[h2][color=gray]Underwater Cave, ???[/color][/h2]
[@Lexisheeps], [@WhiteAngel25]

[hr]

Another tremor, and then another.

Then, static as loudspeakers from within the depths of the forest rang out.

[b]"Silly Contractors, did you really think you were in control of [i]anything[/i]?"[/b]

It was the same voice as the lead researcher Nick had heard screaming.

[b]"We have you here for a specific purpose. And you [i]will[/i] complete that purpose."[/b]

Subject #3 seemed to visibly cower, recognizing the voice. In response, there was a chuckle.

[b]"Oh, don't worry, Subject #3, we haven't forgotten about you. Consider this an extended punishment for your failure before we... close the file on you, permanently."[/b]

She whimpered, holding Ivaylo closer. [b]"Y-you don't scare me."[/b]

[b]"Oh really, now."[/b]

[b]"Y-Yes! This time I have friends. You can't push me around like before!"[/b]

[b]"Oh, my dear," [/b]there was a pause as the lead researcher chose his next words carefully.[b] "What do you think is happening to your 'friends' as we speak?"[/b]

Her eyes widen, staring at Nick and Stella. With an expression of pure dread on her face, she looked as though she saw the two contractors the same way as her - prisoners.

There's a low chuckle over the loudspeakers as more drones encircled Nick and Stella. [b]"Now you're starting to realize. Perhaps a demonstration is overdue."[/b]

The loudspeaker suddenly cut out before a static charge filled the air with cracking light. Slowly, like unzipping a Ziploc bag, the fabric of reality tore itself asunder. 

Crackles of white burned away at the dark forest, the crypt, and everything surrounding them. In the end, they were left in a stark white cube room with only a handful of objects. Drones, scattered artifacts that had been purposefully placed in the simulation, and the glowing orb. No Ivaylo. Not dark dragon. And no escape.

At least, not at first. Beyond the line of 10 or so drones was a stainless steel door, a hatch on the front of it that was locked, glowing hazard symbols encircling it. Upon closer inspection, it would appear that it had a weakness in its hinges.

The orb hovered closer to Nick for a moment as if in understanding, having shared some pain with him, before it fired a white bolt at one of the drones, incapacitating it.

The drones blocking the way hovered closer, undeterred. They had their stun batons deployed at the ready, prepared to beat down any resistance as they attempted to subdue Nick and Stella.

Another, more fervent tremor shook the ground.