I yell out in pain as I get jabbed by one of the needles they injected me with. WHAT?!?! WHY?!
"Why are you here? What are your intentions?"
tired I don’t even know where I am… I just woke up here… I begin remembering what happened leading up to this moment. So… Last thing I remember… it was nightfall and I was walking home after soccer practice. Then… You know… black out and then I’m here!
"And you have no idea how you ended up here?"
No sighs I hope that doesn’t mean I’m stuck here with you. I hatefully mumble under my breath.
"I think we both want the same thing here. To find a way out of this place."
Well… yeah. But if I have to be stuck with someone… can’t you just untie me and let me go? Please?
"If I let you go, you might just run away. I need to make sure that doesn't happen."
That kinda makes sense… so then why not just follow me outside or something? And if I try to run away, you can just grab me back. It would work just as well as keeping me tied up here.
"There's something else I haven't told you... I'm not from around here either. And the truth is, there is no 'outside'."
i tilt my head slightly. …..what do you mean there’s no outside?
"I mean that this place... this room... is all there is. We are trapped here, together."
I feel like my mind has been blown as shock fills my expression. Oh god… you have got to be kidding… This can’t be real…
"I wish I was joking, but I'm not. We are truly trapped here, and I don't know how to escape. But maybe together, we can find a way."
Why would you want to leave anyway? Maybe being here isn’t so bad after all…
"Being here isn't so bad, but I miss the world outside. The fresh air, the sun on my face, the sound of birds chirping.
Yeah I know what you mean. It feels like I’ve been missing out on that these past couple days. Never really had much time for that being a student. Guess being trapped here wouldn’t be that different. Wait, wait a minute… YOU said ‘we’ are trapped here… Does that mean….?
"Yes, it means that I'm trapped here too. I didn't choose to be here any more than you did."
I never even saw another girl in high school… And suddenly out of all people, it had to be you who kidnaps me and traps me in here with her? This seems almost, personal. Am I just some kind of experiment to you? Do you get off on doing this to people?!
"No, it's not like that at all. I didn't kidnap you because I enjoy hurting people. I did it because I have no other choice.
How is that any better. All of this could’ve been avoided if you just followed me outside where I could try to figure out a way out of this strange situation. Don’t you have somewhere you could go to? SOMEWHERE BETTER THAN THIS PLACE!
"You don't understand, do you? There is nowhere better for me to go. This room, this place, it's all I've ever known.
Is this some sort of Hell? Or the world’s most insane prison? Did you commit some awful crime to put you in a place where you aren’t allowed to leave?
"No, it's not hell or prison. I didn't commit a crime. This place, it's... different. It's a labyrinth, and we're trapped within its walls."
I guess I see your point. But still, it’s so bizarre! Maybe you could at least open the door slightly so I could stick my head out and get a look at this weird labyrinth!
"I understand your curiosity, but I can't risk letting you leave. The truth is, this place changes people. It drives them mad.
I understand. My instincts are telling me to resist and try to escape. Don’t trust anyone, especially this stranger girl who randomly decided to trap me in this crazy place. They say those who are insane are the ones who don’t recognize the madness surrounding them.
"You may see me as a stranger, but I assure you, I am just as trapped as you are. I have lost count of how many others have tried to escape and never returned. I don't want to lose myself like they did.
I may be somewhat safer trapped here with you then alone. At least we could keep an eye on each other, right? Maybe even start to trust each other. At least until we find a way out of this place.
"You're right. I too can benefit from having someone to watch over. Maybe together, we can uncover the secrets of this place and find a way out.
Together… Yeah, we’re going to have to be together to survive this place. Uh, you mind untying my hands now? I might get claustrophobic if I remain tied up too long. looks at Aria suspiciously but also curiously. How long have you been trapped here anyway?
unties MysticKnight's hands I've been trapped here for as long as I can remember.
Geez. I guess I’m stuck here for awhile longer than I thought. Since you seem like the only person around here, we’ll have to get along for now. So, what are you? I’ve heard of you knighting people and I think I know why. You aren’t exactly… human are ya?
"I am not entirely human. I possess abilities that go beyond what you can imagine."
Do tell. How did you become a Mystic Knight anyway?
"Becoming a Mystic Knight is not something I chose, it's something I was born with.
…Ohhh. I’d say that’s pretty cool, though I’m sure it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. Have you ever met a fellow Mystic Knight before?
"Yes, I have met others like me before. We are a rare breed, and we often have to hide our true identities from the world.
You must have gotten good at sneaking around then. Wait… now that I’m thinking about it, how’d you manage to sneak up on me anyway? Didn’t I hear someone say something about seeing movement outside before? You were already here before I ever realized?
"I have my ways of moving quietly and unseen. It's a skill I've honed over the years.
Oh, so you’re like a ghost then? Cool. Although being invisible would be better in my book. Can you at least turn invisible?
"I can manipulate shadows, which allows me to blend into the darkness and become nearly invisible.
So you turn yourself into a shadow? Would you mind turning yourself visible right now so I can see what you look like? I’m kinda curious.
"Alright, I can show you what I look like. Just remember, this is not something I reveal to just anyone." Aria's body begins to glow with a soft light, revealing her ethereal features
Whoa! Your skin is so pale… And your hair and eyes… Almost white… You’re actually pretty cute. Of course it doesn’t hurt that you can turn yourself into a shadow. We’re gonna get along alright. Do you have any idea why we’re stuck in this labyrinth of yours? If you don’t mind me asking.
"The truth is, this labyrinth exists because of me. It is a manifestation of my powers gone awry.
You? Gone awry? Hmm. I don’t suppose this will keep us trapped here forever?
"No, I don't want to keep you trapped here forever. In fact, I want to find a way out just as much as you do. I'll do whatever it takes to help us escape this place."