Pandemonium

Stage Three Part I

I open my eyes from the noise of Fonso and Pandora yelling at each other. Will those two ever get along? I yawn and get out of the sleeping bag. I move over to the basket of food and try to see if any of it is worth eating before our adventure continues. I hear shuffling behind me and more people awaken. Once everyone is awake, the elevator dings and a counter appears above the door. The loud noise causes Gilbert to cling to Rose, fearing for his life. Pandora covers his ears and starts shaking. 10, 9, 8. It counts and I feel the shift. That feeling of movement makes me sick to my stomach remembering the scene of spikes. We are moving down, to the third floor. 

Faust doesn't give any sort of reaction. They grab their suit jacket and put it back on, buttoning it. They tap their foot against the ground and cross their arms. I get an odd vibe from them that I don't understand. It's almost...almost as if they've experienced this before. That can't be right, can it? Faust catches me staring and shoots me a smile. They really seem to want me to trust them but I'm not sure if that's possible. What are they hiding from me? From us? 

The counter continues and my mother makes her way over. She places her hand on my shoulder. It's not to comfort me, it's to comfort her. She is scared but is trying to remain strong. Faust goes to the bathroom door and grabs the wall, bracing themself. The counter stops and the entire elevator shakes. People fumble over each other and fall to the ground. Pandora looks as if he is about to pass out again. 

The door opens and a gust of warm air hits us. I make my way over to the door and look out, not trusting the peacefulness of it all. I move back over to grab the basket that previously held food and make my way over to the door again. I throw it out as far as I can, but flames spurt out from the walls and burn it to bits. My mother screams, covering her mouth with her hands. 

"How are we supposed to survive that!?" she sobs into my step-father's chest. He doesn't bother to return the hug or comfort her, he just rolls his eyes. 

"I wish I kept that bow," Odette shakes her head and Lucien grabs her shoulder. 

"We are going to figure this out," he assures.

"We wouldn't have to figure out anything if the Traitor would just reveal themselves!" Fonso reminds. I'm not mentally prepared for another one of those discussions. I thought I had made it quite clear enough last time, but that thought will clearly linger in everyone's minds no matter what I say. 

I look around the door of the elevator for clues and stick my head outside the door. Above it, I see an inscription: 'The flames of treacherous love burn harshly and those that love must be willing to die for the sins they've committed.' What is that supposed to mean? There are only two couples here. Hector and I and my mother and step-father. My relationship hasn't been a sinful one. The two of us have barely gone further than kissing! 

Hector pokes his head out of the door to see what I am seeing. He reads the inscription out loud for everyone. "Has anyone had a sinful relationship recently?" he laughs nervously and moves to sit in the corner of the elevator. Everyone looks at each other and I can see that people are beginning the game of pointing fingers. Fonso's Traitor comment started that train of thought. I'm almost certain. 

"My relationship history is none of your business," Fonso snaps. Right, sure, okay, always helpful. I'm not sure what I saw in him before. Maybe he really is just a mean guy that hates everyone openly. Or, maybe it's a mask to protect himself from getting hurt again. No. Not now. I can't try to analyze people right now. We have a floor to solve. But, why did he save Pandora if his hope for humanity is so bleak? No. What did I just say? Stop thinking about it. 

"I've never had a relationship," Gilbert reluctantly admits. 

I stick my head out the door and try to find anything of interest in the blank room. Nothing but the circles on the walls. I assume that is where the fire escapes. If only we had some ice to wrap ourselves in...I shake my head and try my best to see but, of course, my eyesight is terrible. "Pandora, do you see anything out there?" I ask. He has glasses so I assume his eyes are the most trustworthy.