Rho and Rikka
They are at their next stage of "Nexum". Rho is having a blindfold over her eyes, while Rikka is supposed to guide her. Rikka guides Rho badly.
Rikka: Left, no wait right!
Rho calm but annoyed.
Rho: Can you make up your mind?
Rho blindfolded.
Rikka: Okay okay, go little bit of left.
Rho: How many steps?
Rikka: One step left.
Rho does it.
Rikka: Now two steps forward and 3 steps right.
Rho does that, she didn’t have to do it like that.
Rho: Why do I have a feeling I could have done this differently…
Rikka: I told you I am bad at this...
Rho: It is fine... just keep going.
Rikka: Okay... now you need to jump, forward.
Rho memorized the whole place before she blindfolded herself, so she knew what she needed to do, she just let Rikka to guide her.
Rikka: Now walk forward until I tell you to stop.
She does so.
Rikka: Stop!
Rho stops. Rikka is behind keeping distance.
Rikka: Now, raise your hands and you will feel the rope... I guess you need to climb to the other side...
Rho does that.
Rikka: Okay okay now you need to jump again... aim as much forward you can?
Rho: How much meters is it away?
Rikka: How much what now is?
Rho sights: This is pointless.
Rho jumps perfectly where she should. And started to walk forward.
Rikka: Wait, no so fast!
Rho: Then start talking.
Rikka: Left! Dunk!
Rho does it.
Rikka: Straight up, forward!
Rho does all quickly.
Rikka: Stop!!
Rho stops. In front of her beneath is acid, and up is one rope in the middle, she needs to jump, catch, swing and let go.
Rho: What?
Rikka sees what is there.
Rikka: Is this acid?
Voice: Oh yes indeed.
Rikka: And how do you expect her to jump over without falling down!?
Voice: Well I don't.
He laughs.
Rikka: This is not fair!
Voice: Well life is not fair, beside somewhere needs to be a catch.
Rho: And those two who are hiding this whole time weren’t enough?
Voice impressed Rikka confused.
Voice: I am surprised you noticed them...
Rho: Just because I can't see with my eyes, doesn't mean I can’t see at all.
Rikka: What are you talking about?
Voice: Well since you decided to spoil your surprise, maybe they should come out right now.
Two of them appear from shadows. (No face, just human form)
Voice: And remember, you are not allowed to take of that blindfold until you reach the goal, good luck.
Attackers were holding weapons, long sticks with knife on top. Rikka scared. Rho walks towards her, even with blindfold.
Rho: Stay behind me, when I deal with these two, you better make up your mind about where I need to go next.
She talked calm.
Rikka: Are you crazy?! They are going to kill us!
Rho: If the most powerful man couldn't kill me by now, why would I let some puppets do it?
Rikka panicking.
Rikka: Okay, maybe they won’t kill you, but they will definitely kill me!
Rho: Well that is an excellent observation and understanding, I am almost proud.
She talked cold and calm.
Rikka: What!?
Rho: They are closer, you make sure to stay away from them as much as possible, okay?
Rikka: You don't have to tell me twice!
She steped away.
Rho: One more thing
Rikka: Yes?
Rho: Is there a way for you to go around that acid pool?
Rikka looks.
Rikka: No.
Rho: Then find a way.
Rho runs to attack those two “humans.” Rikka looks at acid then back at Rho fighting them.
Rikka: Of course that I will end up in a situation where I have two choices and they both lead to hell!
Rho fights them, with blindfold. She fights good, but not perfect.
Ace, Kaya, Nuri Rin
The three of them standing and talking, Ace walks around.
Nuri: What if we use powers again? I mean we are already punished for that.
Kaya: Yes, but we don't know will this floor beneath also open and who knows where we will end up.
Rin: No one guarantees that the voice guy will just let us out after some time.
Nuri: You are right, that's why I say we fight. What do you say Ace?
Ace not there.
Nuri: Ace?
They look around.
Ace: Over here!
They follow the voice. She was searching the body they found.
Kaya: What are you doing...?
She feels sick.
Ace: What? You always search a body when you find one.
Nuri: Why? And why did you say always…? How many dead bodies have you searched?!
Rin: Stealing from dead people is wrong...
Ace sighs.
Ace: Not for stealing... for clues.
Nuri: What clues?
Ace: Well for starter, it is obvious he is here for a while... but yet not too long. There is still flesh on his body, not only bones... which means he has been around here approximately around... 6 months, well give or take.
Ace looks more.
Ace: And these wounds... he didn't die from starving, someone killed him.
Kaya: How can you tell.?
Ace: Well, this bone over here is broken, his yaw also broken, and beside, do you see another body here? I mean if this is a game for two, where is the other one?
Nuri: So, there is a way to escape.
Ace founds something in his pocket, it is locket, with a picture in there of his mother and a father.
Ace: Should these be his parents?
They look.
Kaya: This woman, she looks so familiar… But I can’t figure it out.
Nuri: Maybe she just reminds you of someone.
Kaya: Yeah, I don’t know, but it is bugging me now.
Ace sights and gets up.
Ace: I had enough of this.
She was angry and frustrated. Ace yells.
Ace: Hey jack ass with an ugly voice!
Rin: What are you doing?
She ignores him and keeps going.
Ace: You will let us go right now, and we will finish this stupid game and we will find you and you will pay! Now I am giving you a chance to let us out of here on your own and maybe just maybe I won't kill you, but if we get out by ourselves, you are dead man, so what is going to be?!!
She yelled.
Nuri: I don't think he is listening.
Ace waits.
Kaya: Well that was a good shot... maybe we should..
Voice appears.
Voice: Well that is an interesting threat.
Ace: And what do you say?
Voice: How about this? I will let go your friends and let them to finish their game, but you are staying here and I guess you will need to find a way to kill me on your own.
Ace: Fine.
She said cold.
Nuri: What? Are you crazy?
Rin: You are not staying here by yourself.
Ace: Do you have any batter idea? This way you three can get out and I will find a way.
Rin: I said no.
He said serious. Ace gets angry.
Ace: Well good thing this is my decision, not yours!
Kaya: I also agree with him... maybe we should find another way...
Ace: I already agreed.
Rin: Then I am not leaving.
Ace even more annoyed.
Ace: Why? Why do you always have to be like this? I can take care of myself.
Rin: I know you can but this is not a way.
Voice opens door of stone, behind them are stairs.
Voice: You have 30 seconds to decide, you three may go, if she walks trough it, you will all stay traped with her. Your choice, time is running now.
Countdown.
Ace turns to Nuri and Kaya.
Ace: Go! We have much better chances if you leave, don't worry about me, I will be fine.
Kaya: I don't know...
Ace looks at Nuri.
Ace: Take her to safety, and keep her safe. I know I can count on you.
Nuri nods and takes Kayas hand and leads her towards the door. Before they walked out:
Nuri: Be safe.
They were both worried but they went to the other side. She looks at Rin.
Ace: Don't make me push you through that door, leave!
Rin: No.
Ace angry.
Voice: 10 more seconds.
Ace takes her katana.
Ace: I said leave!
Rin serious crossed his arms.
Rin: And I said no.
She attacked him, swinging with her swords, making him walk towards the door.
Ace: Just go!!
He managed to grab her and hold her in one place, she struggled. He looked her in the eyes while time was running. She held the sword against his neck, and then he pulled her wrist even closer to his neck.
Rin: I said no.
She looked at him angry, but she didn’t move.
Voice: Time is up.
Door started to close.
Ace: No!
Door closed. She pulled away from him.
Ace: You idiot! You could have just walk out of here! Why would you stay here if you didn't have to?
She was mad.
Voice: Well, it looks like you two have a lot of things on your plate, I will let you be. Good luck!
Rin sighs.
Rin: Like I said Mystery, I am not leaving you.
Ace: Well great, now what?
Rin: You tell me, you must have a plan since you wanted to sacrifice yourself. So let me hear that brilliant plan of yours?
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He was sarcastic. Ace looked at him so angry but stayed calm.
Ace: Fuck you.
She turned around.
Rin: Excuse me?
Ace: You heard me.
Rin starts to walk towards her.
Rin: I am just trying to protect you! Instead of being rude you could say thank you.
She looks at him.
Ace: Oh I am sorry for not being a damsel in distress, I didn't ask for your help, in fact, I tried to save your ass too here you know? But you never let me do that. What? I am not strong enough? I am not smart enough to figure this out? I was on my own for way to long, so I don't need some fucking prince to save my ass.
He looks at her a bit confused but then he sighs.
Rin: Why do you make it so hard...?
Ace: What? Me? You could have walked out of here...
Rin: Yes, I could, I didn't want to, get over it.
Ace: Why? Why you didn't want to?
Rin looks away.
Rin: Because I care about you, okay?
He looks at her.
Rin: Is that too hard to believe?
She looks away.
Ace: And why do you think I wanted to save your ass too? You idiot…
Rin smiles a bit.
Rin: Well it is how it is, come on, let's figure this out.
Ace nods.
Rho and Rikka.
Rho remembers the past, working on this project. She thinks of Isaac and Merloc…
Rikka: Behind you!
Rho reacts and punches the attacker. She seems tired. One runs towards Rikka, Rho senses fast, and protects her. Rikka scared.
Rikka: That was close...
Rho breaths a bit heavily.
Rho: What are you still doing here? Go to the other side!
Rikka: But... what if I fall?
Two of them attack again (enemies), Rho tries to fight them off, Rikka runs. One manages to catch Rikka, Rho struggles. Rikka struggles trying to defend herself.
Rikka: Get off! Get off!
She kicked him, but he attacked again, Rho quickly hits the other, and then the one who tried to hurt Rikka. Rho still blindfolded.
Rho: Find the way to jump over, get the key and get out of here!
Rikka: What about you?
Rho: I will manage, go!
She fights off again.
Rikka: But you are not allowed to take off that blindfold until...
Rho: I know, now go!
She was serious and calm. Rikka hesitate.
Rho: Jump damn it before I push you myself!
She yelled while she was fighting them. Rikka nods and she runs. Rikka goes to the edge and she is finding a strength to jump. She looks at Rho one last time then she shakes her head and jumps, swings and crosses over. She looked at the Rho, and then she looked away she run to find a key.
Rho: Did you find it?
Rikka: No, I can't find it...
Rho: You don’t have a blindfold on you so look better!
Panicking. Rho fights them. Rikka looks around and finds the key.
Rikka: I found it! She was happy but then she was sad.
Rikka: I found it…
She turns towards Rho.
Rho: Good, now go!
Rikka: But...
Rho: No but kid, just put your trust in me, I will be fine.
Rikka nods and she runs away, she was worried and afraid but she kept running. Rho stays alone.
Rho: Now... you and I have a business to do...
Rho pauses.
Rho: Merloc.
Voice surprised, quiet for a bit. Voice - first time you can see part of him, it was a guy, in his twenties. He’s true voice showing, he leans forward but you can't see his face yet.
Two attackers stopped attacking. They stand at one place.
Merloc: Apologies for not knowing who you are when you clearly know who I am. To who I own a pleasure?
He talked calm, not afraid but curious, amused.
Rho: I am sorry, I only introduce myself in person, where can I find you so I can properly introduce myself?
Merlock smirks.
Merlock: Like everyone else sweetheart, you need to win this game. Because that is what this is, a game, and you are just one of many players.
Rho: And why do I remember that this was supposed to be quite the opposite of a game?
Merlock serious. Still not showing his face.
Merlock: That way was boring, this is more fun, beside…
He leans back on his chair.
Merlock: I am the master of this game, and I can do what the hell I want.
Now you can see how he looks, he was smiling, crazy smile, rude one, his hair is brown and messy, his body skinny, tall.
Rho: Enjoy while you can.
Merloc: I really hope you win.
Atackers attacked and she was fighting them, not giving up.
Kaya and Nuri walking up stairs.
Kaya: Do you think they will be fine?
Nuri exhausted for climbing. He breaths heavily.
Nuri: I am not sure I'll be fine...
Kaya: Dude!
Nuri: I am not sure there is an end to this stairs...
Kaya sighs.
Kaya: Come on man, we need to keep going.
He looked at her.
Nuri: Are you okay? You don’t seem fine?
Kaya: I am fine…
He could see right trough her lies.
Nuri: Okay, what is going on?
She sighs.
Kaya: I just… something happened while me and Rin played our game, with mirrors…
Nuri: What?
He looked worried.
Kaya: It was so weird… my reflections were different form my appearance, but emotions… those reflections that showed my emotions were real, and more true then ever…
He looked confused.
Nuri: Did you drink some tea before we came here?
Kaya: Of course but that is not the point! The point is there were mirrors that showed my true emotions, that I was hiding even from myself… and for some time I was actually trapped behind mirror, and I wasn’t sure will I be able to get out. I was so afraid that I will be stuck there forever, like my emotions are…
Nuri: I see…
He stepped closer, putting his arm on her shoulder.
Nuri: You don’t have to hide, not with me at least, and I am sorry you had to go trough that alone. The important thing is that you got out, like you always do.
She nodded.
Nuri: What emotions did you saw?
Kaya: Anger, pain, fear…
Nuri looked down, he removed his hand from her shoulder, then he looked at her.
Nuri: It is okay to feel that too you know.
Kaya: If that is so, why does it feel so wrong?
Nuri: Because you are used to hiding behind smiling and laughing and staying positive… and you also hid pain and anger and fear there and now when they try to reach the surface, it feels unnatural…
He stood in front of her, searching for her eyes.
Nuri: But they are perfectly normal, just like you are.
He smiled, and she smiled too.
Kaya: Normal? Me? Well that is the first.
He laughs.
Nuri: Yeah you are right, what was I thinking.
Kaya: Thanks buddy, we should keep moving…
After some time they finally reached the top.. Kaya almost carrying Nuri, he leaned on her. She dropped him on the floor. Both breathing heavily.
Nuri: I think I will lay down a bit.
Kaya: You really need to work out more...
Nuri: Like you?
He said sarcastic.
Kaya: Good point. She lay down.
The door behind them closes (more like wall).
They look behind. And then in front. Something was standing in front of them and attacked them with a sword. They screamed and quickly roll to the other side. Kaya right, Nuri left.
Kaya: What... the hell is that!
It was like a man made of stone, holding a sword. It turned slowly towards Kaya.
Nuri: I don't know, but it almost gave me a stroke!
The stone man turns towards him.
Nuri: I don't like the way he is looking at me...
He starts to walk towards him. Nuri starts to run.
Nuri: Oh man, no after the stairs!
Nuri got cramps in his leg and falls down.
Nuri: Cramps, cramps cramps! He is in pain.
Kaya: What the hell are you doing?! Get up!!!
Nuri: I can't!
The man swing with his sword and Kaya runs towards it and stands in front of him closing her eyes, man swings and stops. She opens her eyes and the stone starts to move away slowly. Nuri shocked surprised, both whispers.
Nuri: Are you crazy?! Jumping in front of it like that?!
She whispers back.
Kaya: What was I supposed to do?!
Nuri: Anything but that?!
Stone man stops, they look. Kaya sees something written at the ceiling, and she taps Nuri and shows him the sign with her hand. Nuri looks.
Nuri: Stay silent or...
He freezes.
Nuri: Die? He said that very quietly.
Kaya shushed him, pointed towards the door, mimic with her fingers for walking and being quiet. Nuri nodded and started to walk slowly carefully, just as Kaya. They were quiet passing by him. They walked by dusty things. Nuri stops, he has to sneeze, Kaya shakes her head. Nuri tries to hold it but he can’t, he sneezes. Stone man quickly looked.
Kaya: Well it was nice knowing you.
She started to run towards the door. He ran too, stone man ran towards them, blocking them and pushing them away.
Kaya: Did you really have to do that!!
Nuri: I couldn't control it okay?!
Stone man attacks again. They ran.
Kaya: We need to find a way to be quiet again!
Nuri: Screaming won’t help!
Stone man hunts them and swings with his sword.
Nuri: I have an idea! Run towards the door and stand in front of it.
Kaya: Are you crazy!
Nuri runs.
Nuri: Just go!
She runs too. They stood in front of the door, the stone man getting closer.
Nuri: Not yet...
Kaya: This better work...
Nuri: Not yet...
Stone man swings.
Nuri: Now!
They jump away, and stone man broke the door.
Kaya: I can't believe it worked.
Nuri: Me neither.
They ran a bit more, and get passed that stone man and went through the door. He couldn’t pass. The door behind them closes, they both breathing heavily.
Nuri: Well now I really need a break.
He lays down. Kaya looks up.
Kaya: Nuri...
Nuri: Just give me a minute okay...
Kaya still looks up.
Kaya: Nuri...
Nuri: What? He opens his eyes and looks up.
Nuri: Wow..
It looked like they are in circus, it was huge and in a lot of colors, a lot of mannequins sitting in the audience.
Kaya: Where are we...?
Nuri stands up.
Nuri: I have no idea.
He looks around.
Rho and Rikka.
Rho fighting them, getting tired.
Melock: Just in a case you don't survive, what is your name?
Rho: I told you already, I will introduce myself in person.
She fights off, but tired.
Merlock: Yes, that is what you said, but I just can't help but being curious... why can't I remember you...?
Rho: Don't worry, you will.
She is cold and serious.
Merloc: Getting tired?
Rho: No, but it would be easier if I could use my powers.
Merlock laughs.
Merlock: What? You are not so strong without them?
Rho angry, and fights more aggressive.
Rho: I never said that, I said it would be easier. I am just following the rules.
Merlock quiet.
Merlock: The way you talk... your voice... I know I've heard that voice before.
She stays quiet and fights.
Merlock: And by the way, it would be easier with a partner, but yours just left, remember?
Rho fights them, but looses advantage.
Rho: Like she could do anything.
Rho on the floor, they are pushing her towards acid. She struggles.
Merlock: Well good point.
Rho struggles losing strength, she almost used her power but then, she heard shot, bullet passing beside her ear. Slow motion then fast. The one was down, and soon was the other.
Rho: What...
She was confused.
Rikka: Really Red? There is nothing I could do? I mean I am not surprised by you, but you voice guy, really?
Merlock: Well, I am impressed kid.
Rho turns towards her voice.
Rho: Rikka? What the hell are you doing here? And most importantly, how come you have a gun!? Again!
Rikka: Listen Red, you can take away my pills, well hell, you can even take away my dignity, but you can't take away my gun!
Rho: We will talk about this.
She was obviously angry but calm.
Rikka: What is the big deal? You probably held a gun when you were, like 8. She said sarcastic.
Rho: That is not important right now... and I was 6.
Rikka: Yeah yeah, different rules for you, you were Nexara after all.
Rho: No!
She sighs. Merlock quiet. Shocked.
Rho: Why did you have to come back...?
Rikka: You are joking right? I just saved your ass!
Rho: And killed me in a same time.
She took off her blindfold.
Rikka: What are you doing?! Why did you take that off?
Merlock: Nexara... yeah, now I remember that voice.
Rikka: Oh... fuck.
Merlock: I can't believe this, I thought you were dead.
Rikka: She gets that a lot lately.
She talked sarcastically. Rho looked at her cold then looked away.
Rho: Well, I wanted to introduce myself in person, but yes, this is she.
Merlock: Wow… It is an honor to speak with you again, I hope you don't mind that I changed the rules a bit?
Rho: A bit? You changed everything.
Merlock: Well your way was simply boring.
Rho: Boring? My way was helping someone and your way is doing the opposite.
Merlock laughs.
Merlock: Is that what you think? Your way made people do some crazy stuff.
Rikka: What the hell are you two talking about?
Rho: What do you mean by that?
She talked to Merlock.
Rikka: Well I mean...
Rho: Not you.
Rikka: Of course, it is never me.
She looks away and crosses her arms.
Merlock: I mean that people would come here and after they get out, they would do things like getting divorce, splitting apart, losing friends…
Rho: Sometimes even those things needs to happen.
Merlock laughs a bit but not in a happy way.
Merlock: Well, sometimes the don’t.
Rho: And what is your goal with this? Ha? Playing with human minds and souls and lives? What?
Merlock: Yeah, maybe it is, maybe it is not, I just have a few different rules.
Rho quiet.
Merlock: I'll tell you what.... Let's have it your way tonight shall we? Your rules, I have notes somewhere around, I will follow them, step by step. That is the least I can do for a creator of all of this.
Rho: Where is the catch?
Merlock: Catch, no catch... oh well there is one thing.
Rikka: Of course there is.
Merlock: You have to make it to the end, all of you have to reach the end together, and you all have to do that in an hour.
Rho: Why? In my rules there is no limit, my rules says that ?Everyone spends in here the amount of time of their choice, as long as they feel comfortable“
Merloc: Yes, I remember that rule, but I also remembered you saying that only an one hour in here is enough to solve everyone’s problems, that you don't need any longer than that.
Rho sighs.
Rho: I said as my opinion, not opinion of others.
Merlock: Well, prove your opinion for once.
Rho annoyed.
Rho: What is that supposed to mean?
Merlock: I am just saying, some things can be perfect in theory and on paper, but not in real life, because that is what the life is, not perfect.
Rho silent for a bit.
Rho: Fine, we will meet in an hour then, but then you have to keep your end of the bargain. My rules.
Merlock: As you wish.
Everything starting to move around them.
Merlock: Oh and one more thing, if you fail...
Rho: I won’t.
Merlock laughs.
Merlock: Well, just in case then... If you fail... I am calling the authorities.
Rikka's eyes widened, she looked at Rho. Rho stayed calm and cold.
Rho: Bring it on.
Kaya and Nuri.
Doing some weird tricks to impress the ?audience“
Nuri: This is exhausting...
Kaya: Oh God, I know we haven't been so good lately but can you just like give us a break!!
Suddenly everything stops, things starts to change, and the hallway appears.
Nuri: Well Amen.
Kaya shocked.
Kaya: Well, I never knew that was an option… God, could I also have some money falling in my hands right now?
Nothing is happening.
Kaya: I guess I only had one wish…
Nuri: Well thank you lord! Now let's go!
Kaya: Thanks! She said smiling and started to walk but Nuri passed out.
Kaya: Well that doesn't seem like a bad idea...
Kaya passes out too. They were lying down at floor
Ace and Rin
Still trapped, she is trying to break out with a swords.
Rin: That won't work.
Rin leaned against the wall. Ace stops.
Ace: Well I have to do something...
She continues, losing her strength.
Rin: Stop... you will exhaust yourself...
She doesn't. Rin sighs, and walks towards her, trying to stop her, she quickly points her sword towards him. He looks at her calm. He raised his hands. She put down her swords.
Ace: You were right, I have no idea what am I doing or... How would I get out of here... I just wanted to get you guys out of here...
Rin: That is very noble of you, but you need to think about yourself too, or even better, just think.
Ace: Did you just call me dump?
She looked annoyed, he laughed a bit.
Rin: No, I called you reckless.
Ace: Yeah yeah, I know what you think of me, you don't have to shove it in my face.
Rin looked confused.
Rin: What are you talking about?
She crosses her arms and looks away.
Ace: I am reckless, I don't think I just do. I am making only bad decisions, my judgment is poor, I am mess, I bring only mess, and I just keep doing mistakes...
She looked at him.
Ace: Should I continue?
Rin was surprised, confused, didn't know how to react then he stepped closer and grabbed her shoulder so she can look at him.
Rin: Yes, I think you are sometimes reckless or making bad decisions but who isn't? Yes, you are a mess, but you know what else you are? You are a good warrior, fighter, and friend. Your heart is pure, you are the strongest person I know, you know how to take care of yourself even though you will always put others at first. You are kind, you are there for others... you are so many things Mystery, and it is making me mad that only you can't see how beautiful and unique you really are.
She was surprised at his words, her eyes softened a bit, she starts to feel a bit shy,
Ace: Did you ate some mushrooms from this place? Or Kaya gave you something while you two were in here?
He smiled. He removed his hands from her shoulders.
Rin: You know damn well that I am always sober.
Ace: Yeah... unfortunately I do.
They both smiled. He looked at her eyes, she looked back. He slowly reached with his hand, and placing it on her cheek gently.
Rin: I meant every word.
She blushed a bit, and started to feel a bit nervous.
Rin: Don't tell me you are afraid to be alone with me?
He teased her.
Ace: No, but I am afraid I will have to kill you if you keep acting like that...
Rin: Like what?
He stepped even closer. Her heart started to pound more.
Rin: Like this?
He removed a lock of her hair behind her ear, and placed his hand on her cheek again, and another hand he placed gently on her arm. She was looking at him, she didn’t move, she was blushing, and she felt shy. He slowly leaned closer.
Ace: Yeah like that…
She said quiet, and shy. He smiled.
Rin: Then kill me, because I am not planning to move away.
He leaned closer, he was ready to kiss her but then she took the knife she always had with her and she placed the knife handle on his chest, while the sharp part of the knife was facing towards her. She didn’t say anything but he understood… She was giving him trust in her own way. He smiled and again he started to lean closer, she closed her eyes…
He almost kissed her, but the doors started to open... So they opened their eyes and looked at the door. They did not kiss. She moved away from him, he let go of her.
Ace: Why did that door open?
Rin: I have no idea...
He seemed disappointed because they opened.
Ace: Come on, let's get out of here until they close again.
She started to walk.
Ace: I guess we got lucky or something…
Rin: Yeah... lucky us..
He said sarcastic and followed her.
Rho and Rikka
They were walking down the hall, almost reaching the door. Rikka suddenly stops, Rho still walks then she noticed Rikka stoped. She turned around and looked at her cold, saying nothing, she waited for Rikka to speak.
Rikka: Really? You have nothing to say?
Rho looked at her confused and cold.
Rho: What do you want me to say?
Rikka: Oh I don't know... maybe... ?how could you be so dumb and ruin everything all the time? She imitates Rho's voice.
Rikka continues.
Rikka: “I hate you because you are a kid, but now I hate you on a higher level...“
Rho looked at her confused.
Rho: Why would I say such a thing?
Rikka looks at her.
Rikka: Oh please... don't act like you don't always criticize everything I do...
Rho: Well, I wouldn't have to do that if you...
Rikkka: Could do anything right... I know.
Rho stayed silent a bit and then turned around towards her completely.
Rho: Listen, you are just a kid, and it is nothing personal, I just don't like kids.
Rikka was annoyed.
Rikka: Why do I even bother talking with you...?
Rikka was sadder but still mad, started to walk forward again, Rho's eyes followed her.
Rho: I don't understand, did I say something wrong?
She still talked cold. Rikka was even madder.
Rikka: Jesus Red, what the hell is the matter with you? What am I supposed to say to that? Why are you always so cold, don't you have any feelings in you? Can’t you not even see when you hurt someone?!
She was upset. Rho was calm.
Rho: How did I hurt you?
Rikka sighs.
Rikka: By saying I am only a kid, and that you hate kids, and all of comments with that...
Rho: I don't understand, I am only stating facts...
Rikka annoyed.
Rikka: Sometimes it is impossible to talk with you...
Rikka: Just forget it, never mind.
She starts to walk again but Rho stays at one place and she suddenly speaks, at her voice Rikka stops.
Rho: I even hated myself as a kid, you know?
Rikka stops.
Rho: You are only 16, you have so much to learn, and it is normal to make a lot of mistakes at that age, and the more mistakes you make now, less mistakes you will make later... when it really counts.
Rho: When I criticize you, I am only telling you things I wished I heard at that age... If I could talk with younger me, I would talk exactly in the way I talk with you now. Straightforward. And why do I talk like that with you? Because I know you are smart enough to understand those words, you are a fast learner, and I respect that. You can't be the smartest if you didn't do the most mistakes, and you can't be stupid if you learned on each mistake.
Rikka listened, more then ever…
Rho: But, I realize that you know how to learn on your own, because of you, I learned something too. Just because I work in a certain way, doesn't mean everyone is too. I am not you, you are not me. We lived different lives, yet we experience the same emotions. You are right, sometimes I can't see a pain that I cause, because I don't even know how to feel pain in a right way. I learned a lot through life, the things I also want to teach you over time, yet I never learned this emotional intelligence... that you all have. But, that doesn't mean I don't feel... it just means I don't know how to show...
Rho was looking down then she looked up and looked at Rikka
Rho: What are you... doing?
Rikka was crying.
Rho: Why are you crying? Did I say something wrong again?
Rikka: No! No... these are not that kind of tears... these are... more like a happy tears but also a bit sad in a same time...
Rho was confused.
Rho: You can cry when you are happy?
Rikka nods.
Rikka: Yeah...
She smiles.
Rikka: But don't worry you will learn that... over time..
Rho was calmer, her face softening a bit.
Rho: I am not sure I want to... I mean it doesn't make any sense...
Rikka laughs.
Rikka: You are a weird girl Red, but you are all right.
She wapes her tears and walks forward again. Rho follows her.
Rho: Thank you?
They keep walking.
Past of Rho… Nexara.
Nexara was in her room, it was night, she was all alone... no one there to love her to be her friend… Locked and protected from the world but not from what is inside of her. She never could sleep so she always did something productive.... but then, she snapped.
She ripped the papers she was writing on. And tried not to cry or to make a sound but she was upset. She tried to control her breathing, and she managed to calm down a bit.
She stood up started to walk, she looked herself in the mirror, she tried to speak but she couldn't. She couldn’t speak even to herself in the mirror, she covered her mouth she looked like she is about to cry. She was so quiet yet she was sobbing...
Troy in front of the door as her guard, he noticed the silence, more silence than usual, she always works in silence but even her work style has some sound, this didn’t have any sound and that would mean she was sleeping but she never sleeps… something is off, he thought to himself.
He knocked.
Troy: Miss Nexara?
Nexara calms down like nothing happened and she took a deep breath.
Nexara: Yes Troy? She said calm as always, she didn’t open the door yet.
Troy: Oh it is nothing, for second I thought that you were asleep...but you barely ever sleep so... Never mind miss, good night.
She was surprised, there was silence but then she opened a door. Nexara looked at him, her eyes red but she was steady just as calm and cold. Troy looked at her eyes.
Nexara: I need to know how did you came with that conclusion?
Troy confused.
Troy: Excuse me miss...
Nex: I will make it more simple. Why did you thought that I was sleeping right now and how did you know I never sleep?
He looked at her serious eyes.
Nexara: So?
They were in her room, he explained her why he thought she was asleep…
Nexara: So, you are trying to say that you heard even more silence then usual?
He nods. Nexara annoyed.
Nexara: Are you high or something? Because that doesn't make any sense. I told you not to eat or smoke things from my lab.
She wasn’t cold, she showed an emotion, human emotion, she was annoyed yet friendly, warm. He looked at her calmer as ever, so surprised that he burst to laugh. Nexara confused.
Nexara: What is so funny?
Troy laughed.
Troy: You....
Nexara: What now?
Troy smiles.
Troy: I apologize, I just never seen you like this, it is fun.
Nexara: I have no idea what are you talking about....
Troy: I can see that.
She looks down a bit, only a bit. His face softness.
Troy: It is just... I have really good hearing, you know, something you need to have in this kind of job... and since my job is to protect you, I need to always stay alert and that means when you don't sleep, I don't sleep either, well not even then.
Her eyes softened a bit.
Troy: And yeah you are pretty quiet all the time, but not silent. And that is what I heard tonight... silence.
She was quiet for a bit thinking.
Nexara: You can stop calling me miss Nexara.
Troy surprised but calm.
Troy: What should I call you then? Maybe by your name?
She looked at him confused surprised.
Nexara: What do you mean by that?
Troy: Oh, I just heard that Nexara is not really your name, more like a family name but, not your real first name, did I hear that wrong?
Nexara surprised.
Nexara: How did you know? Who told you that?
She started to look like she will beat him up for information. Troy steps back and laughs.
Troy: Calm down, I will tell you, you are my boss after all.
Nexara: You are right, I am. Speak.
Troy: I overheard Devon talking something about that, that is all,
She was thinking.
Nexara: That is surprising...
Troy: So it is true?
She nodded. She looks at him and then she extends her hand for handshake.
Rho: My name is Rhodri.
Troys shakes her hand and nods.
Troy: Nice to finally meet you, Rhodri.
...
