Estylwen

Iris Ascendis

It's perfect, as per usual. I think it's just Sifr now. :)

The Dark Beyond

@Lexisheeps

Whoops, I've had to work on mobile before. It's definitely more of a challenge.

I've seen the WIPs, so far they look great! The Codename Andrew bit is awesome.

The Dark Beyond

I'm unsure where in the posting cycle you'd like me! :)

@Days

Echoing what Lexi and Angel have said, I think it would be easier if we have you go first. :)

Just so you know, I'm currently working on those cs. I should be done with them by tonight!

@Lexisheeps

Sounds great! I can't wait to see it!

Stella will just tell Nick that Thierry went out for the milk. 🤣

@WhiteAngel25

I love everything to do with this. xD

The Dark Beyond

@Days

The CS looks amazing. Approved! Feel free to add it to the CS tab when you are free. :)

Also, I would be interested in a discussion area. I dont use Discord, but Whatapp would work, if everyone would be in favor of it.

@Lexisheeps

You read my mind! I would love a couple small CSs for Ramses and Aaron, when you have some time. It would really help. :)

The Dark Beyond

Yesss, we've reached a milestone. I couldn't be happier. :)

The Dark Beyond

Love the energy in this thread. :> New post is up!

Edit: I also added a new section to the first OOC post denoting the significant events that have transpired so far. That way we have a record for easy referral.

The Dark Beyond

Chapter 2: The Trial of the Depths

HiveMind Underwater Research Facility, Abandoned Maintenance Rails

@Lexisheeps, @WhiteAngel25

---

"You don't need to bow, 3. Your life is just as important as anyone else's."

Subject #3 looked up at Stella in amazement and awe, new tears threatening to pour forth as Stella's kindness moved her. Her hands pressed to her face, shaking her head as she tried to stifle another sob. The phantom weight around her neck felt so strange. She felt... light. Like a feather.

Is this what it felt like to be free? To be counted among friends?

With one final inhale to steady herself, Subject #3's innocent pink eyes stared up at Stella. "No one..."

#3 paused, and smiled. "...No one's said that to me before."

"You got a name little girly?" said Ramses.

"Subject #3," she said without thinking. Then, a hand flew to her mouth. "Oh! Wait, you mean my actual name? I-I don't know..."

She pressed her fingers together in a shy manner as she addressed Ramses. "I don't remember a whole lot, you see. About my... previous life? Past life...? Apparently, I had one, but the doctors told me I'd..." she trailed off, unease crossing her face. She seemed to be in a bit of pain.

Before Subject #3 had the chance to speak up again, there was a growl. A low, menacing rumble from the depths of the air ducts and dark corners of the maintenance area. Whatever had been unleashed in the facility had picked up on the group's scent, and was slowly, steadily approaching.

The air duct's metal creaked, causing a shiver to shoot up Subject #3's spine.

"I.. I don't think we're alone here..."

Her eyes glanced to the garage where the submarine was held, then back at Nick and Stella, a wavering, panicked crack in her tiny voice.

"You can still leave, you know. Leave all this... madness behind."

If Nick and Stella decided to stay, upon crossing the threshold of the Louvre-Ethereum door would reveal a dimly lit, flickering hallway. The walls were made of plain cement, while the floor was a dark tile. However, the two steps down to reach the floor were covered in a foot of water. Broken, or sabotaged electrical wires hung haphazardly over, brushing the water. The dangerous hiss of electricity scattered sparks across the surface, denoting the water was, in fact, lethal to touch for a regular person.

The first trap set by HiveMind. And, for every trap, there was a solution.

Above a closed steel door, at the back of the hallway were four cement baskets, rims lit up with a strip of LED lighting. They seemed about the size of a shoebox, connected to a steel arm in the wall, and seemed able to move up and down. The steel levers seemed pristine in condition, meaning this contraption had been made recently.

However, how the baskets functioned and how they would solve the trap remained unknown.

Whatever Nick, Stella, and the group decided, they would have to think quickly.

The growls from the air ducts were slowly, ominously, getting closer.

Iris Ascendis

This is gonna be a long day, lol.

Iris Ascendis

“There are daggers in [their] smiles.”

Ciara Ventura

Wingram Academy, Girls' Dorm
@Nanaya @Psyker Landshark

---

"Get up."

Ciara's eyes blearily opened. She turned her head just in time to watch Iraleth shut the door to their shared dorm.

Her eyes shut, before snapping wide open, and she sat up straight. Today was the day. Their match, their duel. She didn't feel any more ready.

She needed as many advantages as possible, including getting inside her enemy's head.

Silently, she slipped out of bed, grabbed her satchel and key, and moved to the door, peeking down the hallway. She saw Iraleth's tall figure disappearing around the corner. Forgetting to lock the door behind her for Hildegunde, Ciara darted down the hallway, moving nimbly as she taught herself when she was younger. She paused at the edge of the wall and peeked. The head advisor's office, and another office were visible, strange humming noises emanating from the second room.

Her eyes focused wholly on Iraleth, aiming to stay out of sight but within earshot, hoping to glean as many secrets as she could.

She could feel a ping in her mind, briefly opening her Adapa to take a peek at the contents. Board of Directors? She tried to see if the notice had any signatures on it. Who else was in charge of the school?

A stifled breath of air passed through her nose, and she dismissed the Adapa. Her eyes hovered on Iraleth again.

So they had a class together? Great. More opportunities for her to study her appetizing opponent.

"We need to know everything. This room appears to be some type of post office. It's sending out a message."

"So?"

"What if you're mentioned?"

"Why would it mention me?"

"...You're about to fight it later, and it voiced threatening accusations at you yesterday." The Voice said, giving the impression it was looking at her in a cross way. "Use your head, little Hunger."

Ciara bit her lip. "So, you think...?"

"I strongly suspect it's reporting to someone. We need to know if it mentioned you at all."

Ciara edged closer, trying to keep out of sight of Iraleth. "I'll get a better look."

If she wasn't able to see what Iraleth was doing, she could always ask the person inside what had transpired afterward...

The Dark Beyond

Questions: How much of Hive's goal is clear here? Why were they testing on 3 and Nick?

@Days

HiveMind wants to strengthen their hold on their monopoly, and use anything to their advantage in relation to dark energy. Experimenting on Nick (#4) was a two-fold strategy. Shake Nick's mind for secrets regarding dark energy and turn him into something more useful, and take a stab at the Louvre for attempting to interfere in their affairs. #3 was a failed experiment regarding dark energy, which is why HiveMind care very little if she lives or not.

All of your ideas sound great and on point! If you want her to be a biologist hired by HiveMind and 'resign' after seeing what happened to Nick, that would be an excellent way to start. You would also know the location of where Director Von Galloes set up the trap for the group, and could join them as they decend deeper into the sealed off portion.

Edit: Going with Voidlight is also a good option that should seriously be considered. I would love to see more Voidlight influence in the story.