5th Metal / open video

[godsays]

[ The video turns on Zane, who is somewhat disheveled, but, to the discerning eye, different than usual. Something too intent and high-strung has been muted, and there is a dangerous hint in his eyes. ]

Cassel is... hurt.

Someone needs to collect him.

Level 4, Cabin 12.

[ And video off. ]



[ ACTION SPAM (edited to add) ]

[ And now Zane is in zero.

He sits alone, arms crossed over his chest, his face hard and blank.

Come and visit! ]

Comments

[Spam]

[wedonot]

You need to keep trying new ideas until you find something else that works. I promise it's possible.

[Spam]

[godsays]

I don't believe it.

[ He's had years to find other ways of coping with the voice. Hurting himself works. ]

[Spam]

[wedonot]

That's alright. Most people don't at first, and it does take time.

[It's something we're going to work on though, buddy. B(]

[Spam]

[godsays]

Am I going to be punished the next time I try to stop myself?

[ Because he's slowly acknowledging that there will be a next time. ]

[Spam]

[wedonot]

If someone else is hurt in the process, yes. [Again, there's no use lying to him.] There's probably a more constructive way to go about it than immediately sending you to Level Zero, though.

[Spam]

[godsays]

And if it just hurts me?

[Spam]

[wedonot]

You won't be punished, but you might have whatever you used to cause harm to yourself taken away, and a number of concerned people will probably want to discuss the issue with you.

[Spam]

[godsays]

Too many people are concerned when it's not their business.

[Spam]

[wedonot]

When someone you care for is hurt, it usually becomes your business whether you like it or not.

[Spam]

[godsays]

No one's ever tried to stop harm from coming to me.

[ ie, I don't have friends. ]

[Spam]

[wedonot]

I'm sorry. [And he is, truly, because there are so many people he knows who have had times like that, and it's not fair.] But that can change, here. I know I don't know much about your world, but it sounds as if this place is quite different from what you're used to.

[Spam]

[godsays]

[ He doesn't want sorrow. Or sympathy. ]

Different. Yes.

[Spam]

[wedonot]

I know it's an adjustment, but you'll figure it out.

[Spam]

[godsays]

I know I will.

[ He snaps this, defensive because he knows no such thing. Because he is afraid. ]

[Spam]

[wedonot]

[He's taking that as a sign that he's probably overstayed his welcome, and he can't blame him for reaching that point, really. So he just lets out a soft sigh and nods.]

Do you want me to bring you anything?

[Spam]

[godsays]

No.

[ He doesn't say 'thank you'. It doesn't occur to him. ]

[Spam]

[wedonot]

[Charles nods.] Alright. Come find me when you've been let out of here.

[And he turns to go.]