BEAST (forum story) - Prologue chapter

[Sublevel 114]

Ian: That's Morse code!!!

[Vortex]

Ian: That's Morse code!!!

Yes! Ian recognizes the pattern as a message encoded in Morse.

But... what does it say? He can't decipher it...

[Sublevel 114]

:O

She's no Elisa. Run

:O

IAN: Hide behind sofa?
And close balcony door before that.

[Vortex]

IAN: Hide behind sofa?
And close balcony door before that.

Ian closes the balcony door and tries to silently hide behind the sofa, but it is too late. Elisa enters the room as Ian is still moving it.

Ian looks at her. He is completely shocked, he can't think. The message still flashes in his head, over and over again: "She's not Elisa. Run. She's not Elisa. Run!" But.... can he trust that message? It could as well be a trap...



<ELISA>: It was very strange, the phone ringed three times but nobody answered. I have a feeling that... w... what are you doing with the sofa?

<IAN>: Uh... well...

Elisa starts to look at Ian suspiciously. But he doesn't notice. He can only think of one thing: they are in complete darkness, not a single source of light anywhere. If he is to believe her story, Elisa has not been exposed to the darkness outside. Then... how the hell could she see the sofa? How can she see anything at all?!

Ian is now sure...

It's dangerous to stay there any more time.

He has to get out. He has to GET OUT OF THERE, NOW.

But the question is... how?

[ENIHCAMBUS]

Look for an exit.

[Sublevel 114]

*atmosphere of horror comes back again...*

ok...

1) Still, there are chances that this light message is tricky trap. So, don't try to kill her if it is not extreme situation.

2) Quickly create your own false legend, like you saw something strange/shiny in/behind sofa, and when she comes with you to check, run from room and close the door behind you

alt) or just say there are monster behind you!

[Boingo]

O_O Yikes
Yeah, do that.

[The Kakama]

Tell her you'll try to find another way to get help, then climb out of the balcony to look for other apartments.

[Vortex]

Look for an exit.

Ian quickly evaluates his options. He can't come back outside, the other balconies are too far apart to jump to them, and there is the risk that the smiling monster could be waiting there.

The only other exit is the main door. But Elisa is in the way...

1) Still, there are chances that this light message is tricky trap. So, don't try to kill her if it is not extreme situation.

2) Quickly create your own false legend, like you saw something strange/shiny in/behind sofa, and when she comes with you to check, run from room and close the door behind you

Elisa looks increasingly suspicious. Ian quickly invents some excuse.

<IAN>: Eh... I was... looking for some item I think I saw behind the sofa. Do you want to help me look for it?

It's clear that Elisa doesn't believe him. He must think fast!

<IAN>: Yeah, anyways... I saw a strange light outside while you were on the phone. I don't...

<ELISA>: Wait, did you say a light?

Elisa looks suddenly interested.

<IAN>: Yeah! It was a bright dot of light.

Tell her you'll try to find another way to get help, then climb out of the balcony to look for other apartments.

Ian can't escape by the balcony, but... the sudden interest of the woman triggers an idea in his mind! It's risky, but it's his only chance to escape.

<IAN>: I saw it through the balcony. I can show you the exact spot if you want.

Elisa silently agrees, pensative. Ian opens the balcony door and lets her pass first.



As soon as she steps outside, Ian quickly closes the door and locks it with the latch. Then he runs towards the hall.







The idea worked! He's SAVED!

Ian opens the main door... wait... it's locked!

He goes to open another door to hide inside... it's locked too! Every door is locked! Now what?!

He is trying to force open the main door, when he hears a voice.

<???>: Oh, are you leaving so soon, boy? The party is about to start!

Ian's heart stops. It can't be... it's impossible... he put the latch on...

He slowly turns his head towards the origin of the voice...



BUT HOW?!



<ELISA>: Did you really think that a stupid door would stop a shadow?

<IAN>: ...

Ian looks at her... at it. He is sure that it is a monster just like the one he found in his apartment, or perhaps even more dangerous. It somehow took the appearance of the woman that lived here... the real Elisa. Who knows what it did to her... probably she's dead. As he will be, very soon.

<SHADOW ELISA>: So... I want to know a few things, before you die.

Ian is doomed. And that monster knows it. He has no escape. It's just a matter of time.

<SHADOW ELISA>: First. How did you know that I was not on your side?

[Sublevel 114]

:O

Don't give up!

He told he's shadow? The only way to kill/hurt the shadow is LIGHT! And he's under lamp right now!

But... what the hell? Why there's 5 light switches? Oo

If each of them turns lights in rooms behind each door, then where is light switch for corridor?

----------
I know, probably, there is not any electricity... but maybe this monster is different and he can't make lights dead?

Edit: I'm stupid...

Ian is near EXIT DOOR, right? So...
HOW THE HELL LIGHT SWITCH CAN TURN ON THE LIGHTS OUTSIDE???

Command: Ian: Take all your bravery in your hands and ACTIVATE the nearest light switch!
at least try...

but before...

Tell monster you will say how you understood he's not real Elisa, if monster introduces himself. Who is he? And why Ian itself is here, trapped in darkness?