Posts by Dawns Edge

Damaris was about to say something but kept quiet as the man plunged another needle in his arm. Wishing the head ache would come to an end, he gave an apologetic look to Melody.
Some part of him, most of him, consoled him by the reaction of the doctor. Who was in panic and bright red. She looked like she was going to bury herself in the ground any second. Whatever the cost, it was worth it. And then he had to look at his arm.
Bloody hell.
It'd heal, he knew. But a scar in his beautifully toned body was horrifying. He came out of his own sad world and came to a realization. The poor black-head with the sketchbook. She was in trouble, basically because of a random stranger. Who happened to be talkative and compelling. Maybe after this incident she'd prefer never talking to any.
The doctor, by now completely white squeaked a series of apologies.
Damaris stood up to his full height. So glad he was the tallest in the room. Suddenly wanting appreciation for that. But he took on a serious note to face the man, "I apologize for the commotion I caused. I don't think it's completely her fault." In a minute, he felt quite weird being so formal. "Ah, come on..." He started, "Since I was the one who would've been...um, what, brain damaged?" He questioned, more than making a point, "I think it's my right to have a say. I heartily apologize once again. It's not her fault." He said promptly.
"And anyway, we are allowed to have a little fun, aren't we? We're teens for Heaven's sake! And the only few survived ones..."

"Meh," Veleda muttered, taking out her glove from the pocket and wearing it atop the other one to tighten it for the moment. At least the pain would stop. It was annoying more than hurtful. She didn't needed a distraction at this hour.
She looked at the screen for one last time, 2:33 before dashing towards the other end of the room. "Of course." She said hastily, looking at the wall. A slit at one side indicating it to be a door of a different sort. There was no way they could go back from the one they'd come in. "That's the way out...or in. Who knows." She looked at the controls for a way out. Obviously, there couldn't be any more fingerprints. She thought, thinking about the dead bodies.
She racked her brains and tried the ones the announcement had called...what were they for though? She wondered but tapped them in anyway.
Nothing.
"What the hell's the code!?" She shouted, restlessly moving her healthy arm about the buttons. Her head was a fusion of numbers, nothing making any sense. What can possibly be something to save their lives? She turned her furiously to look back at the screen. And gasped. 2:12 "Oh my God..."

Damaris's face lightened up once again as he nodded to one of the only doctors who had gained his appreciation mentally. He walked out after Melody, noticing the female doctor's horrified look. She sure was in big trouble. He also noticed the completely opposite reaction playing on Melody's face.
"Mission successful then?" He asked, once they were a distance from the room.
He was back in his open manner, smiling softly as he cherished the event. "Honestly, I don't mind dying for that result!" He exclaimed and winked, "Good acting there."

"Work you stupid!" She blurted at the numbers. Failing again to find the right code.
Hearing the words, Veleda punched the numbers as he spoke, wishing it wasn't some random ramble. Probably something he'd found out back there. The screen showed verifying in green, making her all the more mad. They were running out of time and it was verifying. She grunted in exasperation, just as the door slided aside. Revealing another pair of silver walls.
"HA!" She shouted, bursting out of the room like a crazy woman. She glanced back and wondered if she should have pulled the guy along. She didn't really trusted automatic doors. A mini second later, she did it anyway. Got him by some arm and took a run, catching the numbers in red. 20, God no.

"My description to the fortress of witches was very precise." He annunciated every word and pressed the following buttons on the elevator. "These scientists are mostly in a very formally appalling behavior. Unlike your father," He provided. He was impressed by the man's actions. There were hardly any people like him.
He rubbed the place where the needle had been, remembering the sudden head-ache which the solution had caused. He wondered what would have happened. Could it be the ultimate end to his life? He wondered in a sulk what would have happened to his parents. The thought was horrifying enough, he decided to change his mind's direction.
"He saved me," Damaris smiled, locking his eyes with hers. "Your mother's a lucky lady. Is she a scientist too?"

Veleda sighed deeply as soon as she was aware of her survival. For a moment there, she lost her usual guarding behavior and almost thought of the stranger beside as a friend. "Not yet," She smirked teasingly.
Her hand went up to remove the bangs of hair over her face and she realized what had happened. The sudden run had revealed the hateful streak of silver she'd been hiding with her hood. The dull pain in her wrist subsiding with the current issue. With a frantic movement she covered it again, unknown heat coming up her throat. Covering her head with the hood and face with her hair was what she felt comfortable in. It hid her and she liked staying hidden. Especially the streak of silver hair at the left of her head. She clearly didn't like exposing it. Let alone exposing it to someone she'd met some minutes ago.
She shot back at him, who probably had seen her distraught. "Right. So you've been walking with a freak." She said with a dark expression, holding her injured wrist behind her. "A freak of nature." Her teeth gritted, holding back a wave of discomfort. She felt like she had just been exposed of her biggest flaw in front a large crowd of bullies. But she knew she could face it, just like she had many times before.
Having no idea where they were and they'd just faced a near-death situation, she didn't care if he turned out be like everyone else. Although, it was going to hurt a little. Make fun of me, you're dead. Her eyes burned a dark violet as her cheeks burned. She wished their alliance would continue, honestly not wanting to beat him or anything. Like that would happen. Some part of her said, taking in the build of the tall fellow.

(Vella is a weirdo. I know. Don't mind her. :p)

Damaris regretted saying what he had right after the look she gave before speaking. He really had no idea what to say. The topic of death was far too serious for him to ever think about. So he didn't really know what were the right things to say. He looked at a certain point behind her head and melted in his confusion.
As for the moment, the only thing in his mind was awe. For the father who had brought her up on his own. As she finished, he raised his brows in appreciation. "I am really starting to like your dad now. " He pondered, thinking about his own. He wasn't aware though, that he was thinking aloud. "Might as well exchange him for a day. Hell. My dad's sick of me." He muttered and blinked. Oh.
He looked aloof for a while and then grinned. "You should meet my parents some day. We're a weird bunch."

She almost swapped his hand away but resisted. With a sigh of relief concealing her relaxation she looked up and folded her arms at the back. Maybe it was time to let go of the hood. It had been a long obsession of hers. And she felt it like a part of her now. Maybe it was time to finally accept it as it was. But it wasn't only the reason of looks after all. It reminded her of her sister. Her teeth clenched as the thought overcame her.
Nope. Not yet. She covered her head once again. "You're still a bigger freak." She murmured with her usual tones back. At least there was someone normal her way now. The red-head with her surname on his forehead. Accepted.
She pushed him aside with a slight shove and looked ahead. "Right. Okay. The announcement said it's a test of sort, right? And it's already started. So the second test must be figuring a way out." She frisked around and gave him a stare, "BUT I BROKE MY WRIST." She said aloud in a burst of frustration, her anger and emotions flowing out like a volcano, "WHAT'S THIS SICK TEST ABOUT ANYWAY?" She felt like cursing now. "We could have freaking died!"

He nodded obediently and checked out the fancy control panels. He always liked the way they blinked. He'd even tried pressing them all at once... He wanted to do it again. Shut it, brain. He was sure that was only going to further freak the girl out.
" 'Course, I don't have anything to do anyway." Damaris said just as the elevator doors opened. Without a second glance, he walked out promptly. Looking at the corridors surrounding him, and a sudden hum of an echo, he realized the place was huge.
"There we a-wait a min!" He froze in his tracks. Taking a look back wasn't going to make things better. Floor 5th He read, just as the doors closed again.
"Well." He looked about for directions, "This isn't the 4th floor." Slipping a hand in his already messy hair he took a glide to his left. He'd heard about the 5th floor before, but what lied below was never known. Not to the test subjects. He caught his doctor talking about it in hushed tones. And he was really looking forward to know it. But obviously, it wasn't right was it? He felt like Melody was his responsibility. What my mother wouldn't give to see me responsible.
"What do you say?" He asked cautiously, "I'm just as clueless as you." He shrugged.

What a big stubborn brat. She thought as he accepted his new label without hesitation.
She heard him speak like a professor. And for the first time he was making some sense. More or less. With every single word some weight lifted inside her and she felt a lot more better. She hid her smile and satisfaction and commented flatly, "You should write a book."
And that's when the same metallic voice spoke again. She was beginning to hate it even more now. She listened carefully and her eyes widened to abnormal sizes. "What. The. Hell." She uttered, not blinking. Her eyes scanned the dark abyss. The lights along the walls weren't really helpful. Holes. "They are planning to freaking murder us. Just stab us with a blade straight!" She shouted, infuriated.
Another cold shudder and she realised what she had just heard. Rely on each other. What was that supposed to even- Veleda wasn't going to rely on anyone. Not the weirdo at her side anyway.
"Follow me, punk." She commanded, leading the way to darkness. And it occured what a foolish thing it would be. She'd most probably die before him. And what difference would it make? No. She had to go back to her mother. And she had to survive this. A sudden commitment filled her as she accepted the fact of reliance. And so she looked back and sighed, "Together?"

(I like where this is going... :3 Me toosh! P.S. It's 18 and 22)

If being responsible was a natural habit, he had had sticked with persuading her to go back. But considering he was bursting with curiosity and his chance was right there, he was more than eager to let his sudden mature streak diminish.
He was keen to react and followed suit. "Hmm, I think you should have a nickname too." He smiled back, walking towards one of the many doors lined up. "But let's leave it for later."
"Interesting place don't you think?" He asked, looking closely at the structure. The collection of so many doors had him imagine a mysterious 'solving a case' kind of game. The kinds of games he played when he was sleepy, to keep him awake. So many locks and so many hidden secrets. But this was as real as it could get.
"Wish I had an inventory," He thought aloud, still thinking about a way to open the door. "Bet you don't have a hammer by any chance?"

Veleda mused at the idea, slightly impressed at him making a good theory like that. "Well, at least you're finally using your brain." She was happy to lead once again. But vowed to herself to never let him have the chance to get two feet close to her. To never fall. If that were possible.
She straightened herself and directed him, "My choice, soldier, is for you to listen to me and follow me exactly. I happen to have a good eyesight. And a properly functioning brain." She added, "And if I fall, I'll find you in the pits of hell and kill you slowly." She said with a plain face. After that, she simply turned around and faced the dark once again.
Veleda felt a step ahead and closed her eyes. The walls with their illusion of lights had to be a trick. It is all a trick. She thought. To trick the eyes. To look at the lights was going to array her vision once again. So she looked straight when she opened her eyes once again. She took another two steps feeling the ground, and sighed.
"Okay, come now punkster. This much's safe."

(Nope. Those are the guys. I counted.)

Damaris shrugged and with a lack of creative ideas, suggested, "Oh, I dunno. Tarantula?" He raised a shoulder and grinned, "Think about it. Tarantula and alien! The great door openers of the mysterious land of the 5th floor!"
He checked his pockets, "Bubble gums, ID card, coins, earphones, a broken piece of a vase...which reminds me, mother is surely fumed right now." He thought about his mother's angry red face with the vase in her hand. Oh boy.
"Forget it. So! Hair pins you say? Those are useful. Let's go old school and find a less modern door."

"Boohoo. Right. I still prefer heaven though." She said, hearing him talk about the restriction order, a little doubtful. This crazy fellow had probably just as much accidents as her. But this was no time for telltales.
She deduced there was not much choice but to drag her feet and feel the ground. And so she did it again, slowly at first and when she was sure, she moved ahead. It was just like skating without skateboards...and much slower. With a danger of death. Well, maybe it wasn't like skating. But she liked to think of it that way anyway.
A step left and that's when the first hole outline caught her feet. She quickly retreated. "Hole, stop. " She announced, to prevent the guy from crashing into her and resulting in both of them falling to their ultimate end.
She tried her front ground, slowly scraping the land with her boot and took a step ahead happily. After successful 10 minutes, she realized this was going to go for a long long time. And she hated doing the same thing for so long. Especially finding your way around holes in dark.
"I'm tired already. Can we sit right here?" She said finally and without a response started ahead, "That is, if the metallic lady doesn't blow a hole under us for procrastinating."
She stopped still, folding her arms. "WHEN WILL THIS TORMENT COME TO AN END?!" She yelled. Her plan had been successful as she heard her voice reverberating across the place. She wanted to test the area's size.
It was huge. That was for sure.
She had a sudden urge to curse loudly, wishing the administrators would hear her and feel a little less confident. But didn't. Instead she screamed, "CURSE YOU METALLIC LADY!!"

When he heard a refusal, Damaris looked down at her. Clearly his idea was too amazing to be accepted. He wasn't going to let go of it anyway. He pouted sadly, punching his heart lightly, "That hurt."
He quickly got up with her, examining the old door. Wondering what it could possibly have behind it, hoping for mutants but scratch that. He waited as she tried to open it.
From the vase statement he concluded she was probably one of her mother's kind. The intelligent smart kind who could be quite dangerous at times but probably not as insanely destructive as him. Or not at all for that matter.
"Nice and slow!" He wished her encouraging remarks brightly, "I've picked many locks. The trick is to be patient." He said with an air of pride. Picking locks was one of his hobbies in school. Good for stealing back the graffiti equipment the teachers had taken over. Ah, good times.

Veleda stood in front of the pit and stared into darkness. Whoever thought dark could get any darker. Today was a day she'd remember at least for learning different shades of the dark. With a hint of death every time.
"It better have hand holds or we'd have to be spiderman to actually stay alive," She commented before thinking. Wait-Up there? She heard him say and stretched her arm upwards, suddenly remembering she had a lovely broken wrist.
"I am sorry what? There is no way I am climbing this thing. There's a bloody pit below and my arm ain't for climbing!" She retraced a step back, knowing there was no other way anyway. Folding her arms yet again, she grumbled to herself. "This whole thing is ridiculous," She tried looking at her hands, widening her eyes, and stretched her fingers. It still stung a little but the toll of death was enough to dull it and make it feel minor. Maybe I can... The thought striked her for just a moment. But she shook it away. She wasn't doing this stupid thing with that arm. That would be welcoming your demise. But what other choice did she have? For now, she just stood stubbornly, refusing to go forth.

"Nay, why must you break my heart like that? Spiders are unique species, especially the poisonous ones. I find them pretty cool." He said, trying to be resourceful and thinking about everything he knew about spiders. "I say, it's a perfect nickname. Though I'd keep on looking for a better one." He said seriously for a moment and smiled. "And as for the weirdness of it all...It's not like you call me 'alien', yeah?" And a little one at that. Which he probably wouldn't understand why. But he didn't mind anyway.
Hearing the click he raised an impressive eye and slipped in before her, turning at the last moment, "Why, I highly doubt that, Miss Nightingale." He remarked with an upturned brow and entered.
The door sealed behind them with another sliding metal door dropping from the top with a thud.
"How welcoming..." He commented as he took in his surroundings.
The walls, clearly metal were blank apart from a hatch on one wall. The hatch wheels door gave an air of being inside a submarine but Damaris ignored that bit. Until a certain metallic voice echoed from hidden sources. "Welcome to our testing facility. Here all of your abilities will be put to test, and it's up to you if you survive or not. In precisely 5 minutes, this room will be submerged in water. The pressure outside the room will be sufficiently met with the one inside for a certain moment. Exceeding the pressure or the volume will result in death. To escape, you must work together. 4, 13, Goodluck. "
It ended, leaving a slight buzz in the air. Or was it anxiety? After a a few blank moments Damaris gaped, "What?" He looked at Melody with oblivious expressions, unable to believe what had happened.
"A Testing facility? How more weird can this place get? Your father ever told you about this?" His eyes caught a little red digital clock at the top of the ceiling. If the voice really was serious, their time was passing quick enough. They needed an escape and it seemed to be right in front of them. But was it really that easy?

Veleda plunged her elbow in his stomach, probably making him moan. Well intended. "Say that again, pea-brain!" She challenged him with an evil glee in her voice. Folded her cuffs and made a fist, "I'd gladly shoot you in the head, you good for nothing soldier. But I'm letting you go for now." She said with her usual mixture of arrogance and mirth and stepped ahead towards the pit.
"All right. RELY on each other. Well, how about you sit down and I climb your shoulders or something...?" She suggested, "Or step on your head, hopefully crushing it." She shrugged, "It's hollow in there anyway." She said casually though she wasn't really sure if the height was the problem.

Damaris nodded at her. "True that. I'm too handsome to die so soon." He looked around, trying to find the source the water will flood in from. His rebellious mind thinking of a way to block the water rather than wait for it to flow over. He really liked this shirt.
But apparently nothing seemed to be in sight.
He looked up at the ceiling to discover a twisted pump with something similar to an oxygen pipe. "I don't think it's coming from up there," He pointed at it. "Air source? And how do you suppose we're getting up there..." Then it struck him. The water. "A carrier." Sure.
He withdrew from his momentary investigation and moved onward towards the hatch door. "Right okay! This is a weird looking metal door which opens when the pressure is equal? So what we can do till then is a way to figure out the lock. " He looked at the handles and the glass screen showing nothing but darkness. It seemed like an entrance to a spaceship and amused him for a while. Thinking how Melody had been calling him an alien. So theoretically speaking, he had to be an expert with this thing.
The structure of the door clearly showed how heavy it would be. He figured a way to open it and came to a fine conclusion. The pressure equalizing would give the door the ability to be turned about and it seemed to be the only way. Considering there were no real 'locks' on it.
"Twists and turns, my guess is. What do you offer, Miss Nightingale?" He said, still looking at it.

"What are you-" She started when he sat, preparing a witty comment on how stupid his hair were but instead burst out shouting, "PUT ME DOWN, YOU BLISTERING FOOL! WHAT DO YOU-AAAH! WHAT THE FREAKING-" She half yelled, overtaken by an enormous amount of shock. She didn't remember if she was ever given a piggy-back ride by her father-when he was alive. And this seemed like the weirdest experience in the world. With the lack of any handholds, she held on to his forehead uncertainly.
This guy right here had a death wish. No one-no one had ever dared to come that much near and this one red-head had just picked her up without her will.
Against her struggling, he had raised her up and she was about to pull every bit of his hair when she realised they'd both probably tumble and die during the chaotic karate session.
She bent down, getting herself to the level of his ear and whispered furiously, "I'm going to kill you after this!" It was a very appealing thought to punch him in the face, now that she was literally holding it. But again, there was a pit in front which prevented it from happening.
She straightened up, reaching for the platform. It was easier to get there now. Holding the solid landing's edge, she pushed herself up, stepping on his shoulder and weighing herself upwards. Once her knees were at the platform, it was easy to haul herself up completely.
She made space for him and looked down at the annoying face below. "Hey, how about you accidentally slip and die?" She suggested, wondering what she was even doing here with a company such as his. Still amazed at his courageous attempt, the fates were with him this time. Next time, she'd have him sliced hopefully.
"Would do the world a big favor." She mumbled grumpily to herself, "Annoying little brat."

"Yes. Yes. I get it, mom." He commented when she finished her explanation. Damaris looked at the clock again, there was a minute left.
He leaned across the wall, crossing a leg behind the other. "So now we wait," He said, anticipation taking its toll. Since they couldn't really do much than that.
He glanced at the door and then back at her, "It's going to be heavy. Think you can do it?" He asked in pure concern. One thing he didn't want was to find out she wasn't a swimmer. But the normal way she had reacted to him probably meant otherwise.

Veleda eyed him and chided, "Stop being a brat, then." She folded her cuffs and extended her healthy arm below, lying flat on the platform to avoid being pulled.
She was sure he weighed twice herself and would not be easily hauled. So she extended the other arm as well and went on rather aggressively, "Don't kill us both, you cow!" She said, wondering if she'd just might be pulled along and register death.

"Mm'yeah," He nodded slightly. "Though I just don't understand the purpose of all this," He began, thinking about the time when the experiment was introduced.
"We were nothing but subjects anyway. Subjects to be tested or controlled..." He said in a gloomy tone, his voice lowering at the end. He looked a her and shrugged, "Either way! But this is something else. Something big." He ended abruptly. This was probably one of the very few times he looked thoughtful and it surprised even himself.
He looked back at the clock, 10...9...8.
"There you go." He stood impatiently wondering where the water will come from. 3...2...1...He raised his arms up high and exclaimed exuberantly, "Let it rain!" But instead, the floor with it's spirals turned out to be the source. Water gushed out of the numerous holes like little fountains.
Damaris looked at it sadly, "Well, aren't you disappointing..."

She was glad he hadn't tried to hold on to the broken wrist at all. At least he had that much of a brain. It was quick to climb up for him, being the taller one. She looked down one last time, happy to have survived a hole infested dark labyrinth.
Veleda gave him an unimpressed look, "A blow-dried carrot cat with a mustache, yeah sure, punk." She stood up and patted his shoulder, "You keep on believing in Chinese Zodiac. I'm sure you'll make people believe someday. " She smiled pitifully, "But until then, you're a brat. "
With a final grin, she settled her hoodie and folded her arms. "Let's get going, punkster. I'm sure they have more ways to kill us."

Damaris wasn't really sure what he expected. But the water flowing from beneath was sort of plain. Maybe he expected some loud bangs and the walls erupting...maybe not. Probably not. But a little drama is always fun.
"Ice cold water has its own kind of beauty." He commented, his usual way of relishing the nature of natural gifts.
"It's better if we get used to it." He said as the water reached his elbows. With a final glance at Melody, he dropped down below and swam upwards in a flash. Water numbing his hands for a moment. But he was glad he'd prepared for rain when he'd gotten out of the house. Though black hair dripping water came all over his face and neck. The water however cold, was somehow extremely refreshing and excited him to the bones. He smiled elastically, gritting his teeth.

Veleda looked at his offended face and felt a rush of success. "Apart from the fact that you look ridiculous, nothing's wrong at all. Maybe that's just how you're supposed to look." She said casually and moved on forth. Waiting for a reply but none came at all. The boy was silent now and wasn't grinning like a freak anymore.
She raised her eyes and gave an impressed gasp, "Oooh, getting the silent treatment, are we?" She was surely amused now, the whole aspect seemed very fun. She forced down a laugh and stepped in front of him. "My my, I need to remember this face!" She exclaimed, analyzing his features. The upside down lips marking the offend and the far off glare that he wasn't really capable off.
"Geez. Wow. I must write this down somewhere in my book of miracles." She said, wondering how long was it going to take. A talkative person can't risk staying silent because they just can't. Not for long anyway.

Damaris floated above the surface and came back in a flip, "You know, I tried to grow my hair back when I was 5. As long as yours. But parents won't let me." He shook his head, "Such discrimination."
"Wait," He said as he looked about. As the water finally rose enough to blur the swirls on the floor, Damaris searched the walls for a mark. Some sort of sign that marked the pressure's equality. The water now at least a few centimeters away from the ceiling, was about to reach a certain point, a black mark on the wall. There were two, a few centimeters apart.
"See that, Miss Nightingale?" Damaris swam near her swiftly and pointed at it, "The distance is the time we have." He said as he realized that during the distance was covered they won't be left with any air to breath in. The ceiling, just like the floor had holes. The holes were to increase the water's volume and once they were filled there wasn't going to be any use to try to open the door. The pressure won't be equal no more.
"Oxygen!" He nodded at her and the short pipe coming out of the ceiling's edge. It was time. The water rose and touched the mark. Soon the room would be fully emerged.
"Okay. Okay. I go in first. You stay here. Once the water's up, use that pretty thing over there." He said quickly, knowing it probably would be the last time to utter any words if the water rose. Which it would.
He bobbed his head over the surface and smiled brilliantly. He was excited all right. "G'luck!" He said lastly, as he took off and dived beneath.
The water sent icy chills in his body as he rocketed towards the hatch door. The door with it's handles looked like the easiest thing in the world. He took one handle in his right and tried to push it. Bad choice.
He took both handles in different hands and tried to remain a stable footing on the floor. Which was hard. The water tried the best to push him upwards or sideways and the handles were, of course slippery. He stamped a feet against the wall and pushed harder, the door twisted, clicking sounds dull underwater. He completed the circle and felt a spark of joy, suddenly realizing that was all the breath he could hold. He dived madly upwards, reaching for air and struck his head in the little space left, taking in mouthfuls of air.
He coughed and gasped, feeling a slight shiver, "Okay, not as easy!" He said loudly, taking the advantage of the little time they had to converse. The water had yet to reach the surface. "Push against the wall, all right? And don't try to stand! Bad choice! Breath in and go!" He finished as his nose almost touched the ceiling. He wished he'd just do the work himself but he knew she'd think otherwise. The door had to make a few more circles before it finally opened. He gave her a last look of concern and hoped it'd be easy enough, before reaching out towards the pipe.

Veleda couldn't hold her giggle any longer. And she wondered why the hell she'd giggle in the first place? So she cleared her throat instead.
She moved on further and continued her one way conversation. Had to admit, she was impressed. Also had to admit, she hadn't met anyone who was offended to this extent after a comment on their hair. Apart from the fact that people who got comments from her never happened to talk to her much and probably already hated her.
So it seemed new to experience silence and a straight face instead of a grimace. "I've been thinking, which I happen to do, since you don't do it much...but that's irrelevant, isn't it? Meh, let's get back to the point. So! I've been thinking, all you need is a hat, a big magic hat...to make you look like madhatter. And you're very abnormal, if you ask me, so there goes the 'mad' element. Though I can't really say much about that one, I'm very abnormal myself sometimes. But I don't happen to have fabulous red hair to match with. Nor do I happen to have them short and blown. " She counted on her fingers, "Oh and, yeah. I am not from the male species." She pointed the obvious, "How do you tolerate being from the male species? Doesn't it get boring? No hair to fling and all." She finished thinking about the craziness of her conversation. How more random could she get? But it was worth it anyway.
She contemplated her own words, thinking how he was probably the only male species she'd talked to and had been with for so long. It was a slight wonder to her really. She thought deeply about the whole idea. Maybe it was because she never had a father so she never developed a likeness to the other gender. They just felt odd to her. And clearly she was the only odd one out if put together.
She'd always wondered how other girls were able to connect and she wasn't. She outright hated their sight. 'Super weird lanky dudes smoking a cigarette thinking they're so cool but being a total pain to the universe.' She did hate the majority of the human race and the majority of them contained the male species. 'Super weird lanky dude getting drunk and trying to hit on her and getting a punch and a few broken teeth.'
She was surprised as she spoke slowly to herself, "I never knew I disliked your species so much. Woah."

Damaris had successfully received the advantage of the oxygen mask as the water level crossed towards the ceiling. They had about a minute or two to actually be able to complete the task before any risky moment. He waited as Melody dived into the water, wishing she'd make it. Obviously she could. He had underestimated her lock-picking skills, he wasn't going to underestimate her swimming skills.
The water rose higher and he wished there were some sort of alarms to indicate the pressure. Waiting was a tedious task, he never really did like waiting. But the time went by a little too quick.
Melody had yet to surface and it was certainly taking longer than it should have. 'That's it.' He took a deep breath and dived into the depths, only to discover a dark form floating above the floor, about to hit the ground. His heart reached his throat as terror flowed in his veins.
'MELODY!' His mind eventually detected as he splashed viciously, forgetting his elegant maneuvers and ricocheted towards her, clasping her from around the waist in fear.
For a moment he just stared at the form in his hands, frozen with shock. Unable to proceed. His mind wasn't really working, it went blank. She looked asleep. He prayed that by some miracle she was asleep.
He tried waking her up, but to no avail. Reality hit him hard a second later and it struck him where he was. He had to get the hatch door open as quick as possible. And so he took the door's handles and let out all his anger filled frustration on it. It didn't take so long this time, the clicks were heard.
The door was unlocked. He pulled it open, letting the water flood carelessly about.
Enveloping Melody against his chest, he swam upwards towards the only hope he was left with. The oxygen-mask. But the water waves were hitting the walls as it was sucked up by the door and the fountain holes. He couldn't stay put, the waves crashing against them, prevented them to reach it. The speed at which the water reduced was thrice as before, in a matter of seconds the room was deprived of it. As the water took a sudden turn and soaked out like a hurricane, Damaris fell but kept Melody safe in his arms.
He looked at her back again and was unable to believe it. Surely this was just another nightmare.
"Melody?" He asked in a whisper, trying to remember all the emergency measures he'd learnt once in his school. At first, he was not to shake her. So he held her cold slender form softly, placing her head on his lap. Hoping. Come on.
Hoping she'd just cough any second now. Come back.
But she didn't. So he aimed for the second emergency measure. The CPR. Therefore, he heaved in a mouthful of air and pushed his mouth against hers. Come on! Again. And again. Anxiously waiting for the eyes to flutter open.

(I can't believe I just wrote that. )

Veleda stepped ahead and wondered why indeed. The only thing that ever came to her mind was something she'd believed in for long. She looked back at him but didn't say anything. Only gave him a prolonged intent look. 'You'd think after the human population decreased, people would actually start to care and respect each other. That's not how it is, is it really? ' She thought, thinking about people. People of the world without children of their own. And that led to the thought of her sister and how the people of the world had been to her. ' No, it's not. Greed and hunger makes them vicious. And envy is worse.' She stayed quiet, simply staring over his head now.
Perhaps the males had nothing to do with it. Perhaps she simply hated everyone. But since she liked her mother, a female, she had some respect for the females after all. The reasons of course were different and she wasn't really sure to talk about them.
She shrugged, "Just do." She looked away and ahead, "Don't worry, princess. They don't like me either." A grin crossed her face as she glanced at him, "Ain't that right, punk?"

(I've been fangirling over that for a while. It doesn't count. *chants* BUT I DON'T CARE! )

He counted backwards as he waited, when finally there was a sign of life. She twisted and Damaris took the breath he didn't know he was holding. Slowly sighing and making way for her. He watched her rise and sit beside him, continuously in a fit of cough.
She was shivering and coughing water, he wished he had a way to help though. His own jacket was soaking water and was probably of no use. Instinctively, he stretched an arm around her, "You drama queen." He gave his genuine Cheshire cat smile, squeezing her slightly.
"Don't ever do that again."

"Ha! Ha!" She blew through her nose as she heard his comment.
She almost flipped back to flap his hands away, who knew what the guy could do, after picking her up like that. But it was something else, thankfully. She watched as he examined and crouched beside him.
"What is it? Tell me it's a pizza and I'll give you a promotion." She said in an authoritative tone, but didn't really wait for an answer. Following suit, she discovered the metal bars.
"A ladder, eh? What a stupid place to be." She commented, lowering her legs below and holding onto the first metal bar. Fortunately, the metal bars were strong and held her feet easily.
She stepped down and looked up, "Let's go, punk. And hope they don't have a lava waiting for us."

"You're freezing," He said, frowning a little. What he completely ignored was the state he was in himself. If it wasn't for the unfortunate circumstances, he'd be running for a warm blanket right now. But now when the panic had subsided, a chill went through his spine. Unknowingly, he had Melody close enough to feel her shiver. Maybe he was shivering as well, but at least they were together. To provide a little warmth they could by being so. He was glad for once in his life to have attended school. Life-saving lessons were nothing but a good lullaby because no one ever planned to be superman one day. At least he'd done something once in his life to be grateful of.

"I'm hungry, dude. I could eat these ladder stairs right now." She groaned, picking up speed and wishing more and more for a food volcano down there.
None of the test subjects were allowed to have any 'junk food' before a day of the test. Veleda had the breakfast of nothing but a glass of water and loud music. Staying up the whole night wasn't a good choice after all. "If it's not an escape route, I swear I'll drink my nail polish and die."
The idea seemed very appealing right now. She imagined the suicide plan and her body never being found. That was, if Ryan never got out of there alive and joined the great suicide plan. How dramatic would it be? Two young teenagers who mysteriously disappeared in the Research facility. That would put them in a dark corner after all. She wondered about the deliciousness of the whole plan. The Research Facility BANNED. She was visibly grinning to herself now. But then her left foot found an uncertain foothold.
"OH SHI-" Before she realized what was happening, it was too late. Her hands had left the upper railing and feet had nothing to land on. An exasperated yell escaped her as she fell, swinging her arms wildly in a last attempt to save herself, into the darkness.

"Yeah, still too handsome to die." He said absently.
Damaris walked along, a bit protectively this time. The door led to a room a few steps below. It was a circular room with colourful multiple doors, obviously locked. In the middle of the room though, stood a giant silver screen.
The second they entered, the same metallic voice welcomed them. "Congratulations. You passed the first test. Welcome to room no 2. Subjects, you are provided with three options to choose from. One of the following doors will lead you to safety, the other will provide imminent death. Please solve each of the questions on the screen in precisely 30 seconds. Your test will begin in 2 minutes. Failure to answer correctly will unlock a death door. 4, 13, goodluck."
Just when it was finished, the screen came to life in a flash. Showing a million little green numbers, probably still proceeding it's information. Damaris walked towards it briskly, a little stunned but sure enough that he wasn't letting some test trick them to death again.
"To hell with this test. You know how to bust a computer?" He tilted back his head, smirking. Already planning a trick on the computer.

Veleda had prepared herself for a mighty fall when something strong caught her. Her arm more specifically. Sending a jolt of pain through her arm, she couldn't help but yell in agony, tears filling up, "THAT'S MY BROKEN WRIST, YOU IDIOTIC LITTLE-" She screamed, jerking both of her arms wildly and howling in pain. It was more of an unsuccessful attempt though, because the strong arm didn't let go, in fact she fell, taking it with her.
No lights. Big surprise. She didn't know where she had landed but was sure her body hurt everywhere and wasn't exactly on firm ground. She gave a small cry and pulled her hand, hugging it tightly.
She didn't try to get up, just flapped her arms around. Her healthy hand caught something of a leg and she twisted it, "OH MY LORD. I CAN'T FEEL MY LEGS! HOLY FREAKING-" But then she realized, she wasn't wearing jeans but leggings. Probably someone else's leg...
Without further ado, she bent forth and yelled, "I AM GOING TO KILL YOU!" Still twisted around the unfortunate body, she gave up any attempt to get up. Just wailed, clutching her arm.
"YOU. ARE. SO. SO. DEAD." She moaned, wiping a tear.

"I'm through with these tests," He grumbled, locating the controls at the bottom. If they could just find a way to give them more time, slower the system...
"30 seconds between each question, but 2 minutes until it starts right?" He spoke, knowing this time that Melody knew just as much about it as him. "Let's give this system something to worry about."

Veleda couldn't exactly indicate one of her legs, something was on it. In true sense, she was probably tangled about and wasn't ready to break anything else. Hopelessly enough, she didn't try kick anything.
"WHY, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR GETTING US IN THIS POSITION! DO I LOOK DEAD TO YOU?" She yelled over his voice. They were practically shouting over each other, "I SHOULD'VE KICKED YOU IN ONE OF THOSE DAMNED HOLES."
Her wrist felt groggy and she didn't plan on looking at it. Shots of pain prickled through her arm. Before getting any answer she went on, "Shut up, shut up, shut up!" Grabbing her arm, she tried to get up but needed a some sort of support. Involuntarily, she used the same broken arm to push against the human-floor, "AHH! Pft!" gave a yelp and fell over again. Her head hit something hard, "Soffee...Soffee... Shiz. I hade ma loyfe." Her voice was muffled by the fabric, she was sure now that her forehead had hit a bone. What sort of bone? She used her other arm to locate it and found out it was a jawline. In that very moment, without further thought, she started scrubbing the strange jaw with her hand. Because that's what her mother used to do every time she crashed into a pillar. Happy memories.
As she rubbed endlessly, not knowing whatever the hell she was doing, she mumbled, "Why do I keep hitting stuff?" But then she realized who's jaw she was tending. She caught a glimpse of the eyes and retreated. One must never fraternize with the enemy.
Giving him one last angry glare, she tried to turn over to leave and untangle herself. "Get your legs off, you freak!" She didn't wait for him to move though, she jerked her leg from under, weighed herself on the other side, remembered at the last moment that the arm she was about to use was injured so didn't...And fell...again. This time on the floor.
She howled, kicking the floor in anger. Inserting a finger in her glove, she felt the warm liquid she was afraid would be there. Now she'd have to get some treatment. A bandage at least, if hopefully the bones were all right. She remembered where that treatment could be given and groaned, just lying there. "I hate hospitals." Her mother was surely going to be furious after this.

"Yeah, and almost died once too." He commented, eyes fixed on the screen occasionally giving his ideas and tapping about on the other half of the screen. They were successful till now, their progress infront of their eyes. He was glad to have a similar brainiac beside him. Their second minute was about to go off when Melody squeezed her hair which made him chuckle. He took over the keypad and waited for the last seconds.
Nothing. No questions. The system was following their demands.
"We did it!" He exclaimed, "Now, let's crack it down and get to the bottom of this."

Veleda gave an irritated scowl, "No!" She yelped, trying to hide her hand away. She didn't make any attempt to sit up, just inserted another finger curiously inside the glove. Giving a slow gasp, she shook her head, "It's baaaad." Then tentatively extended her wrist upwards towards him, "Okay."