Partners In Peril: Felix and Loki

[hot_mess_express]

[Whether willing or just, there comes a magical shove to force you and someone else through the door leading down into the earth.]

[The passageway is cold, but at least it's well lit. Albeit with flames of blue fire.]

[It goes down, down, down, until you reach the first part....]

Comments

[malignstar]

Up here, they have buttons. I am not yet sure what they do. You may have something similar below.

Your directions are three steps left, two steps south, four steps left, one step north, two steps left and two steps north. That should leave you within one step right of the pedestal.

Let me know if you see anything when you complete the final steps north.

[bestbrotherever]

[Loki repeats it to himself a few times. "Three west, two south, four west, one north, two left, two north." He also turns in the right directions as he talks, using his foot to check the corners and make sure he's facing the right way.]

I have it. I will let you know if I forget. Do shout if I appear to be heading in the wrong direction, I will try to be slow enough for you to react.

[bestbrotherever]

I am at the final square. [There's more than a hint of smugness in his voice.]

I do not feel anything, or otherwise sense any difference, at this square.

[malignstar]

Hmm, I suppose we should try taking that step right then. It is the only path.

[bestbrotherever]

What is the problem with it?

And what is the significance of the pedestals?

[malignstar]

Nothing is wrong with it. I just cannot tell what is on your end. I only know on mine is the pedestal. And as I explained, they have buttons within them.

Would you have me press mine first?

[bestbrotherever]

Wait. I will take a step to the right first.

[malignstar]

As you wish.

[bestbrotherever]

[The next reply is screaming, followed by ragged breathing and some sobbing.]

[malignstar]

[ Pulls back in shock at that before gripping his head ]

No! I have this under control! It was just a mistake! Let me do this!

[bestbrotherever]

I- doubt it- was- your fault. My- mistake- trying to cheat.

[Still heavy breathing and trying to control sobs in between words, but at least he's coherent?]

[malignstar]

[ Felix jerks his head away from his hands. ]

No! My turn! I'm not taking any more chances with you!

[bestbrotherever]

You- wish to- take- my place- in this maze? [a weak chuckle that's more of a wheeze] I- do- not think- that- is possible.

[malignstar]

I would, but he already fucked up that up. I might be able to help better though.

[bestbrotherever]

Oh? Did he press- the button- and neglect to inform me? Or lie- as to which path is safe?

[malignstar]

... I don't think he lied. But he shouldn't have let you take that step first! I have the button!

[bestbrotherever]

It was my suggestion. My choice. My... mistake.

[He's definitely more in control now, though still lying on his square.]

I thought to test all variables. I see that will not help. [Another chuckle, somewhat stronger than the last.] I suppose we should be thankful we did not try to cheat- the previous room.

[malignstar]

[ Okay, so maybe Felix feels slightly guilty about his outburst. ]

Are you okay though? What happened?

[bestbrotherever]

A shock. Worse- worse than the portal. But still not the worst I have ever experienced. [Clearly, since he's still being a jokester.]

We did not know what the buttons are for. I wished to be in what I thought was the right place when the first was pushed, in case its effect was... undesirable. Though I clearly misjudged where the right space would be.

[He sits up.] Give me another minute, then press the button. I will attempt to cross into that same square. Unless it no longer appears safe to you?

[malignstar]

We have to cross it one way or the other. Fatalis was telling the truth that there's no other clear path. Let me read you the inscription again.

In times of strife, those higher up often pay less to bypass the same problem.

I think pushing the button might turn off whatever's causing the shock. Either that or it will give me a lesser shock while you pass. Better than you taking the full brunt like before.

[bestbrotherever]

Yes. We must press on. Though leaving me behind is an option... [He trails off with a grin. Coming up with Ideas, but not saying them in case not-Solar is listening in.]

[He scoots over to the eastern edge of the square.]

I am ready.

[malignstar]

I'm not going to do that. You didn't do that to me in the other room. We're going to figure this out.

[ Going to press his pedestal button ]

[bestbrotherever]

[Quietly, intensely.] We will save Solar.

[malignstar]

[ There may be some screaming. ]

... go... for it.

[bestbrotherever]

I am at the next square. It seems no different from the previous safe ones.

How are you?