who hasn’t spared a thought to his “transgression”.
Billy: [Confused] “You two know each other?”
Ash elbows him.
Ash: [Forcefully smiling] “She’s his tour guide or something!”
Apollo coughs at Frederica’s response and notices the elephant in the room. (Well, the proverbial elephant, not the Ariana Grande themed elephant statue.)
Apollo: “Say, Frederica, what do you think about love? Everyone has said something about it besides you.”
Ash: “...” They stare, not having gotten to explain their position.
Billy: “...” He stares, not having gotten to explain his position in excruciating depth.
Frederica pauses in thought, seemingly deeply considering the question.
Frederica: [Thinking] “I suppose… Love is about connection. The connections one shares with those you care for and the connections they have to you.”
Apollo: [Smiling] “That’s very deep, you’re pretty good at this.” He tells her. “I didn’t think someone with a flip-phone would know so much about connecting to others, does it even have an internet connection?”
Frederica stares into his soul indignantly. This tour is going very well.
Ash: “Actually, on that thought, Apollo… are you connected to this body through what I heard is called the ‘cloud’ or… is this actually your body… through and through…?”
Apollo: [Happy] “Yup! All of me is inside this *Metal banging sfx* hunk of metal!” He exclaims.
Billy: “What about backups, you got those?”
Apollo: “Nope! Again, *all* of me is in this *Metal banging sfx* body.”
Ash: [Disappointed] “Auhuhu… I suppose that makes all of us deeply mortal then… prone to… being forgotten by the sands of time… like the billions who came before us…”
They kept conversing for a while.
[Switch]
[Location: Hobby room]
[NOW PLAYING ”Paradise Killer OST: Knife & Crystal” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uNuXLA1pgE ]
Multiple tables, each sized so that a large family could comfortably have dinner, are situated around the hobby room, each surrounded by chairs. The walls are lined with shelves, stocked with board games, card games, evil games, and good games. Also other general knicknacks, and some magazine racks are placed around the room, conveniently right next to couches on which to lounge on.
Avalon, who is on her vacation, is not at all in the mood to ‘lounge’, evidenced by her constant movement around the room, from one object to another, much to the other guests’ annoyance.
‘Is this it?’ she’d murmur to herself while looking at a board game or other, before shaking her head and whispering ‘No, no, no’.
Then, while she’s standing next to one of the magazine racks, one thing catches her attention. One thing, which is actually two things, situated on two different rows. One magazine titled ‘ALIENS ARE NOT REAL: THE INTERSTELLAR CONSPIRACY AND HOW ONLY NATURAL MOON ROCK CAN SAVE YOU’ in extremely heavy contrast to the one called ‘Stella Continentalis's beautiful intercontinental mountain range: a detailed look into our far away sister world’.
The first one looks sketchy, exaggerated, and honestly outright fake, the design is more meant to be eye-catching, than to actually convey a message. Comparatively, the second one looks official, with a plastered, easily recognizable logo from a well-known publishing firm, an elegant, precise and minimalistic design, and more importantly, an extremely realistic photo depicting what looks like a cross-breed between a koala, a cockatoo, and a crevice, seemingly floating on slightly purple water while an impressive mountain range towers in the background, while a tame magenta sky covered with swirling clouds covers the horizon.
‘Is this some kind of… ARG?’ Avalon murmurs to herself, before picking the magazine up.
‘Our reporter’s, Annastasia’s, stunning photos capture the impressive geography of Stella Continentalis. Follow their journey traveling alongside the UN’s embassy-’ Avalon flips through the first few pages, then almost drops the magazine.
[NOW PLAYING ”Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney OST - Suspense” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmYPxdQpwpQ ]
A mix of dread and awe fill Avalon as she beholds the photo laid out in front of her. The magical, unreal landscape laid out in front of her causing her brain to short-circuit.
Normally, she’d think this is just a computer generated image, trying and succeeding to portray something fake as real, but this isn’t the case.
Something about this is not normal. She doesn’t know why, but she gets the feeling that this magazine's contents ring true.
An intense feeling of vertigo forms as she tries to take in as much of the book as possible, as quickly as possible. Her horizons, her ideas about the world expanding at a dangerous rate.
‘Is that why…?’ She murmurs, realizing the countless hints she missed.
Zinnia: [Happy] “Is that why what, Ava?” Zinnia pops up out of nowhere and asks her.
[NOW PLAYING ”Paradise Killer OST: Knife & Crystal” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uNuXLA1pgE ]
Avalon: [Scared] “JESUS!” She drops the magazine. “Y-You… Where did you come from?!”
Zinnia: [Smiling] “Me room? I thought this placed looked interesting, then saw you and thought I could say hi!” The globe-trotter smiles. “Also, who’s Jesus? I hear that name a lot.”
The usually serious business lady besides her straightens her posture, trying to regain her composure.
Avalon: [Serious] “Zinnia, tell me this, are you an-”
Philip: [Neutral] “Hello there, ladies.” Beauregard pops up from somewhere, nodding to the two.
Avalon: [Surprised] “...Alien…”
Zinnia nods, slightly confused, but smiling all the while.
Philip : [Confused] “...?”
Philip: “Listen, I don’t want to drag this out, but I wanted to-”
Avalon: [Serious] “Philip.”
Philip: “...Yes?”
Avalon: “Aliens are real.”
Philip: “...I just wanted to say that-”
Avalon: [Determined] “Aliens are real, Philip!” She yells at him, alerting the whole room.
Philip: “-I want to apologi- … Huh?”
Avalon: [Spiralling] “I don’t understand I…” She points to Zinnia. “Look!”
Philip takes a step closer to Zinnia, and quietly asks her.
Philip: [Whispering] “Did she not know?”
Zinnia does not answer quietly.
Zinnia: [Smiling] “Apparently not! I didn’t think I’d ever experience this in me life!” She laughs. “Coworkers of mine mentioned how some people from planets like these react to the news but… Woaw, I guess this is what it’s like.”
Yet again, the seamstress tries to regain her composure.
Avalon: “I need a moment…” She lets out.
The senator next to them coughs awkwardly.
Philip: [Neutral] “I’ll… leave you two to this, then, but before that, Avalon, I wanted to *deeply* apologize for making you feel uncomfortable.” He tells her.
Avalon: [Neutral] “Alright.”
Seeing her deadpan, yet honest reaction, the old man awkwardly leaves the room.
Zinnia: [Confused] “I’m still not actually completely sure what he did?”
Avalon: [Annoyed] “Ugh… It’s just not even worth the effort anymore… I just want to forget that stupid boat ride ever happened at this point.”
[Embarrassed] “I made such a fool of myself…”
Zinnia: [Confused] “Uhhhh, I guess you did, haha.”
Avalon: “So… about the alien thing…” The seamstress tries to change topics.
Zinnia: [Happy] “Right! Any questions?”
Hearing the enthusiasm emanating in Zinnia’s voice, Ava feels a world of possibilities open up to her. She could ask anything, and likely get a (mostly) accurate answer.
[NOW PLAYING ”Starbound OST - Novakid Theme- I was the Sun (Before it was Cool)” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR7fwMM5ccc ]
As she wonders what she should ask, she realizes that there is only one thing on her mind right now, a childish, innocent, question. The cosmos is a vast, lonely place, yet, somehow, it got tamed.
Avalon: “How do you do it?”
Zinnia: “How do I do what?”
Avalon: [Embarassed] “T-Travel through the stars… it’s called, uhh. FTL, faster than light travel. How do you do that?”
Zinnia: [Smiling] “*I* don’t do it, matey! Me ship does! Well, not *me* ship, I’m not the captain, but you get it!”
Avalon: “I got that…” She forces a smile, avoiding eye contact.
Zinnia: “So, according to uh, you call them the ‘Laws of physics’, I think, according to them, moving faster than light is impossible.”
Avalon: “So… it’s not?”
Zinnia: “Nope! It is!”
[Smirking] “In this world, at least.”
Avalon: [Surprised] “In… this world?”
Drawing a sharp breath, Zinnia winks at Avalon, causing a slight, almost imperceptible blush to form.
Zinnia: “A world of your own making, one you’re in control of.”
Instantly, Ava feels the world around her warp, somehow, the sensation of fabric, like that she works with so often, envelops her. But it’s texture is like no other, it’s artificial, it’s fake, it’s imperceptible, it’s everywhere, it’s in her and outside her, it *is* her and everything she’s not.
Then, just as quickly, the feeling goes away.
She probably just got goosebumps.
Avalon: “Something like that is possible!?” She takes a step back.
Zinnia: [Awkward] “Well, I am exaggerating a little.” Hearing that, Avalon feels a slight headache forming. ‘Did I really get so worked up over something Zinnia is saying? What she’s talking about might be no different to her than what a plane engine is to me.’ she seems to think.
Avalon: “Just… please tell me already.”
Zinnia: “Right, so, spaceships.”
Avalon: “Right, spaceships.”
[Curious] “So, they… travel to the other world?”
Zinnia: [Neutral] “With the way you’re saying that, you make it seem like another universe like ours! Instead it’s more like, uhh, a small place, or a crevice, one separate from this one.”
“And somehow, the ‘LAW’ there is easily malleable? Well, to be more exact, the laws of physics. Somehow, while in that place, the spaceship is able to move faster than light, and then, after moving far enough through that universe… it reaches a destination, and leaves the crevice.”
Avalon looks at Zinnia like she just spoke another language at her; which, I suppose isn’t an inaccurate description of what was just explained.
Zinnia: “Does that help you at all?”
Avalon: [Dumbstruck] “... You know what, forget I even asked about it.”
Zinnia: [Surprised] “But you seemed so interested about it before?”
Avalon rubs her forehead, “Look, I’ve had enough revelations today, I don’t also need the fact that pocket dimensions or, or, whatever are real too.”
Zinnia: “If ye be sure…”
After that, the two continue talking for a short while, mostly about alien geography, before they split up.
[Switch]
[Location: VR room]
[NOW PLAYING ”Lady Blue” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBRi5KwBK38 ]
One side of the spacious room is lined with what, from the outside, look like harsh, gray, metal cages, of course, dotted with rainbow rgb lights. Inside each of those, is a full VR suit, meant to give its user close to complete immersion when inside the virtual space.
The other side has more mobile, easy to use VR goggles, they’re all laid out on a few shelves, leaving enough space for a large area for people to move around in while wearing them.
Inside one of the cages, Zac is stuck in his own virtual world.
[Switch]
[Location: Penguin Island]
[NOW PLAYING ”Can't Be Erased (Tune) - Bendy and the Ink Machine [OST]” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSHbCeDvhDE ]
Standing not quite so tall on a lonesome glacier merged with a snowy rocky island, is a quaint, pristine, stereotypically shaped igloo.
Flying around it, with his GOD-POWERS in hand, is Zac, shaping the world to his will.
Zac: [Determined] “One node there!” He yells. “A connection there! And add the program to that object!”
A narwhal appears. For a second, it levitates in the air, frozen.
Then, it falls like a dead animal.
And lastly, it comes back to life, and cartoonishly jumps into the water.
Out of the igloo, an argumentative penguin exits.
Penguin: [Angry] “What the hell are you doing, Zac?! Stop modifying stuff!”
Zac: [Annoyed] “You can’t tell me what to do! Fuck off!”
Penguin: “You should-”
The entire world shakes.
[Switch]
[Location: VR room]
[NOW PLAYING ”Lady Blue” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBRi5KwBK38 ]
Taking off his goggles, Zac notices a silhouette banging on the metal cages walls.
Zac: “One second.” He rolls his eyes as he starts to take off his suit. “Who is it?”
The silhouette remains silent.
Zac: [Annoyed] “Heeelllllooooo??? Who is it?”
Further silence. Sighing to himself, Zac finally exits the cage.
Outside is Jessica, standing way too close to the door.
Zac: [Surprised] “A-Augh!”
Jessica jumps back a few steps herself looking shocked… probably.
Jessica: {Heya, Zac!!!!!!}
Zac: “Oh, it’s you, one of those mask people.”
Jessica: [Pouting] {I am not a mask people.}
Zac: “But… you *are* wearing a mask?”
Jessica: {..............}
Zac: “...Why are you writing out dots?” He rolls his eyes.
“Anyways, why are you here?”
Jessica: [Neutral] {This room seems fun. I’ve never used a VR headset before.}
Zac: [Confused] “You… haven’t? What kind of person nowadays hasn’t used a headset?”
Jessica: [Embarrassed] {My kind of person.}
Zac: [Confident] “Well, I’m sure you know how to use them, so… Ok, I’m, kind of an *expert*, so I’ll ask you this: what do you want to use, one of those easy to wear ones, or, the suits from those experience chambers?” i will let the master do his work, continue
Jessica makes an exaggerated thinking motion, which Zac rolls his eyes at.
Jessica: [Thinking] {Which one can I keep the mask on for?????}
Zac briefly considers it.
Zac: “Neither, the suit could possibly work but it certainly wouldn’t be a good experience. Just take off the mask.”
Jessica turns beat red (her mask does anyways).
Jessica: [Blushing] {R-Remove my mask!?!? In f-f-f-front of you!?!?! I-.... I-I couldn’t possibly!!!}
Zac: “Why are you writing all of this out?”
Jessica ignores the question and pantomimes thinking again.
Jessica: {Oh dear, oh dear! Whatever shall I do!?!?!}
Zac has nothing to say on the matter.
Jessica: {I am a woman of good breeding and you are simply a common man! I could not possibly ever remove my mask in front of one such as}
Zac interupts her furious writing.
Zac: “I’m glad you're having ‘fun’ with this bit or whatever but are you done yet. Are you doing it or not?”
Jessica frowns, probably, and continues.
Jessica: {Fine, just turn around.}
Zac groans but does so.
After some loud struggling noises, Jessica taps Zac’s shoulder.
Zac: [Confused] “.........”
Jessica: [Real woman] {Alright, I’m ready!}
Jessica walks over to one of the cages and bumps directly into a wall.
The mask shatters revealing her face!
…Still entirely masked.
Zac: [Annoyed] “...Fine, let’s just use the suit then.”
Jessica switches to a sad mask as the two of them get ready.
[Switch]
[Location: Penguin Island]
[NOW PLAYING ”Can't Be Erased (Tune) - Bendy and the Ink Machine [OST]” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSHbCeDvhDE ]
Jessica, now a blue penguin, appears on the island.
Zac: [Happy] “Welcome to the island!”
Jessica looks around for a notepad to use and quickly finds her flippers couldn’t hold a pen even if she had one.
Zac: “Oh, uh, there’s a text to speech feature you should be able to use. Just think of the words and it *should* work.”
Jessica looks amazed at this innovation. Zac seems neutral.
Jessica: “Wow. This place sure is something. Zac.”
Zac: [Happy] “Yup! My own little world! Fully mine.”
Jessica: “What do you do here.”
Zac: [Sincere] “Anything I want… that’s the great thing about this, right now, we’re feeling the wind on our skin, the freezing cold, the warm clothes on- well you’re a penguin I’m not sure what you’re feeling but aneeyways, I can control, all of that!”
Jessica: “Really.”
“A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A W H Y D I D Y O U D E L E T E T H E A T H M O S P H E R E”
Zac quickly starts waving his hands around, trying to change god knows what parameters.
Zac: [Anxious] “S-Sorry about that! I lost control for a second but-!”
Jessica: “A A A A A A A A A A -”
Zac: [Terrified] “UHH!!!! I’LL… I’LL”
[Switch]
[Location: VR room]
[NOW PLAYING ”Lady Blue” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBRi5KwBK38 ]
Zac: [Anxious] “Force stop the program…” He lets out, as he rips the headset off of his head.
Zac sighs to himself, “What a disaster…”
He starts to hear banging elsewhere. He quickly goes over to the source of the noise.
Jessica is present in a fist fight with the VR suit.
Zac: “Hold still. Let me help you out of there.”
Zac attempts to assist Jessica out of the suit. Some way or another, he gets her out of there.
Zac: [Anxious] “S-Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry, I lost control! I shouldn’t have lost control! I just wanted to, I just wanted to show you something cool! I was meant to be in control!”
Jessica: {...I’m gonna go now.}
Jessica wanders out of the VR room, leaving Zac to live with himself.
[Switch]
[Location: Sauna]
[NOW PLAYING ”Breeze With U” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5TyfId_hSI ]
Christopher had a dream. Sadly he couldn’t work on that dream at the moment, due to a certain accident, so he settled for the next best thing, the sauna.
He really didn’t feel like searching through his luggage right now, but he thought he didn’t need to.
Christopher: [Neutral] “We all literally just got here, I doubt anyone else would be in the sauna. I’ll just change in the locker room, I don’t need a swimsuit or anything.” He tells himself, wondering at the same time if people wear swimsuits to the sauna.
And so he enters the sauna, unwraps the barely wrapped towel around his waist, thinking that going full ‘commando’ mode would be fine.
He notices the large man, sitting not entirely naked, staring at him, and thinks nothing of it.
Larry: [Surprised] “...”
Christopher crosses his legs, obscuring the cylinder beneath, places one hand behind his head, flexing in all the while, and lets out a long sigh.
The librarian sitting on the other side of the sauna continues staring in shock for a moment, before closing his eyes, and hoping, once again, to relax, and feel his worries dissipate.
Christopher: [Whispering] “You can do it Chris.” He flexes his unbroken right arm. “You’ll heal up, and go back stronger than ever.”
Larry sighs and leaves the room.
[Switch]
[Location: ???]
[NOW PLAYING ”Buried” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ivfwy4N9I5w ]
Due to matters unrelated to his age, Philip has the odd tendency to zone out. Usually resulting in him finding himself in unexpected places, or situations.
Until recently, he didn’t really give this odd habit much thought.
???: [Awkward] “S-Sir, please, this is a restricted area.”
Philip: [Surprised] “H-Huh?” Taking a step back, he realizes that, once again, he did not know where he was.
[Confused] “Where, where am I?” He stares at the staff member in front of him, wearing an uncomfortable, pitiable expression.
???: “This i-is a staff only area, y-you can’t come here.”
Philip: “I… did not realize, I must have gotten lost-”
???: “There’s maps on each hallway of each floor, there’s even one here.”
Philip: “Right.” He turns around, and tries to look at the area he’s in. The walls are painted a muted blue, and there are no windows. Nearby, there’s a similar blue map to the one he saw earlier, in the reception.
The staff member gets in his way before he could see what’s on it.
???: [Pensive] “Mr. Beauregard, p-please, go back up.”
Philip: “...Sure, if you don’t mind.” He tries to walk past the staff member, hoping to catch a quick glance of the map. He fails. The staff member had already pressed his entire body against the wall, covering up the map.
???: “P-Please, just go…”
The ex-senator nods and leaves the premises..
[Switch]
[Location: Art gallery]
[NOW PLAYING ”Hollow Knight OST - Dirtmouth” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSlkW1fFkyo ]
Perusing the contents of the minimalist, yet tastefully decorated room, Aaron finds himself attracted by one painting in particular.
Mask: [Playful] “Quite interesting, isn’t it?”
Aaron: [Neutral] “I didn’t see you enter.” He remarks. “But yes, I can certainly say this painting is something else.”
“Most of the paintings on display in the gallery are either minimalistic, focusing more on a core concept expressed through as few forms as possible, or surreal, trying to depict something… more.”
Mask: [Neutral] “But, that’s exactly what this one is, isn’t it?” They answer. “Not the minimalist aspect, everything’s too textured for that, but it’s clearly more than what it seems at a first glance.”
Aaron: “I do agree, but that doesn’t mean it’s not obvious.” He begins explaining the painting. “At first, you see a giant painting, depicting a theater stage, painted in dull, brown and red colors, with barely any light.”
“But, in the middle, the most eye-catching of all, a bright, lush vibrant landscape, painted on a theater background wall, propped up like a cut out.”
Mask: “Well, that’s only if you look at it from up close, from afar, it seems like a portal into another world.” They take a few steps back, the hardwood floor of the room creaking with each one.
“From here, I can’t see the odd shadows and light reflections, or the imperfections at the edge of the landscape. And the contrast between the bright painting and the dull theater, you can see which one you’re really supposed to look at, right?”
Aaron: [Thinking] “That may be it. Theater, as an art form, usually tries to, and succeeds, at selling the illusion of reality.”
Mask: [Happy] “Exactly! A fictional world, right on the stage! And it’s amazing how convincing it is! You can see the edges, the entire theater, but with just a few costumes, props, and convincing actors, you’ll be in another world!”
Aaron: “One fully dependent on this one, temporary and weak.”
Mask: “It is fully in control of the people working on it, but when they do a good job, it looks very convincing, doesn’t it? And…” They point to a part of the painting, on the stage floor, right in front of the painted landscape.
“Do you see how the light reflects there? No uhm… how should I say this…”
Aaron: [Happy] “I’m surprised you saw that through your silly mask.” Aaron chuckles.
Mask: [Embarrassed] “Aww c’mon.”
Aaron: “But yes, now that you mention it, it does look like there’s light coming from the lush landscape…”
Mask: “I suppose they created something more than just an illusion?”
Aaron: “Maybe they did.” He smiles. “This was an enlightening talk, you’re a great conversation partner, Mask.”
Mask: [Happy] “Oh well I do so very well say so myself, you are a wonderful analyst! Are you an art critic, or professor, by any chance?”
Aaron: “No, no.” He laughs, in a deep, satisfied tone. “I’m a college history professor, I’m flattered that you think I am so skilled, though.”
“For example, something is clearly peculiar about the painting’s frame, but what that is exactly, I can’t say.”
Mask: “Hmmmmmm… let’s look at some other paintings!”
Aaron: [Neutral] “Alright, you’re lucky there’s no one else here, it’s rude to be loud in an art gallery of all places.”
Mask: [Pensive] “Yessir, I’ll stop yelling.”
[Switch]
[Location: 7th floor hallway]
[NOW PLAYING ”Paradise Killer OST: The Lemegeton Bop” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCydUYWPztA ]
Seeing the faces the *other* people who ended up entering the sauna made Christopher decide that maybe he should leave. Apparently, being naked in the unisex sauna is not appropriate behavior, but what would he know? His baseballing career taught him different locker room behavior.
Christopher: [Thinking] “T’won’t hurt to take a peek.” He tells himself as he’s quickly changing in the locker room.
Once back in his normal clothes, he leaves.
The first thing he checks is the gym, he opens the door, sticks his head inside, gets briefly blinded by the sun shining through the windows, notes down the many exercise machines which he can’t actually use, and closes the door.
He walks past the stairs to the roof, and checks the door after it. Inside, as the name on the map suggests, are multiple white square sized storage lockers. This time, compared to the sauna’s locker room, which is more of a small room with a few seats and shelves, the lockers have keys stuck inside them.
Christopher glances at his bracelet.
Seeing as he has nowhere else to go, he turns back, but before going down the stairs (definitely not the elevator) he notices another door.
It’s not hidden, it’s in plain sight, actually, but he didn’t see it when initially walking down this hallway.
Entering, he sees a basic windowless storage closet, with cleaning supplies, and other stuff, that he thinks is usually in storage closets. Like cardboard boxes he won’t look inside because this is probably a staff only area, and he doesn’t want to get kicked out.
He takes one last glance at the gym, sighs, and leaves the seventh floor.
[Time: Late noon]
[Switch]
[Location: Music Lounge]
[NOW PLAYING ”Given - Daberi Time” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xx6S0jtVTRM ]
The room is abuzz with silence, two guests, who are half of the people currently inside the room, attently watch the stage as they sip their drinks, murmuring pleasantries to each other all the while.
Those two, just like all guests in this hotel, bar Apollo, others like him, and staff, are wearing their own bracelets. identical to the ones the main cast is wearing.
Alice: [Excited] “ARE YOU READY TO RUMBLE, INSULA AUREA!?!?” Alice shouts at the two girls enjoying their date. They cheer back in turn.
Robin: [Grinning widely] “LET’S GO ALICE!!!” Robin shouts from behind her, manning the drums.
Alice, who has both her bass, and a microphone in front of her, nods determinedly. She doesn’t usually sing, just plays the bass, but she knows she can do this, she will do this.
For the first time since the scandal , she’s ready to sing again.
Robin: [Eyes closed, grinning] “1! 2! 3! LET’S GO!” The blue haired boy bangs his drum sticks.
Alice: [Singing] “BETRAYAL STINGS LIKE A-” She turns to Robin.
[Angry] “You said you could fucking play, what, are you daft!?”
In the two seconds Robin got to play on the drums, he halfway managed to play a basic drum beat, in the sense that he played only half of the part. Sadly for him, when Alice asked ‘Do you play?’ she expected him to know a bit more than that.
Robin: [Surprised] “Well… I reckoned it couldn’t be that hard! You take the sticks… and… hit the drums and stuff!” He explains himself.
Alice: [Serious] “Mate! Robin. You’re an idiot.”
Robin: “H-Hey!”
The two girls inside the room are intently watching the british on british-like violence escalate, as another person enters the ring, an American, the ex-senator Philip Beauregard.
Philip: [Serious] “Robin, I needed to talk with you about something.” He announces. Alice and Robin turn their heads towards him.
Robin: [Condescending] “What, are you here to make an announcement?” He asks him.
Philip stares down the delinquent in confusion. Was that an insult? Was he missing something?
…He decides to simply continue onward.
Philip: [Spacing out] “...” He coughs a little. “What was I going to say…? Oh right.”
[Serious] “I just want to apologize for any… miscommunication between us. And I want to know if you’d agree to keep things cordial from now on, as I myself would hope for things to remain.” He explains himself. “It is my belief that in a situation such as this, it would be better for any grievances to be dealt with quickly, so they may not fester and grow.”
Alice takes a step forward, besides Robin, as if to say ‘I’m here with you’.
Robin: “...” The boy stares at him with a deadpan expression.
[Serious] “If you-” He takes a step forward.
Alice also takes a step forward, then realizes something might be happening, and takes two steps back.
Robin: “EVER EVEN THINK-” He gets right up in the old man’s face.
The two girls watching sip their drinks intently.
Robin: “OF TOUCHING ANYONE HERE-”
Philip: “...” His face remains steadfast, emanating no quantifiable emotion.
Robin: “Then I’ll kill you, no authority will get here in time to stop me.”
Alice opens her mouth, and awkwardly coughs before stepping forward between the two. She gives Philip an ugly, judgemental stare down, then turns around.
Alice: [Awkward] “W-Wat he’s… trying to say, is, uh… that.” She stares at Robin, and grabs him by the arm. “I’ll teach you to play the bass in my room, let’s go!” And she drags him out of there.
[Location: 5th floor hallway]
After dragging the still mad delinquent to a secluded corner of the hallway, Alice readies herself to rain hellfire on him.
Alice: [Angry] “What the hell were you thinking!? People were watching! Not only that, but threatening people is *probably* illegal! He could sue you or something!” She tells him, while looking over her shoulder to make sure no one is walking by.
Robin: “I can handle him.”
Alice: “Mate! He’s a fucking asshole and he deserves it, but you can’t just go telling that to everyone who pisses you off! Not like that! Not with me around!” The blonde berates him.
Robin: [Annoyed] “Yea, uhuh, sure.” He scoffs and rolls his eyes. “Whatever you say, mom .”
Alice: [Annoyed] “Stop being a brat! Listen, let’s just avoid him, this is a
large island. I want to see him as much as you do.”
Robin: “You want to see hi- Oh.”
Alice: [Neutral] “ Anyways- ” She quickly changes her tone. “, I wasn’t kidding about teaching you some music, since you clearly don’t know anything. I don’t have drums in my room, but what do you say about the bass?”
Robin: “Alright.”
The two walk off, heading towards Alice’s room, supposedly.
[Location: Music lounge]
Philip is still standing in the same spot he had been . It seems like he checked out.
Philip: [Dazed] “...Oh…Oh he left.” He murmurs. “I dearly hope we won’t intersect too much here, small island as this might be.”
[Neutral] “At the very least, I can tell that directly confronting him won’t help at all. It’d be better for the both of us if I just carried on with my day.”
He pinches his nose bridge, sighing in annoyance.
“One entire afternoon, spend chasing after people. Should I have done something else?”
[Switch]
[Location: Guest room B1]
[NOW PLAYING ”Mint's Theme - Threads of Fate/Dewprism OST [Extended]” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQr197nONfE ]
Inside the top drawer, inside the middle one, or what about the bottom one? Nope, it’s not there, search behind it instead. Not there either, what about your luggage? It’s spread all over the floor, you already searched there, so no, it’s clearly not there.
Maybe Avalon should have taken it with her, but she thought this would be the best moment to wean herself off.
Then what about the bed? It’s not destroyed yet, surely she could find *something* in there.
But before she could take two steps towards it, but after she already took one step, Avalon clumsily trips over the mountain of objects which were once inside her luggage. She falls with her head on the floor, thankfully cushioned by the aforementioned pile.
She carefully turns her head up on the Y - Z axis by 35 degrees, and notices something - The wood board on the bottom of the bed is removable. Seeing as this is something else to try before she starts clawing at the wallpaper, she decides to do as its attribute suggests, so she places her hand on one of its edges, and pulls.
It comes off easily.
The underside of the bed is, obviously, pitch black, a single ray of sunlight, which is partially blocked off by Avalon’s form, tries to penetrate the deep darkness.
A small form, far out of Avalon’s reach, is contoured by the light. It looks like a shoebox, but larger.
Two minutes of trying to reach it later, Avalon realizes that if she gets up, walks over to the other side of the bed, and takes off the wood board there, she’d be easily able to get it.
The seamstress does just that, and pulls the box out from under the bed.
It’s beige, boring, and bland, but she can tell by the material quality that it looks expensive, like from a fancy shoe store, or the cheapest method of packaging her company provides.
She slides the lid off.
[NOW PLAYING ”Hour of darkness” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQ_St-C3HdM ]
Inside are six things, but they can be more accurately described as two.
The object most intriguing at a first glance is a porcelain mask that can fit on anyone’s face, its outward appearance being that of a goat. Careful inspection shows two different facts.
The first, is that the mask fully conceals the face, hair and ears included. It is an excessively big mask, with goat horns sticking out from both sides.
The second is that there’s something around the nose and mouth area. A filter, perhaps, or a voice changer, maybe both. Avalon’s not about to tear into it to find out.
After the mask, comes the ornate black silk butler costume. It, too, is composed of multiple different wearables.
The first, is a white linen button-up shirt, fancy, exquisite, and extremely easy to wash.
The second, is a black tuxedo, meant to mostly cover up that shirt. Also, extremely easy to wash. But the most remarkable feature of all, is its form. It is extremely unrestrictive and voluminous. In other words, no matter your body type, no matter who wears it, they would have the same shape, an imposing, square like form.
The third, are black tuxedo pants. They’re the same as its upper body counterpart, easily washable, and easy to disguise in.
The fourth, a pair of black silk gloves. Great for precise movements. They are also easily washable.
The fifth and last object is a pair of black dress shoes. From the outside, they look too big for Avalon. But she knows that if she put them on, they would fit like a glove, not specifically just the aforementioned glove.
How does she know all this?
Because she’s a seamstress, it is her job to know.
All Avalon could do now is wonder for what reason this is here.
She places the lid back on, slides the box back under the bed, and places both wooden boards back in their place.
Avalon: “My room is… kind of messy.” She remarks. Then she goes to the door, thinking to get some personnel to come clean her room up.
But she stops as her hand reaches the doorknob, and turns to look back at her bed, and the wooden board covering up that box.
The shadows hiding in the edges of the room seem to grow sharper.
Avalon: [Embarrassed] “I guess I’ll… clean up a little.” She remarks.
[Switch]
[Location: VR room]
[NOW PLAYING ”Paradise Killer OST: Midori Eyes” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2d9V5GftgbU ]
Ash: “...Well isn’t this a peculiar room…” It mumbles into the seemingly empty VR room as they enter.
Wandering aimlessly, they come upon a shelf packed with VR helmets, and pick out the most misshapen one.
Ash: “...And a peculiar object… I wonder if… I am meant to… put these on my… head…?”
Zac: [Sniffling] “Y-You are…”
From a far away corner of the room, slightly out of sight, Zac can be seen drying his tear stricken face.
Ash: [Surprised] “...Oh dear…”
With careful, balanced steps, the robed person slides over to the crying boy.
[Neutral] “Did something… happen?”
Zac: [Forcefully smiling] “Second time this day someone came here wondering how… wondering how VR even works… haha…. I’m beginning to think I’m surrounded by neanderthals…”
Ash: [Smiling] “Isn’t that just… rude!” They giggle. “But yes, I am… as some may say… old fashioned…”
Zac: “I know… you gave Robin a *paper* business card.”
Ash: [Surprised] “...How did you know?”
Zac: “We were all in the same room… everyone probably heard what happened in there…”
Ash: “I suppose…” They stop for a moment, trying to think of a way to change topics. “Say… are you… a student?”
[NOW PLAYING ”Deltarune Chapter 2 OST: 30 - Lost Girl” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Py0i3R3vuag ]
Zac: [Annoyed] “Fuck off with that shit, don’t even remind me!” He spats out, newly formed tears raining from his cloudy eyes.
Even if they clearly hit a sore spot, Ash decides to keep on.
Ash: “So… do you want to te-”
Seemingly not even paying attention to what Ash was trying to say, Zac opens up on his own.
Zac: [Frustrated] “I’m SO fucking busy I just… I just can't! I can’t handle it anymore! Classes, classes, classes, commute, classes, MORE classes, homework, classes again-”
Ash: “That’s rough… buddy… but maybe you should re-” It tries to pat his back.
Zac: “And then, once I *finally* get some much needed vacation, WHAT do my parents want? Guess what, c’mon, guess!”
Ash: “...I du-”
Zac: “For me to get a fucking internship, of course! It’s not enough that I slave away every weekday for some shitty dream, NOOOOOOOOOOOO. It’s not enough that my weekends are ruined by assignments and their insistent, consistent, bothering, NOOOOOO-”
Ash: “...” They decide to remain silent, and see how this plays out.
Zac: [Angry] “An internship, a *fucking* internship! I had to fucking lie to them, directly, mind you! They think that I, right now, am at Aino HQ! They don’t even know I’m on this vacation!”
‘I get the feeling this doesn’t feel like a vacation to you’ Ash wants to say.
Zac: “This doesn’t feel like a vacation to me, by the way! I just… I just…”
[Sad] “I just… I don’t… Hmhrm…” He clams up, seeming to run out of words.
Ash: “...It’s fine now… no one will make you feel stressed here.” They say, shooting him a slight, reassuring smile.
“If it… makes you feel any better… I’ll remember everything you told me…”
Zac: “How… How would that make anything better…?” He forces out a laugh, which sounds more like a horse coughing.
Ash: “...It won’t, but no one will be able to say it didn’t happen.”
The overworked student seems taken aback by that answer.
Zac: [Awkward] “That… is true…” He sighs.
[NOW PLAYING ”Paradise Killer OST: Midori Eyes” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2d9V5GftgbU ]
“I’m in control of my own time now, I can do anything I want.” He tells himself.
Ash: [Excited] “...That’s the spirit!” Having sat down next to zac sometime during their discussion, Ash gets up, and walks back over to the shelf filled with VR helmets.
Ash: [Mischievous] “And the first thing you can do with your free time is help me use this thing.”
Zac rolls his eyes.
Zac: [Neutral] “I’m pretty sure that model can only be used in one of those cages behind me.” He points to the full immersion chambers lined up behind him.
“Don’t know why you want to use it, though, from what it looks like, I think it’s not compatible with any of the suits people usually wear in those.”
Ash: “...I won’t pretend to understand any of what you’re saying, are you an expert on these… Virtual… Reality… Contraptions…?”
Zac: “It’s the 22nd century.” He answers flatly. “If this wasn’t a themed hotel then 50% of everyone here would be wearing something like those on their heads.”
Ash: “Maybe… if you’re in the spaces a computer science student would frequent… Auhuhuhuhu…”
Zac lays out his open hand in front of Ash, and they hand the helmet over to him.
Zac: “Let me take a closer look…” He pushes a button, but nothing seems to change.
“I think… this one is broken.”
Ash: “...Disappointing, it looked the most interesting out of them all… should I tell a staff member?”
Zac: [Smiling] “I think I’m going to end up spending a lot of my time here, so… I’ll notify someone who can deal with this when I get the chance.”
Ash: “Hmm…. No…” They wag their finger around. “You can’t spend your island getaway vacation surrounded by computers!”
Zac: [Pouting] “But I wanna….”
Ash: [Thinking] “Hmm… Maybe… Should I… introduce him to him…?” They mumble to themselves.
Zac: “What are you talking about?”
Ash: “Never… mind.” They answer, before turning around to take another look at the room. “I still want to experience the wonders of a virtual, simulated reality, would you care to do the introductions?”
Zac: [Smiling] “Anytime.”
[Switch]
[Location: Penthouse]
[NOW PLAYING ”Paradise Killer OST: EGO 24-7” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99iBa-MgNiA ]
Through the large, floor to ceiling windows that line the walls, the sun which once melted everything in its path, is slowly starting its approach towards the horizon.
Beams of flaming orange pass through and shine upon the interior of the penthouse, casting deep shadows and glowing radiance upon each object inside, in tandem.
The large, bulky chassis, which makes up Apollo’s body, and Federica’s slender silhouette, have their overlap, as they discuss the many luxurious amenities inside his guest room.
He can’t really be seen, due to his screen being obscured by the direct sunlight, and he knows it, and is currently taking advantage of that fact by staring not at the room, but at its other occupant.
Frederica: [Smiling, eyes closed] “You’re not very perceptive. I can see right through you.”
Apollo: [Surprised] “W-What do you mean!” A blush appears on his face. “A-Anyways, this room is awesome!”
“I can’t believe you have the exact same model charging pad as I have at home!” He awkwardly tries to switch the topic of the conversation.
Frederica acquiesces quickly with the subject change.
Frederica: “Correct, we pride ourselves on top quality service and in an effort to properly create a comfortable space, we had an exact replica of your charging pad brought into this room.”
Apollo: “Right, awesome.” He says, not listening.
“You know, it really sucks I can’t really enjoy most of the things in this room… if only I had someone else with me…”
Frederica: “It simply cannot be helped, you booked alone.”
Apollo: “I suppose… but that doesn’t stop someone from sharing the room with me, right? It’s not like we all have to stay in our own rooms at night.”
Frederica: [Awkward] “I would strongly suggest staying in your own rooms at night.”
He sighs.
Apollo: “Oooon thaat tooopic… do you happen to know the room numbers of the other people in my boarding group?”
Frederica: “No I do not, while I could certainly check the system for the room numbers, guest privacy is very important to us. I couldn’t provide such information to you, even if you are a valued guest.”
Apollo: [Pleading] “Well…. if I’m such a valued guest, could you… at least share their hotel phone extensions…?” He asks her, his eyes resembling those of a teary eyed dog’s.
Frederica: “No.”
Apollo: [Disappointed] “...Understood, m’am…”
Frederica: “I’m certain you could have deduced their room numbers from the extension, if I could do that, then you could as well.”
Apollo: [Winking] “So, you think I’m as intelligent as you?”
Frederica chuckles, one seemingly free of customer service.
Frederica: [Smiling] “I *know* you’re far more intelligent than I.”
Apollo: “Well now you’re just teasing me.”
[Serious] “Look, Frederica-” His tone changes. “since you’re going to leave soon… I have something I have to ask of you…”
Frederica: “Of course, what is it?”
[Switch]
[Location: Library]
[NOW PLAYING ”Ezzzy105 - Whistle Happy - Colin Baldry and Tom Kane” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPmC7iTA894 ]
Books, paper, pages, ink, wood, all the materials needed to create a library in Minecraft, and in real life too!
Of course, if you told that to Larry Bi, the librarian (Not *this* library’s librarian, though), he would probably chuckle awkwardly while likely plotting your imminent death, maybe.
In actuality, the library was fairly well stocked, multiple shelves, filled to the brim with books on all matters of subjects. There also seem to be a few books on top of the bookshelves, but they’re hard to make out. On the other side of the room, there’s some low tables, also covered with books, mostly ones that are trending at the moment.
Partially on the ground, partially supported by a bookshelf, is a ladder, meant to be used when reaching for books on higher shelves.
The room has a few sofas laid about, and also some pillows and blankets laid out on the floor. Disorganized as it looks, it does give the room a cozy atmosphere, a refuge of fiction from the outside world surrounding it.
At the back of the room, are two doors, reading to what the map entitled as the ‘conference’ rooms, and most would consider general study rooms. Larry enters the room through one of them, with a small book in hand, one he probably just finished reading.
Standing in between some shelves, at the same time, Aaron is perusing some of the historical books on offer.
Aaron: [Neutral] “Quite a collection they have here.” Picking up a book titled ‘The age of the Roman Republic: Introductory analysis’, and flipping through its pages.
“Maybe I should add some of these to my syllabus?” He murmurs to himself.
Larry: [Neutral] “Are you finding anything to your liking, by any chance?”
Aaron: “Oh, it’s you, the sleeping guy, finally awake?” The old professor jabs at the man beside him.
Larry: “I suppose I am.” He furrows his brows, shooting the man a glare.
Kentar raises his right eyebrow, shooting a glare back.
Aaron: “I find these books quite interesting, I suppose.”
Larry: “Oh? So you are a history buff? Correct?”
Feeling his heart start to ache from frustration, Aaron lets out a long sigh.
Aaron: “No. These are for my students.”
Larry: “Are you a middle school teacher then? I can’t imagine how hard it must be to get them to understand complex topics such as…” He adjusts his glasses and stares at the book in Aaron’s hand. “The Roman Empire.”
Reaching his hand high above, Aaron picks up a thick book entitled ‘The multiple perspectives on the events leading to the beginning of the beginning of the fall of the Roman Republic, viewed through an archeologist’s lens’ and hands it to Larry.
Aaron: [Annoyed] “You read this then, I’ll go get something from the children’s section, instead.”
[Switch]
[Location: 8th floor hallway]
[NOW PLAYING ”Sunset Song” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kC4Lvitoc3Q ]
Mask: “Wh-Where are you dragging meeee?!” They yell as Jessica grabs them by the hand, and drags them out of the elevator.
Jessica remains silent, as she is much too busy dragging Mask to write or sign anything.
Mask: [Teriffied] “W-Why are we on the 8th floor, are you going to throw me from the rooftop!?”
Jessica looks back with a smile. I guess today is the day Mask dies.
Mask: [Pensive] “I knew this day would come, but I never thought it would be by the hands of my bestest friend.”
Jessica pulls out a confused mask. She had a point. They had this coming.
Before they could be murdered, the door to the penthouse opened, and out came Frederica and Apollo.
Mask: “You won’t murder me in front of your idol, will you!?” They scream for help, staring with pleading eyes (probably) at Apollo.
Jessica turned red from embarrassment (probably) at that yell. They knew she was joking and this is what they do!?!
Apollo: [Embarrassed] “O-Oh, hi, guuyssss!” He squeals in a high pitched voice. “What are you doing?”
Mask pushes Jessica forward, leaving her to her fate. Traitor. They run off to the elevator. Double traitor. Mask gives her a thumbs up as they go down. Triple traitor.
Apollo: [Embarrassed] “S-So… where did your friend go, Jessica?”
Jessica: {Hell.}
Apollo: “Riiiggghhhttt….”
The awkwardness was thick in the air. Jessica wished it was her getting pushed off the roof.
Apollo: “So… how are you enjoying the hotel, Jeeeesssicathat’syournameright?” He asks, clearly unsure.
Jessica turns bright red, almost definitely. She shakily grabs her notebook to write her name. She writes out J E T t IC A very well, totally.
Apollo leans forward,
Apollo: “Jettica…?” He then gasps with understanding.
Apollo: [Curious] “Wait! Do you know sign language!?”
Frederica: “I believed her name was Jessica.” She adds, interrupting the conversation.
Jessica nods, looking like death.
Jessica: <I know how to speak sign language, please believe me!> She signs frantically.
Apollo’s eyes change to stars with excitement.
Apollo: [Amazed] <I almost never get to talk to someone in sign! It’s so great to see someone else here who knows it.>
He turns to Frederica.
“Do you also-”
Frederica: [Eyes closed, smiling] <Yes.>
Apollo: <Why didn’t you tell me? We could have been talking like this the entire time!?!>
Frederica: <I was unaware this would have been preferred.>
Apollo: [Disappointed] <I guess even your knowledge has bounds.>
<Anyways, Jessica, we have to get going>
Frederica: <Before that, actually, could you pass a message to everyone? This applies to you as well, Apollo.>
<As you know, I will be departing soon.> She turns to Apollo.
<Please, do not feel the need to wave goodbye from the dock, instead, you should take advantage of the splendid views of the sea that our wonderful hotel offers, on the terrace, and wave me goodbye as the boat passes into the golden sunset.>
Apollo: [Playful] <Did you rehearse that, Frederica?>
Frederica: [Head tilted] <No, did I say something exceptional?>
Jessica: <... Was that normal sign language to you?>
Frederica looks very perplexed at this moment, questioning her life.
Frederica: [Embarrassed] <I’d also suggest bringing your fellow boarding group compatriots along for the view, it’s quite… something, yes.>
Apollo: [Determined] <You heard her, Jessica, go tell everyone!>
<For me.> He winks.
Jessica turns bright red, obviously, and rushes away.
Apollo: [Awkward] <I’ve never had a fan interaction quite like that before.>
Frederica: [Eyes closed, smiling] <I suppose you’ll adjust overtime.>
Apollo: “...” He stares, for a short moment, directly into her eyes. <How long till you have to go?>
Frederica considered for a moment.
Frederica: <Soon, I will likely head to the dock after we return to the reception.>
Apollo: <I admit that we only meet today, but I still want to ask.> He audibly gulps.
<Will you ever return here?>
Frederica: <I’m sure I’ll return to this hotel one day. I couldn’t say whether or not you will be here when that occurs, however.>
He giggles.
Apollo: <I’m only going to be staying here for one or two weeks, so> He sighs. <I suppose I might not be here, when you return.>
Frederica sighs.
Frederica: <There is no issue with that. We are simply two ships passing in the night, two comets who ever so briefly were allowed to exist next to one another. That is life. Yet, however brief this meeting may have been, it was an enjoyable one for me, I will admit. So, I shall offer my thanks to you, Apollo, you are quite the companion.>
Apollo: [Blushing intensely] “...”
<After hearing that, I’m not sure if you’re going to ask me for my number, or if I should ask for yours>
<As vast as the sea may be, ships on similar paths meet more than once, do they not?>
<Those that sail freely, though, I don’t have to say.>
<I hope I can meet you for some coffee, one day, after this is over.>
Frederica looks sad at this comment, seemingly staring past Apollo.
Frederica: [Sad] <Well, I think I could like that very much, however, I cannot say those feelings will remain after all is said and done. May you remember me as a passing comet and not a ship to be re-encountered.>
Apollo: <I see, with how vast the cosmos is these days, I suppose it’s easier to get lost in than ever.>
Frederica whispers to herself.
Frederica: “Even if I may hope for that 1 in a quadrillion meeting once more.”
Apollo sighs, which has become a primary way of communication between these two.
Apollo: [Forcing a smile] <Let’s go, I want to spend the rest of the time we have left together.>
Frederica: [Sad smile} <I suppose I can fulfil that one request.>
And, as the sun moves ever closer towards the inevitable end of the day. When it all ends and it all starts. The curtain on their story falls and the end credits will soon roll.
[Switch]
[Location: Bar]
[NOW PLAYING ”Paradise Killer OST: House of Bliss” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED5k7ZdeTiQ ]
A dim bar is found on the first floor. Its many bottles of various varieties of booze are shelves behind the counter, with a mirrored backing. The bar itself is seated with 4 stools, at present occupied by one, very drunk, Christopher.
Christohper: [Drunk] “And da’s why… *hic*... I’m da… gratest authletit… *hic*... now gimme’ another… baur… man… *hic*”
The bartender looks down at this unfortunate man with glee.
???: "You've had one too many sir, φ(*￣0￣). Have anotherヾ(≧▽≦*)o!”
Christopher downs his (probably) fourth drink in one gulp.
Christopher: “Wha… what coccked..tails… are ya ffeeding *hic*... me…”
???: “What’s a cocked tail? Can I eat? (⓿_⓿)”
Christopher: “A… 21st century drink…. *hic*... ya dolt! You’ve been… feeding me those…. all day…” He flexes his right arm. “Eating is…” He forgets what he’s about to say.
The bartender releases a heart laugh.
???: “Oh, that explains what I’ve been doing here! (￣y▽,￣)╭ I almost forgot. （＾∀＾●）ﾉｼ”
Christopher: [Confused] “Izz… are the drinks… *hic*... maent to taste like… motor… *hic* oil?”
???: “Probably. (*￣3￣)╭ I dunno what’s supposed to go in there. ＼(ﾟｰﾟ＼)”
Christopher: “You’ze the best… man… I think… *hic*.”
???: “Thanks, I know I am! o(≧∀≦)o”
Christopher: “You should see me… play on the field… *hic* I know there’s one somewher…. here….”
???: “I’m sure you’d want that, you freak. (⓿_⓿)”
Interrupting this embarrassing exchange, Zinnia and Billy strut into the bisexually lit chamber.
Zinnia: “Yup, yup, it was really weird, me thinks! All the staff were making themselves scarce!”
Billy: “Nah, pal, you’re worrying for no reason!” His stomach gurgles. “They’re probably just… busy preparing dinner…”
“Hey did we forget to eat lunch?” He asks her.
Zinnia: “Oh, that’s a great point me hearty! Say, Billy, old chum, did you eat lunch?”
Billy: “No.” He admits. “I’m sure it’s fine if we have a couple drinks on an empty stomach, though… right?” He smiles awkwardly.
Zinnia: “I gotta tell you, Billy me friend, I’ve had many a drink go poorly on an empty stomach. Me and me crew can tell ye that!”
Billy: “It’s fineeee, it’ll loosen you up, help you find your love.”
Zinnia perks up at that comment.
Zinnia: “Why didn’t ye say so!?! Bartender, get me a double, no a triple!”
???: “Do you want the house special? (。・ω・。)”
Zinnia: [Confused] “Ye have specials here, how peculiar.”
Billy takes a seat, awkwardly brushing past Christopher. He mutters a weak ‘hi’, before the athlete gets up, and runs to the toilet.
???: “I guess the motor oil caught up to him. (/▽＼)”
Billy: [Interested] “So, what’s this house special you mentioned?”
The bartender’s ears perk up… his hair sort of perks up too, kinda like cat ears… Weird.
???: “Why, I’d be happy to tell you sir! ✪ ω ✪”
Zinnia: [Annoyed] “And me, me here’s as well.” She bangs on the counter, eager to down the drink.
The bartender smiles at the two of them and gets started. He pulls out a bottle of Rosé and uses that as the base. Various juices and syrups are added to make the final cocktail, he places an edible rose on top to finish the piece.
???: “Please enjoy the Refined Rose. \(￣︶￣*\))”
Two tequila glasses sit on the counter, the liquid inside is the shade of the night sky, small stars glistening inside with each swirl. The edible rose floats in the middle of each glass, the rest of the drink orbiting around it.
Zinnia excitedly grabs the glass.
At first, the taste seemed almost plain, a bit bland honestly. However, as she let the taste sit, she noticed a gentle sweetness to the affair. In the end, it left her wishing it could last for longer but alas, comets only last mere moments.
Billy: [Excited] “This is…” He downs the rest of the drink. “The best thing I’ve ever *hic* had in my life!”
???: “Wow, that’s pretty sad. （；´д｀）ゞ”
Zinnia: “Props to the chef, you’re great at this!” She exclaims.
???: “Yeah, I am. (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧”
Zinnia: [Determined] “Now, pour me five more!”
???: “Of course ma’am. Nothing costs money here! (●ˇ∀ˇ●)”
The two stare at him for a moment, then shrug.
???: “Is something on my face? (⓿_⓿)”
Zinnia: [Slightly drunk] “You look kinda odd, are you not from around here… *hic* either?”
The bartender chuckles to himself.
???: “I guess you could say that. (. ❛ ᴗ ❛.)”
Billy: “Zinniaaaaaaa *hic*... you can’t… just say that… to… *hic*... some weirdo you just met….” Billy’s head falls flat on the counter.
???: “I am not weird! ╰（‵□′）╯I am the most well adjusted person to ever live! (╬▔皿▔)╯”
Zinnia: [Happy] “Yeah… listen to the old schmuck!”
???: “I am not old… ＞﹏＜”
Zinnia: “And why… *hic* do you make those sounds that make no sen-”
Billy: “So, Zinnia, what’s your sign?”
Zinnia looks perplexed at Billy for a moment. A sign? Is there something attached to her back or something? Oh god, there is isn't there!?! This is the treasured Earth tradition of a “prank”! She knew this would happen! High School Musical said so!
Zinnia: [Panicked] “W-Where, do you see it!?!”
Billy: [Surprised] “All I see is you freaking out!”
Zinnia: “Geez, then why would you scare me over a sign! Wait, is this the treasured Earth ‘prank’...?”
Billy: [Annoyed] “Zodiac signs are *not* pranks.” He spats.
Zinnia looks dumbfounded. A… zodiac? Is that a food? She searches her brain for Earth knowledge. Did High School Musical cover this!?! She knew not. Eventually, she remembered, it’s a birthday thing. Probably.
Zinnia: “Uhh… I was born on the… 30th of February!”
Billy looked at her confused for a moment, deciding this was probably the best answer he would get, and that it would be rude to ask again (alien things), he continued.
Billy: “So, you’re a Pisces.”
Zinnia: [Scared] “I’m not pieces… I’m me, an entire person!” She yells.
Billy: “No it’s… it’s one of the signs. You’re… You’re one of those. A Pisces.”
The bartender remained silent during this talk, shaking an empty shaker.
Zinnia: [Melancholic] “Is that… me new name…?”
Billy looks resigned with himself, would this girl ever find love? No, he decided, it’s too soon to give up! Love was worth it!
Billy: “No, it’s just a… descriptor! Of your personality.”
Zinnia: “Me thinks drinking is easier.” She admits. “Barman, please pour me some more!”
???: “Huh, some more what? （*゜ー゜*）”
The high alcohol content of the drink, combined with her general small size, catches up to Zinnia, and she passes out with her head onto the counter.
???: “Ohhhh, some more air! That makes sense. o(*￣▽￣*)ブ”
Billy is not spared the same fate, either.
[Switch]
[Location: 8th floor balcony]
[NOW PLAYING ”Ride on” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ul2C_5MAg1E ]
Jessica, having run around the entire hotel grounds, makes a gasp of relief as she reaches the rooftop.
She surveys the group at large, seems like she got everyone, Larry Bi as well. It certainly wasn’t easy getting everyone to come but she managed it. She would bring to her grave what she had to say to tear Avalon from her room.
Mask: “Jessica, you’re here!” They exclaim, seeing her reach the rooftop.
Jessica gives a wave to Mask, slowly coming to their side.
Jessica: [Happy] {Were you doing anything without me?}
Mask: [Playful] “Just solving every mystery of the known universe!” They exclaim, gesturing to the group, which is deep in discussion, especially Ash and Aaron.
Aaron: “From an archeological point of view, this hotel by itself is… nothing short of a miracle, I suppose.” He explains.
Ash: [Curious] “Do… go on…”
Aaron: “Surrounded by forgotten ruins, somehow, by itself, it managed to stand tall, and survive.”
Ash: “Now… don’t call them… forgotten, there are still records.”
Aaron: “You’d think, but even if the 21st century was already deep into the digital age, many records were still lost. Either because of digital rot, the servers they were stored on decaying, or because they weren’t actually digitized.”
Alice takes a moment of silence for the lost reality TV. So much drama never to be seen again.
Ash: [Disappointed] “It’s… forgotten…? I thought technology could… store info forever… I admit, I’m not an expert on the topic…”
Apollo perks up at the mention of technology.
Apollo: “Well, I have a lifespan as well, the parts which make me up won’t last forever… and even switching where my data is stored every time my hardware breaks could lead to data corruption eventually.” He sighs. “Nothing lasts forever… I suppose… we’re just comets passing each other…”
Jessica joins their conversation.
Jessica: {It’s just like art you know? The greatest pieces of art will degrade and be gone forever. Even my masks will one day become dust.}
Aaron: [Smiling] “Well said, miss McAllen. This reminds me of some records about an old Roman Mask, which was said to be a masterpiece. Still, no matter how many artifacts we find that mention it, we can’t seem to locate the actual mask itself.”
Jessica: [Embarrassed] {Thanks.}
Avalon: [Neutral] “On the… topic of things being forgotten with time, Zinnia, how old would you say… the universe is…? No, let me rephrase, for how long have civilizations… interacted like this? Known of each other from beyond the stars?”
Zinnia stares at Avalon deadpan, does she look like an encyclopedia. Still, she attempts to answer.
Zinnia: [Angry] “I don’t know! Millenia maybe! I forgot!” She hisses at Avalon. The vastness of the universe seems to be a sore spot for her.
Billy: [Apologetic] “She’s still a tad hungover from earlier…”
Ash: [Melancholic] “You… forgot? Even now, with the stars in our reach, we can’t *remember* everything?” They stare towards the sunset.
[Staring] “How many civilizations lost to time, peoples, traditions, billions of souls… no, trillions even… lost…. forever…. unremembered by time….”
Aaron: “I’m sure they are uncountable in their vastness. Even I, an expert in history, will never know even a fraction, a quintillionth, of the history of the universe.”
Mask: “I suppose there’s some mysteries that will never be revealed, and many more answers that will be lost to time.” They sigh.
Jessica taps on Mask’s shoulder excitedly.
The group looks out at the setting sun, and the ship begins to leave the port.
Apollo stares off into the distance as the boat pulls away. He thinks about the day they had together, their awkward meeting, the day at the hotel, and the selfish requests he made. Yet, despite it all, he was sad to see it all end.
She too stared back at the hotel, what she was leaving behind, thinking of the future herself. It was one short day, barely a speck of her life and yet, she has a feeling she would never forget.
She thought about the metaphor she said to him earlier, the comets in the sky, the ships in the night. She realized that was wrong. Her ship leaves at sunset, while he remains here. She never passed him, she was the one leaving. A ship at sunset is passing now, a comet is moving through the sky, her comet passed his star.
Frederica waves goodbye, for that is all she can do. Goodbye, she thinks, and I hope to see you again, may you have the same wish as I, no matter what.
Goodbye, Apollo returns, I hope our ships may dock at the same port forever so that there is no more wishing for passing.
Just one day ends, credits have rolled. This story is over, and the real story begins.
[NOW PLAYING “World of probability - Gnosia OST“ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGPV-s4T0gw ]
Votes
[Q1] Who will Jessica sit with during dinner?
- Aaron Kentar
- Alice Grey
- Apollo Valentine
- Ash Pyke
- Avalon “Ava” Jessica Harper
- Billy Lovelet
- Christopher Marigold
- Mask
- Philip Beauregard
- Robin Anderson
- Zac
- Zinnia Crohan
[Q2] Who will Jessica hang out with after dinner?
- Aaron Kentar
- Alice Grey
- Apollo Valentine
- Ash Pyke
- Avalon “Ava” Jessica Harper
- Billy Lovelet
- Christopher Marigold
- Mask
- Philip Beauregard
- Robin Anderson
- Zac
- Zinnia Crohan
“This took… too long”
“Alongside many OTHER things, there’s MANY things related directly to this.”
“Hope you enjoyed the set dressing! I am (hopefully) not doing that again for a while.”
“You’ve finally checked in for real, this world is finally in your grasp!”
“So do your best, and try to understand it.”
“And also, eat dinner, you haven’t eaten anything else today, pal.”
“Forever and ever, thanks for reading.” - Hano
“Is it even worth saying it’s been a while in these?”
“Well, regardless, welcome back. I hope the hotel treated you well once again.”
“Now then, would it be fitting to say the first act is over, or that the prologue has ended?”
“Regardless, I hope this introduction has been enjoyable so far.”
“As always, thank you for reading.” -Jinx
“Click here to choose what your characters will do in the next chapter!”
Chapter 5: [Prologue][Day 0][Evening] "Last supper"
Chapter Text
Infiltrators at the Golden Island Hotel
Day 0, Evening
[Time: Early evening]
[Location: 8th floor balcony]
[NOW PLAYING ”Paradise Killer OST: The Plateau” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nM8MfQFvIGA ]
The boat was now fully submerged beneath the fiery horizon.
Slowly, the dark tendrils of the night have started creeping up on the wandering waves. For the moment, the wind seemed to stagnate, and from above, a single passing flock of seagulls could be heard.
The group stood still, watching, in and at the exact place they were before.
Aaron: “Urggh…” He let out an old man's sound. “I feel so stiff…”
Brief murmurs of agreement could be heard from everyone.
Alice: [Neutral] “Well yeah, we did just spend like…” She reaches to take out her phone. “Ten or so… what the fuck?” Her face full of surprise, she takes a step back.
Seeing her reaction, other people look at their own phones.
Robin: [Confused] “...Huh?”
Zinnia: “...Is there an alert or something I’m not getting?”
Philip: “This reminds me of my youth...”
Avalon: “The internet and phone signal are out.”
Apollo: [Confused] “What? I still have an internet connection.”
Ash: [Smiling] “Then you… must be connected to the hotel’s network… I and… I believe a few others… were using data…”
Zac: [Awkward] “...”
“Why are so many of you looking at me…?” He smiles, a drop of sweat sliding down his face.
Billy: [Smiling] “Aren’t you… a computer science student or something?”
Zac: “I… um… what? I never told any of you what… I…” He sighs. “You’d all be insufferable to work with. I have *zero* clue why the internet is out.”
Aaron: [Thinking] “...It’s probably some local issue, something wrong with the router or maybe some device…” Hearing Aaron, Zac could only shake his head in disagreement.
Christopher: “Well… whatever, let’s tell the staff.”
Mask: “Great idea! Can anyone tell me where we may find any?” They motion towards the group.
[Playful] “No one? Well isn’t that odd… it almost seems-”
“Like all the staff disappeared!” Both Alice and Mask spoke at the same time.
Alice: “We’re totally cut off-”
Mask: “From the outside world!”
They shoot each other hostile glares, then turn, their backs facing each other’s.
Mask: [Annoyed] “Whatever, this hotel is probably just broken and cheap and shitty.” They pout.
Billy: [Awkward] “Umm.” He steps in front of the group. “So… uh…”
Jessica: [Curious] [I’m kinda hungry, does anyone know if the hotel has a dinner service?]
Mask: “Oh, right! I haven’t eaten since this morning…”
Zac leaves for the dining hall, a few others follow after him.
Avalon: “There should be a staff member there who we can talk with about this issue.”
Alice: “Right, like I’ll believe they all left. This kind of bollocks doesn’t happen in London.” She rolls her eyes.
The group then made their way to the dining hall, but on the way, they didn’t encounter any staff. One of them ended up asking another monotone looking, and monotone sounding guest, who plainly responded to their questions.
The staff left for the night, and will return the next morning with the boat.
Dinner is served every evening in the dining hall.
The internet will be out until the staff can fix it.
The staff left for the night, and will return the next morning with the boat.
[Switch]
[NOW PLAYING ”Paradise Killer OST: House of Bliss” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED5k7ZdeTiQ ]
Sitting side by side, at a table at which people are meant to sit on opposite sides to each other, Zinnia is trying to intently listen to Alice ramble.
Alice: “-And that’s why she honestly belongs in the circus.”
Zinnia: “The circus… that’s horse prison… *hic*”
Alice: [Confused] “What?”
Zinnia: [Confused] “What?”
A beat of silence passes.
Alice: “So, yeah, her look is honestly the worst, how can she even leave the house looking like that?”
Zinnia: [Thinking] “Uh, through the door, I think.”
Alice: “No, I mean…! Look.” She takes out her phone, then shows Zinnia a picture of someone wearing a chain of six foot poles around their neck.
In unrelated news, police agencies around the globe are looking into new, more ‘ethical’ methods of house arrest. At least, that’s what Alice heard on very reliable news sites.
Zinnia doesn’t understand. That is… an outfit, can’t see why you couldn’t leave the house. Well, those poles would pose a difficulty but surely they could make it out.
Zinnia: “I mean… *hic*... all you gotta do… is get your partner to help you… right?” Tilting her head towards Alice, one small, nigh imperceptible tear forms in Zinnia’s left eye.
Alice laughs at her question.
Alice: [Seething] “As if you could get a partner wearing something that disastrous!”
Zinnia: “Get… a partner…”
She suddenly has an epiphany, of course, she would know! Alice is a pretty girl, surely she knows all the tips on finding people. At least, Billy seemed to think that being pretty would help with finding, for some reason.
Zinnia: [Excited] “Say, Alice, have ye found a partner before??? How did ye manage it?”
Alice was rather insulted by the question. Was she really saying that Alice was so repugnant that she couldn’t believe in her finding love!?! She’ll show Zinnia, she’ll show them all!!!
Alice: [Annoyed] “Actually, I’ll have you know that I’m not looking for a partner but if I wanted one I could find one easily!”
Zinnia’s eyes glow with wonder.
Zinnia: [Excited] “Oh, ye could, ye could!?! Tell me how! Oh, tell me, tell me!”
Alice: “...You’re a paid actor.”
Her fellow guest tilts her head in confusion, causing Alice to sigh.
Alice: “...Do you not understand what conspiracy theories are? You’re a terrible paid actor, you should be fired.”
Zinnia was confused. Were conspiracy theories an Earth concept? Teen Beach Movie never prepared her for this!
Alice: “Okay, so, for example, you know how Bubu-J was meant to win the Race of Drag - Zero stars, but because her voice actress mysteriously died after getting involved in a labor dispute, they gave the prize to someone else?”
Zinnia: [Confused] “So, like… it’s speculation on… TV…?”
Alice: “IT IS THE 22ND CENTURY!!! It’s speculation on *streaming services*.”
Teen Beach Movie has failed her again.
Zinnia: “So… is there… a point to this?”
Alice: [Annoyed] “Ha! Is there a point to this she asks. Is there a point to anything? No! It’s fun, that’s why! Something to fill my meaningless days with!”
Zinnia: “Oh, so it’s like surfing in ‘Teen Beach Movie’.”
Alice: [Confused] “The fuck is Teen Beach Movie?”
Zinnia gasps, has she never heard of the greatest movie ever made!?! This cannot stand.
Zinnia: “Teen Beach Movie is the best movie I’ve ever seen! I have never before seen a more romantic love story than that of Mack and Brandy! The tragedy between the pairs as they must leave the movie and let the original love story happen brings me to tears when I even think of it!”
Alice: [Angry] “SO WHAT!? You’re saying they shouldn’t have intervened in their ‘predestined’ relationship!? That they should have known their place!?”
Zinnia: “No.”
Alice: [Surprised] “...No?”
Zinnia: [Happy] “Nope! I didn’t say any of that!”
Alice: “I see, clever girl…”
The two of them continue chatting about the masterpiece known as Teen Beach Movie before Alice excuses herself.
[Switch]
[NOW PLAYING ”Paradise Killer OST: The Lemegeton Bop” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCydUYWPztA ]
Five different people, phone-guy included, somehow ended up sitting sweaty elbow to sweaty elbow to cold hard metal, at a table in the corner of the room, two sides of which are almost fully touching the wall.
The third side is touching the wall-like behemoth which is Apollo’s wheelchair. To his right, sits Avalon, and to his left, Philip.
Avalon: [Flirty] “So… I don’t know if you’ve heard about this, mister Apollo, but - there is something I might be able to offer you.”
Apollo: [Curious] “An… offer? Like a sponsorship? Or like…” He answers cheerily before slipping into a slow mumble.
[Morose] “I made Frederica an offer too…”
Avalon: “There was a gala, ‘Climate in digital chance’, which took place a few months back, it was absolutely splendid-”
Multiple centimeters away, was the old man, who was in fact, not the oldest person here, but still old, as considered by those who looked at him and thought ‘yes, he is old’, Philip.
Philip: “Avalon, I… somehow found myself in a peculiar possibly subterranean, terranean or over-terranean chamber earlier this day.” He mentions.
Avalon: “And the models, they were some of the most handsome robots I had ever laid my eyes on, and not just because of the pretty faces on their screens - although not as pretty as some others I’ve seen recently.”
Between Philip, and Ash, the last person to sit at this table was Zac, who was, evident to everyone - yet unspoken by anyone, feeling uncomfortable about that arrangement.
Zac: “Honestly…” He eyes the man sitting to his side suspiciously. “I’m considering dropping my cybersecurity class.”
Ash: “How so? Forgive me for… assuming… but you seem rather… studious.”
Zac: “I am and I hate it, but that’s not the reason I want to drop it.”
Ash: “It’s not?”
Zac: “I mean, it’s not the reason so much as it is a reason I want to drop all of my classes and move to the north pole with Gunther an-.”
He coughs awkwardly.
[Embarrassed] “What I mean is, there’s another reason.”
“To put it simply… I guess I’m not good at the whole… security aspect?”
“My asshole teacher, Mr. Reed, told me last week about how I seem to be the kind of person to use 123smartZacPASSWORD as my password.”
Ash tilts its head, a hint of worry faintly showing under their veiled face.
Ash: “You don’t… right?”
Zac whimpers.
Ash: “Please… change it, for… whatever account or device it is for… just change it…”
Zac: “I will. And this time I won’t make it contain my name or some personal data like my birth year.”
Ash: [Playful] “Splendid… I taught you well! Now, remember the person I wanted to introduce you to?”
Zac: “You… mentioned someone, right? I’m pretty sure it was Apollo.”
Ash: “...I never said any name… I was just ominously alluding to Robin, that blue haired boy sitting with those two refined older gentlemen.” They point to Robin, who is sitting at the same table as Larry the librarian, and Aaron Kentar.
Zac: [Surprised] “Oh… do you like… want me to go there?”
Ash: “Let us not… bother… the boy. You seem to want to speak to the fascinating robotic individual sitting with us… correct? It would be wise to do so.”
Zac: [Playful] “I will try, wise old sage.”
Ash giggles at hearing their old job title.
The overworked student turns towards Apollo, and opens his mouth.
Apollo: [Worried] “I’m a fool, a stupid, idiotic fool! How couldn’t I tell!”
Avalon: “Apollo.” She snaps her fingers. “Pay attention mister, I’m talking about hunky robots, don’t you want to be a hunkyer robot?”
Philip: “The lack of care for the elderly getting lost in liminal chambers is disheartening.”
Avalon: “I could make you hunkier, mister Apollo, you just have to allow me.” She bangs her fists on the table, shaking the plates of food on the table, all of which, bar a bowl of plain white rice, being Zac’s. “Don’t you want to be hunky!?”
Apollo: “There was someone else, of course there was someone else, what a fool I was.”
Zac closes his mouth, and turns back towards Ash.
Zac: [Awkward] “I tried my best.”
Ash: “...You tried your best.” They sigh.
Apollo: [Distraught] “Since the start, since the fucking start. She clearly wanted to say something, but she didn’t, even if it’s clearly been on her mind from the start. She was clearly suffering deep down, all because I kept on stupidly pressuri-”
Ash picks up their bowl of rice. It then turns the bowl around, causing all the rice to fall out, and into Zac’s plate of currently uneaten pork ribs.
Philip: [Confused] “Why did you do that?”
Ash: [Smiling] “Everyone… let’s go… one… topic at a time. Apollo, you first.”
Apollo: [Embarrassed] “Okay, well, umm…”
[Bashful] “I kinda just realized that Frederica, you remember her, right? Umm… she almost definitely had a partner or something, that’s the only way I can explain the way she… clearly was hiding something, from me.”
Avalon: [Annoyed] “So, she’s been on your mind?”
Apollo: “Well, yeah.”
Avalon: “Anything else you have to say?”
Apollo: [Frowning] “I guess not…”
Ash: [Happy] “Great, ne-”
Avalon: “Great next topic indeed! Mister Apollo, do you want a better, more mobile and more attractive body?”
Apollo: [Sad] “Is my wheelchair not attractive?”
Avalon: [Serious] “It is.” She stares into his cameras for a few seconds. “But my intuition tells me you are not satisfied with your current body-”
Apollo: [Annoyed] “My body is fine!”
[Neutral] “I wouldn’t mind a more versatile wheelchair, though.”
Avalon: “It could be so much more, two legs, or more, two arms, or more, one-”
Apollo: “Hang on! I don’t want some expensive to maintain blocky-robot-body!”
The fashion designer shakes her head and laughs.
Avalon: “Trust me, the price is no issue.”
Hearing that, Apollo sighs.
Apollo: “...Either way, I don’t care how agile the wheelchair you’re recommending is.” He points to himself. “Ava, what you see, that’s what I am, this is my body, and how I want it to look.”
“Now, when you, or anyone else looks at me, you see a person, a guy, even if he is on a screen. But when you’d look at a body like the one you’re recommending…”
“Well, I guess it’s just not what I want.”
“Maybe one day, in the future, they’ll find a way to help me leave this box, whether the solution comes from the stars or from here. But if you can’t help with that…”
Avalon: [Melancholic] “I… admit that it seems unlikely that such a body could be built on this planet.”
Philip: [Neutral] “I can confirm, although attempts were made, synthetic bodies like the one you’re suggesting are impossible to manufacture on Earth.”
Apollo: “Then I’ll wait. Though if you’re suggesting a better looking wheelchair, or just a paint job, then I’m all ears! Not literally though, I’m deaf.”
Ash: “...Splendid… let’s move onto the next topic.”
Philip: “Right, I found myself somewhere today.”
Avalon: [Curious] “Where?”
Philip: “Somewhere as vexing as the stars.”
Apollo: [Curious] “Alright, well, tell the rest of us then. What was so ‘vexing’ about it?”
Philip: [Explaining] “...Well, it was a room that I found. It was very odd.”
Avalon: “...Yeah, I think we got that from what you said before, is there anything else?”
Philip: “Should there be?”
Avalon: [Frustrated] “Why even bring up the room as being odd if all you have to say is that it’s odd and no further comment?”
Philip looks at Avalon with some amount of annoyance before finally speaking again.
Philip: “By the way, Avalon, how does it feel to learn that aliens are real? Today, on a Saturday, on the 9th of September, 2124, two years after the entire planet made first contact.”
Avalon: “NEXT TOPIC.”
Ash: “Philip… just… think about it some more… and maybe an answer will shine through… Anyways. The next topic… is Apollo.”
Zac: “Right! So… uh… what I wanted to say…” He pauses for a second, then for a few more. “Uhh… hehe, so… uh…”
Ash: “Apollo, is that… a touch screen?”
Apollo’s wheelchair turns forty-five degrees.
Apollo: “Huh? What?”
Ash: [Playful] “Are you a touch… screen?”
Apollo: “...I don’t… think so?”
Ash: “Only the audience beyond truly knows what lies beyond the touched screen of glass… the looking glass.”
Somewhere, far, far away, Frederica sighs, and pours another shot.
Apollo: “Huuuuuuuihhh?”
Zac: “Right, umm, so… Apollo… what is it like living in a… wheelchair like yours all the time?”
Apollo: [Excited] “Heck yeah! An actual question!”
“To be frank, it can get annoying at times! Like, there’s so many places which are not at all wheelchair accessible! Like, for example, one of the restaurants I frequently go on dates at is on the second floor and their ramps are waaaay too steep, I always need help getting up there!”
“It is. Unfair.”
Zac: [Worried] “Right, sorry for bringing up an unpleasant memory…”
Apollo: “What? Dude, no way. Thanks for asking, actually, I mean it!” He reassures him.
“Don’t ever feel bad for politely asking about someone’s life. Even if the person you ask doesn’t feel like answering, it just means that they’re not in the mood to talk.”
“It doesn’t mean that you did anything wrong.”
“So as long as you’re nice and polite, there is no reason to…”
Ash: “Fright?”
Philip: [Neutral] “That makes no grammatical sense.” He sighs. “But I suppose that’s the sort of answer you’d expect from a haunted house attraction.”
Ash: [Staring] “Don’t be rude… I’m the one who decides where your soul will go when… your… time is up.”
[Switch]
[NOW PLAYING ”Paradise Killer OST: House of Bliss” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED5k7ZdeTiQ ]
Standing in front of the sprawling buffet table, Christopher Marigold audibly mumbles about his apparent confusion.
Christopher: [Wondering] “Mmmmmm…”
The incredible number of options has stumped the athlete today, it seems, and who could blame him for that? After all, it’s not everyday you’re at a fancy buffet like this.
The table is full of every kind of food he could think of and at the Golden Hotel, it’s gotta be good… Well, he thinks it would be. He didn’t bother checking any reviews, so it’s anyone’s guess, really.
Either way, he had a choice to make, one of incredible importance, the very life of the free thinking world was at stake here!
…So anyways, he picked out that large bowl of spaghetti still off to the side. Looked… good? It looked fairly standard, if anything, but judging by Christopher’s happy expression, it seemed he was quite pleased with it.
Jessica: [Happy] {Is that a reference?}
Christopher reads the note, which she pointed straight at his face, blocking the view of his wonderful meal.
Christopher: [Confused] “To what?”
Jessica switches to a blushing mask, waving her hands wildly.
Jessica: [Embarrassed] {Well, it’s, uh, you know, that one game with the, uh, well, you see…}
Christopher: [Excited] “DO YOU MEAN UNDERGROUND BASEBALL!? *Hic* THE GRAVEYARD EXPANSION!?”
Jessica was stumped. There are baseball games in the underground?
Christopher: “You need to sit with me, I’ve been dying to talk to someone about the… *hic*... the Underground Baseball video game franchise.”
Jessica was about to voice, er, write her protest but alas, Chris was too strong (drunk, and determined) for her to escape. Her meal was now going to be baseball, doubly so since she didn‘t get the chance to grab any food.
After sitting down at their table for three, two people, a bowl of spaghetti, and a mentioned baseball franchise, Christopher continued his tirade on the beauty of Underground Baseball ™, much to Jessica’s confusion.
Chris: [Excited] “-But that was only the third spin-off in the series, you see, the original company was bought out so they created a new spin-off to replace the old series!” His constant chatter had seemed to sober him up.
[Thinking] “Personally, I thought the og one was better but I can’t deny the VR baseball controls are super accurate to real life.”
Jessica: [Confused] {Didn’t you say that the first spin-off was created because one of the starring athletes got into an accident?}
Chris: [Pensive] “And may he rest in peace…”
[Frazzled] “Er, no, I mean, yeah, that’s *why* they started it but they continued the series due to the overwhelming fan support. I remember when I played the first game too, best one in the series, maybe.”
Jessica: [Confused] {Oh, that’s… great. Say, why did you get into this franchise in the first place.}
[Thinking] {You look like you can play baseball just fine outside of a VR game. (small text) and from how you described underground baseball i can’t think of a single reason to play it over real life… (end small text) So, like, why games?}
Chris was taken aback by the question. For one, how dare someone imply something negative about Underground Baseball!?! (she was right though, it is kinda bad.) And secondly, was he really going to mention that to this random woman he met today?
Christopher: [Awkward] “Uh… let’s… let’s talk about something else instead… like - our deepest and darkest fears!”
“FUCK!”
Shaking all the while, Jessica gives him a thumbs up.
Jessica: [Scared] {Great idea!}
Jessica is deeply uncomfortable and doesn’t know how to escape. Tragically, Christopher never learned how to read (a room).
(“The room” is a trademarked transformative performance art piece at the bottom of the Marinara Trench, which resembles a fast food restaurant, when it actually is just a bunch of rocks at the bottom of a tomato sauce filled ravine)
Christopher: “Uh… I’ll go… second!”
With her head in her hands, Jessica gives him another, shakier, thumbs-up.
Jessica: [Scared] {I’m afraid of… cars.}
Christopher: “Oh, that’s stupid.”
Jessica had not expected that response. Who the hell was this guy anyways! First he drags her over to this table, without letting her get food, then he talks to her about stupid baseball games that no one in their right mind would like, and now he’s calling her fears stupid!?!
Christopher: “I have a *hic* much better fear… I’m scared of disappointing the expectations of my faaaaaaaaaaaaa…”
Jessica motions for him to go on. She’s come this far, she’s getting that goddamned answer!
Christopher: [Terrified] “-Faaaascinating… interesting… self help… book… coach… from… Overground Baseball… Real Virtual Gamestation?”
Jessica changed her mask to a deadpan expression. This obviously means he nailed that very real transition.
Christopher: “Look at the time, it’s… time to eat… this bowl…” He sticks his fork into the ceramic bowl.
He’s a messy eater, who knew? Jessica now, she can never forget… Guess she’s doing laundry today… just imagining the hours she’ll have to waste picking ceramic shards out of her clothes makes her shiver.
In the end, they both try their hardest to finish that oversized bowl, but they fail. Jessica uses this failure, and Chris falling asleep at the table, to escape to her room.
[Switch]
[NOW PLAYING ”Paradise Killer OST: The Lemegeton Bop” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCydUYWPztA ]
This day is really only getting worse, isn’t it? At the very least, it seems to be for one Billy Lovelet. It’s just been one embarrassment after another today and look at him now, the only person willing to eat with him being one of the weird mask people. Worse yet, it appears the weird mask, talking edition, has taken it upon themselves to make Billy into their dinner show.
Mask: “So, so, what did you pick out for tonight? Is it good, bad, just okay, a secret fourth thing?”
Billy: [Frazzled] “It’s, uh, well, I mean, I like it just fine.”
Mask: [Thinking] “Just fine… Not one of the options I gave… Secret fourth thing it seems…”
Billy sighs.
Billy: “What do you even want?”
Mask: [Confused] “What do I want? That’s easy, your first born! Now hand it over, heart boy, I haven’t got all day!”
Billy: [Angry] “You can’t have my first born! I haven’t even had it yet!”
[Confused] “Er, what are you talking about? I haven’t even made a deal with you!”
Mask: [Smug] “Well, not yet! Listen, there’s nothing wrong with preparing an I.O.U. for the future.”
Billy: “I don’t think I’m getting anywhere with you.”
Mask seems taken aback by the comment.
Mask: “Sure we are, look at how far we’ve gotten the bit.”
Billy: [Confused] “The… bit?”
Mask: [Smug] “Have you never heard of a bit? Dear Billy, you sweet summer child you…”
Mask: [Deadpan] “A bit is a joke.”
A beat of silence passes.
Billy: [Annoyed] “Well, just say joke then!”
Mask: “But it’s not just a joke, it’s a long joke, a bit!”
Billy sighs, again.
Billy: “You know, I’d rather be let in on the bit than left out. I can joke too if you tell me.”
Mask: “But if I tell you then the spell will break!”
Billy: “Yes, of course, the spell… As established… Somewhere…”
Mask: “...You were supposed to act confused and ask me what it was…”
Billy: “...No, I think I’m good, actually. I’d rather have a quiet dinner.”
Mask: [Indignant] “Spoil sport.”
Billy: [Annoyed] “If you want a dinner show so bad, why don’t you just talk to the other masked person, you two are friends aren’t you?”
Mask: [Angry] “Hey, that’s discrimination! Just because we both wear masks doesn’t mean we’re friends!”
Mask: “...We are though.”
Billy stares back at Mask in silence.
Mask returns the stare.
Mask: “No, I can’t return to Jessica yet! Not without completing my mission.”
Billy sighs, three time record.
Billy: “This won’t stop if I don’t bite, will it? Fine, what’s the mission?”
Mask: [Indignant] “I don’t wanna tell you. You’ll just call me dumb again.”
Billy: [Confused] “Again? When did I call you dumb!?!”
Mask: “Uh, somewhere probably, check the log, it’s there, totally.”
Billy: [Confused] “The log? No, don’t engage, just finish eating, you have bigger things to worry about, Billy…”
Mask: “Oh? Bigger things to worry about, that’s much bigger than a bit!”
Mask takes a seat. Yes, they were standing in front of Billy the entire time.
Mask: “So, what’s the deal with you, what’s going on? Something’s been odd about you since we first met, on the boat.”
It’s Billy’s turn to be taken aback by Mask.
Billy: “You… want to know?”
Mask: “I’d say asking something is a good indication of interest so… yeah!”
Billy: “Uh, well, um… How do I start…”
Billy: [Thinking] “I guess… I’ve been feeling like… How I present myself isn’t really working anymore and I don’t… don’t know where to go next.”
Mask: “Oh, this is a serious thing.”
Billy: [Annoyed] “What did you expect!?!”
Mask: [Looking away] “W-Well… I mean… I expect that like… your girlfriend broke up with you or something and now ‘I just see her everywhere and I can’t help but cry over her…’”
Billy looks down, in reflection. It seems he’s been giving off a very different vibe today than usual (Billy and Mask met today). Billy considers this though. Mask isn’t completely wrong about all of this but… is he really going to spill that?
Billy: “I… have lost something important to me lately, er, I almost have, is more accurate.”
Mask: “Oh, so it was a boyfriend then.”
Billy: [Annoyed] “It’s not a partner! Geez, do you even want to hear about this or what!”
Mask: “Fine, fine, I give. So what is it that you’ve lost then? It seems really important to you if… well, if you’ve been such a wreck today.”
Billy: “...I really have been a wreck today haven’t I?” (He totally has been.) “...It’s my job, I’ve been working as a… matchmaker, let’s say, for… a long time now. I… I think I might have to find a different line of work soon but… I dunno, it’s difficult.”
Mask: “Oh, that…. love thing? Yeah?”
Billy: [Sad] “That love thing, they say…”
Mask: “I guess I can see what you mean about that… This is tangentially related, but I do have a soft spot for my profession, as well.” Mask hesitates. “Well… that’s putting it lightly. I am in love with… no, I romanticize my job, that’s a better way of saying it.”
Mask: “Losing it would mean… well… losing my identity.”
Billy: “Haha… I… haven’t even gone to college, you know? I got trained by relationship experts but that was only for a year or so… and all the while, I was still matchmaking.”
Mask: “Well, you’re only… what, twenty-one?”
Billy: “Close, I’m twenty two.”
Mask: “I’ve heard of people twice your age starting college for the first time, it wouldn’t be that odd. Especially if you want to change careers.”
Billy: “I… I don’t want that, I love my job, really! If I could do exactly what I’m doing forever, I’d be fine! But… I don’t know… it feels like I was only afforded one chance to do that… and now it’s slipping through my fingers…”
Mask: “Like oats…”
Billy: “Like oats…”
Mask: “And just like that oat guy… you’re hiding a deeper truth, aren’t you?” They giggle, like a detective who thinks they are about to catch the culprit.
Billy: “...I guess you’ve got me… There’s, uh, something else bothering…”
Billy’s voice trails off as he looks closer at Mask.
Mask: “No, not something else, you’re deflecting. It’s the same thing, but deeper, more wicked! I know it is, don’t bother denying it!”
Billy: [Confused] “Say, did your mask always have that crack?”
Mask: [Confused] “Huh?”
Mask touches their mask, feeling around. Eventually, they find the crack, tracing their finger along it. It feels like a gaping wound, exposing raw flesh.
Mask: [Mortified] “WHY, LOOK AT THE TIME!!! GOTTAGONOWBYE!!!!!”
Mask runs out of the room.
Billy blinks a few times.
Billy: “...I guess I’ll finish my dinner alone then.”
[Switch]
[NOW PLAYING ”Hollow Knight OST - Reflection” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nC3Dd3eqZy8 ]
There are people, who, when visiting a buffet, pick a few things they like, then, if they so choose, they go back to the table and pick out more.
Then there are those who seemingly have never visited a buffet before in their lives, who try to fit an enormous amount of food onto their tray, and then get confused when it all falls onto the floor.
Robin is too agile for that, meaning that his plate of: eggs benedict with a toasted brioche, which has a layer of caramelized onions on top, sitting next to a crispy potato rosti pancake, which is above the grilled polenta with roasted peppers, item with a home-made (He brought it himself) gluten free biscuit stuck through it and finally, some elevated protein (for bulking up): which is surmised of seared scallops, braised short rib, shredded by the most industrial of twenty dollar kitchen appliances, smoked salmon with dill cream cheese, a confit duck leg, with cherry glaze and finally, a pan-seared foie gras.
Oddly enough, almost every other guest gave him odd looks of disdain, one after another, as he had piled item after item on his plate.
He was left with no choice, and ended up sitting at the old man table, with the twenty-eight year old Larry Bi, and the fifty-nine year old Aaron Kentar.
Robin: “Yo.”
He sits down, then takes a deep breath.
Robin: “So, what do you two think about Philip?”
A loud sigh emanates from both of them.
Larry: [Annoyed] “Can I not get a minute of peace in here? Why should I care about whoever that is?”
Aaron makes the tactical choice to remain silent.
Robin: [Peeved] “Are you for rea-”
Larry: “Is this high-school? Am I meant to care about every single detail about some dude I didn’t even meet?” He scoffs. “Kid, all of us got here today, why are you even acting like we know each other? You probably don’t even have a reason to talk to me.”
Aaron: “It’s just 21st century revival.”
Larry: “Not that again.”
Aaron: “How else would you expect people to act at a 21st century themed hotel? If you didn’t want random strangers to interact with you, then you should have stayed home.”
The librarian bangs his fist on the table.
Larry: “You know as well as I do that this is not what the 21st century was like.”
Aaron: “But it *is* what it seemed like, to most people now. Trust me, you can’t find a way to convince anyone to act any different.”
Larry: “...Tch, whatever.”
For a moment, all Aaron, Larry and Robin do is stare at each other.
Aaron: “You seem to add an… odd interest in that man. Can I ask why?” He asks, motioning towards the bald man, carelessly poking fun at whatever Avalon is saying.
Robin: [Dismissive] “Tch, like I don’t have a reason. He’s a danger to everyone in here.”
Larry: “Oh, so he did something? I didn’t know.” Notes Larry, inserting himself into the conversation.
Robin: [Accusatory] “So you don’t know about his ‘relationship? He’s a manipulator, and a seducer, and a pervert.”
Aaron: “That… isn’t how those types of ‘relationships’ work, if that’s what you’re referring to.”
Robin eyes him suspiciously.
Aaron: “While I can’t speak on the details… he was likely only able to enter that relationship because of his function, and because of the amount of power he had over that person.” He takes a long breath. “He lost his function, and everyone is aware of his status, he’s not a danger to anyone here.”
Robin: “Like it’s that fuc-... shi-... fricking easy. Ignoring problems like him is always bad news.”
Aaron: [Thinking] “Hrmm… If what I saw in the leaked tape was correct, then the intern consented to the act. Even if she refused to comment on any of it once the scandal happened…”
Robin: “So what!? That old skeevy frick probably coerced her into doing that!” He interjects.
Aaron: “Legally, he was fired for breaking his work contract, that being one of the cited reasons being the power imbalance between the two.”
Robin: “You sure know a lot.” He grumbles.
Aaron: “I keep up with the news.”
Larry: “Right, so he only got into one single dubious relationship? Is that a big deal, even?” Both Aaron and Robin glare at him.
Robin: [Annoyed] “Fine, let’s ignore his indiscretions. What about him stealing education money!?”
Aaron: “...Your heart is in the right place, I’ll give you that.” He reluctantly adds. “But he was fired for embezzling campaign funds, and taking bribes. Honestly… he’s not that different from other politicians.”
Robin: “So what do we do about that… fuckwad… then?
Aaron: “You ignore him, and he ignores you. With so many people in such a small place, he shouldn’t be able to do anything.”
Larry: “Wow, noooone of us were doing that before, great idea, wise old sage.” He rolls his eyes. “How unlucky we are to be graced by his presence.”
Robin: [Annoyed] “Yeah, we were so fucking lucky that the only available room was booked by that guy.”
Aaron: “Your food is getting cold.”
Larry: “Listen to your grand-”
Aaron: “Your’s is as well.”
Robin: “Hmph, fine.”
The librarian grumbles.
[Switch]
[Location: Guest room B11]
[NOW PLAYING ”Home Again” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyziGIYWR0w ]
The room had a smell similar to wet paint, that had sat in the bright sun for the past two hours, near a recently renovated basically abandoned public building.
Jessica and Mask sat across from each other, she, on the couch, they, on the bed. To Jessica’s left stood a stool, trying its best to support a tray with various art related objects on top: some paints, thin brushes, acetone, glue, a tragedian mask, two thin razor blades, a tube of clear epoxy, more adhesives and various poisonous chemicals.
On the floor, right next to the fluffy white couch, was Jessica’s carrier bag, with all her masks inside it.
Mask: “When was the last time you fixed my mask like this?” They ask, stretching their arms and letting out a long, louder than usual yawn.
Jessica kicks their feet before answering.
Jessica: [Annoyed] {With how careful you are, I swear I used to be doing it every week!}
Mask: “Shut it!!!! I've been getting better!” They insist, placing their hand on their chest. "This is the first time I cracked it in a month! I've been super careful."
Jessica: {Have you really gotten better, or have I started to use the good ceramic?} She crosses her arms.
Mask: "Weeeeeellll, I mean, it's true that each time you repair it, it looks better than before. Somehow. Like I literally don’t understand how the cracks literally completely disappear which seems completely impossible but ANYways."
[Playful] "I swear, in a century or two, your masks will be in museums and, hell, maybe even the private collections of some rich aliens!"
They both turn to look at the falling horizon, the light of the sun slowly being smothered by the night.
Jessica: [Longing] {Hehe.... Wouldn't that be something....}
Mask: [Don’t be modest!!!] They point at and almost poke out Jessica’s left eye. [You are skilled!!!]
Jessica: {Lots of people are skilled and never get noticed, that's the nature of most professions.} She answers, her body language giving off a feeling of resignation.
Rather than let go of the idea, Mask perks up.
Mask: [Curious] "Soooooo… you're saying you haven't gotten any new big contracts - like the ones you get around Halloween?"
Jessica: {Well, I guess I did get something like that. Kind of an odd order, honestly.}
Mask: "FINALLY RECOGNIZED I SEE! I knew you were something special since the moment you made my first mask. How many years ago was that, again?"
Jessica: {UHHHHHHHHHH} She writes one letter for each second that passes, to more strongly get the message that she’s thinking deeply across. {Yeag sor idk}
Mask: “When we met… it was… it was in the past! Eons ago!”
They wave their hand around a little.
Mask: [Neutral] "I was just starting my internship at my theater... so I think it was..." They pause for a moment. “I think it was like four years ago?”
Jessica pouts.
Mask: "Don't pout, count, nor... be loud!” They insist. “…I need time to come up with good lines, gimme a break!"
Jessica: {That's probably right. I don't really remember that well anymore.} She sighs before responding.
Mask: [Determined] "I got it! 👆 I'll help refresh your memory."
Jessica: [Skeptical] {Oh, is that so?}
Mask: "Yes, totally, I know the best way to do that, in fact!" They pause for dramatic effect. "Retelling the amazing, wonderful tale of my life!" They pause twice as long for half the dramatic effect. "So... it all started a billion years ago when-"
Jessica: [Suffering] {Yeah but you do that every other week and I'm tired of hearing about the Barriermart.}
Mask: [Insistent] "Me too... but it's an important character detail!" They roll their eyes. "Well, you clearly remember that part, so I'll skip it this time. I GUESS."
Jessica smiles.
Mask: "So, I was in my final year of studying the ART of theater!!!! And I was interning at our local community theater, you remember, the one with the combination Hut of Pizza and Fallout Shelter."
Jessica: {Yeah, I could never forget that place. Terribly loud place, you never could get through a performance without some sort of disturbance.}
Mask: [Sorrowful] "My amazing introductions were always cut off!" They mimic crying.
[Playful] "Well, I can see your gray cells are tingling! Is there anything else you remember?"
Jessica: {You were always late on your payments, very annoying.}
Mask: [Awkward] "T-That's not something you're meant to remember!"
[Playful] "But yes, I have been making use of your services for a while now."
Jessica: {That’s not how we met, though.}
Mask: “Right! We met each other in another way.”
Jessica: {Yeah, it was the head of that theater that we met through. He was nice, always on time with his payments.}
Mask: "Right, apparently they've been ordering props and stuff from you for... decades, right?"
Jessica: [Pouting] {I am not that old.....}
Mask: "Well, you... you know what I mean! Your grandpa!"
[Playful] "Your grandpa IS old!"
Jessica: [Pouting] {And wise…}
Mask: "...I can see I annoyed you! You know what it's time for, then."
Jessica: {You forget my sweet summer child, that you still lack your mask, no running away until it's done!}
Mask: [Extremely happy] "... I'M NOT GETTING BOILED, FUCK YEAH."
[Neutral] "Nevermind, I mean-!"
[Playful] "Of course I won't, why would I? Mask smiles."
Jessica: {Oho~ Well, if you insist, I can get the pot ready.....}
Mask: "Mask smiles so innocently that Jessica won't get the pot ready."
Jessica: {Jessica smiles so innocently that they would never suspect the pot is already boiling.}
Mask: "Mask makes such an innocent expression that Jessica forgets about her boiling pot of water AND Mask's many debts."
Jessica: {Jessica reminds Mask very innocently, that Jessica keeps a permanent record of all of her transactions including Mask's many MANY debts."
Mask: [Smiling] "Mask decides to expertly steer the conversation to another topic. So.... how do you feel about being in the same hotel as... what was his name...? Apollodor Valentino?"
Jessica: {His name is Apollo Valentine!!!!}
Mask: "Palindrome Valenciaga, got it." They nod. "You shared quite a few of his videos, but I wasn't aware he was an AI."
Jessica: {Yeah, he doesn't talk about it on stream a lot. I think.}
Mask: [Glad] "Hmm! I see. I see."
[Curious] "Did he... ever mention Frederica, this hotel or this island in any of his streams, by chance?"
Jessica: {I don't remember him doing that but you are also asking me to remember things.}
Mask: "If I ever trust your memory, it's when recalling stuff about Apollo. So I think you're right!" They pause, slowly gliding their fingers across their face. "I'm just trying to grasp a picture on the truth of this island."
[Theorizing] "Isn't it odd? How they gathered so many people in such a secluded place, for free?"
Jessica: {I guess, but media stunts like this are hardly that unusual. I'll just keep enjoying this part until they reveal the wacky prank or whatever that gets them publicity.}
Mask: "Wait, actually, you're a genius."
Jessica: [Surprised] {I am!?!}
Mask: [Playful] "Yes, I am stealing that idea now."
They wave their cape around dramatically.
Jessica: {But a great detective does not steal! They deduce for themselves!}
Mask: "Uhm.... UHM... Great detectives do not use intuition to solve mysteries!!!! And they... they also give credit for the people they steal from!!!!" They fumble their words.
Jessica: {Oh good, I'm expecting a check in the mail for my genius deduction then.}
Mask: "Anyways - I'm really glad you decided to bring your work-"
[Shocked] "W-HUH, I CAN BARELY AFFORD YOUR BILLS."
Jessica: [Smiling] {Of course I brought my work kit, I gotta be prepared if you broke your mask.}
Mask: "And your work wear! I can't believe you're wearing your apron, on a tropical-ish island, no less!"
Jessica: {You know this is what I wear even when I'm not working.}
Mask: [Thinking] "That wasn't just..." They begin to count on their fingers "Those seven times I found you sleeping in that!?"
Jessica: {...Well, that was unrelated.}
Mask: "O...Okay!!"
[Neutral] "At least I brought my bathing suit, I'm wearing it right now, actually."
Jessica: [Annoyed] {Oh, you're even worse than I am! I swear, you own 2 outfits, that and your work uniform!}
Mask: "Excuse mua, ma de mua, se-i-le, I do not claim to own that, as much as it holds ownership over my very soul!"
Being the more rational one of the duo, Jessica decides to not grace Mask’s words with an answer.
Mask: "Aaarrggghhhhhhhhh, how much longer until you fix it?"
Jessica: {I've mended the crack, it just needs to cure now. I can't completely repair it here so just be careful with it.}
Mask: "Well, can't guarantee it won't happen again! I swear, I don't even know what happened to it."
[Neutral] "Anyways, guess there's nothing to do but wait..."
Jessica: {That's what you always say! "Jessica, that wall bumped into me, I swear",} She scolds them.
Mask: "Well, nothing like that happened this time, I swear!" They take out their phone, and begin reading on it.
Jessica: {You're just lucky that I'm here to help you out now...}
Mask: "True." They continue scrolling on their phone. "I'm glad I downloaded this book before the signal went out."
Jessica: {Aw, lucky, I wish I had thought of that...}
Mask: "There's a library here, maybe they have your favorite book!"
Jessica: {Yeah, maybe I'll check it out tomorrow.} She takes out her own phone and starts playing an idle game.
[Switch]
[Time: Late evening]
[Location: VR room]
[NOW PLAYING ”Nana no Kako” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJKDvLqg2As ]
At the current moment, Alice is engaged in a vicious round of what she calls ‘HuhNote Roulette’. Which is a game where she chooses one random VR visual novel from a list she curated with no one, no one else at all.
After a gruelling hour of playing as ‘Whyesnt Enne’, a normally normal girl who fits all current norms, like being slightly more gung-ho than usual, and mentioning ‘I’m NORMAL’ every scene, adopted into the ‘Step-bro Mafia’ by LI, short for Lovio Interesso, Alice finally reached it.
The spot where that one reviewer (Who she is now pretty sure is a liar, for more reasons than just taking that alien food sponsorship, which just turned out to be GMO’d blue tomatoes) said that you must ‘Save no matter what, unless you want to live with the terrible consequences of your actions for all eternity’.
LI: "All my enemies are after us, Whyesnt Enne. I will have to flee the country and leave you with no security whatsoever. That way nobody will be able to harm you… not even myself”
Cocking an eyebrow, Alice contemplates the decision point.
- “I get it. Thanks for everything”
- “I’m not leaving you! I promise we’ll get through this together”
Alice: “Ugh, what the blimmin hell? I can’t deal…”
Hesitating for just a moment, she picks ‘B’.
LI shakes his head, and then he gives Y/N a brooding look, like that of a man who tries really hard to seem like he has puppy dog eyes, but doesn’t.
LI: “I’m disappointed Y/N, I didn’t think you were this clingy”
[Your relationship has significantly worsened]
LI: “We can’t keep doing this. It’s over”
Slayfully leaving the scene with a pained expression (What the actual in-game narration said), LI yells ‘Rivalta!’ as he fades out of view.
The game follows with a three minute long unskippable cutscene of LI making out with Rivalta, while the wails of Enne can be heard.
Alice: [Annoyed] “LIES! None of that shite happened!” She yells, unknowing that there’s another person three feet away from her. “Can’t wait to watch videos arguing why this scene is actually a creepypasta or whatever in two years.” She scoffs.
Tragically, she forgot to save. That reviewer must be rolling in his blue tomato shaped grave now.
Another hour of bad visual novels later, she reaches the same point, but this time picks ‘A’.
LI huffs in annoyance, then shakes his head.
LI: “How could you say that? I thought you would be willing to fight for us! Whatever, should’ve never opened up to you in the first place”
The adopted step-bro who also was also secretly Enne’s childhood friend in another timeline punches the brick wall, storming off while ranting about how all the women in his life are lying harlots who abandon him, just like his dead mom who is actually an alien from prehistoric earth.
The same make-out scene plays after, for no coherent reason.
Alice: [Livid] “YOU BLIMMIN INDECISIVE WEAK CUNT, MAKE UP YOUR PISSY MIND!!! ...And why is Whyesnt Enne such a PICK-ME!?” She’s about to throw herself at the wall, before she remembers that this device is worth more than her entire life.
Grunting in annoyance yet again, she takes out her phone to write a long, tastefully and politely written ten paragraph dissertation in the visual novel’s discussion forum (Which she is, of course, a part of) about all the evident flaws in LI’s character.
Her phone, sadly, remembered that it had no signal nor internet, so she resorted to writing it in her notes folder.
Even more sadly, the game came with a guide, which she, like a sore loser, ended up checking, to see how she could reach the ‘Golden Ending’.
Alice: “Let’s take a tinyyyy liiiiiiitle look…. ‘go back 3 episodes, and select’.... ‘and select’... ‘(Actually ☝️ I’m radio rebel) at the moment LI asks Enne to mafia-prom’… ‘Doing that unlocks the genocide route’...”
Alice: “...’you then have to fight s-’ SCREW THIS HORSESHIT. I’D RATHER PLAY YOUR TURN TO DIE 74!! HECK, I’D RATHER DIE IN A DEATH GAME MYSELF.” She spits at the VR goggles, which she’s still wearing. Which is to say, she spits at herself.
Alice: “Stupid choices… stupid pick-me… stupid timeline… hah, like you can even go back. Why would you? Why would anyone go back to be with an asshole like him…Haha?”
Alice: “Whatever, I’m *too* busy for this.”
[Switch]
[Location: Bar]
[NOW PLAYING ”Paradise Killer OST: Sunset Song” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2zLgKgTsbQ ]
Zinnia was sat at the bar once again. It was becoming a regular haunt for her, it seemed. She was nursing a glass of whiskey. It seemed she was more mopey this time.
Zinnia: [Sad] “Is this even doing anything for me? Billy seemed so sure but…”
???: “Trust the experts! ο(=•ω＜=)ρ⌒☆” He pours her another drink.
Zinnia: “If you say so Mr. Barman.”
???: “I have a name you know. (○｀ 3′○)”
Zinnia: “You do…? Will you tell me…?”
???: “No. (. ❛ ᴗ ❛.)”
Zinnia: “Why?”
???: “What’s in a name? Would a rose smell so sweet under a different… How does it go again? ＞﹏＜ Uh, I don’t wanna. Imma mystery man! (/▽＼)”
Zinnia: “Then why did you…”
Zinnia’s voice trails off as she takes another sip of her drink.
Interrupting her thoughts even further, Avalon enters the bar, clutching her head in apparent pain.
Avalon: [Surprised] “Oh? I hadn’t expected anyone else to be here…”
???: [Happy] “Welcome ma’am! \(@^0^@)/”
Zinnia: [Sad] “Hey…”
Avalon: “It seems even aliens suffer from substance addictions.” She takes a seat next to Zinnia.
Zinnia tilts her head at Avalon.
Zinnia: “What’s a substance addiction?”
Avalon looks at Zinnia in shock. She quickly decides Zinnia must be too drunk to bother with, if that’s her question.
Avalon: “Bartender, the strongest drink you have, if you may. Anything to cure my snow blindness.”
???: [Saluting] “Rubbing alcohol coming right up! (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧”
The fashion designer grumbles, if her drink isn’t served in an ornate tequila glass, then she won’t be satisfied no matter what.
The bartender, in spite of his words, serves her a Long Island Iced Tea. It’s… quite strong.
Avalon: “Whew! …Thanks.”
She takes another look at Zinnia, and feels an odd sensation stir up inside her.
Avalon: “...So… hear any interesting stories today? I know I *hic*... heard some oddities…”
Zinnia: [Thinking] “Well, I heard Alice tell me about conspiracy theories. Apparently, I’m a paid actor!”
Avalon: [Playful] “Oh, I don’t mean about the people you spent time with.” She laughs. “I mean, stories you heard from and about other guests. The rumor mill runs fast, you know.”
Zinnia had heard of this rumor concept. Mom's Got a Date with a Vampire taught her well.
Zinnia: [Confused] “I have heard… Alice is… uh… an… robot?”
Avalon: “...Well, I myself heard about Philip’s, the old, bald senator guy, run-in with the staff today. How he didn’t immediately realize he was in the basement is beyond even me - I suppose his old age caught up with him.”
Zinnia: “Oh, I see… I also heard that… Christopher… likes… baseball…”
Avalon: [Confused] “Yeah, who hasn’t? He’s not exactly subtle about it. I don’t think you’re quite getting this rumor concept.”
Zinnia: “And I heard that Miss Crohan is looking to find her… *hic*... partner…”
Avalon: “...Fuck it, I’ll take it. What else have you heard about this Crohan woman?”
Zinnia leans in closer.
Zinnia: “Well get this, apparently, she doesn’t own a ship. Crazy, yeah?”
Avalon sighs.
Avalon: “You know what, this might be worse than before.”
Zinnia: “Not… *hic*... not only that… but she’s desperate…”
???: “Seems like someone needs another drink! *★,°*:.☆(￣▽￣)/$:*.°★* 。”
Sparing Avalon from her peer’s drunken rambles, Aaron enters the room.
Aaron: [Surprised] “Oh, it seems I’m not the only one feeling like having a drink this evening.”
Avalon: “Evening to you as well, Aaron.”
Aaron: [Looking away] “Quite.”
Aaron takes a seat at the bar next to Avalon.
Aaron: “I’ll have something simple. I’m not looking to get too much before bed, you see.”
???: “You got it! One glass of water coming up! (●'◡'●)>”
The old man sighs, sounding like a horse taking its last breath..
Avalon: “He’s probably going to give you a drink, he said he was giving me rubbing alcohol but that’s certainly not what ended up in my glass.”
Aaron sighs, again, this time sounding like a whale, beached, slowly rotting, with all hopes of escape lost.
Aaron: “I’d like to know what’s going into my body before I drink it, thank you.”
???: “Well, do you ever really know for sure? I mean, you-er-*we* all just trust that what the companies put on packaging is accurate, right? ╮(╯▽╰)╭”
Aaron: “...Young… man…? Did you at least get your bartending license?”
???: “...Here’s your drink! （＾∀＾●）ﾉｼ”
False to his word, it isn’t a glass of water, rather it’s a mojito.
Aaron: [Disappointed] “Every day I worry more and more about the youth’s higher education prospects…”
This was an odd comment considering the bartender looked to be at least 40.
???: “I’ll have you know I didn’t go to college, thank you! (｀ 3′)”
Avalon: [Confused] “Isn’t it supposed to be… that you *did* go to college?”
Aaron: “I doubt it makes any difference to this man… This is a pretty good mojito though.”
???: “Thanks, I went light on the gasoline this time. (. ❛ ᴗ ❛.)”
Aaron: [Confused] “How are you doing that? I’m referring to that… thing… you do with your mouth, those… faces?”
???: “...Bartending school. (✿◠‿◠)”
Aaron: [Pained] “This place is bad for my head, and heart, and soul, and liver. I’m getting out of here…”
Avalon: “That makes two of us. Zinnia, are you coming?”
Tragically, Zinnia had fallen asleep at the counter.
Avalon: “...I’m sure she’ll make it back.”
Aaron: “No, we should get her back to her room.”
Avalon: [Annoyed] “...Fine.”
And so, the two of them carry Zinnia back to her room before parting ways.
[Switch]
[Location: Basement]
[NOW PLAYING ”Roblox 3008 OST - Severe Acrophobia” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaeG1HN9710 ]
Once the dinner service ended, he got to thinking, and it didn’t take him too long to figure out that the area he found himself in earlier in the day was probably the basement. And after checking the stairwell and finding out that, indeed, there were also stairs leading down, he knew what to do.
After stealthily slipping past an unguarded sign reading ‘STAFF ONLY’, Philip found himself at the scene of the crime.
That is to say, the location where that dastardly, awkward, timid and pathetic looking employee dared to stand in his way.
As expected, the staff body’s disappearance (Read: them leaving after notifying multiple guests who were aware of their surroundings) was noticeable in the basement area of the Insula Aurea hotel as well.
In other, non politician words, the basement seemed empty.
Even more succinctly, he couldn’t see anyone in the boring, barren hallway.
Philip: [Neutral] “Enough dawdling around.” He tells no one but himself.
A few steps later, he reaches the exact mysterious thing that staff member tried to hide from him.
It was a map of the floor he was on, and a mop sitting on the floor he was standing on.
That staff member had stepped in front of him and fully covered the wall with his body to hide a map.
Philip: “Disappointing… and I thought I could find something to blackmail the hotel staff with.” He muses. “A love letter borne from infidelity, a confession to a crime, a safety violation…”
Philip: “...I’ve already fucked up my knees walking down the stairs, I have to stare at that map for a few hours to make the trip worth it.”
According to the map, he should now be in the hallway in between the storage room, infirmary, and ‘elevator control’ room, with the elevator right next to it. Connected to the storage room is the ‘workshop’, whatever that is, and then the server room, a normal room for a hotel to have.
Philip: “...Hmm?”
Beauregard turns slightly, notices the elevator doors that appeared on every other floor, then sighs with the disappointment of someone feeling the pain of being almost fifty.
Philip: “Perhaps I should explore a little.”
[Location: Storage room]
Tens of tall shelves line both sides of the room, creating a small opening between them, beckoning towards the door of the workshop. The shelves themselves are stacked with boxes, and other items, currently unrecognizable as the only light source is the hallway Philip just came from.
An odd feeling of dizziness overwhelms him.
Philip: “Perhaps I should… leave…”
[Switch]
[Location: Gym]
[NOW PLAYING ”Paradise Killer OST: GO!GO!STYLE” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41BJ2a4-EwU ]
Being bored is, well, boring.
And it was at that moment that Mask realized that there is nothing more boring than working out on the first day of vacation.
With a mission in mind, they entered the gym, ready to fill the wretched, tortured, calm and focused souls of those working out with an ever better feeling, annoyance.
Entering the gym, they saw that there was literally only one person inside.
Mask: “Robin! Hey~!”
The man with messy blue hair grunted in annoyance, and kept on running on his treadmill.
Filled with the usual expensive, insane looking exercise equipment that no one uses, dangerously heavy weights, ten different treadmills (each with a different control scheme), expensive vending machines vending expensive vended water and a statue of the boxer Sarah Berkley the first, the workout idol who won three gold olympics medals in a row during the mid 21st century, the gym was as ordinary as one could be.
Only one other (not) noteworthy detail are the floor to ceiling windows covering most outside walls, giving a great view of the sea, and the balcony.
Robin: “Are you here to work out, oldie?”
Mask: “I am twenty four.”
Robin: [Smirking] “Practically geriatric.”
Mask: [Playful] “Alas, I thought I’d spend my last moments on this earthly plane here.”
Robin: “Well, spend them five meters to the left, I’m busy.”
Mask: “Rejected again! Reminds me of my past crush, he liked to wander-”
Robin: [Annoyed] “Don’t care.”
Mask: “I just want to chat!”
The blue haired boy sighs.
Robin: “After I finish my workout.”
Mask: [Joyful] “Yippie! I will go skulk in a corner now.”
The aforementioned corner is a small waiting area near the entrance, composed of one normal looking couch, a terrible looking one, and a plot-convenient chair.
Mask ignores those and heads to a magazine rack sat in between the couches and picks up the first one they see.
‘The Imperi Company: How It Saved Entertainment’
Mask: “Trash!” They toss it aside.
‘Top Ten New Hit Shows Cancelled Mid Season!’
Mask: “Slop!”
‘21st Century Revival Fashion: Why Having 20 Different Sets of The Same Clothes is Trendy’
Mask: “Already read it.”
‘Sweaty Athletic Men to Educationally Stare at For Workout Purposes’
Mask: “Maybe another time!”
‘Murder Mystery Monthly: thesis on the role of the detective and the use of perspective in narratives’
Mask: “Oh this one’s good! Too good, I’ll read it later when I have the time.” They say as they stuff the issue into their pocket.
‘Global Times: Space Elevator Construction Halted’
Mask: “Maybe the news is just the right mix of interesting, time-wasting and depressing for me right now.” They say, not to themselves, as they spoke loudly enough for Robin to hear.
‘Construction on the Atlantic space elevator has halted after its uncompleted steel frame disintegrated once it made contact with water.’
‘The Atlantic space elevator, which began construction late last year, per the request of multiple global economic organizations and the UN, was the main project of the ‘Outwards’ initiative, with the goal of connecting Earth to the rest of the local cluster. The goal and main purpose of the space elevator being cheap, easy and zero-emission transport to and from low-earth orbit.’
‘Multiple highly acclaimed construction companies, responsible for projects such as the reconstruction of Venice, the intercontinental highway and the rehabilitation of multiple major urban centers were placed onto this project; With the goals of procuring adequate blueprints, construction equipment, construction materials and workforce.’
‘According to available reports, all phases of the plan were proceeding accordingly. But the investigation following the incident revealed multiple accounts of high-level corruption, the leading cause of the incident being the allegedly intentional mis-acquisition of materials.’
‘The investigation revealed that, rather than acquire the necessary steel from [Name untranslatable due to legal and branding issues], company which specializes in producing materials for assembling structures in oxygen rich atmospheres like our own, they acquired much cheaper materials from [Name untranslatable due to linguist strike], company which specializes in producing [...]’
‘Multiple high-level executives are facing charges for the crime of corruption and misappropriation of funds. The court date is next month but, due to the rumored disappearance and exodus of those executives to the Paradise Ziggurat, a well known refuge for white-collar criminals, it is assumed that they will miss the trial.’
‘International seize and arrest warrants are being issued [...]’
For a few moments, Mask stares blankly at the article, a feeling of melancholy rising within them, as often happens when one reads the news.
Robin: “I’m done! You said you wanted to chat?”
Mask: “I don’t know, I’m just not feeling it anymo-”
Robin heads towards the door.
Mask: [Deeply ashamed] “Yes! I do, pleasanton’tleaveme.”
Robin: “You are an adult.”
Mask: “...Anyways, don’t you think it’s weird that this building has a gym? And such a large one at that?”
Robin: “We’re in a hotel, hotels have gyms.”
Mask: “And a vr lab? And a music lounge? And an *art gallery*?”
Robin: “I don’t know, wise sage. Riddle me piss instead-”
Mask: “Oh?”
Robin: “Uh… why is the gym… the place where you… are?”
Mask: “Oh, you know, thought I’d explore! You know, the map has some pretty intere-”
Robin: “You’re lying! The mask, the cape, the skin-tight full body suit… I know what you are, you’re an actor.”
Mask: “.............Yes I am-”
Robin: “Not just that, you are… I got it!”
Robin: [Determined] “You’re looking for inspiration! Inspiration to write the script for your next play!” He points at the masked fellow.
Mask: [Shocked] “You…? Uncovered my dastardly scheme! You have now won a wonderful right.”
Robin: “What is it?”
Mask: “The right for me to ask you another question.”
Robin: [Disappointed] “...”
Mask: [Curious] “Why are you working out? I heard that you… uhh… literally walked all the way to the docks.”
Robin: “Yeah, I did.”
Mask: “Aren’t you tired?”
Robin: “I am. But that doesn’t mean I can stop, y’know?”
Mask: “No I’m… not sure I do, honestly? I don’t think it’s healthy to work out so much right after eating as much as you did either-”
Robin: [In pain] “I’m fine.”
Mask: “...So why are you pushing yourself then? You’re still on vacation, you know. Whatever personal goal you have can wait.”
Robin: [Frowning] “N-No, that’s not it. I can’t let myself stop, it’s not safe to.”
Mask: “Not safe?”
Robin: “...One day, you might learn you didn’t protect someone you loved, because you weren’t strong enough. B-bye.” Robin quickly turns and leaves the gym.
Mask: “...Hmm.”
[Switch]
[Location: 8th floor balcony]
[NOW PLAYING ”Moon” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WL5BYyHdFKc ]
Moonlight shines down on the silent balcony, alongside the many stars, those in the sky, and those all around.
Now of all times, the skyline of the surrounding coast separates the sea from the horizon, a barrier of humanity. Below it, all of the world’s hope is reflected on the rocking sea.
Above it, is the dark expanse, illuminated by the moon, Earth’s only friend, and the stars, strangers in the cosmic expanse.
To Ash, they once seemed so much closer, like the caring eyes of loving gods, guiding them through the night. Miraculous beings, seemingly eternal in age, both in the past, and into the future.
Silent giants that stared at the Earth, like an audience watching a play.
A play of magnificent importance, one full of hope, sorrow, love, despair, poverty, richness.
All watched, all remembered.
But recently, when it stares up at the starry sky, it sees themself staring back a thousand times, crying, for reassurance that it will all have meant something.
The wail is only met with a thousand wails.
Even so, in moments like these, one can only pray, whether to a silent, caring god, or a noisy, inattentive world, Ash will see it through.
It gets down on their knees. And as they make contact - they do not feel the cold stone floor, but the warm embrace of satin.
Ash’s hands clasped together, and all at once, it seemed like the whole world had begun to sing.
Even with no sound, it could be heard, how the whole universe cheered them on.
And when Ash opened their eyes once more, the stars shined much closer than before. Like old friends, each one shared a reassurance, some, directly to Ash, but so many of them were for everyone else.
Presumptuous as it may be, Ash, if only for that slight moment, considered them to be its friends.
Their safety was now assured, that was an undeniable fact.
No matter what will happen, and Ash knew something was bound to happen, they will all make it through.
Because they have to.
No matter how many terrifying opportunities had opened up in the last two years, no matter how uncertain the future was, no matter how - they would find joy and peace, again, and again.
They will enjoy their life, and after that, they will remember it, each and every moment. And they will not stop it from marching forward, as infinitely as the cosmos stretches ahead, Ash will bear it. Ash will continue living.
And so, Ash prays to the stars once again.
Ash: “...Oh great stars, infinite as the sky itself… Remember me, forever more, no matter the strife that awaits me in the future…”
And the universe chanted in agreeance.
[Switch]
[Location: Rooftop]
[NOW PLAYING ”Deltarune OST: 31 - Darkness Falls” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snyWVFZBFBM ]
There is really no reason to go to the rooftop. There’s nothing on it. No solar panels, or electrical equipment, nothing. The only reason it’s accessible is because, for some reason, there’s some stairs leading up to it.
Probably a remnant from the past, only kept to be able to access the rooftop in case anything is ever planned with it.
Zac: “A remnant of the past… that’s all the old me is.” He whispers to himself.
Looking up, Zac sees the unfamiliar sky.
It used to mock him.
Those stars, those nebulae, those galaxies, even the other planets of the solar system. All of them were in his sight, none of them were reachable. Their silence mocked hope itself, the idea that one could ever do something as impossible as change their position in space, as leave the planet and ever hope to reach them in one lifetime.
Even the few who became astronauts were limited to such a narrow field, and even getting to any point on that field took months of suffering in hard steel coffins, all the while at risk of falling to the uncontrollable whims of fate.
Things have obviously changed in the past few years, but Zac only really noticed it tonight.
Rays of hope, of connection, swirled around the sky, darting from behind the clouds.
Satellites, spaceships, space stations, inhabited worlds, gigantic megastructures, the dark expanse could now hold it all. There was confirmation of hope, beyond and inside of that dark abyss.
Zac: “I… I’ll take control of my life, I don’t care how hard or annoying it is… or how… angry my parents might get…” He takes a deep breath. “Either way I’ll… I’ll talk to them.”
An imperceptible grin forms on his face. “One day of taking it easy… that’s all it took… fuck, I really don’t want to go back to my classes.”
“But… I don’t have to… and if I do… it will be on my own terms.”
“So, once this is over, no, tomorrow. Tomorrow I will call my par-”
“Dad probably won’t pick up.”
“I’ll call my mom.”
“And I will… have a lot to explain, I guess…”
Zac had begun to run through multiple likely scenarios in his mind, regarding how exactly, and what exactly, he was going to tell his mom.
One difficult aspect was the fact that he himself wasn’t sure of what he wanted, in general. He knew he wanted more control over his life, but how exactly did he want to change that?
The first part of fixing things is figuring out what the source of the problem is.
Well, thanks to his worrying, he did identify one new very big problem.
That is, the fact that he has to call his mom.
Thinking back on it, he realizes he’s not even aware of the last time he talked to her.
Given that, he should most likely keep his bases covered, and explain, well, everything when the signal returns.
Zac: “Hi mom, sorry for not talking for… x amount of days… I’m actually not at Aino because… I am on my internship… so I…”
Zac: [Horrified] “H-Hang on a second…”
Trying to sort out his thoughts, he realizes something about his memories. More exactly, the lack of them.
Why isn’t he at Aino HQ?
He’s on Insula Aurea, he knows that, factually.
But not as a memory.
How did he get here?
He took the bus, where he met and talked with Christopher.
What was he doing before that?
He must have been going towards the bust stop.
From where?
His mind draws a blank. His left hand grabs his right arm, trying to stop himself from shaking.
Zac: “I just… I just need to fill in the blanks… It’s not like I have amnesia… this… this happened before, sometimes I just forget… but I… I can figure it out.”
A headache begins to form.
Next question, why is he at the Golden Island Hotel?
This one is easy, it’s all he’s been thinking about for the past month, it’s because he -
Zac: “AHG!” Reacting to his head seemingly splitting in half in pain, he scratches through his gray jacket, tearing part of his right sleeve.
The answer to all of his worries comes right after, just like all the other times this has happened.
He’s on break from school and his internship, because he won the sweepstakes, just like everyone else on the island.
His parents didn’t agree with it, they still think he’s working on his internship, but that’s fine.
Because it’s fine.
So he doesn’t need to worry about it.
But he knows he will. He always does.
[Switch]
[Location: Rooftop]
[NOW PLAYING ”Deltarune OST: 34 - Friendship” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrpCUeynpu0 ]
Christopher: [Worried] “Zaaaaaac, dude, are you alright? You’re… crying is torn…. shleeve.”
Feeling his shoulder be unexpectedly grabbed, Zac flinches, and falls towards the border. But before he could barrel down towards his death, Chris puts his arm around his waist and pulls him back to safety.
Zac: “Chris…?” Christopher flashes him a surprisingly bright smile, given that the stars above are the only thing illuminating it.
Zac: [Smiling] “Dude… you’re drunk.”
Christopher: [Grinning widely] “*hic* And hungover!” He laughs. “One… one advice from an adult… don’t drink motor oil… no matter how manly the one giving it to you is.”
Zac: [Confused] “I… wasn’t going to?”
Christopher: “...You’re pretty wise.” He snaps his fingers. “Say… do you have a job?”
Zac: “Dude, I’m a student. Employment sucks ass anyways.”
Christopher: “Could have swore you looked like some sort of… techie guy. Whatever, I play professional baseball!” He flexes his right arm.
Zac: [Sarcastic] “Wow! I did not know that! No one did!” He sighs. “Can we go somewhere else? I don’t feel like accidentally falling to my death again.”
Christopher: “Yeah, sure. What were you doing up here, anyways? I’ve been… *hic*, searching for you for a while now.” He asks, as the two walk down the stairs, to the eighth floor balcony.
[Switch]
[Location: 8th floor balcony]
Down on the balcony, above literally everybody else, Zac spotted Ash and Apollo,, standing together near the entrance to the alcove. Although Ash was staring straight at him as he walked down, instead of at its fellow companion.
Ash: [Excited] “Good… morning!”
Apollo: “It’s nine in the evening.”
Ash: “Good… *after* noon!”
Zac: “Hi Ash, hi phone-guy.”
Christopher: “Hiya!” He pukes on the floor.
Ash: “Oh… dear…”
Zac: [Scared] “Chris, are you okay!?” Stepping closer to Chris, Zac takes a look at his face. It’s extremely pale.
Chris: [Queasy] “I’m… fine…” He says while barely staying upright.
Ash: “Take my hand… let’s go sit there.”
After taking Ash’s hand, the two walk inside the alcove.
The alcove amounts to a small terrace which is fully covered by the rest of the building, as such, it is much less of a terrace, and more of a room with one missing wall.
Still, for all other intents and purposes, the word terrace describes it well enough, even if, on the map, that word is used for the area right outside of it. That is because the map was designed by a pretentious, yet lovably awkward employee, who is fated to die.
The alcove contains a couch, a tree seat table, and a small bookcase, filled with books you are very likely to be advertised online, such as: romance books with covers so cutesy they are wrongly placed in the teen section, self-help books that help their readers default on their loans and underground books.
Underground is either a new genre of fiction, or a new movement, which depicts the fantastically varied and unknown worlds which exist on the inside of, but not limited to, the Earth’s crust, mantle, and core. While books depicting such topics have existed for centuries (And arguably for most of history, given the well known depictions of hellish infernos under the earth) this genre has only really taken off in the last two years.
Ash: “So… Christopher… do you… now understand what an alcove is?”
Christopher: [Confused] “I… uh… *hic*... thanks for helping me forget about me puking but… shouldn’t I go to my room or something?”
Ash: “Now now, I will now tell you the plot of my… most hated… Underground book…”
Outside of the alcove, stand Zac and Apollo, awkwardly, without having said any words to each other since the other two left, and instead only making weird grunts, coughs, wheezes and whines in response to each other.
Zac: “Hrhgt hrhgt hhhrffggg.”
Apollo: “*Error noise*”
Zac: “*Uncannily accurate imitation of a windows XP boot-up sequence sound*”
A loud vibrating noise emanates throughout the small area around Zac’s pants.
Apollo: [Curious] “Oh, is the signal back?”
Startled by the normal speech emanating from Apollo’s speakers, Zac tries his best to readjust to the human tongue.
Zac: “No, it’s from a game I have on my phone, Reco Island…” A brief silence ensues, which continues with a less brief silence, which is eventually ended by Zac, realizing that Apollo was waiting for him to continue. “It’s about uh… revitalizing some islands… I guess? Okay, so you basically start the game with a small, almost fully washed out, polluted island, which also has an abandoned town on it and… uh, well, you basically try to… fix them? Their environments and stuff, and economies and help the residents and-”
Apollo: “Sounds interesting! Sucks that it’s a phone game, those usually have lots of micro-transactions.”
Zac: “You’d think, but it doesn’t have any, actually! Well… it does have some DLC but… that’s besides the point. Even if it’s a phone game, it’s not actually free?”
Apollo: “Oh! I should have guessed, free games usually require an internet connection to play, which… we don’t have right now.”
Zac: “Yeah, there’s a lot of games on my phone that I actually can’t play at the moment… which is probably better. A lot of them are time sinks, and they’re not even *fun* time sinks!” He continues rambling, while sporting a wide grin. “Anyways - I really like how in depth it is, I’m basically in control of so many systems, it’s very engaging.”
Apollo: [Happy] “So, are you going to show me what that island looks like?”
Zac: [Excited] “Sure!” He flips his phone towards Apollo.
On his phone is a pixelated mess, vaguely depicting an island with thousands of moving agents and systems, all represented by extremely simplified icons and symbols.
To the side, taking up nearly the entire screen, is a taskbar with nigh unreadable buttons.
Zac: “It’s not much to look at…”
Apollo: “Don’t worry! It’s still cool. Actually, this reminds me of something. Have you ever visited the Virtual Nation of Tuvalu?”
Zac: “Uh… no, I don’t think so? No, I totally didn’t…” He grasps his forehead. “I heard of it, though… I don’t remember where though, on an internship… I think?”
Apollo: “Then do you want to go visit it tomorrow in the… this place has a VR room, right?”
Zac: “Yeah.”
Apollo: [Excited] “So, do you want to visit it tomorrow, when the internet comes back? I think a computer science student like… you, I think, would like to meet another AI.”
Zac: [Inquisitive] “Another… AI?” He shoots Apollo a serious glare, seemingly in the process of realizing something.
Apollo: “Yeah! Elisala is a lot of fun, you'd adore her!”
Zac takes a step back.
Zac: [Wary] “...Apollo… who are you, exactly?”
[NOW PLAYING ”Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney OST - Suspense” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmYPxdQpwpQ ]
Apollo: [Confused] “H-Huh? Did… did I hear you wrong?” His wheelchair moves a few steps back as well. “I am Apollo Valentine, did you… forget my name?”
Zac: “See, that’s the part I don’t believe! The moment you mentioned Elisala, it all clicked.”
Apollo: “I… I don’t get it? Zac, what are you accusing me of?”
Zac: “T-There’s only fourteen artificial intelligences!!! I may not know much about them, but I do know that none of them are named Apollo!”
Apollo: [Angry] “ENOUGH!”
Zac: [Scared] “Uh…”
Apollo: “Zac, this is completely unimportant to you. So just leave me the fuck alone!”
Zac: “I… uh… sorry, I don’t know why I said that… I… sorry… sorry, sorry, sorry, I’m sorry!”
Apollo: [Annoyed] “Eugh.” He looks Zac up and down. “Whatever, let’s just forget this happened. See you tomorrow.”
Zac: “Right, goodnight… sorry.”
[NOW PLAYING ”Nothing”]
After a short while, Ash walks over.
Ash: “I’m… sorry to see things turn out like this, haha. Do not fret… it was no matter…”
Zac: “Glad to see my fuck-up is so funny” He rolls his eyes.
Ash: [Serene] “Such things… happen. Come now, let’s fix that tear in your sleeve.”
Zac: [Surprised] “O-Oh… You noticed?”
Ash: “Come sit with Christopher and I, I’ll fix it, and he might puke on it.”
[Switch]
[Location: Second floor hallway]
[NOW PLAYING ”Buried” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ivfwy4N9I5w ]
Just outside Billy’s room, down the second floor’s hallway, Jessica McAllen was spotted going towards her own room.
Spying on her from the half opened door was Billy Lovelet, readying himself to pounce.
In the next instant, he dashed out of his room, reached his hand forward, and grabbed Jessica’s left arm.
Jessica herself wondered why a small child seemed to grab her arm, and when she turned around, she spotted Billy trying his best to drag her into her room. She reluctantly let him kidnap her.
[Location: Guest room B12]
Once inside, he quickly closed and locked the door.
She would have felt endangered if she wasn’t being kidnapped by what amounted to a small, lost, pathetic child.
Billy: [Pleading] “PleaseHelpME!!” His words came out at unimaginable speeds. “INeedToWriteThisSpeechOtherwiseMyShowWouldGetCancelledButIDon’tKnowIfIt’sGoodEnoughAndIDon’tKnowWhatToDoAnd-”
Jessica waves her hands in front of Billy as if to say “I’ve got it, I’ve got it, just slow down!”
Billy: “S-So… can you please help me with your speech writing skills?”
Jessica wearily readies her notepad.
Jessica: {Did you miss the part where I don’t talk? I can’t exactly say I’m an expert on verbal communication.}
Billy: “No way! Half of writing a speech is writing it down, and you’re an expert on that! S-So… can you tell me what to do?” He bats his eyelashes.
Jessica switches to a deadpan mask.
Billy: “Please! I have no one else to turn to!”
Jessica’s mask switches to pity. This is worse.
Billy: “I-I’ll uh… What if I…”
Jessica looks towards the door… Probably too much trouble, he’s just gonna follow her like a lost puppy at this point.
Jessica: {Fine. I don’t even know what this speech is about though.}
Billy: [Cheerful] “Why… sleep, of course!”
[Determined] “Worry not, mademoiselle, with your strong amore, it will be written!”
Jessica waves her hands again.
Jessica: {Back up, sleep? What do you mean?}
Billy rolls his eyes, as if it was too obvious for him to answer. After a few seconds, he rolls his eyes once more, takes out his phone, and shows Jessica his lockscreen.
On it, instead of a normal person’s normal lockscreen, was a short message: 'The moment has come, get everyone to the reception at fifteen minutes before 10pm, and recite your speech.’
Jessica: [Deadpan] {That does not explain. At all.}
Billy: “It’s simple! Totally evidently super extremely simple! Everyone in my boarding group goes to sleep at ten, and my entire life’s work does *not* go down the drain, leaving me sad and destitute!”
Jessica: {I can see you won’t be explaining what all of this means. I can see that now.}
Billy: “But… it makes as much sense to you as it does to me… I just have to do it… y-you know?” He bats his eyelashes once more, extra cutely.
Jessica: {No. I do not. You aren’t explaining any of this. Not even the stuff you do know. Like, what do you mean, your entire life work down the drain if we don’t sleep at 10???}
Billy blinks repeatedly, in morse code, you could read the message written on his face: ‘crap’.
Billy: [Awkward] “W-W-Well… y-you know… it’s c-con-confidential! I’m not hiding any-thing I am… am I… I AM just like you!!” He points accusatoryly at Jessica.
Jessica: {Look man, you dragged me into here and asked for help. Now I’m asking basic questions and you're treating ME like the asshole? I can just go, I don’t have to stay here.}
Billy: “O-Okay… I’ll spill it all… I will reveal it… the truth… about everything…”
[Melancholic] “Long ago, there was a small boy, who worked at his parents’ coffee shop, there he ended up matchmaking every single classmate from high school. And from that day on, he was known… as the Ultima-”
Jessica sighs.
Billy: “You said you wanted the truth!”
Jessica: {Not your entire life story! Get to the point!}
Billy: [Pensive] “Fine, I will…”
“So, my bosses told me that my show… well they think it sucks, and they are wrong! It’s amazing, and I help a lot of people and everyone appreciates me for what I do.”
“But, they said that if I don’t come here and do what they tell me, they’ll cancel my show, my entire life’s work, all of it, forever, drained down the drain of suffering.”
Jessica: {That’s rough.}
A beat of silence passes.
Jessica: {...So. Speech.}
Billy: “I feel so much better now that I got all of it out, I really don’t like keeping stuff hidden, you know?”
Another beat of silence passes.
Billy: [Surprised] “Oh right! The speech! I completely forgot about that!”
Jessica: {I’m starting to get why your show is getting canceled.}
Billy: [Depressed] “Haters… all of you…”
He then starts reciting a long, drawn out speech, seemingly making it up as he goes. Jessica is left confused, unsure why she’s even there. Perhaps what kept Billy from his goal really was just his need to vent his worries out to someone.
Her mind starts to wander, her gaze wandering around the room. It’s pretty much the same as her own room. It doesn’t look like he’s unpacked that much yet, his suitcases just left in the corner. Still, looking on the nightstand, she notices a copy of “American Psycho” by Bret Easton Ellis… That settled it, she was getting out of here.
Billy: “And that is why we should all rest our weary bones for the evening…”
[Happy] “So, how was that?”
Jessica: {Great! No need for workshopping. Say, that letter, on your phone I mean, said you needed to gather everyone, right?}
Billy: “Yes, it did.”
Jessica: {Great! Your speech is already good. I’ll go gather everyone.}
Billy: “Are you sure? You think it’s good already?”
Jessica: {Of course I do! See you!}
Billy opens his mouth to speak further but Jessica runs off.
Dragging her in *and* owning a copy of “American Psycho”, she knows when the red flags have gone too far.
[Switch]
[Location: Staff room]
[NOW PLAYING ”Roblox 3008 OST - Severe Acrophobia” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaeG1HN9710 ]
Larry takes a deliberate step into the staff room. He had decided far earlier to take a look around here. Why? Well, there wasn’t anyone to stop him from doing it. Maybe he could find something juicy in here, like blackmail. At any rate, he was here now.
He looks over the space, yup, no one in sight.
Really, it was quite odd how the staff had all left on the boat, or at least, all the staff that he knew about. He figured someone might be in here, at which time he could lodge a complaint about dinner but alas, no one in sight. Oh well, back to motive number one.
From a first glance, the room looks like what one would expect, a couple couches, arranged in a deliberately hard to walk through layout, a coffee, energy drink and ‘water’ machine, a mini fridge and multiple filing cabinets, alongside a scheduling board on the wall.
Feeling intrigued by the lackluster wall decoration, Larry takes a few more steps, and starts reading the scheduling board. It seems to have only been filled up to the previous day, mostly detailing the comings in and out of construction and maintenance teams. He also notices a large key ring hanging from the board. The ring contains ten different keys.
He sighs, that’s not good blackmail material.
He starts checking through the filing cabinets next. This is going to take a lot of time…
Quickly after he starts however, he hears some commotion from the reception.
[Switch]
[Location: Reception]
[NOW PLAYING ”Paradise Killer OST: Headlights on the Shore” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_Jfih0DslM ]
Pilling in like pebbles falling out of the shoe of a hiker, everyone follows Jessica (the proverbial hiker) into the reception.
Philip: “So, uh, why did you drag us here?” He asks from the center of the room, leaning slightly on the reception desk.
Jessica, who is standing near him at an appropriately safe distance, shrugs.
Philip: “Riveting. Well, I’d rather not get mugged tonight, I’m going to my room.”
Jessica: {What if you didn’t, though?}
The old man takes a second to think, and realizes that he has nothing more interesting to do with time.
Philip: [Resigned] “Well, if you, Jessica McAllen, insist…”
Aaron: “...Are we… waiting for anyone? If this is anything like a few hours ago, then everyone is already here.”
Zinnia: [Excited] “We’re gonna watch the boat leave again, yeah! Woo hoo! Fuck yeah! Hell yeah! Shit! Fuck! Hell! Dammit! Penis!”
Christopher: [Lethargic] “Yeah… penis… woo!!!!!! Uhg…”
The two high five, almost tripping over Aaron and the potted plant next to him.
Robin: “So, this is just a get-together then?”
Alice: “Seems like it.”
Robin: [Smiling] “Awesome. So, in the past few hours I… ate a big dinner.”
Alice: [Sarcastic] “We know, we saw.”
Robin: “And I also, get this, went to the gym.”
Alice: “We didn’t know, we didn’t saw.”
The two were chatting peacefully near the banana painting, when Mask forcefully inserted themself into the middle of the group, grabbing everyone’s attention.
Mask: [Curious] “Soooo… anyone see anything interesting today? Anything odd, anything *mysterious*?”
Philip: “I went to the basement.”
Mask: “The what. Where is it.”
Philip: “Under us…?”
Mask: “What. What. How do you get there?”
Aaron: “Through the stairwell? We can step outside if you want, it’s not hidden.” He adds.
Mask: “That’s not true, I didn’t see it.”
Apollo: “Well I mean, there’s also another button in the elevator. ‘-1’ is written on it.” He answers, from behind the reception desk.
Mask: “Not true, you are all lying to me.”
Jessica: [There there.]
In the back of the group, overlooking everyone from right next to the entrance, various small numbers are coming out of Billy’s mouth.
From there he can also spot the silent Ash and Zac, who are standing near the exit that leads to the outside and the door that leads to the hallway, respectively.
Zinnia, still drunk, walks over to the over-anxious student.
Billy: “One… two… fourteen… wait no… minus one. Right! Minus one!”
[Crying, laughing] “Of course! Minus one! Why… WHY didn’t I know!”
Zinnia: “Matey…?”
It is at that moment when the door to the staff room opens, and an individual walks in.
Billy: [Happy] “Oh, there he was! Okay, so that’s everyone.”
Avalon: “Should we leave then?” She asks, while rapidly moving her eyes between Billy, her phone, and her immediate neighbor, Ash.
Billy: “Ayup! Your graceful teacher… allows you.”
Everyone turns to leave just as Billy remembers that he did, in fact, actually have a reason to call everyone here.
Billy: [Wary] “W-Wait! Everyone, since you are all here… I have… something I must tell you…” With his eyes tearing up, he reaches for the group with his right hand.
Jessica: {Is something wrong?}
Billy: “I… I… am…”
Alice: [Supportive] “You can do it Billy! We believe in you, say your truth… for your pride~!”
Billy: “Iamthinkingthatweshouldgotosleeplikerightnow!”
Alice: “Wait - huh?”
Billy: [Determined] “The ever darkening sky looms above us, haunting our every step. But we must not give up - we must persevere - we must gather our energy!” Posing like a mediocre B star, he roars to the crowd (thirteen people).
Billy: “Our bodies, weary like the flimsy texture of an overpriced T-Shirt, our minds, destroyed beyond repair by the lack of internet access… we cannot go on! We must not go on!”
Billy: “Which is why, hidden in our bedenned chambers, with their softened mattresses and fitteted sheets, lays the key to our salvation.”
Billy: “Have no fear, for I shall guide you tonight, as soon as possible, to the one place we should gooooooooooooooooo!”
Aaron : [Pained] “You have failed my class.”
Billy: “What…? But I’m not in college…”
Aaron: “I do not care, I will personally enroll you, then fail you. Good night.” The old man turns to leave, and then the lights go out.
Mask: [Shocked] “What the flippity flip?!”
Avalon: “...If anyone dies, I hope it’s going to be me.”
Robin: “No one is going to die! I’ll find the lightswitch.”
Zinnia: “...Am I the only one who can see the center of the room because of Apollo’s screen?”
Apollo: “I can turn up my brightness if you’d like…” He adds, illuminating the center of the room.
Ash: “No need… they are just… dumb… puhuhuhu.” It adds.
Larry: [Annoyed] “OW! Did someone step on my foot?!” He yells in pain from behind the reception.
Apollo: “H-huh? But I haven’t moved at all.”
Before either could move, a light appeared on the only wall without a door on it, capturing the attention of everyone currently in the room.
[NOW PLAYING ”Fishy aroma” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENL0nPskSao ]
After the perplexing presentation, the only thing anyone in the relit room does is stare at each other, not in bewilderment or surprise, but in confusion.
Robin: “...Are we going to play that?”
Alice: “Wow, just skipping straight past everything else.” She rolls her eyes.
Robin: “Skipping past what???”
Alice: “Like the fact that this weird presentation just played out of nowhere?? Like what even is this??”
Jessica: {It’s the catch.} She answers by shoving the seemingly pre-written paper into Alice’s face.
Alice: [Confused] “The what…?” She answers back, a sheet of paper covering her mouth.
Jessica: {The reason we can stay here for free.}
Robin: “...We’re all here cuz of the sweepstakes, right?”
Jessica: {Would you let fifty people stay at your hotel for free?}
Robin: “I have a hotel now?”
Jessica: {Yes, your name is now Barry Barrows, a forty year old divorced hotel owner. You must bring the hotel back to its former glory, but you are struggling with funds and also the ghosts around. Also you are in a situationship with your rival hotel owner, Rivalio Hotelonio.}
Robin: “No, NO, NOT RIVALIO HOTELINO. I HATE THAT GUY!!!”
Jessica: {Rivalio Hohohotoliono has set your hotel on fire. How do you counter?}
Robin: “I… make out with him, as the embers of my life’s work fall around me, and then… I grab a knife shaped rock… and bludgeon him.”
The rest of the group silently stare at Jessica and Robin roleplaying.
Alice: “Anyways, so uh… UHH… I forgot what we were talking about.”
Christopher: “Probably wasn’t important.”
Alice: “Hey, uh, who turned on the lights?”
Zinnia: [Excited] “That was! *Hic* Mi.”
Zac: “Oh so… you turned them off?”
Zinnia: “Probably, they were kinda bright.”
Zac: “Oh, okay.” Then, as if Zac is about to have a brain blast, he turns towards Jessica.
“Wait, Jessica, is this presentation the reason you called us-” Before he can finish saying his mistaken question, the silent actor interrupts him.
Mask: [Accusatory] “How *dare* you wrongly ACCUSE someone innocent!?!?!?!?” Says Mask, who has been eerily standing in silence since the presentation began.
“But alas!”
[Kind] “I see that everyone here is begging me, yelling at me from afar and from up close-”
Avalon: “None of us are saying anything.”
Mask: “Sending me death threats, urging me to share my knowledge… I see, yes, I see.” They spread out their arms, both pushing everyone away and gathering everyone around them.
“I will answer this mystery, the solution none of you have chosen to give.”
“Everyone, get ready for Mask’s Reasoning SPECTACULAR!!” They point towards the starry sky, that is to say, the plain ceiling.
Jessica: {Sorry, Mask gets like this whenever they go to a new place.}
[NOW PLAYING ”The great detective knows” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE7Qvi2V-8o ]
In order to solve a mystery, you must first identify it. So, in this case, we must ask ourselves what exactly we want to find out.
I, Mask, have identified three key mysteries. The first mystery is that of Insula Aurea, its nature, the reason we were brought here, and the organization behind it. The second mystery is of the individual or individuals in our midst, who work for that organization. And the third final, and most interesting, mystery, is of the motive of the aforementioned individuals.
Now we, and by that I mean I, have identified the pillars on which we, I mean I, will base the, I mean, the solution to this puzzle-
[NOW PLAYING nothing]
Alice: [Annoyed] “Get to the fucking point!”
Robin: “Yeah! You’re wasting our Friday night!”
Alice: “It’s Saturday.”
Robin: “You’re wasting our Saturday on Friday night!”
Mask: “I’m getting there! You can’t rush the detective!”
Robin: [Angry] “Yeah we can.” He growls.
Alice: “And who said you’re a detective!?” She adds.
[NOW PLAYING ”The great detective knows” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE7Qvi2V-8o ]
To SURMISE, thanks to a sweepstakes, everyone here, bar the old guy, won a ticket to a free stay on this island, Insula Aurea. This morning, everyone in this room arrived at a dock in the nearby bay, which we can see outside. From there, we took a boat to this island - it was during that boatride, that we all became acquainted with each other.
But, there was one other person on that boat, someone who isn’t with us anymore. I am talking about Frederica, the hotel assistant, she helped each of us check in once we arrived at the island.
She also gave us these nifty bracelets.
I should also mention Apollo, who seemed to get some special treatment due to his square shaped body, but that’s probably irrelevant lmao.
Oh right, Frederica left a couple hours ago with the boat, along with most of the other staff. That’s going to be relevant later, so please do. Remember. That.
Okay I see everyone staring at me with ill-intentions behind their eyes, so later, is now, now.
[NOW PLAYING ”Dread of the grave -More fear-” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqrTHd49aJ0 ]
With a jump, Mask swirls into the air, like a ceiling fan, the low quality kind that one often sees in waiting areas in odd administrative buildings. Then, falling to the floor with a graceful thud, they stumble back up to their feet and point at one specific individual.
Everyone else in the room turns to look at Mask.
Mask: “The one who has avoided discovery all day, the individual working for the company hosting us all, the accomplice, is none other than YOU-”
“Billy Lovelet, the matchmaker!!!”
The only one shocked by this proclamation, the accused, takes a step back. His eyes arch upwards and his lips curl into an innocent smile, as if to say ‘I’m innocent, what do you meeaaaaaaaannn?’
Billy: [Scared] “I’m innocent, what do you meeaaaaaaaannn?”
Mask: “Everyone!” They clap their hands. “Billy Lovelet over here, the TV personality has a very special job. That is, to keep an eye on us, and to make sure that everything goes as planned in the coming days.”
Billy: “Well, I, well, I, well, no… I mean. No, I haven’t done and won’t do, anything, like. That.”
Jessica shakes her head disapprovingly.
Mask: “Everything Billy has done so far has been at the behest of his superiors, namely, likely and probabilistically, Frederica.” They explain. “The reason for that, you may ask, is simple. As we have now just seen, we are to play a game, a *social* deduction game.”
“So, Billy has been trying to keep us, those of our boarding group, both civil and friendly enough to participate in this game.”
“And his earlier speech was the culmination of his efforts. Yes, as we all saw in the rules, we are all required to be in a “valid room” at 10 PM tonight.”
Billy breaks out into a sweat.
“And what was his oh so convincing speech about? That’s right! All of us going to bed as soon as possible, before say, 10 PM!”
“But you might be asking now, ‘Mask, what are his motives?’”
Alice chimes in, “None of us have said a damn thing.”
Mask continues undeterred, “And to you all, I shall answer!”
“I had been interested in the truth of this place since I came here! It couldn’t be as simple as a free trip.”
“Of course, the natural course of action was to check everywhere, including the complimentary reading in the gym!”
Jessica: {You work out?????}
Mask (probably) looked very sad at that comment. We’ll never know. ‘Cause Mask.
“As I perused the provided reading material of tabloid slop, I noticed a very interesting article!”
With a flourish of their cape, they produce a magazine.
“‘Imperi on It’s Way Out!?!’ the title read! I knew I had to know more.”
Alice mumbles something about any idiot knowing Imperi sucks now.
“As it turned out, many shows by the Imperi brand have been getting worse and worse! How terrible it must be for the show runners! As it happens, a particular show was highlighted in the article.”
“Yes, that’s right, the show of our very own Billy Lovelet!”
Billy: “H-How can you believe that article! I-It’s just a tabloid! M-M-My show is doing perfectly well!”
Alice: “Fucking as if! I swear, every season has just gotten worse and worse! I wouldn’t even watch it as a 4th screen show.”
“As our resident reality TV enjoyer can attest, Billy’s show is on a decline, as is Imperi as a whole. His motive is as follows, through this hotel sweepstakes, we are to take part in a social deduction game that will become a TV show. That show will boost Imperi’s ratings *and* give poor old Billy a new job! We know he can’t keep running that show forever, and so do his bosses. Relegated to a game moderator, truly saddening.”
Mask takes a bow. “And so, what do you have to say for yourself, Billy!!!”
[NOW PLAYING ”Voiceless” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xkun-83JvF8 ]
The accused in question grabs his neck with his hands and begins to bawl.
Billy: [Crying] “I… I admit it! I’m… I’m nothing but a filthy liar!” He, to everyone’s surprise, announces. “I used Jessica I… I used all of you!”
Zinnia: [Anxious] “S-So… everything Mask said is true?”
Billy: [Frowning] “No, they got a lot of details wrong. But they got the general idea.”
Mask: “Well! I did my best!”
Avalon: “So they proved nothing new? Everyone here could at least realize that you worked for the hotel.”
Billy: [Surprised] “W-What…? Really?”
Mask: “No, no! Avalon you… are just too smart! But everyone else…”
Jessica: {Yeah, I’m gonna be honest. I’m pretty sure everyone here could figure that out. I didn’t remember all of that stuff really but Billy is obviously suspicious.}
Ash: “I do… apologize for asking… but, what was that about using… Jessica?”
Jessica: {I can explain that. I wouldn’t call it using but he did drag me around asking for speech advice.}
[Annoyed] {Not sure how much using was had but it was an annoying hour.}
Ash: “I see… that was very nice of you, Jessica… helping the poor man.”
Jessica: {It was the least I could after he decided to ask me, the mute person, for help with speaking.}
Zac: [Surprised] “Wait a second, I almost forgot – due to Mask’s long, drawn out, boring, evident, and shitty speech but – the presentation!” He speaks up.
[Curious] “Billy, can you uh… tell us what’s up with that?”
Billy looks up at everyone in a bit of surprise. He quickly recomposes himself and speaks.
Billy: “Honestly, I don’t really know anything about it. I just know I was supposed to get everyone in bed before 10 PM. With those rules, I get why now at least.”
Zinnia: “Well…” She takes a look at her own right hand, then at everyone else's. “We’re all wearing the exact same bracelet as in that presentation, right? So we’re all players?”
Billy: “I can confirm that much. Everyone has these bracelets for whatever is happening. Well, and for keys. They didn’t say much else besides that.”
Zinnia: “Then…”
[Excited] “Crew! I say we play the game! It seems fun!” She bows.
Billy: “That was an amazing speech, Zinnia, thank you.”
Zinnia: [Smiling] “Thank you, thank you.” A few other people in the room clap.
Aaron: “Now that all that noise is out of the way, I’m off to bed.”
Zac: [Tired] “Agreed…”
Slowly, the others begin to disperse, heading up the elevator to their rooms.
Mask: [Pensive] “...No one liked my theory…”
Jessica: {This isn’t a mystery novel, Mask, I’m surprised everyone even let you finish the speech at all.}
Mask: “But, but… Wasn’t everyone curious about Billy and… and the weird stuff???”
Jessica: {The people who have noticed the weirdness might care, but I doubt everyone does. I know I don’t.}
Mask: [Surprised] “You don’t!?!”
Jessica: [Confused] {Yeah, of course I don’t. Like I said before, I couldn’t really care less about whatever the sweepstakes are actually for. I’m just happy I can spend some time off with you. I don’t need to know what Billy’s got going on or what’s with the game. This is enough.}
Mask: “Jessica…” If one paid attention, they could almost see tears forming under Mask’s eyes.
Jessica: {Alright you big baby, let’s get moving.}
Jessica lifts them up, and the two of them return to their rooms for the night.
[Switch]
[Location: Guest room B11]
[NOW PLAYING ”Fireflies on the Porch” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOQduQqQoXM ]
Jessica returns to her room, her door automatically locking behind her, and then plops down on her bed. Deciding to lie there for a while.
“Today was tiring,” She thinks to herself. “Still, it was fun meeting everyone.”
She sighs, “Even if I didn’t like some of them, they should be fun to talk with for the rest of the trip.”
She removes her mask, and places it on the nightstand. Soon enough, however, her bracelet makes a beeping sound.
“What could that be?” She looks at the display on the bracelet.
GUEST.
“Oh, that must be my role. That’s a little boring, I was kinda hoping to be an infiltrator, I could sneak up and kill Mask in the night! Hehe, wouldn’t that have been fun.”
Jessica tries to get back up, to get ready for the night, but an odd feeling of tiredness takes a hold of her. The most she can do before she falls asleep is cover herself with her blankets.
And then everything goes dark.
[NOW PLAYING “World of probability - Gnosia OST“ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGPV-s4T0gw ]
Roles
481516234269 - Guest
914119291521 - Indebted Guest
901088133626 - Intruder
564042316583 - Infiltrator
729405836184 - Guest
262025202526 - Guest
313472414255 - Security
924783593011 - Guest
292940312761 - Room-Service
814826132313 - Infiltrator
673571713726 - Guest
242156079900 - Guest
200127042031 - Guest
057376927397 - Infiltrator
Votes
Please only vote on one of the questions.
[Q1] What will Jessica do?
- Whatever she can.
“Hiiiiiiiii”
“I feel like an unfortunate pattern is forming.”
“I wonder what that is HAHAHAHAHA.”
“Anyways! This truly is the part where IatGIH actually starts.”
“Frfr”
“Hope you enjoyed day 0!”
“There’s going to be many many more days of playful fun ahead!”
“As always, thanks for reading.” - Hano
“I have decided on a release schedule. I call it ‘when it’s done’.”
“It’s revolutionary and will change the world. Stay tuned for 7 months from now for more details.”
“So anyways, I hope you had fun with this chapter, I had fun writing it.”
“DAY 0 is over finally, which means that the actual game can start.”
“So, I hope you enjoy the real meat of this.”
“As always, thank you for reading.” -Jinx
“Click here to choose what your characters will do in the next chapter!”
Notes:
"Hm. An interesting turn."
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