Estylwen

The Dark Beyond

@Days

Poor Brenda, lol. xD

@Lexisheeps

Yess, and I couldn't be happier. :>

The Dark Beyond

Sorry, I was blissfully sleeping. I'll be posting then!
I wrote it in docs and am only now seeing how massive the post is. I'm sorry in advance, I promise I won't be writing novels like this every time. A big part is also the amazing collab, ofcourse.

@Days

That was absolutely amazing to read. You are 100% worthy, the attention to detail was intense. I especially liked the mention of Brenda, and the idolizing dynamic between Nova and Dragon.

The collab really turned out spectacular! I feel like I understand Voidlight so much better now.

@WhiteAngel25

Dragon is so cool. :o

My WIPs are finally ready for review! T 3 T;;;;;

@Lexisheeps

I've looked them over, and both look awesome! Approved! I especially like how we get to have a bit of a brotherly dynamic between Aaron and Nick. And Ramses seems super genuine.

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With Days' intro post all done, I think it's Angel's turn? :)

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.

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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

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@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. :)

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

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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

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"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.