see right through your beautiful lies ( semi-open )

[dolosa]

[ When you awaken, you're in what seems to be an abandoned warehouse; it looks like the place hasn't been used for its original intent in ages, though the smell of copper permeates the area. The carcasses of corpses lie around here and there - some dismembered, some completely intact - along with creepy, oversized masks of rabbits.

The warehouse itself isn't that big -- there's two floors, and many doors. However, each door is locked, and the only way through is to find a key.

However, you're not alone. There's a girl who seems to be panicking nervously, fiddling with her skirt anxiously as she sits on her wheelchair, glancing every now and again at you, not all that certain as what to do. At least, that's before you awaken, which is when she gasps in sheer surprise. ]

You're-- you're finally awake.

Comments

[courageousbonds]

B-But Rei...

[ What is this girl going to do? She tranquilized Pikachu, so that doesn't give off any good vibes. The bandage around her neck is unsettling, and he doesn't understand what she meant by what she said to Rei. But it doesn't negate the time that he had spent with Rei, either. ]

I don't want you getting hurt either. There's gotta be another way.

[bystandering]

You didn't tell him? I guess it shouldn't be surprising...you're the kind of person who wants to make a heroic impression.

[She walks around Rei once before stopping behind her wheelchair. Hooking the gun to her belt, she places her hands on the wheelchair handles and pushes it out to the center of the room before tipping it forward.]

[dolosa]

That's not...

[ But then she screams in surprise as the wheelchair is tipped forward, causing her to fall on her face, unable to move. She won't stand, instead just laying down as she uses her hands to push herself up slightly. ]

[courageousbonds]

Tell me what?

[ The words slip out without him really thinking on them. Though he doesn't dwell on it long as the moment he hears Rei's scream in surprise he forgets he even asked to begin with. ]

REI!

[ He moves a little, tempted to rush over to help Rei. The only thing stopping him from being outright reckless was the unconscious Pikachu in his arms. ]

[bystandering]

I don't suggest you get any closer.

[It takes her a few steps to stand over Rei, placing foot on the back of her head. She's wearing heavy boots.]

Admit what you've lied about. You think you can fool me?!

[dolosa]

S-- stop...! I don't know what you're talking about!

[ It hurts, it definitely hurts. She can feel her eyes wet with tears as she writhes in pain. ]

[courageousbonds]

[ He stops moving as he gets the threat, at least towards the other two. He's shaking, not sure what he can do to help, but he doesn't want to just let this happen.

Which is why he also can't seem to turn away from it, either. ]

You're hurting her! Stop it!

[bystandering]

And how many did she hurt?!

[She glowers down at her. She releases the pressure on Rei a little but not visibly. Only so she could have more mobility.]

You were the star of that hypnotism show, right? How many people did you trick so you could go laughing to the bank?!

[dolosa]

[ This. This reels her back, causes her to cringe slightly in fear - true fear - for once as she looks up at Mitsuki, yelling in clear frustration. She's definitely upset. ]

I didn't trick anybody...! I don't care about the money!

[courageousbonds]

[ Ash flinched a little from Mitsuki's retort, but he doesn't move or say anymore. He wants to. Want to help Rei, but he can't move, and nothing he says seems to be working.

And... what can he even say here? The only thing he'll be able to do is plead, which is what he nearly does. Except his voice seems to be stuck in his throat. ]

[bystandering]

Prove it, then!

[She does move her foot, only to slam it down in the middle of Rei's back.]

Prove you're not a liar!

[dolosa]

[ There's another scream from Rei, clearly in pain and agony; it hurts, she's in pain, she wants it to stop.. ]

H-- how can I prove it to you?

[courageousbonds]

Rei!

[ It barely comes out, and he nearly goes to rush to her side. That is, if he hadn't gotten to the point where he feels frozen in place unable to do anything.

Because there isn't anything he can do, is there. Just watch this horror as it unravels. ]

Let... let her be.

[ Small just like the words he said before, but could still be heard. ]

[bystandering]

You can't do it now, can you? Your hypnotism trick...

[Her harsh laugh echoes throughout the room.]

If she can do it, she'll save herself. If she can't, well. No one should be sad.

[dolosa]

I-- [ There's a hesitant pause, before: ] I can't do it if you're on me like that!

[courageousbonds]

[ Ash was about to say something in retort until he stops and listens to Rei instead.

So she can hypnotize? Well, the other girl said she was one some show or something like that. But... what he doesn't get is how it all connects. Not really, anyways, if at all.

He swallows; he's had a bad feeling about all of this and it's just getting any better. In fact it's only been getting worse the longer it goes on. ]

[bystandering]

Fine. [She steps off Rei but doesn't help her up.] This is your only chance.

[dolosa]

Um... you don't mind if Ash helps me onto my chair first, do you?

[ She's still on the ground, after all. She has no plans on getting up. ]

[courageousbonds]

[ When he hears his name he finally moves again. He doesn't start moving over to the other two. Not yet. Until he gets an okay he's just standing up, having been on his knees this whole time cradling Pikachu.

And despite the pit in his stomach he hopes that, with this, things start looking up and making even work out. Maybe this is the other way? ]

[bystandering]

Fine. Go ahead. [She steps away, laying a hand on the tranquilizer gun again as a clear warning.]

[dolosa]

[ She takes a glance at Ash, nodding silently in response. She doesn't have any qualms about having him assist her, or otherwise. It's fine, after all... ]

I'm really sorry about this, Ash.

[courageousbonds]

[ With the nod of approval seen Ash makes his way over to the other way. Once he's there he shakes his head a little and, despite all of this, still manages to give Rei a small smile. ]

Let's get ya into your chair.

[ He brings the wheelchair closer before putting Pikachu down right next to it where he can easily scoop his partner up after he's done help Rei. Then, to the best of his ability, he'll help Rei into her wheelchair. ]

[bystandering]

You have only one chance.

[She touches the gun again. Waiting. She's not expecting much. A failure, probably, then she'll finish what she started.]

I don't think I have to explain what will happen if you fail.

[dolosa]

[ Deep breaths. ]

When... I snap my fingers, you'll fall asleep. [ And so she does. It's probably not going to work. ]

[courageousbonds]

[ Ash scoops Pikachu up again and takes a small step back. He finds himself also taking a deep breath and hoping that it works but... ]