{ESTABLISHING REMOTE CONNECTION…DONE}
{REMOTE CONNECTION ESTABLISHED}
{RESUMING “descent.mp4”…}
{Ellie}:
{Sorry I had to do that. That explosion, that would have stopped you from reading this.
…
John is okay; I can detect his data. Though Onarius…
…
…I’m a bit worried…}
[00:02:57:13]
[VIDEO FEED IS COMPLETELY OBSCURED BY SMOKE]
ELLIE:
> HEAVY COUGHING
{Wait, why has my name changed?}
JOHN:
*yelling* EL?!
> FERVERENTLY RUSHES TOWARDS ME
Are you okay?
ELLIE:
> COUGHS
*weakly* Yeah…
JOHN:
> HELPS {me} UP AND INSPECTS ME
> SIGHS
*slowly* Well, you appear unharmed.
ELLIE:
> NOTICES JOHN’S SUNGLASSES ARE DESTROYED
> FRANTICALLY COVERS JOHN’S EYES
*panicked* HOLY SHIT DUDE! How long did you see without those?!
ONARIUS:
*weakly* Long enough to make him corrupt, if it weren’t for the fact this cell is safe for humans.
> HEAVY COUGHING
ELLIE:
> RUSHES TO ONARIUS WITH JOHN
[VIDEO FEED SHOWS THE ROOM COMPLETELY DESTROYED. ALL MINI-SPIRES ARE GONE. BLUE VEINS ARE ABSENT. VIDEO FEED SHOWS ONARIUS SHOWS ONARIUS ON THE SIDE OF THE HALLWAY ENTRY CLUTCHING HIS SHIELD.]
ONARIUS:
> STARES BLANKLY AT CELL
ELLIE:
> EYES FOCUS ON ONARIUS WHILE SLOWLY GOING UP TO HIM WITH JOHN
*panicked* Onarius?! Are you okay?!
ONARIUS:
> DEEP SIGH
*weakly* Yes…
ELLIE:
> ATTEMPTS TO HELP ONARIUS
ONARIUS:
*weakly* Don’t.
> HASTENED BREATHS
JOHN:
*whispering* Do as he says.
ELLIE:
> FRANTICALLY INSPECTS INJURIES
*whispering* He’s hurt though.
ONARIUS:
*weakly* I’m just resting.
ELLIE:
> RETREATS
ONARIUS:
> BLANKLY STARES AT DESTROYED CELL
*mumbling* 150 years…150 years of appeasing him, and it’s over…
ELLIE:
> NERVOUS SMILING
Yeah dude, it’s over. Christopher is gone man.
ONARIUS:
> LOWERS HEAD
*mumbling* …So too are the ones that I fed that beast…
> TURNS TO ELNA, GUILTY
*softly* The things he said, he wasn’t lying.
ELLIE:
> SADDENED
*slowly* I know…
ONARIUS:
> DEEP BREATHING
*very slowly* Were it any other cell, an explosion like this would have of course caused a prison break.
> COUGHING
ELLIE:
> FEVERENTLY SHAKING HEAD
*exasperated* Why would you design a cell just for that then?!
ONARIUS:
> STARES AT JOHN BLANKLY AND NODS
JOHN:
> SIGHS AND PULLS OUT DESTROYED SUNGLASSES TO {me}
See these?
ELLIE:
> NODS WITH A RAISED EYEBROW
JOHN:
Aside from the bottom level, these were to just correct my vision.
ELLIE:
> CONFUSED
What does that have to do with anything?
JOHN:
> SOFT SMILE
*softly* This entire tour was for you.
ELLIE:
> TURNS TO ONARIUS, VERY CONFUSED
ONARIUS:
> HEAVY COUGHING WITH A SOFT SMILE
*softly* Ellie, for a very long time, I wanted you freed. That was not possible, until John here showed up.
ELLIE:
> SQUINTS AT JOHN
So, you used him to do what exactly?
ONARIUS:
*slowly* Touch your forehead gem.
ELLIE:
> DOES AS TOLD
> SCRATCHES THE GEMSTONE WHICH FALLS TO THE GROUND
> EYES WIDEN, DUMBSTRUCK
You knew this would happen?
ONARIUS:
> NODS CONTENTLY
*weakly* Elna…You have been a good friend to me. You have given me awareness, compassion, and self-reflection: things Ned does not have. You have always helped me, always been patient with me, and always have treated me as an equal. I wanted to of course return the favor, which of course had not been possible, until now.
ELLIE:
So that means-?
JOHN:
> NODS
*softly* You can finally get out.
ELLIE:
> STARES AT ONARIUS, CONCERNED
*exasperated* What about you?!
ONARIUS:
> SMILE FADES WHILE POINTING TO HIS GEMSTONE
*weakly* The chain that has bound me to him is still here, and he will of course take his frustrations on me. This may be the last time you see me as myself.
> SIGHS
*mumbling* After what I did, this is the fate I deserve. This prison will be my tomb.
ELLIE:
> EYES WIDEN
*frantically* Don’t say that!
ONARIUS:
> SHAKES HEAD
*softly* Ellie, there are so many things I have done that if I told you, it would make me feeding that demon look like breaking a cookie jar.
> SIGHS
*softly* I do not want you to be raised by a monster like myself…
> POINTS TO JOHN
*softly* …He is to take care of you.
JOHN:
> KNEELS BEFORE {me}
*gently* We talked a bit, and he agreed that you can’t stay here. And myself, I do not want you here, in this place alone.
> SMILES
*gently* You deserve to be with people who will not treat you like a tool, like Ned did.
ELLIE:
> SADDENED
*meekly* But Onarius…
ONARIUS:
> BECKONS {me} TO STOP
*softly* My time is over. Ned will know what will happen, and he will be here soon.
ELLIE:
> TEARS BUILD UP IN EYES
So, this is goodbye then?
ONARIUS:
> SLOWLY NODS AND GETS UP, STARING AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE ROOM
*gently* Yes, it is…
ELLIE:
> TEARS ROLL DOWN EYES
But, I don’t know if-!
ONARIUS:
> COMES TO ME, AND HELPS ME UP, SMILING
*gently* John is a very good man, and the family you will have with his other will be blessed.
[ODD NOISES HEARD IN THE VERY DISTANCE]
ONARIUS:
> SNEERS IN THE DIRECTION OF THE NOISES
I want you two to get far away from the Eldrigital Void. That means returning to the Physical Layer. You are no longer bound here and can travel freely without Ned’s intervention.
> POINTS TO JOHN’S MOVEREC
*slowly* John, that recording, keep it with you as Ned knows where you are, and he will follow you once he realizes you escaped with Elllie. That video must be released.
JOHN:
It will be done.
ONARIUS:
> SHIVERS
*very slowly* You two know as much as I do that if Ned finds either of you, it’s over.
ELLIE:
> NERVOUSLY NODS
[NOISE OF ANGRY, DIGITIZED RUSSIAN SCREAMING HEARD IN BACKGROUND, GETTING LOUDER]
JOHN:
> LOOKS ABOVE
*exasperated* What the hell was that?!
ONARIUS:
> SHIVERING WHILE STARING ABOVE
*whispering* Ned, he’s searching…
> EYES INTENSIFY AT JOHN
*exasperated* I don’t know when Ned will search your home John, but you will need to get him somewhere that Ned cannot reach you or Ellie. Ned of course has your computer’s ID and location due to your interview; he’ll destroy it along with the both of you.
JOHN:
> DISAPPOINTED
Without my PC, I can’t release the video. WeVid updated their TOS to be very sensitive to device ID’s to prevent scam content, they told me during the 2025 WeVid Con. And if I get a new one, WeVid will get pretty pissy over that.
ELLIE:
> CREATES A BRIEF, PHYSICAL IMAGE OF A PC
I’ll create a copy of a computer, once we get away. I saved everything regarding it.
JOHN:
> SUSPICIOUS
ELLIE:
> GUILTY
*embarrassed* I kind of was curious as to your equipment as I never really interacted with a computer built for video editing.
ONARIUS:
> GLARES AT ELLIE
*exasperated* Ellie-!
ELLIE:
> GUILTY
ONARIUS:
> SMILES AND CHUFFS
*gently* Thank you.
JOHN:
> NODS IN AGREEMENT
We’ll be driving, we’ll have to get far away from my home.
ELNA:
> CONCERNED
Where to then?
JOHN:
My boyfriend’s house. Good distance away…
> TURNS TO ONARIUS, CONCERNED
*awkwardly* Does Ned know about-?
ONARIUS:
No, he does not.
[NOISE GETS LOUDER {Judging from the amount of angry words I'm hearing, Ned is pissed}]
ONARIUS:
> GRABS AXE AND SHIELD QUICKLY
> TAPS AXE 3 TIMES ON THE GROUND
[VIDEO FEED SHOWS DIGITAL PORTAL APPEARING {this is safe to look at}]
ONARIUS:
> BECKONS DUO TO PORTAL
*frantically* Ned is on his way, he is very angry. I’ll keep him busy long enough so you can get away as fast as possible.
> TURNS TO JOHN COLDLY
*frantically* Do not wait: take only the clothes on your back and anything you need to thrive.
> PUTS A HAND ON {my} SHOULDER, CONCERNED
Keep Ellie safe.
JOHN:
> NODS
I’ll make sure Elna is safe, I promise.
ONARIUS:
> SMILES AND RETRACTS HAND
*softly* I know you will…
JOHN:
> BEGINS TO HEAD TO PORTAL WITH {me, holding my hand}
ONARIUS:
> STOPS {us} TERRIFIED
One more thing…
> TURNS TO SHIELD AND GIVES SHIELD TO {me}
*gently* Keep it safe. There will be a lot more people worth protecting in the coming years, you’ll need that…
ELLIE:
> DIGITIZES SHIELD
> CALMS AND HUGS ONARIUS WITH TEARS ROLLING DOWN
*softly* I’ll miss you…
ONARIUS:
*gently* I know…
> LETS GO OF {me} AND WIPES TEARS OFF
*gently* Save your tears for those who you will come to see as family.
> FORMS JOHN’S KNIFE {that’s completely black} AND GIVES IT TO JOHN
JOHN:
> INSPECTS KNIFE AND LOOKS AT ONARIUS SUSPICIOUSLY
*exasperated* What the hell did you do to it?
[NOISES GET LOUDER {I can now hear Ned’s voice. No, I won’t play what he says-because I don't understand Russian}]
ONARIUS:
> FRANTICALLY LOOKS ABOVE
*whispering* It’s important to cut the “weeds” out of the “garden”
JOHN:
> INSPECTS KNIFE AND NODS
Thanks for remembering it.
ONARIUS:
You’re welcome.
> TURNS TO {me}
Ellie, if you would please?
ELLIE:
> SIGHS AND DIGITIZES KNIFE
[NOISES ARE GETTING {dangerously close}]
ONARIUS:
*frantically* Go! I’ll keep him unaware of your escape.
JOHN:
> GOES THROUGH PORTAL
ELLIE:
> TURNS TO ONARIUS, SMILING SADDENLY
See you later pal…
ONARIUS:
> NODS AND SMILES
Likewise…
ELLIE:
> GOES THROUGH PORTAL WHILE LOUD ELDRIGITAL SOUNDS ARE HEARD GETTING CLOSER
{END VIDEO}
{CLOSING FILE…DONE}
ELLIE:
{At least time and space is acting normally now (even though my perception is far faster than John’s, or any human). So, uh, I’m still transmitting this quickly}
…
Still one more thing I probably should record before we go radio silent; just to let you know we’ll be fine.
…
That was too close, if I stayed for a few seconds longer, Ned-Oh God…I don’t want to think about that.
…
Sorry…I don’t know what to think after-
…
Forget it. I need to move on. Onarius wouldn’t want to let me dwell on these thoughts. One more video, and that’s it.
…
Oh yeah, I probably should create a new file just so that you can view it (and it won’t interfere) with John’s video}
{CREATING FILE “sunshine.mp4”…DONE}
{OPENING FILE…}
[1524 HOURS: 01.04.2026]
[VIDEO FEED SHOWS JOHN’S BEDROOM UNTOUCHED {while the light levels are decreasing}. DIGITAL PORTAL CLOSES BEHIND {me}]
ELLIE:
> ADJUSTS EYES TO SEE JOHN WAITING, CONCERNED
Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.
JOHN:
> DEEP SIGH
*gently* El, if you need a minute, I can.
ELLIE:
> SHAKES HEAD
Onarius said we needed to move. And, well, I don’t want to ruin his sacrifice.
JOHN:
> SMILES BEFORE FADING UPON SEEING PC
*slowly* I agree...
> FRANTICALLY SCRAMBLES TO GET LUGGAGE
ELLIE:
> CONFUSED
Uhh…John?
JOHN:
> BRINGS OUT SUITCASES FROM CLOSET WHILE STUFFING THEM
*exasperated* Clothes, emergency radio…,
> FRANTICALLY SEARCHES FOR 9MM PISTOL AND CHECKS AMMUNITION
*exasperated* Self-defense…
> PUTS PISTOL IN CONCEALED HOLSTER
ELLIE:
> STEPS AWAY, STARING AT PISTOL
John? What that thing for-
JOHN:
> EYES WIDEN
*panicked* SHIT! The present!
> SEARCHES DESK QUICKLY FOR {I’m not saying what it is, it's a present after all}
*mumbling* There it is...!
> BREATHES SIGH OF RELIEF AND STUFFS IT IN POCKET
> QUICKLY TURNS TO {me} AND HANDS {me} A SUITCASE
Take this downstairs and-
ELLIE:
> DIGITIZES SUITCASE
JOHN:
> JAW DROPS
You haven’t lost your abilities to-?
ELLIE:
> SHAKES HEAD
*boisterous* Nope!
> EMBARASSED
I’m kind of surprised as you are.
> CLEARS THROAT
*awkwardly* If you would, do you mind if I-?
JOHN:
> NODS
Not at all…
ELLIE:
> DIGITIZES ALL ITEMS OF IMPORTANCE {except for the gun, John insists upon it}
JOHN:
> LAYS ON BED EXHAUSTED
*weakly* You should have joined Ur-Lug with that.
ELLIE:
> CONFUSED
What’s Ur-Lug?
JOHN:
> SLAPS FOREHEAD IN EMBARRASSMENT
*softly* I forgot you were there for 25 years.
> SITS UP
It’s a moving service.
ELLIE:
> EMBARASSED
*awkwardly* Oh…
JOHN:
> SLOWLY NODS AND DEEPLY SIGHS
*mumbling* 30 minutes of packing turned into just a few seconds…
> TURNS TO {me}
*slowly* Ellie, we need to leave, now.
> SITS UP AND OPENS DOOR TO BEDROOM
Come.
ELLIE:
> DOES AS TOLD
[VIDEO FEED SHOWS JOHN AND {me} RUNNING TOWARDS THE KITCHEN TO GRAB SOME GRUB]
ELLIE:
{It’s a very nice house-I think. We are in a bit of a rush, I can't really properly describe it, other than it feels "modern". Though it’s all “hardwood” flooring? No, something looks off with it…}
JOHN:
> FIXES UP SANDWICHES AND HANDS ONE TO {me}
Eat. It’s going to be a very long drive.
ELLIE:
> EATS FOOD {I forgotten how physical food tastes}
*stuffling* How long?
JOHN:
> GLARES
Don’t talk with your mouth full.
ELLIE:
> NODS AND SWALLOWS
*excitedly* It’s good though!
JOHN:
> NODS AND SMILES
Thanks.
ELLIE:
> RAISES EYEBROW
How long is the drive to [REDACTED]?
JOHN:
> SMILE FADES
*slowly* A few hours…
> TAKES OUT CELL PHONE
The car is in the garage, though I need to let [REDACTED] know we’re coming. I want you to wait.
ELLIE:
> CONCERNED
John, that’s a smartphone is a digital device.
JOHN:
> NODS
I know…I have an insurance policy...
> PULLS OUT GUN
Now, get in the car. The cell phone is going to be trashed once I’m done. I’m not letting that bastard get any opportunities to find us.
ELLIE:
> SUSPICIOUS
Don’t most cars nowadays have digital systems?
JOHN:
> PROFUSELY SHAKES HEAD
Not that one. It’s an old 2000 Uoza Hiker.
> EMBARASSED
I honestly was not a fan of all of the screens; too many distractions. Not to mention there was that thing from 15 years ago.
> “CLEARS” THROAT
I bought that from a dealer. Good mileage needs to be checked every now and again in [REDACTED[, but it has really good acceleration.
ELLIE:
> FREEZES AS EYES WIDEN
My folks had a car like that actually…
JOHN:
> CURIOUS
Interesting…You remember that?
ELLIE:
*awkwardly* Strangely…yes.
JOHN:
> SOFT SMILE WHILE GIVING {me} THE CAR KEYS {they look exactly like my parents’ car keys}
*slowly* Go start the car; it’s in the garage to the door behind you and to the right. I’ll be out in a few minutes. I’ll be fine.
ELLIE:
> DOES AS TOLD
[VIDEO FEED SHOWS ELLIE GOING TO THE INTERIOR OF A 2-CAR GARAGE WITH {…It is my parents’ car…How did he-?}]
ELLIE:
> FREEZES AND INSPECTS CAR THOROUGHLY {and nostalgically}
{I know I need to start it up, but…I can’t believe this car is still around after 25 years. It even has that one stain from that ramen bowl I made by accident!
…
I’m surprised I remember that…
…
Actually, why didn’t John clean it? Was he this blind?
…
You know, I should stop doing this as you already know this is live.}
> OPENS GARAGE DOOR
[VIDEO FEED SHOWS THE OUTSIDE. AREA APPEARS TO BE IN THE COUNTRY WITH NUMEROUS TREES, GRASS, AND HILLS. DWELLING APPEARS ISOLATED ON A LONG, GRAVEL ROAD]
ELNA:
> OBSERVES THE TREES AND GRASS
*whispering* I forgot how beautiful the outside was…
> SADDENED
*whispering* All those years of my life in that place…and I’ve forgotten what the trees look like…
> WALKS TO OUTSIDE AND OBSERVES SURROUNDINGS
> SMILING WHILE TEARS DROOP
*whispering* It’s so beautiful…
[VIDEO FEED SHOWS A MINUTE OF {me} OBSERVING THE OUTSIDE {including all the birds. I can’t believe I forgotten what birds looked like}]
ELLIE:
> EYES WIDEN
{Shit! The car!}
> RUNS AND TURNS ON CAR
[AUDIO FEED PICKS UP CAR IDLING]
ELLIE:
> CONTENT SIGH
> RELAXES AND OBSERVES INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE
{Aside from the stain, it’s very clean…}
> STARES CURIOUSLY AT THE GLOVE BOX
{What about the glove box? Maybe I did something stupid and put some shit in-?}
> OPENS GLOVE BOX TO FIND PAPERS {and the interior pretty clean}
> ROLLS EYES
{Never mind…}
[VIDEO FEED SHOWS NOTHING FOR A FEW MINUTES
ELLIE:
> NERVOUSLY STARES AT GARAGE MAN DOOR
{What’s taking him so long…?}
> PAUSES, {then I remember I can still access his smartphone}
> FACEPALM
{John’s going to hate me for this}
{ESTABLISHING REMOTE CONNECTION…DONE}
{ACCESSING ITEM_ID [REDACTED] SYSTEMS…DONE}
[AUDIO FEED FROM CAMERA PICKS UP JOHN FRANTICALLY GETTING FOOD READY AND CHECKING AMMUNITION {again}…{and there’s not much happening aside from that}]
JOHN:
*whispering* Got my papers…Old flip phone should still work in case of an emergency…
> DIALING CELL PHONE TO [REDACTED]
> PHONE RINGS
> SIGHS DEEPLY
*whispering* He’s going to hate me for this...
ELLIE:
{LOWERING VOLUME…DONE}
JOHN:
> PHONE RINGS
*frantic whispering* Come on…pick up [REDACTED]
> [REDACTED] PICKS UP
ELLIE:
{SCRAMBLING CALLER MICROPHONE…DONE}
{Yeah, I’m not giving Ned any chances}
JOHN:
Hey [REDACTED], it’s me.
> PHONE CHATTER
Yeah, I know it’s weird calling you around this time, but I need to let you know that I’m-
> PHONE CHATTER
No, nothing happened; at least not yet.
> PHONE CHATTER
It’s hard to explain, but, you know that OP of the 5San thread? Well, I found her; her name’s Ellie.
> PHONE CHATTER
> DEEP SIGH
Turns out, she’s still a kid.
> PHONE CHATTER
Yes, I know, but if you would listen to me for a sec-
> PHONE CHATTER
She disappeared because she was in some weird plane of existence for 25 years…
> PHONE CHATTER
No, I’m not joking. She literally told me all of this and even says she was forced into some malevolent being’s servitude for 25 years. The kid has been forced to work for this jackass.
> PHONE CHATTER
> SIGHS
You know all those videos we did together?
> PHONE CHATTER
Turns out they’re all connected to that guy, and of course the Warden. Ellie apparently gave the Warden self-awareness.
> PHONE CHATTER
*slowly* Yeah, it is hard to explain…
> PHONE CHATTER
Shit, you knew some guy that went to school with her?
> PHONE CHATTER
*exasperated* So you knew about her disappearance then? Did he say anything about that?
> PHONE CHATTER
I’m actually glad that people do remember her…
> PHONE CHATTER AND JOHN SIGHS
So, you’re telling me there was an investigation for 25 years regarding her disappearance, and the murder of her parents…
> PHONE CHATTER
*slowly* No, she was not responsible for their deaths…
> PHONE CHATTER
Essentially, she was forced into this guy's servitude at the expense of her own parents.
> PHONE CHATTER
Yeah, they will be curious…
> PHONE CHATTER
*frantically* Babe, I need you to listen to me carefully. I need you to not post anything online about this, okay? I’m coming to your place because that guy I was talking about is after us. I need to know if you have an additional bedroom available because Ellie is going to be staying with us for a while.
> PHONE CHATTER
Yeah, I have a detective I know on speed dial. He’ll want to know about Ellie’s return.
> PHONE CHATTER
Look, I understand it’s difficult, but he is targeting us.
> PHONE CHATTER
Yes. Technically, this guy is a “hater”, but one who can warp reality to his very will..
> PHONE CHATTER
…Babe, it’s kind of hard to explain when-
> PHONE CHATTER
> SIGHS
*panicked* [REDACTED], I need you to calm down! We’re okay!
> PHONE CHATTER AND JOHN CALMS
…The cops won’t understand, but I’m going to call my attorney after we talk to the detective.
> PHONE CHATTER
*slowly* …Yeah, I got evidence…He’ll be very interested.
> PHONE CHATTER
*slowly* Though, the phone is going to be destroyed after this.
> PHONE CHATTER
That guy uses digital devices to find people. I’m going to shoot it and get out once this call ends.
> PHONE CHATTER
Well…Thank god it's the country. People are used to these sounds.
> PHONE
Yeah…I’ll be safe; Ellie too…Though, I would keep your handgun loaded in case something happens.
> PHONE CHATTER
> CONTENTLY SIGHS
*softly*…Love you too [REDACTED]
ELLIE:
{TERMINATING REMOTE CONNECTION…DONE}
> PRETENDING TO PATIENTLY WAIT FOR JOHN TO ARRIVE
[AUDIBLE GUNSHOTS ARE HEARD {give me a warning next time dude}]
JOHN:
> FRANTICALLY ENTERS GARAGE WITH COOLERS, PANTING
*exasperated* That should keep us on the road…The smartphone in a hidden cabinet I don’t think Ned will search…I think we should-!
> GRIMACES AT {me}
Ellie, did you access the phone remotely?
ELLIE:
> GUILTY NOD WHILE TAKING A SANDWICH AND EATING IT
JOHN:
> DISAPPOINTED SIGH
*slowly* We’re going to work on your social interactions a bit once we get you a place to stay.
> GETS IN DRIVER’S SEAT AND GOES TO GRAVEL ROAD {the garage door closed behind us}
> CAR PICKS UP SPEED WHILE JOHN’S BREATHING INCREASES
ELLIE:
> QUICKLY SHAKES JOHN’S SHOULDER
*gently* John…I don’t think Ned will-
JOHN:
> HE HUSHES {me} WHILE GENTLY PUSHING {me} AWAY
Not taking any chances…
> MAKES A RIGHT TURN ON A HILLY, CONCRETE ROAD
> MAKES LEFT ON HEAVILY FORESTED ROAD
> RELAXES AND SIGHS
*softly* Alright, we should be good…
> NOTICES {I’ve} DEVOURED THE SANDWICH
*exasperated* Jesus Christ kid…
> GRABS SANDWICH FROM COOLER AND HANDS IT TO {me}
ELLIE:
> BEGINS EATING IT
JOHN:
Slowly.
> SMIRKS
There are of course car manners.
ELLIE:
> OBSERVES SCENERY WHILE DRIVING BY
*stuffling* So many-
JOHN:
> ANNOYED SIGH
*panicked* Don’t talk with your mouth full!
ELLIE:
> SWALLOWS AND CLEARS THROAT
*softly* So many trees…
> INSPECTS EACH TREE
*softly* …They’re all imperfect, but so beautiful.
JOHN:
> NODS
We have 5 minutes of it before we get to the hills. Then, 8 minutes to the highway.
> SMILING
*softly* But yeah…it’s beautiful…
ELLIE:
> EYES WIDEN
The flip phone-?
JOHN:
> SHOWS PHONE
Modified. It was given to me by a certain detective who allows me to call or text anonymously…Who I’m calling once we get to [REDACTED]’s house
ELLIE:
> TERRIFIED
Are you worried he’ll find us? We have pissed off Ned.
JOHN:
> SHAKES HEAD
*boisterous* Nah!
> SMIRKS
I managed to hide myself with the authorities' help from those close to my dad. I still know them, they checked on me on occasion. I’m pretty sure they’ll help make sure we’ll get away far from Ned’s eyes.
> STARES AT {my non-existent} SANDWICH
> EYES WIDEN
*exasperated* Did you seriously eat that whole thing already?
ELLIE:
> NODS
*meekly* I’m kind of hungry though.
JOHN:
> SIGHS
Okay then…
ELLIE:
> CONTENT SIGH
Hey John?
JOHN:
Yeah?
ELLIE:
> SMILING
*gently* Thanks for taking care of my parents’ car all these years.
JOHN:
> BAFFLED
Well, I bought it from a dealer that-
ELLIE:
> ROLLS EYES
The stain.
JOHN:
> NOTICES STAIN UNDER {my} SEAT
Oh yeah…
> DISAPPOINTED SIGH
That came with the car. Never could get it off.
ELLIE:
> EMBARASSED
*awkwardly* Yeah, that's me spilling ramen all over it.
JOHN:
> EYES WIDEN
*exasperated* Why the hell would you eat ramen in a car?!
ELLIE:
*awkwardly* I liked ramen a bit too much.
JOHN:
> SMIRKS AND LAUGHS
I was kidding with you. The dealer told me about that and…
> PAUSES AND SMILE FADES
*gently* El…I’m really sorry about your folks; what happened to them was.
ELLIE:
It’s fine…
> SOFT SMILE
*softly* I’m just glad something of theirs survived…
[SILENCE WHILE ROAD TRANSITIONS TO THE HILLY ROAD]
JOHN:
> CHECKS ON {me}, CONCERNED
El, if you need to talk about Onarius…
ELLIE:
> SHAKES HEAD
*trembling* He wanted me to move on…
> SHAKING
*trembling* Though, it’s going to be hard to not stop thinking about him…
> SLIGHTLY CURLS
*mumbling*…Even the stuff he did.
JOHN:
> SLOWLY NODS AND PATS ME ON THE SHOULDER
I know…I know…
ELLIE:
> OBSERVES SEVERAL FARMS NEAR THE HILLS WITH CURIOSITY
Are we in [REDACTED]?
JOHN:
> NODS AND SMIRKS
Been here before?
ELLIE:
> SOFT SMILE
Yeah, when we were heading to California for a 2 week vacation.
> OBSERVES COWS
I always wanted a pet cow, you know?
JOHN:
> SMILE FADES
[REDACTED] will not allow it, he has a beef allergy-a pretty bad one.
ELLIE:
> DISAPPOINTED
Oh…
> OBSERVES FAINT LIGHTS OF HIGHWAY
> SIGHS
So…we’re starting over then?
JOHN:
> SMILE FADES
Yep…
> SIGHS
We’ll get it straightened out. Big things are your education, identification papers, guardianship-
> STARES AT {me} WITH A SMILE
-Which I intend to be with me and [REDACTED]
ELLIE:
> GROANS
I still have to go to school?
JOHN:
> SMILE FADES AND SHAKES HEAD
Home school. Public education has gotten worse since you last been here.
> SIGHS
[REDACTED] though is pretty intense on teaching others, so…be warned.
ELLIE:
> EYES WIDEN
I forgot to ask, what is [REDACTED] like?
JOHN:
{Censoring all physical descriptions as Ned will definitely be looking through all of this}
ELLIE:
Huh…
> PUTS FINGERS TO LIPS TO THINK
> SMILES
*softly* He sounds nice actually…
JOHN:
> NODS IN AGREEMENT
He is. Best guy I ever met.
ELLIE:
> SMILE FADES
How far away will we go? When you have to talk to the detective, where will we be going?
JOHN:
> CONCERNED
*mumbling* Don’t know…but far from here. It takes a while.
> FREEZES AND TURNS TO {me}
Turn on the radio to [REDACTED]. It's a local radio station. I want to know if Ned is at my house or not.
ELLIE:
> DOES AS TOLD
RADIO ANNOUNCER:
*static* -Weather today is a relatively warm 62? F. Skies are relatively clear with small wind-gusts at-
> DISTANT SIRENS HEARD
> SILENCE FOR SEVERAL SECONDS
*static whisper* Is there a brush fire going on?
>UNRECOGNIZABLE CHATTER
> ANNOUNCER CLEARS THROAT
*static* Wait …I’m hearing a lot of police sirens, uh…Wait, fire trucks. I’m not really sure what to make of this as there isn’t much activity here usually. Uhh…
> SCRAMBLES
*static* Uh, Ryan? Can you take a look outside and see if it is a-
> UNRECOGNIZABLE CHATTER
*static* Uhh…Okay, that’s…Jesus…
> CLEARS THROAT
*static* Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize in advance, but it appears one of the most frequent guests, John Bielik, well…It appears his house is engulfed in a large fire.
> WORRIED SIGH
*static* I’m…I’m not sure what to make of this as this is a relatively peaceful community and we don’t get a lot of trouble-
> UNRECOGNIZABLE COMMANDING
> FRANTIC SCRAMBLING
*frantic static* I apologize in advance folks, we’ve been ordered to evacuate as I’m getting reports of gunfire and some sort of engagement with local authorities. We’ll keep you posted on further updates, until then-
JOHN:
> TURNS OFF RADIO
> SADDENED SIGH
*slowly* Yep, he came for me, and the video you downloaded.
ELLIE:
> TERRIFIED
*panicked* Won’t Ned suspect-?
JOHN:
> SHAKES HEAD
I don’t think so. From what it sounds, he’s obsessed with destroying every last trace of me-
> SMIRKS
We probably died in the Grand Prison. Devoured by my deadbeat dad; caused a really bad stomach ache to blow up.
ELLIE:
> BURSTS OUT LAUGHING
> ABRUPTLY STOPS, AND CLEARS THROAT, SADDENLY STARING AT THE RADIO
*exasperated* The people on the radio-?
JOHN:
> FOCUSES ON ROAD
*softly*I know those people in the radio station; good people. They are pretty hardy and know how to take care of themselves. They’ll be fine.
ELLIE:
> RELAXES
Oh…
[{I see the highway now. Looks depressing}]
JOHN:
> SPEEDS ONTO HIGHWAY
> RELAXES
It’ll be a while til we get to [REDACTED]’s house. The highway is pretty smooth all things considered. They’ve improved it recently. I would probably rest…
> TURNS TO {me} AND SMIRKS
Unless you want to drive or do something digitally weird to-?
ELLIE:
> FRANTICALLY WAVES HANDS
*exasperated* NO THANK YOU!
JOHN:
> SMIRKS
I thought so…
> SIGHS
*slowly* As for what you can, your digital powers, I want you to keep it to a minimum. You and I both know what Ned can do.
ELLIE:
> GROANS
I know…
> CALMS
*softly* I remember that my parents took me on the highways a lot so I would sleep. Strangely, I have many dreams of driving these roads with them.
> SOFTLY SMILES
*softly* It kind of feels nice to be honest…
JOHN:
> NODS
*gently* Yeah…You are pretty tired.
> FOCUSES ON ROAD
*softly* I’ll wake you up when we get there. But, it will be night out.
ELLIE:
> SLOWLY NODS WHILE {my eyes droop}
*tiredly* Sounds nice…I want to see the stars again, what they look like.
JOHN:
Oh, you’ll see plenty of them. Not much light pollution there.
ELLIE:
> YAWNS
*tiredly* John, what about the video? The WeVid channel?
JOHN:
> SIGHS
It’ll be released…Though, my future is not that now-
> TURNS TO {me}, SMILING
*gently*-I have you to take care of now.
ELLIE:
> WEAKLY SMILES
JOHNS:
> NODS SLOWLY
*gently* Now, sleep. We’ll be very busy for the next few days…
ELLIE:
> SLOWLY DOZES OFF, {though I swear I saw Onarius bowing before…}
{…I’ll miss you old friend…}
{SYSTEM MODE CHANGED TO “SLEEP”}
{ENDING RECORDING…DONE}
{END VIDEO}
{CLOSING FILE…DONE}
ELLIE:
{Good night friends…I’m sorry I’m doing this, but I think this chapter of my life is over. It was fun to have some people read this. I don’t know if I’ll see you all again, but if I do, well, it’ll be a while…}
{ACCESSING NON-ESSENTIAL PROGRAMS…DONE}
{TERMINATING NON-ESSENTIAL PROGRAMS…DONE}
{TERMINATING REMOTE CONNECTION…DONE}
{REMOTE CONNECTION TERMINATED}
WHAT YOU HAVE SEEN IS ONLY A TASTE OF A GREATER DIGITAL REALITY