eight-means-infinity

[eight-means-infinity]

even if it kills me

[eight-means-infinity]

ooc: Those next couple of posts are going to be a summary of the roleplay that's happening right now in discord.

Well, I dunno, you've been here longer than I have! Kinda assume you'd know a thing or two 'bout the guys and their behaviors.

[Star refrains from pointing out Eight's contridiction and readjust their mask]

Don't look at the drones... okay, I can do that. But what if they look at me? I know I should've gotten a suit, but those are expensive, and this was last minute, ya know? Will... will the mask be enough?

[They paused hesitanly.]

Maybe they'll just assume I just tried on some of the old costumes? I mean, this jacket... was one of Charlie's. From the, uh... from the Dating Show.

[The nagging voice of Eight rang back in response, as unhappy as usual.]

Yeah, no, drones don't just "try on old costumes", also why the hell do you wear a jacket from a show in the first place? From *that* show in particular??

[They didn't truly care about the damned jacket, it was just another way to insult Star, to try and provoke them. What Eight did know is that Star held the item of clothing close, for whatever silly reason. That's all that mattered.]

[Star is quick to reply to the rethoric question.]

I uh, got it from a magic basket one of the anons gave me. Said it'd give me whatever I needed in the moment and... it gave me this. This was... back when I first figured out Charlie's my brother so...

I don't think I've even touched that basket since. Kinda freaked me out that it just... Was able to give me this. Anons are already weird enough, I do not need that kind of power for myself, ya know?

[They tug at the sleeves of the varsity jacket and take a deep breath]

We're getting off topic. Are there... I dunno, any suits lying around if the mask isn't enough?

No, the suits that drones wear appear out of thin air with the power of magical ponies and friendship.

[Eight's voice was as flat as they could possibly make it.]

..Yeah. You should be passing by one of the rooms which stores them soon enough. So just.. keep going or whatever. That drone left already.

Hardy-Har-Har, okay, I'm going.

[With a shake of their head, and a quick scan of the hall, Star comes out of the closet, carefully making their way down the hall]

Just let me know where.

[Guided by Eight, Star managed to find the costuming room and steal a suit from there. After a couple more corridors and rooms, the ex-actor was finally in the big, open space right before Seki's room.]

Alright the space is fairly clear, just don't be stupid. Although I doubt you can do that. But try your best anyways.

[There's a smug tone to Eight's voice.]

[Star rolls their eyes in response.]

Hilarious, if you ever get out of here you'd do wonders in stand-up.

[They tug the front of their suit and take a deep breath. They never really thought about what they'd actually say to their... to the Security. Then again, they didn't really think much at all getting into this, so what else is new?]

Alright... Let's do this.

[Star can hear the soundtrack of mission impossible playing through the earpiece and snorts.]

Thanks, Eight Ball.

[Star just so happenned to pass the open space at a good time. There's only one drone and he glances at them suspiciously but does not take any action. They reach the room safely.]

(The sound of someone approaching the gates echoes through the Security's cage. It doesn't go unnoticed, but it's ignored)

... SOMEONE IS HERE.

... It's probably just Poppy from before.

ISN'T SHE YOUR FRIEND? DON'T YOU WANT TO SEE HER?

... not really.

... YOU CANNOT AVOID THE OTHERS FOREVER. YOU ARE THE SECURITY OF SHOWFALL MEDIA.

Yeah, well, I never fuckin' asked for this, did I?

WHETHER YOU WANTED THIS OR NOT, THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO NOW BUT OBE-

[Star peeks inside of the room.]

Um... Hello? Security? Or... Seki? Are you, uh... in there?

(The beast is silent. The beast is deathly still)

... SOMEONE NEW.

Yeah, I got that.

[Eight stays mostly silent, glancing at their camera. They somewhat expect for Soul to show up, if not on the camera then somewhere else. They hope it won't. Not yet.]

[Eight turns their mic off.]

No harm in letting them have this.

Um... I'm gonna. Come in now. Just letting you know... Sir? God, I'm fucking this up already

[Carefully, Star opens the gate and steps inside]

(In the corner of his enclosure, SecuriTV's screen stares)

INTRUDER.

... It's just another drone. Calm down.

THE "DRONE" SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO COME IN HERE.

Maybe it's... subbing for the janitor?

... THAT IS-

Stupid, I know, just shut up and let the kid talk. It already looks scared half-shitless

...

(It clears its throat – or rather, its voicebox)

.... . .-.. .-.. .-.-.- / .... . .-.. .-.. --- .-.-.-

(HELL. HELLO.)

[Star jumps, not expecting the sound coming from the wired monster. In the corner, all hunched up, it looks pitiful. Hard to imagine... this thing killed their friends, their family, multiple times]

Um... hi? Sorry, I dunno if you um... were saying anything there. Sounds like Morse Code, but I... don't know it.

[They stay close to the exit as they look around]

Um... nice place you've got here?

[Immediately they wince, although it's hidden behind the mask. They rub their face under the mask]

Shit, this is... sorry, I just... never really expected this to uh... happen

(SecuriTV's head tilts slightly)

THIS "DRONE" IS ACTING STRANGE.

Yeah, well, most of the drones have been acting strange.

BUT NEVER LIKE THIS.

Just let the kid talk, god damn it.

... YOU ARE UPSET. WHY ARE YOU UPSET?

None of your god damn business.

(The inner conflict goes unshown as his voice rumbles)

.. / - .... .. -. -.- .-.-.- / -.-- --- ..- / .- .-. . / -.. --- .. -. --. .-.-.- / .--- ..- ... - / ..-. .. -. . .-.-.- / .- .-.. .-.. / - .... .. -. --. ... / -.-. --- -. ... .. -.. . .-. . -.. .-.-.-

(I THINK. YOU ARE DOING. JUST FINE. ALL THINGS CONSIDERED.)

[After a couple of seconds, Eight's mic turns back on. It's awfully convenient, having direct access to the internet from your mind.]

He says that he thinks you're doing just fine all things considered.

[They do debate about making a remark on how after all these years Star doesn't even know what to say to their dad, but decide to keep their mouth shut. Not the time.]

[Star hums]

Well, uh... thank you? Shit, I uh... don't know what to say, honestly... I've thought about this moment for a while. Just what I'd say when I meet you and now... I dunno, nothing's coming up...

[They fidget with the suit sleeves. It's a different texture and feeling from what they're used to, but it works just the same]

I don't even know if you... if you even remember me – if you remember anything from before... this.

[They gesture around at the room, settling at Seki itself]

... before they turned you into this.

[Against their better judgement, they sit down against the wall. Father and child, in the same room yet so far apart]

I don't even really know why I came here. It was uh... it was my birthday recently... I think, time's gotten kinda weird here. My phone still says February, though... so I'm going off of that.

Anyways, it was my birthday and... I dunno, I just thought... I wanted to spend it with you... maybe talk to you... though I guess that'll be... difficult with the whole, heh, language barrier, I guess. But I've got a handy translator to make fun of me... so shouldn't be too hard...

(It takes a moment for the words to sink in. The implications of what this... "Drone" is saying)

.-.-.- .-.-.- .-.-.- / .- ... - . .-. ..--..

(... ASTER?)

(The implications frighten him.)

[This one isn't too hard to decode, they didn't even need the online translator. But as soon as Eight realises what was just said, they freeze.]

I don't know what you were getting at but you are. So fucked. He just called you by your name.

"Aster?"

[The name sits wrong in their mouth.]

He clearly remembers.

[Star sits up stalk straight at that]

You- holy shit, you remember? I- uh

[They're tense, clearly not really expecting this, vaguely moving their hands, very unsure as to what to do or say next before landing on...]

... Hi Papa?

1/?

[A bit after the image of the map, another message appears: "The earpiece is in the unlocked box with the fire extinguisher."]

[The exit that was marked on the map is on the far eastern side of the building, there are no guards around. The electrical lock on the exit clicks and opens as soon as Star approaches it, almost as if somebody purposely unlocked it as soon as they saw Star coming.]

[Past the muted red door, a blank, white corridor with flickering lights stretches onwards and onwards, eventually turning left. There's a red, metal box on the wall. Inside there is indeed an earpiece, lying near the fire extinguisher. The earpiece is clearly Showfall technology, but if Star inspects it more closely, they can see that the part where it was supposed to connect to a device was taken out and some wiring had been modified as well.]

-🎱

[It takes a second to figure out where the exit on the map is; Star is what one might call directionally challenged, but at least they know their lefts and rights... mostly. Not to mention, as Star has said before, the mall is huge, and the inside doesn't quite match up to what they're seeing... at least they don't think it does? This whole place is so confusing]

[Turns out, they were on the other side of the building to the exit, so when Star finally gets to their entrance, they're already gritting their teeth in frustration as the door opens. With a jump, they stare at the door in shock for a moment before grumbling about "show off"s]

[Upon entering, they look around for a moment, clenching their fist once, releasing a single shock from the gloves, and ready for any sort of attack. As nothing happens, they finally approach the red box. They consider taking the fire extinguisher for a moment, before deciding against it, picking up the earpiece instead. Gotta stay lightweight]

[Turning the device in their hands, they examine what is clearly Eight's handywork. It's clearly rushed and amateur. Maybe if the teen gets out, Star can teach them a thing or two about proper technical engineering... if they want it anyways]

[Star shakes the thought out of their head. That's real wishful thinking, even for them. Eight probably does not want anything to do with them after this, in or outside of Showfall]

[With a slight grimace at the wires, they slot the earpiece on, pressing what they assume is a button to talk]

Testing, testing, one, two, and three. Eight? Can ya read me?

[eight-means-infinity]

Ooc: literally what Eight was meant to be

When the character who's a condensed version of the things that are Wrong With You is still a good person and deserves love and compassion

[eight-means-infinity]

Me fr

Heh. Imagine having sex. Losers. *punches the wall* *punches a tree* *kicks over a trash can* *ounches the wall*

[eight-means-infinity]

eight. Eight! pay atteeeention to me! How ya doin’, friend of mine? i know how you are. Know who you are! isn’t that fun? I know so much! maybe too much. How much do you know? how much do you think you know? Killer. murderer. Ooohhhhhhh, good for you! i’m so proud, all grown up, a nice little lure for Showfall already. First Charlie, now Star, who else will walk into the lion’s maw for you? the first came out damaged by your whinging and your lies… That’s no fun at all! i hoped he’d get to stay. The second might not come out at all, so we get a second chance!! you encouraged them, made him worry about you. If they die it’ll be aaaaaaaall your fault! isn’t that exciting. It is, isn’t it? isn’t it?

- 🎭

[Eight shivered as a familiar voice rang through their head. The first thought to appear in their mind immediately afterwards is: "FUCK." They should reply. They need to reply. How do they reply? They can't let Star know about Comedy, that would be humiliating!]

Hold on. Stay in the room. I got an.. unexpected visitor.

[Eight sighed and took the earpiece off, making sure to mute themselves beforehand.]

..Hello Comedy. I'm paying attention. Unfortunately.

[Eight tried to brave themselves the best they could. They can't fight Comedy. They can't intimidate it or scream at it until it leaves. What else is left, to give up and take it?]

Charlie came here of his own volition. Star did too. I did not and will not lead to the death of either one of them. Charlie didn't come out damaged, not by me anyways. And I made a promise. Star might stay here for a while, but not permanently. You can discuss all of the details of their stay here with Soul, I'm sure you two have met. Anything else?

[eight-means-infinity]

[Eight watches Star pace back and forth like an bootleg Pinocchio whose Geppetto forgot to give them joints in knees and elbows. A sigh can be heard through the earpiece. A heavy one. They already figured out that Star had problems with basic instructions, but they didn't realise just how bad the situation was. It's walking, how hard can it possibly be!? But for once, they don't comment on it. Progress?]

[As Star talks about their plans for survival and about their hesitance, Eight snorts.]

A little familial abuse never hurt anybody. Except for when it did, but that doesn't count.

[Eight's sense of humour is certainly.. peculiar. But, either way, families always hurt eachother, don't they? For self-defence, for the sake of upkeeping the rules or out of spite, it's a constant. There isn't really anything wrong with shocking your father if he's literally trying to tear you apart.]

[At the question, the ex-drone paused. They were about to reply, but caught themselves at the last moment. Star is supposed to get captured by Showfall soon enough. And they don't need any more information about them getting out.]

How the hell would I know? I ain't a drone. Figure it out yourself, dumbass.

[A pause. And a sigh.]

Just.. don't look at other drones. If you do, it'll get hell of a lot more obvious that you're not connected to the hivemind, since they wouldn't be able to read your thoughts.

[A bit after the image of the map, another message appears: "The earpiece is in the unlocked box with the fire extinguisher."]

[The exit that was marked on the map is on the far eastern side of the building, there are no guards around. The electrical lock on the exit clicks and opens as soon as Star approaches it, almost as if somebody purposely unlocked it as soon as they saw Star coming.]

[Past the muted red door, a blank, white corridor with flickering lights stretches onwards and onwards, eventually turning left. There's a red, metal box on the wall. Inside there is indeed an earpiece, lying near the fire extinguisher. The earpiece is clearly Showfall technology, but if Star inspects it more closely, they can see that the part where it was supposed to connect to a device was taken out and some wiring had been modified as well.]

-🎱

[It takes a second to figure out where the exit on the map is; Star is what one might call directionally challenged, but at least they know their lefts and rights... mostly. Not to mention, as Star has said before, the mall is huge, and the inside doesn't quite match up to what they're seeing... at least they don't think it does? This whole place is so confusing]

[Turns out, they were on the other side of the building to the exit, so when Star finally gets to their entrance, they're already gritting their teeth in frustration as the door opens. With a jump, they stare at the door in shock for a moment before grumbling about "show off"s]

[Upon entering, they look around for a moment, clenching their fist once, releasing a single shock from the gloves, and ready for any sort of attack. As nothing happens, they finally approach the red box. They consider taking the fire extinguisher for a moment, before deciding against it, picking up the earpiece instead. Gotta stay lightweight]

[Turning the device in their hands, they examine what is clearly Eight's handywork. It's clearly rushed and amateur. Maybe if the teen gets out, Star can teach them a thing or two about proper technical engineering... if they want it anyways]

[Star shakes the thought out of their head. That's real wishful thinking, even for them. Eight probably does not want anything to do with them after this, in or outside of Showfall]

[With a slight grimace at the wires, they slot the earpiece on, pressing what they assume is a button to talk]

Testing, testing, one, two, and three. Eight? Can ya read me?

[eight-means-infinity]

Thread and cloth ain't that different, really. They're even simpler. At least they work on basic physics instead of sciencey-electronic-chemistry-whatever.

[Mild frustration could be heard in Eight's voice. In fact, they sounded like a kid complaining about a hard topic in school or something. For once the anger wasn't directed at Star.]

It's just.. complicated, the small details. It's simply not worth the time, so I abandoned it.

[They don't mention the fact that they had to stop because the fabric was getting stained with their blood. Apparently sudden movements, strength amplifiers, lack of proper sight and sharp objects do not match well whatsoever. Who would've thought.]

[Eight doesn't respond to Star's next question immediately, instead flicking through the cameras, trying to find a way to formulate their thoughts in a way that the other would understand, because, frankly, repeating themselves were more embarrassing than taking their time and thinking their words through.]

At this point you're fairly close to his room. You only have a couple of corridors and then that last stretch of open space I told you about. Drones walk through there constantly, so you'll need the mask and your best drone impression for it. I do want to ask though, how do you plan on surviving the encounter with Seki exactly?

[A bit after the image of the map, another message appears: "The earpiece is in the unlocked box with the fire extinguisher."]

[The exit that was marked on the map is on the far eastern side of the building, there are no guards around. The electrical lock on the exit clicks and opens as soon as Star approaches it, almost as if somebody purposely unlocked it as soon as they saw Star coming.]

[Past the muted red door, a blank, white corridor with flickering lights stretches onwards and onwards, eventually turning left. There's a red, metal box on the wall. Inside there is indeed an earpiece, lying near the fire extinguisher. The earpiece is clearly Showfall technology, but if Star inspects it more closely, they can see that the part where it was supposed to connect to a device was taken out and some wiring had been modified as well.]

-🎱

[It takes a second to figure out where the exit on the map is; Star is what one might call directionally challenged, but at least they know their lefts and rights... mostly. Not to mention, as Star has said before, the mall is huge, and the inside doesn't quite match up to what they're seeing... at least they don't think it does? This whole place is so confusing]

[Turns out, they were on the other side of the building to the exit, so when Star finally gets to their entrance, they're already gritting their teeth in frustration as the door opens. With a jump, they stare at the door in shock for a moment before grumbling about "show off"s]

[Upon entering, they look around for a moment, clenching their fist once, releasing a single shock from the gloves, and ready for any sort of attack. As nothing happens, they finally approach the red box. They consider taking the fire extinguisher for a moment, before deciding against it, picking up the earpiece instead. Gotta stay lightweight]

[Turning the device in their hands, they examine what is clearly Eight's handywork. It's clearly rushed and amateur. Maybe if the teen gets out, Star can teach them a thing or two about proper technical engineering... if they want it anyways]

[Star shakes the thought out of their head. That's real wishful thinking, even for them. Eight probably does not want anything to do with them after this, in or outside of Showfall]

[With a slight grimace at the wires, they slot the earpiece on, pressing what they assume is a button to talk]

Testing, testing, one, two, and three. Eight? Can ya read me?

[eight-means-infinity]

THERE'S A HORSE. IN THE HOSPITAL!

Nothing gives a situation more chaotic energy like the presence of a horse somewhere with no reason why there would be a horse. Because getting a horse in there would require either absurd amounts of planning, or absurd disregard of anyone's health or safety, and the chaos is in the fact that you don't know. With a more unusual animal, say a kangaroo or an elephant, it's obvious that you somehow arranged this with some sort of professional animal handler staff, and probably had to go through a bunch of paperwork to get it here.

But a horse? It's not implausible that you found someone who owns a horse and asked to borrow their horse. It is also not implausible that someone just straight-up fucking stole a horse. Or a horse broke out on its own and was wandering around and got lured here with apples and jazz music. It is the whimsy of the unknowable at play.

[eight-means-infinity]

[As it turns out, Eight is a shit guide. They don't really understand how to account for the fact that Star does not know as much about Showfall's layout as they do, so they constantly keep mentioning various obscure locations and expect Star to just know what they're talking about. And when Star does not, in fact, know what they're talking about, Eight gets frustrated as if knowing every single room in Showfall is common knowledge. But eventually Eight manages to find some balance between understandability and knowledge.]

[The corridors twist and turn. The only audible sound is the dripping coming from the vents, echoing across rooms like far-off thunder. Star doesn't encounter anybody for a while. Except, at one point, they hesitate a little too long on which direction to go in and-]

Shit, a drone is coming- enter the storage closet on your left and shut the door. And your mouth.

[The door of the storage clicks open quietly. As it does, Eight sucks in a muffled, but audible breath, as if opening the door hurt them physically. Although it might've just been Star's imagination, right? Quick footsteps seem to be coming from the corridor in the right corner of the room.]

[If Star enters the storage, they can see that it's not a storage room at all. Or, perhaps it was one once upon a time, but since then it's been heavily modified. There are empty cans and bottles stuffed under the shelves, some clothes thrown around, there's a sleeping bag for god's sake! Remainders of old projects can be seen. Some wire, string, scissors, cloth, zippers. The end result of the unsuccessful clothing modification lays torn into pieces on the sleeping bag. Seems like it was supposed to be a cropped hoodie with the infinity sign embroidered on it. It's almost like somebody lived here for a while, maybe they still do.]

[The door behind locks itself. Eight is quiet for a moment.]

...it's not like your apartment is any better.

[They grumbled through the earpiece.]

[A bit after the image of the map, another message appears: "The earpiece is in the unlocked box with the fire extinguisher."]

[The exit that was marked on the map is on the far eastern side of the building, there are no guards around. The electrical lock on the exit clicks and opens as soon as Star approaches it, almost as if somebody purposely unlocked it as soon as they saw Star coming.]

[Past the muted red door, a blank, white corridor with flickering lights stretches onwards and onwards, eventually turning left. There's a red, metal box on the wall. Inside there is indeed an earpiece, lying near the fire extinguisher. The earpiece is clearly Showfall technology, but if Star inspects it more closely, they can see that the part where it was supposed to connect to a device was taken out and some wiring had been modified as well.]

-🎱

[It takes a second to figure out where the exit on the map is; Star is what one might call directionally challenged, but at least they know their lefts and rights... mostly. Not to mention, as Star has said before, the mall is huge, and the inside doesn't quite match up to what they're seeing... at least they don't think it does? This whole place is so confusing]

[Turns out, they were on the other side of the building to the exit, so when Star finally gets to their entrance, they're already gritting their teeth in frustration as the door opens. With a jump, they stare at the door in shock for a moment before grumbling about "show off"s]

[Upon entering, they look around for a moment, clenching their fist once, releasing a single shock from the gloves, and ready for any sort of attack. As nothing happens, they finally approach the red box. They consider taking the fire extinguisher for a moment, before deciding against it, picking up the earpiece instead. Gotta stay lightweight]

[Turning the device in their hands, they examine what is clearly Eight's handywork. It's clearly rushed and amateur. Maybe if the teen gets out, Star can teach them a thing or two about proper technical engineering... if they want it anyways]

[Star shakes the thought out of their head. That's real wishful thinking, even for them. Eight probably does not want anything to do with them after this, in or outside of Showfall]

[With a slight grimace at the wires, they slot the earpiece on, pressing what they assume is a button to talk]

Testing, testing, one, two, and three. Eight? Can ya read me?

[eight-means-infinity]

[While Star is scrambling for the mask, Eight, incredibly annoyed and dissapointed, decides to do some digging. That was Ukrainian, wasn't it? I sure wonder how to insult somebody in Ukrainian.. After a short search, they grin and start speaking.]

Lokh. (Loser, dumbass, swear word)

[They give out their best impression of the insult, but the accent is horrible. Eh, good enough to be recognisable, probably.]

Oh, great, so you didn't lose it in the dumpsterfire of your apartment, that's surprising.

[Eight sighs in relief. As much as they would like to criticise Star's crafting skills, they cannot find a single thing that's off about the mask, to the point where they probably wouldn't be able to tell this one apart from a newly made actual drone mask. Eight scowls in silence, trying to find just something to push off of.]

..Good replica. I meant- it's whatever I guess. Good enough to fool your old man, probably. Anyways, right now you go forward, then right, left and you'll end up in the eastern living quarters. The only people there currently is Markiplier, but he's busy streaming, and that new kid, but he's asleep, so you should be safe to go. From there you enter the door on the farthest wall of the room. And I'm pretty sure that your tiny little brain can't handle any more directions than that at a time, so I'll tell you more when you're there.

[A bit after the image of the map, another message appears: "The earpiece is in the unlocked box with the fire extinguisher."]

[The exit that was marked on the map is on the far eastern side of the building, there are no guards around. The electrical lock on the exit clicks and opens as soon as Star approaches it, almost as if somebody purposely unlocked it as soon as they saw Star coming.]

[Past the muted red door, a blank, white corridor with flickering lights stretches onwards and onwards, eventually turning left. There's a red, metal box on the wall. Inside there is indeed an earpiece, lying near the fire extinguisher. The earpiece is clearly Showfall technology, but if Star inspects it more closely, they can see that the part where it was supposed to connect to a device was taken out and some wiring had been modified as well.]

-🎱

[It takes a second to figure out where the exit on the map is; Star is what one might call directionally challenged, but at least they know their lefts and rights... mostly. Not to mention, as Star has said before, the mall is huge, and the inside doesn't quite match up to what they're seeing... at least they don't think it does? This whole place is so confusing]

[Turns out, they were on the other side of the building to the exit, so when Star finally gets to their entrance, they're already gritting their teeth in frustration as the door opens. With a jump, they stare at the door in shock for a moment before grumbling about "show off"s]

[Upon entering, they look around for a moment, clenching their fist once, releasing a single shock from the gloves, and ready for any sort of attack. As nothing happens, they finally approach the red box. They consider taking the fire extinguisher for a moment, before deciding against it, picking up the earpiece instead. Gotta stay lightweight]

[Turning the device in their hands, they examine what is clearly Eight's handywork. It's clearly rushed and amateur. Maybe if the teen gets out, Star can teach them a thing or two about proper technical engineering... if they want it anyways]

[Star shakes the thought out of their head. That's real wishful thinking, even for them. Eight probably does not want anything to do with them after this, in or outside of Showfall]

[With a slight grimace at the wires, they slot the earpiece on, pressing what they assume is a button to talk]

Testing, testing, one, two, and three. Eight? Can ya read me?

[eight-means-infinity]

[A camera in the corner of the room turned in their direction with a sudden mechanical noise. Eight didn't really need to do that, they saw Star before as well, but they did want to show off.]

Unless there's another person in an atrocious-looking green jacket with ugly gloves on and messy brown-red hair, who's currently standing in the corridor looking around like an idiot, yes, I can see you.

[Eight's brows furrowed. Wait. Wasn't something missing? Something really important?]

..where's the copy of a drone mask that you insisted you'll bring? And a suit, to at least somewhat resemble a drone?

[If Star forgot it, and Eight urgently has to run to the mechanic storage-repair room, pick a mask and modify it all while hearing Star complain about how long it's taking then they might just let them get mauled. Not really, they don't want to be murdered by anons and Charlie alike, but they would certainly enjoy executing the revenge!]

[A bit after the image of the map, another message appears: "The earpiece is in the unlocked box with the fire extinguisher."]

[The exit that was marked on the map is on the far eastern side of the building, there are no guards around. The electrical lock on the exit clicks and opens as soon as Star approaches it, almost as if somebody purposely unlocked it as soon as they saw Star coming.]

[Past the muted red door, a blank, white corridor with flickering lights stretches onwards and onwards, eventually turning left. There's a red, metal box on the wall. Inside there is indeed an earpiece, lying near the fire extinguisher. The earpiece is clearly Showfall technology, but if Star inspects it more closely, they can see that the part where it was supposed to connect to a device was taken out and some wiring had been modified as well.]

-🎱

[It takes a second to figure out where the exit on the map is; Star is what one might call directionally challenged, but at least they know their lefts and rights... mostly. Not to mention, as Star has said before, the mall is huge, and the inside doesn't quite match up to what they're seeing... at least they don't think it does? This whole place is so confusing]

[Turns out, they were on the other side of the building to the exit, so when Star finally gets to their entrance, they're already gritting their teeth in frustration as the door opens. With a jump, they stare at the door in shock for a moment before grumbling about "show off"s]

[Upon entering, they look around for a moment, clenching their fist once, releasing a single shock from the gloves, and ready for any sort of attack. As nothing happens, they finally approach the red box. They consider taking the fire extinguisher for a moment, before deciding against it, picking up the earpiece instead. Gotta stay lightweight]

[Turning the device in their hands, they examine what is clearly Eight's handywork. It's clearly rushed and amateur. Maybe if the teen gets out, Star can teach them a thing or two about proper technical engineering... if they want it anyways]

[Star shakes the thought out of their head. That's real wishful thinking, even for them. Eight probably does not want anything to do with them after this, in or outside of Showfall]

[With a slight grimace at the wires, they slot the earpiece on, pressing what they assume is a button to talk]

Testing, testing, one, two, and three. Eight? Can ya read me?

[eight-means-infinity]

[Eight knew that Star was about to speak, they knew it and yet they couldn't help but jump at the sound anyways. They were quick to reply.]

Yeah- yeah. I can.

[Eight's voice is relatively gender neutral, but also young. They sound about 15-16, which, in contrast to the way they spoke in asks, sounds just a bit absurd. Gosh, they really are a teen, aren't they? Either way, the start of the conversation clearly caught them off-guard.]

...

[Holy hell they are actually doing this. That's the thought that ran through their head, causing an awkward pause in the conversation. But soon enough, they spoke up once more.]

Security's room is almost in the exact centre of the facility, second floor. You have some corridors, a staircase and a single open-floor part to get through. I tried to avoid as many openings as possible, but no corridors lead straight to its room, so you're going to have to do a stretch at the end.

[It's at the end of their explanation that they realise they forgot to say hello in the first place. Welp, too late now.]

[A bit after the image of the map, another message appears: "The earpiece is in the unlocked box with the fire extinguisher."]

[The exit that was marked on the map is on the far eastern side of the building, there are no guards around. The electrical lock on the exit clicks and opens as soon as Star approaches it, almost as if somebody purposely unlocked it as soon as they saw Star coming.]

[Past the muted red door, a blank, white corridor with flickering lights stretches onwards and onwards, eventually turning left. There's a red, metal box on the wall. Inside there is indeed an earpiece, lying near the fire extinguisher. The earpiece is clearly Showfall technology, but if Star inspects it more closely, they can see that the part where it was supposed to connect to a device was taken out and some wiring had been modified as well.]

-🎱

[It takes a second to figure out where the exit on the map is; Star is what one might call directionally challenged, but at least they know their lefts and rights... mostly. Not to mention, as Star has said before, the mall is huge, and the inside doesn't quite match up to what they're seeing... at least they don't think it does? This whole place is so confusing]

[Turns out, they were on the other side of the building to the exit, so when Star finally gets to their entrance, they're already gritting their teeth in frustration as the door opens. With a jump, they stare at the door in shock for a moment before grumbling about "show off"s]

[Upon entering, they look around for a moment, clenching their fist once, releasing a single shock from the gloves, and ready for any sort of attack. As nothing happens, they finally approach the red box. They consider taking the fire extinguisher for a moment, before deciding against it, picking up the earpiece instead. Gotta stay lightweight]

[Turning the device in their hands, they examine what is clearly Eight's handywork. It's clearly rushed and amateur. Maybe if the teen gets out, Star can teach them a thing or two about proper technical engineering... if they want it anyways]

[Star shakes the thought out of their head. That's real wishful thinking, even for them. Eight probably does not want anything to do with them after this, in or outside of Showfall]

[With a slight grimace at the wires, they slot the earpiece on, pressing what they assume is a button to talk]

Testing, testing, one, two, and three. Eight? Can ya read me?

[eight-means-infinity]

[The Soul opens its mouth to talk back... but pauses, looking off in the distance, past Eight, even past the room, noticing something outside of Eight's sights]

[It smiles at its unwilling companion with a dark kind of delight]

It seems we'll have to cut our delightful chat short. Our Shining Starlight seems to have made their way here. And we don't wanna leave them waiting, now do we?

[It nods its head at Eight, its eyes back to their "normal" milky white glow before disappearing from the screen]

Good luck, my friend.

~🌟

[Eight blinks and immediately recoils from the screen. What the fuck was that? Only a moment passed between them flipping Soul off and now, and yet it felt like months, in some incomprehensible, senseless way. They had no proof, the date was the same as it had been previously: the third of April. But.. had it really?]

[Whatever. It's probably just their mask glitching again. They switched theur attention back to Soul.]

Shining Starlight? Pffftt. I'd assume that you called them Dickwad or something more, ya know, negative.

[The teen moved to get up from the floor, seeming distracted. They can't seem to remember their plan as well. That's.. concerning, probably. Ah. Brainfog. How they loathe it.]

My fri-? I'm not your friend- aand it's gone. Of course. Thanks I suppose.

[Time to get digging their grave!]

[eight-means-infinity]

[Soul's smile falls, giving way to a more confused frown]

What do you mean? How- how would I be any age other than... um.

[It looks to the side. It seems as if it's reading something off screen... and it doesn't seem like it likes what if found]

... Twenty, huh?

[It clasps its hands, staring at its twiddling thumbs]

[Twenty years spent here, rotting away, playing role after role after role? Rising as "The Star", only to be cast aside when they found someone SoOoOoO Much Better?]

[The camera screen starts glowing as The Soul seethes. Heat radiates from it as the light starts to become unbearable. The Soul seems to stop breathing entirely]

[Twenty years, I've been promised to be the greatest, only to be replaced by some... Some kid they picked up off the street! Twenty Years I have suffered, only for it all to be for naught when they all leave me in the dust!!!]

[The camera shakes for a moment... then stills as The Soul finally huffs a breath again, shutting its eyes shut, trying to shut out the emotions in turn so it can focus at the matter at hand, as it has before... then sighs, rubbing its face and, possibly realizing its audience is still here staring, smiles. The smile is dry and insincere, poorly hiding its anger away again]

I act exactly the age I'm supposed at any given moment to thank you very much.

~🌟

Oh please, you know exactly how such a thing can be achieved. Impossible standards, impossible means and all that..

[Soul's gaze finally averts from them and Eight stalls for a couple of seconds, studying the expression on Soul's face before hesitantly allowing themselves to disconnect from the screen as well. At least for a moment.]

[Twenty years, huh? That's.. oh fuck that's exactly how much time Eight themselves have been trapped in the foundation. Their twentieth anniversary passed in January. Just three or four weeks before their birthday.. and Star's. Wait, Soul's too. Same birthday, presumably.]

[Before they could think of potential repercussions, the teen mumbled out:]

Happy late birthday to you and I both.

[..And immediately regretted it as they got flashbanged to hell and back due to finally reconnecting to the screen Soul was on. Their arms flew up defensively, as if they only saw the glow and the shaking now.]

Fuck! What are ya flashbanging me for, glowstick?! I just said happy birthday!

[The glowing soon dissapeared, leaving just an incredibly confused and mildly offended Eight. They flash a middle finger at Soul because fuck em.]

[eight-means-infinity]

[The Soul looks surprised for a moment, not expecting an agreement so soon. Sure, Eight's request isn't... entirely ideal, but Soul's already getting a lot on its end... and who's to say it can't work around the roadblocks?]

[It composes itself quickly, giggling wickedly in glee. It even starts floating, curling in on itself, spinning and kicking in the air like a giddy child]

Oh, Eighty-Bug, I knew I could count on you! This will work like a dream!

Oh I can see it now! Star doing our bidding, building whatever we need! With their (ugh) skills, The Founder won't know what's coming until it's too late!

[It calms down and with a sigh, slides back onto the table. It's eyes are closed, making it look almost... contented.]

Oh, it will be... A Wonderous Performance! My best yet!

[When Soul opens its eyes again, they're a pale blue again – have they gotten paler? It's hard to tell – and its smile almost looks genuine. Almost.]

And I'll have you to thank for it... partner.

~🌟

[Eight stared at this colorful expression of happiness and, simultaneously, their smile fell and turned to a slight frown. They already regretted agreeing to this. But something stuck out to them, multiple things, actually. So as soon as this little happy tantrum was over, Eight spoke up once more.]

First of all, Bug is my nickname for you, stop copying me and think up your own. Also Eighty-Bug doesn't even make sense.

[Eight wished they could be happy as well right now. They wished to feel like they can actually rely on Soul. But alas. They couldn't join into this display of unadulterated joy. The thought of that made them sick.]

Second of all, you don't thank me for nothin'. I ain't being forced to do this, so your gratitude is pointless. Especially since you seem to take this all as just a performance. In that case I'm just playin' my role, aren't I? And third of all..

[Eight lifted their head slightly and let their arms fall to the sides. A rare change of posture in the otherwise still demeanour. They glanced up at Soul's eyes. Something churned in their chest.]

How old are you? I know how old you should theoretically be, but it feels like you're flipping rapidly between actually being a formidable opponent and just.. an eccentric child and I ain't a fan of not knowing what I'm up against, partner.

[eight-means-infinity]

[Its smile is wide, unaffected by Eight's discouragement]

Well, sure I can play pretend with Star to get what I want, but where's the fun in that? I know that copycat too well — do one good thing for them, and they'll go a mile for you. Sure that's great, but god it's so predictable.

[Hm... honesty.]

Frankly, I don't entirely know why I went to you of all people. Honestly, I could've stuck with TV for brains or that jabberbox teenager and be in the same spot as I am now... but you're... different, I think.

You're aware of it all and instead of entirely falling apart or running away, you've embraced the terribleness of it all. That's not to say you're amazing at it, but you're certainly better than that Star would be in your place. And I can never predict you.

You're something new. It's refreshing to have someone who's willing to cut me off, to strike me down if given the chance, even if you'd be no better without me, as I would you.

[The Soul chuckles darkly, a shadow passing over its face as it smirks at its companion... acquaintance? It doesn't entirely know where Eight stands with it, but they're standing nonetheless]

I mean, let's face it, how much longer are you really going to last on your own? With everything you've been doing, it's only a matter of time before the others find you, before a HETCH or even The Founder sends you to an ending you may not like, before you're ever able to do anything even remotely worthwhile.

C'mon, Eight. I know you can use that big brain of yours and see that I'm right. Our best bet for survival is together.

~🌟

So what you're saying is that everybody is too nice and are coddling you so you went to me, a problematic asshole because I'm not boring. Oh how I love having my worth dependant on novelty.

[Eights claps their hands slowly. They were oversimplifying Soul's words, of course, taking an opportunity to insult it in no way that really matters, but, most importantly of all, giving themselves time to think. They ran Soul's words through their head over and over again, but their search for potential manipulation tactics used or lies was mostly fruitless. Well that's annoying. Surely it had to have twisted the truth somewhere? But.. hm.]

I have been brash recently, and mostly given up on safety. I knew that it would cost me, but I just.. couldn't bear to sit quietly anymore. It was so infuriatingly humiliating and, worst of all, boring.

[Eight hummed, a small smile appearing on their face as they noticed the irony in their own words. Criticising Soul for talking to them because of boredom and then using the same reason to justify their own careless behaviour. Maybe they are worth one another, in hypocrisy at the very least.]

Y'know what, I've been digging my own grave since the time I dared to survive, what's a couple more inches?

[The teen raised their hands in retaliation.]

But I get to look at and change Star's script however I wish and you do not peek into my programming business, got it?

[eight-means-infinity]

[At the mention of Charlie, its eye twitches. It's minuscule, and its able to hide it by giving a closed eyed smile]

You know how I can travel and control electronic devices? Well, the same thing applies to the devices on the Actors and Drones! Or at least, it gives me much easier access to them!

[It leans forward, smile sinister and gaze piercing]

If we can just get that wannabe caught, I'd be able to do so. Much. More.

Honestly, I'm getting very tired of being stuck behind a screen.

~🌟

Do I look like an idiot to you?

[The words leave Eight's mouth before they can think about it. A groan follows right afterwards as the realisation of what they just said arrives.]

[Masks off for now, then.]

If I did that I'd actively be sabotaging myself. We both know we're selfish and would abandon eachother in an instant if the opportunity arose. I'm not too keen on giving you said opportunity.

[I will keep us both trapped on this wire until I can guarantee my own safety and control over the situation.]

I'm gonna be honest for a moment, you really shouldn't be allies with me. Like, if you actually want to get anywhere that is. I don't exactly know what happened then, when we made the agreement, but I wasn't really thinking clearly and I doubt you were either.

[Eight contemplates for a moment before speaking up again.]

Your best bet is Star, I reckon. Even if you hate 'em. Arentcha an actor? Surely you can pretend for a cause. I reckon they'd agree to make you a robot body or something with barely any convincing needed. I don't understand why you went to me in the first place.