❧ 009 ❧ Audio

[dominateartimus]

[Having died again, Sandrath was without his memories once more. He didn't understand why he felt so strange and sick in his current body. Unlike the previous time, he did not flee from his room. He was distracted by the candle that was lit in his room and the endless darkness that surrounded him.

Some time later, he found his journal and flipped through its pages. Most things that were mentioned went over his head, but understood that this was some way of communication.

With some hesitation, he activated the book to broadcast. As he spoke, he sounded nothing like his usual confident self.]

H-Hello? Is... this some kind of... test?

Comments

[abstinentzombie]

[...lmao what]

The fuck is wrong with you?

[dominateartimus]

I do not understand what you mean.

[abstinentzombie]

[...]

Did you die?

[dominateartimus]

No. That... would not be possible.

[Yes.]

[abstinentzombie]

[Yeah.

Okay.

Wtf, seriously.

This is against her better judgement.]

Alright, I'm coming over there. Don't fucking move until I knock.

[Which is like, ten seconds later.]

[dominateartimus]

Are... you another who is taking this test?

[It was the only conclusion he could come to, but his question was not answered by the time Kloe stopped by.

He moved to the door and it took him a moment to work the doorknob. He blinked at Kloe with his blue eyes.]

[abstinentzombie]

[Welp, that's kind of weird. Random blue eyes. Oh well.

Kloe shoves her way in past him, carrying a lit candle.]

Close the damn door.

[dominateartimus]

[He promptly closed the door and turned to face Kloe. He was studying her and after a moment of silent, he spoke.]

You did not answer my question.

[abstinentzombie]

What question?

[dominateartimus]

[He shifted his weight with some discomfort before asking his question again.]

If... you are part of the test.

[abstinentzombie]

There is no 'test'. You've been here for months. You just don't remember because you're stupid and got yourself killed.

[dominateartimus]

That is impossible.

[He shook his head and took a step back.]

They would not send me out without training. I'm not who you think I am!

[abstinentzombie]

Uh, yeah, you are. You're Sandrath and I don't know why I'm wasting my time.

[dominateartimus]

[He froze at the mention of his name. His mind raced for answers of how this woman knew him, but came up with nothing. Was she telling him the truth?]

How do you know my name?

[abstinentzombie]

Because you told me it. You don't remember because you died. You memories will start coming back in a few days.

[dominateartimus]

[He fell silent, unable to find words to question her statement. Instead he sat down on his bed and stared at his hands. Receiving nothing from above.

A few moments later, he looked up at Kloe with a sad expression.]

Was I tricked in to coming here?

[abstinentzombie]

No, you were just dragged here in the middle of the night like everyone else.

[dominateartimus]

By whom?

[abstinentzombie]

The guy in charge here. Deior or something.

[dominateartimus]

Perhaps I should have a word with him.

[He starts to move to his feet and grab his candle.]

[abstinentzombie]

[Kloe grabs his shoulder and tugs him back.]

No, you're staying here.

[dominateartimus]

[He nearly fumbles with the candle but catches it. He might have singed a bit of skin with that.]

Because of the darkness outside?

[abstinentzombie]

Yeah. The darkness. You'll probably die again.

[She grabs his arm, too.]

Did you burn yourself?

[dominateartimus]

[He eyes his door before turning his attention back to Kloe.]

With this light? It... was not the first time.

[angha-firebird.livejournal.com]

[Video]

...

.......

San?

What do you mean, a test? Are you well? You are by some source of light, yes?

[There is worry in Aara's expression. Light fear in her eyes, but now her gaze burns with worry for her friend, and unanswered questions.]

[dominateartimus]

[This woman knew him, but how? He never saw her before.]

Y-Yes... I am... fine and by... some 'light'.

[He pauses for a moment. Contemplating that the darkness around him and the cut-off from above wasn't a part of a text.]

This... darkness. Is it a part of a test?

[angha-firebird.livejournal.com]

[That... didn't sound too reassuring. Aara tries to remember if she ever heard San stumble over his words before, and can't think of one instance. She frowns with added worry and uses a cautious, gentle tone when she speaks.]

You are certain?

[She certainly seems doubtful, though she doesn't want to worry him with her tone.]

Please stay by light--or fire--until the darkness lifts. Bad things will happen, otherwise. I think people have... disappeared.

What do you mean, a test? It is not something anyone here should expect. It will be over soon, but...

Sandrath. Would it be better perhaps if you had company?

[She doesn't like this feeling of unease. She doesn't like feeling Sandrath seemingly vulnerable and alone. He sounded... off.]

[dominateartimus]

Yes, I am... certain.

[There was a hint of hesitation with his word. He falls quiet at the mention of people disappearing, but just as he musters the courage to ask about it, he is distracted by her next question.]

...This is not part of an excerise by those in above?

[He falls quiet again, trying to think of some sort of explaination to his situation, despite what Kloe has tried to drill in to his head. Aara's question about having company causes him to glance to his current room-mate.]

It... appears I all ready have company, against my... several attempts of saying that I would be fine.

[angha-firebird.livejournal.com]

By those above?

[She pauses--but then it all clicks into place and she gives a soft sigh.]

I do not see how it can be. This is not what you would expect, Sandrath. It is something else entirely. This place is... something else entirely, let alone the odd occurrences that come with it.

[Suddenly Aara realizes why this feels so wrong to her. He is asking questions as if he has no memories of this place. Her heart plummets.]

San--oh. You have company, then? Someone you trust?

[dominateartimus]

[He remains quiet for a moment, processing several thoughts before speaking.]

I heard the same thing from the woman... staying with me at the moment. I do not know her.

[For now.]

[angha-firebird.livejournal.com]

Then... be careful, San. This place... can turn on you.

I am sure you have friends here, though. At a time like this, it is best to have at lease one friend at your side.

[Worried Aara is worried.]

[dominateartimus]

I... am not sure about that, but thank you for the information.