001; [Video]
[It is clear, as the video clicks into recording, that the person handling the device is either uneducated in it's use, or simply panicking. The video initially shows a few shots of the room, dark & murky, a momentary shot of a bed, and a television showing only static. Heavy breathing can be heard in the background, and the faint sound of the
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Listen, I don't know who you are, but language is the last of my concerns right now. I don't know what--
[She pauses.]
Something is outside my door, and I.. I don't know what you're talking about, but I just need to know how to use this thing so I can call 911, okay? My best friend's dad, he's the town sheriff, and he'll.. h-he'll come and get me.. I don't want to be in any apartments, and I don't want any tape. What am I going to do with tape if he-- no, he wouldn't..
Do you know who brought us here? And where are you? And furthermore, what in the fuck are pests? Is that what's outside my door? I need you to answer me. I don't know how long I have until he finds me. This is just the kind of thing he'd do to me.. take me here..
Just help me, okay?
[The irritated tone that has persisted throughout her dialogue is no longer present with the statement of the last few words. There is the sound of light sniffling.]
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Listen, where you were before, your home, this place isn't it. Your friends father isn't here, no one's here but people who have been brought here and the dead. Take the tape and use it on your door and windows. If they aren't in there with you right now, it's only because they haven't noticed you yet.
[His tones are tired, and if her blackberry's volume is high enough, Laurie will here the soft plip of blood hitting the floors from Hayden's arm. He's binding it, but it's slow, sine he has to fish around in the wounds for any glass, and he's talking to her as well.]
The pests are the local inhabitants, or at least what I call them. Ghosts would probably be more accurate, though they can be quite physical. They don't like the red tape, it will keep the weaker ones out, and it takes the stronger ones time to penetrate it. It won't keep them all out, so stay away from any suspicious looking stains on your walls, and don't actually fill the sinks or the tub, since there's one that will try to drown you.
[He's silent for a moment, then speaks, his tones softer then they were before.]
According to what I've read and heard, Jigoku is a word for Hell. I'm sorry, girl, since you sound like you've endured it once, but this place is aptly named. No one knows how we came here, or how we leave when whatever brought us here permits us to go. Until then, try to learn to work with what you have.
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I don't want them to notice me, trust me. I can hear something, I don't know.. exactly what it is, but it sounds like scratching. It's out in the hall. I didn't go out, but I looked out the window, and it looks like hell out there, doesn't it? I can barely see, it's like smoke.. no, not smoke, fog, definitely thick fog.
I've never seen fog like this in my life.
So, it's this tape, right here? [There is the sound of shuffling, and the familiar sound of thick tape being pulled.] Red stuff, right? I should put it on all of the doors, and the windows? How is anyone going to find me? Or.. how do I get out? Isn't there anywhere to go? I can't hide in this room forever. It didn't work last time. I need to eat, and.. well, eating is probably my biggest worry. I feel sick right now, mostly.
[She pauses again, and if Hayden listens carefully, there is more shuffling, and the sound of her padding across the floor. Sounds of scratching that she mentioned earlier sound more intensified, and there is the sound of more tape pulling free.]
You're hurt, aren't you? How can I find you? I don't-- I can't get in contact with anyone else. I need to find someone, please..
You might be in danger though, if you mix up with me.. people around me, they tend to-- bad things happen a lot to people who get mixed up with me..
I'm sorry I was a bitch earlier.
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Most of us retape the door after we leave or come back. Most of the other apartments are like this, and the few other places I've been here aren't good to hole up in either. Normally, the place isn't as bad as this, and people can see and get to the grocery store and other places of interest to staying alive, but something's happening at the moment. I think I distantly heard one of the other's having a howling panic attack, which means whatever runs this place is toying with its captives again. Though the last time I was even here for such, during the whole darkened faerie tale thing, the pests went almost quiet. This time, they're agitated. They don't like what's going on.
[A soft huff, since he's finally finished binding up his arm. Hayden can be heard moving about, checking things.]
I can say the same right back at you, girl. Most of the last group before here that got too close to me are resting in their graves now. I can handle a few bad things. I've been wounded worse, this doesn't even slow me down. [True, because his body can't register pain.] Can you give me a guess what floor your on? I've got some spare stuff that this place shouldn't do something hideous to hopefully that you can use until this mess dies down and all.
[Hayden is being nice. A rarity in and of itself. Then again, Laurie has the same look he saw in the psychiatric ward mirror a few times on his own face. So... broken that it's sickening, but still functional enough to be tossed out the door.]
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So, what you're telling me, is that there isn't really a.. technically safe place anywhere here? But we can go to other places, people do come & go? Although, I'm going to keep this tape handy, if it's as useful as you're saying it is. I got my door, and I'm going to do up the windows next, I just hope I have time. [Sounds of walking again, and more tape pulling, ripping, and little grunts of effort as Laurie spends a few moments blocking up her first window in the apartment.]
What kind of grocery store are we talking? Just, walk in, take what we want? I don't know how anyone will find anything in that fog. It looks fucking awful out there, I.. I don't want to go in it, if I can help it.. which I doubt. I thought I heard screaming too, when I woke up; maybe it was me. [She manages a poor attempt at a chuckle.] If it's.. toying with people.. it'll know I'm here soon, won't it? [Pause.] Why do we say it, anyway? It's a.. building, an apartment building, it can't possibly be.. the source of all of this. It's just a building. It's inanimate.
People kill people, not buildings. People go psycho, not apartments. At least, that's what I've seen.
Let me get a look and try to guess where I am, it's hard with all of the damn fog..
[Laurie's footsteps are heard, as she moves across her apartment, and in a moment there is the sound of her letting out a shrill noise of surprise, followed by a gasp.]
I-- I jus-- Hayden, I think I just saw something, out the window, I don't know wha-- it was looking at me, it's gone now, but I--
[She's breathing heavily again, sounding like the tears might make a return appearance. She hasn't cried like this since Brackett told her about her parents. Even in therapy, she felt numb, like she was discussing the tragedy of someone else. Being here, in this, was real.] I'm so s-scared..
We're clear on the risks, then, right? You're.. well, you say you're bad luck. I know I'm bad luck. Why not work together? Maybe we can counteract each other. [Again, despite how weak her voice is, she tries that little laugh again. It sounds a bit pathetic.] I've been.. pretty wounded myself, I be I can handle this place.. but I still don't know what floor, I'm on.. it looks pretty high up, I can't see the ground, but the fog is definitely a part of that.
I could go out in the hall, t-try to meet you half way.
{ooc; I'd just like to mention that I'm loving their dynamic so far, and I'm having a blast. & I read up Hayden's wiki, just so I wouldn't be so confused, but if I mess anything up in the future, lemme know. ;)}
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The only place that I've been the ghosts won't go is the third floor of the hospital, but strange things can happen even up there. But normally we do come and go, either by ourselves or with others, but no one really wants to try the fog yet. Or if they have, something's led them off course and we won't see them until this whole mess is over. This place... I've seen the hospital, heard the ghosts there. Whatever happened here, in this place, has tainted it. Perhaps irrevocably. Too much death, too many angry souls and poisoned hearts still trying to live even a mockery of life. And they hate those who still live. This place, in a terrible way, is a kind of alive death.
[He stops at her scream, watching his own windows. Nothing seems to be out there, but that's never trustable in this place.]
One of them, then. They come to the windows as well. It maybe investigating, or they maybe testing to see if someone has explained the rules that are known in this madhouse to you yet. Regardless, if one knows, all of them know.
[His tones take on the hint of a grin.]
Yeah, but to be more clear on my side, I'm not normal. Where I last was had a viral infection loose, and I had the bad luck to become infected. Still human, just... a little different. [His tones are calmed again, patient.] Wrap one or both of your wrists with the tape. It makes them less likely to rush you, though given the fact that they're on a rampage they might ignore it. If it isn't a stain on the wall, or looks like a black shadow, smack it with the tape. They usually back off after that.
If you think that you can stand a little danger, then the hallway's best. Gives us both a chance to keep moving, and it might draw them away from your apartment if they think you're not going to stay there. I'm on the fifth floor, if that's any help. If you figure out what floor you're on, give me a holler and I'll find you.
{OOC: I'm enjoying it too. It's nice for Hayden to interact with someone as screwed up as he is, in their own way. They'll make great friends, in the snarky 'I just tolerate him/her because they know what it's like' way. Wiki for Hayden about covers everything I know for him, so any mistakes are probably on both of our parts.}
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If they know I'm here, then I guess I-- well, I have to go out then, they'll get me either way. Each wrist, you said? That's simple enough. What's going to happen if I run out of tape, though? Or if it comes off? They-- ... they will rush me then, won't they? [She pauses, teeth chattering for a moment.] Fuck it, I have no choice.
I'm not normal either, trust me on that. I don't have any infections, per se, but I.. definitely have a colorful problem. I'm a little different, too. Or rather, I guess, my family is a little different. I'll explain later, if you wanna really know. Which you probably don't, but anyway, it's a.. really long-ass story, trust me.
Wrap my wrists, avoid the stains, bring the tape. That sounds simple enough.
[More shuffling, and the sound of tape, as Laurie begins to wrap the tape around her free wrist. She goes thick, not wanting to risk it. Ripping the tape with her teeth this time, she makes a small sputtering noise to get the sticky residue feeling from her lips.] I can stand a little danger. I did it before, I can't..
I can't keep running away. When I ran away last time, a lot of people got hurt. I'm not a runner anymore, I can handle it.. I think, at least.
Fifth floor? Okay, I'll head down.. or up.. keep an eye out, okay? Or an ear, I don't know what might happen. I'll scream if it gets bad, just a warning. [Again, that attempt at a laugh.] I appreciate this, by the way.
{ooc; I definitely agree with that. Laurie needs someone who at least somewhat understands, and Hayden seems to fit the bill. I'm getting almost a little-sister-big-brother vibe off of them, although that may be my bias toward Laurie and her brother issues, haha. I think it'll be a lot of snark, but a lot of genuine like, too. And okay, excellent, about the Wiki. I think I have most of it down, then.}
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Trying to lead people off into the fog, anyway. It seems to be using voices of those close to us, trying for a psychological damage most likely. I can think of several things I've done that merit such a place, but it's more likely that we simply provide this place something it needs. Maybe the ghosts find they function better with the living around.
[He switches to answering her questions. His tones are clinical, and she can here him moving things and tearing tape.] In general, they normally won't rush you, the white ones anyway. Even now, they're more likely to ignore you. This doesn't apply to all of the white ones, but they seem to have to most exist and let exist attitude of the lot. Stains are inactive as long as you're far enough away, then they try to grab you with a lot of arms. Trash and scream and someone should come and help you if you don't manage to wriggle free on your own. If you see a black shadow... if it hasn't seen you, retreat and go another way. If it has, get into the nearest apartment and tape the door.
[He pauses, thinking.]
Some of the dead or empty apartments might have rolls, and I know that one can occasionally find them in other places, so running out is a problem only if you really don't pay attention to how much tape is left. As I said, usually they're more placid, something's coming that's gotten them riled up.
[She can hear the sounds of his door opening and closing, and Hayden moving.]
If you want to tell it later, I'm willing to listen. They say even a sheet of paper is lighter when two people lift it, so even the burden of a problem is lighter if someone can help you. I'm out and moving, keeping both eyes and ears open.
[His tones are a little warmer now.]
You're welcome. Anyone should have help when it gets bad like this.
{ooc: Yeah, Hayden understands. He understands the shrink ward too, since he's been locked up in one. If you actually want to catch anything that Wiki might have missed or not explained in detail, try looking up a walkthrough on Youtube. There's a few things that are clearer in the cutscenes then in the Wiki explanation, though Hayden arrived early in his game, around the beginning of chapter 4. Still, some of the backstory doesn't come out until chaps 5-7, I think. Dealing with why Hayden is 'broken'. Hayden would probably make a good big brother, lol.}
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That's logical, they must need us for something. I don't see any other reason to have people here, unless we.. well, we could be dead, but I'm really doubting it.. last I remember, I wasn't doing anything to end up dead. And if these.. things, are what dead looks like, I think we're alive and well. And I guess, if you're right, that's how they want us.
[Listening to each of his explanations, there are sounds from her end as well, similar to his; movement, tape, her breathing. She's trying to psyche herself up for what's waiting, but she isn't sure what it exactly entails. His descriptions are one thing, seeing it will be another. She supposes her only option is to take the plunge, and find out. What else is there to do?]
Okay. White ones aren't as bad, stains are bad, and black shadows are.. really bad. Deal with tape shortage when it happens, don't waste time worrying now. I got it.
Whatever has them riled off, I really wish it would just fuck off already. [She sounds pouty, like a spoiled teenager, what she might have once been, and no longer is. She needs to be hard now, tough. His tone, however, touches her. Their initial exchange was catty, informal, but she feels a connection to him now, albeit thin. He wants to listen, and she supposes, she wants to tell. It's sweet of him, and she feels a sudden rush of affection.]
You're really fucking deep, you know that? We can talk about it when we find each other.
[Heading toward the door, the sound of tape being removed can be heard, and the sound of Laurie unclicking a lock. It wouldn't keep them out, but she had felt it necessary, for her own peace of mind.]
I'm going out in just a second. I'll see you soon.
[She pauses.] I hope.
{ooc; She'll definitely appreciate that, then. And I'll try to get a chance to check them out sometime tonight/tomorrow morning. Any specific videos, or just any Youtube walkthroughs? And I think he's already shaping up to seem like he would be, lol. Certainly something that Laurie needs in this place. Anybody is better than Michael!}
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[He laughs a little, a short, bitter sound.]
We all wish it would fuck off, because then the little pests would be acting fairly normal for them and not swarming every apartment with living inhabitants they can find. They're wilder then usual, even the placid whites.
[If Laurie could see him, he's smiling a little at her backhanded compliment.] Hey, a friend once told me that most people don't like to look into the abyss because it eventually looks back, I go rooting around in it looking for something to beat up. I'm willing to listen.
[His tones go calm again.]
Right back at ya.
{OOC: Try the one's by RE something or other, they work the best. And you're right, anyone's better then Michael Myers.}
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I'm going to put the Blackberry in my pocket for now, so I can keep my hands free. Listen for the scream, 'kay? [She musters another little chuckle, as bitter as Hayden's own laugh.]
Here goes nothing.
[A click as she ends the recording, and presumably steps out into the corridor.]
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