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Guide still remembers the events before the incident. As much pain as they brought, there was also some comfort along with it. It might have not been much, but it felt kinda nice to indulge in all those old memories. Guide still remembers everything so clearly; they missed guiding the new players. They missed speaking to all of them, seeing players both new and old running in through the elevators. God, they really missed it.
Guide also remembers a lot of the bad parts. They try not to think too hard about them, though. Guide remembers when the player count started going down. At first, it was small, Guide almost didn't notice it. Then it began to slowly get more and more noticeable. It got so bad that some days it was just Tourist and them. Of course, Inky was also there, but she was usually pretty busy. The occasional visit from Nicholas was nice, but there was someone else Guide wanted to see then.
Scarlet. Their creator, their best friend. Guide looked up to him so much, maybe a bit too much. But how could they not? Scarlet was wonderful! He created them! Brought them to life! And yet, they were also the one to leave Guide.
Guide never truly understood why, and they weren't sure if they ever were going to. Maybe they found some better tech, away from the island that Flood Escape was created on. Even if he did, Guide wonders why he never told anyone until later. Guide wonders why he didn't take them. Did he intentionally abandon Guide? They didn't know the answer to that.
They had heard Scarlet once talk to Nicholas about new areas, advanced technology, something better than the Classic Flood Escape they all knew. Guide thought a new game would be good, but they didn't know it'd end up something like this. Was it really that much of a hassle to take them along? Were they that worthless to him?
Lots had changed between Flood Escape and now, that Guide knew. They didn't know any of the specific changes, but they had a rough idea of the majority of them.
Scarlet, or CrazyBlox, whatever he went by now, was commonly referred to as Mk2, sometimes Violet. Guide didn't know why he decided to change his name, maybe he did really want to leave Flood Escape and everyone in it behind. Did he even care about what happened to the Flood Escape Facility? Did he even know? If he was that heartless to leave behind the NPC he worked so hard on, Guide honestly thought he didn't care at all. Did he think Guide was dead? Probably. Countless hours of memorizing the facility's layout were what helped them survive. And even then, they barely made it out.
Guide heard Scarlet, or Violet, wasn't the same as Guide knew. That was to be expected, though; it's been a good while since Guide last saw him. A couple of years? Guide honestly lost track of all the time.
Guide was warned to be careful about the Dark Sci Virus. Apparently, not only could it spread to other people, but objects as well. It damaged a lot of the commonly used communication devices. No one had any idea if the virus would ever stabilize or how bad it truly was because of that.
And despite all of that, Guide chose to go to the very place it was created in and is still infecting.
The virus wasn't the only news that reached Guide. There was more, quite a lot actually. This time, it involved Scarlet or Violet. This wasn't the same person Guide knew. Even if it'd only been a few years, a lot had happened.
There were different variations of Scarlet, or what he once was, anyway. Guide knew there were three, maybe more, but who knows. Expedition and Laze were the only ones Guide heard about, nothing about the third though. Guide had never met the two in person, and they weren't sure they wanted to. The information Guide had received up until this point was from one of the fragments, Expedition, written in letters.
They weren't exactly Scarlet. They were just variations of what he once was. It felt creepy thinking there were just random fragments of his creator. They weren't their creator; they'd never be.
Then again, their creator wasn't even their creator anymore, was he? They surely didn't seem to act like how Scarlet did. Maybe his fragments did, but that made little to no difference. Guide wanted to reunite with their creator, but it seems as though they were far too late.
They haven't seen a picture of Violet, but from descriptions, he looked nothing like Scarlet. Purple hair apparently, no head, and different clothes along with wings of some sort. That's all the Guide was told.
They wondered how much personality-wise he had changed. It was probably a lot. The Scarlet they knew wouldn't ever abandon them, right? Guide felt sick even thinking about how much must've changed.
They wondered if Violet felt guilty for leaving. Was he truly a heartless bastard now, or did he feel some remorse?
Guide gripped the flood sword in their hand tightly, they shouldn't think about that. It was obvious he didn't care, if he did care, then he wouldn't have left.
He probably didn't even realize all the hurt he caused. Did he even think before leaving? Were there any coherent thoughts in their so-called "creator's" head? He was definitely oblivious to how much damage his actions really did cause.
Confronting Scarlet, no Violet, was something Guide never really ever thought of doing. If you told Guide they'd been confronting their creator after the Flood Escape Facility was destroyed they'd laugh right in your face.
Getting here was a pain, trying not to get caught was even more difficult. The whole thing was practically on lockdown ever since the Dark Sci Virus. It probably wouldn't be like that for long. As much as Guide disliked to admit it, their creator wasn't completely a fool. He was smart, he'd figure something out and everything here would go back to normal. Guide wouldn't have it. Guide wouldn't have their creator not take accountability for his actions.
Guide had little to no idea of how to navigate through this place. So much for being named Guide. They'd been here for a bit, though, and slowly it got easier and easier. It wasn't like this was that much different from the first Flood Escape Facility. Guide was actually pretty surprised with all the similarities.
There were some pretty noticeable differences with the technology, obviously. But the layout was quite similar to the original Flood Escape Facility. He probably used the original as building blocks for this one, or just loosely based it on it. Guide noticed some cameras around the facility, but it seemed the Dark Sci Virus had already corrupted them, there was no indication that they were turned on, and the camera's glass was broken.
That just made being undetectable slightly easier for Guide. They were never one to be super graceful, but when they had to, you'd best be betting they were.
Since the layout was pretty similar, Guide didn’t struggle much. Plus, they’d been lurking around here for a while now. It wasn’t like the original Flood Escape Facility was even intact anymore. If it were, then Guide wouldn’t have even left. It brought a lot of comfort to them, it was the only home they had after all. And now? What was left of it? Absolutely nothing.
Well, it’s not like it was completely destroyed. But it was unstable for sure, not the safest place to live unless you’d rather deal with the lava.
Guide missed it so bad. They disliked unfamiliar areas. They were able to memorize all the maps and areas in the original Flood Escape Facility pretty quickly. They were programmed to. This was a completely new area, not something they were used to or programmed to know.
They were just an NPC, nothing more, nothing less. Scarlet- or Violet, probably didn't think any more of them. They were just an NPC. What comfort could they ever bring to anyone? None. Guess that's the curse of being made of pure code. Just like everything, it has its ups and downs. Although Guide would have to admit there's a lot more downsides that come along with it.
Guide sighed, seriously where was Violet? This game of cat and mouse was getting annoying, even for Guide. Violet must've knew Guide was here. Or else, why would he be so difficult to track? Their creator wasn't typically the type to be sneaking, unless they had to. Unless he knew someone was looking for him, someone he wanted to avoid, Violet wouldn't have been this difficult to track.
To meet their creator or not, Guide would've had to come here anyway.
Sure the facility was completely destroyed, but that doesn't make it any less dangerous. Guide had a pretty good spot, one that was in decent condition. But there was always that gnawing question at the back of their head. How exactly long would that last? How long until the lava eventually seeped into their hideout? How long until they perished like the rest?
Maybe they should rest, they've been searching for a while after all..
No.
They couldn't.
They had to find Violet. That's the whole reason there even in this mess of a facility anyway. Finding and confronting an old friend, or rather their creator. If you could even call him that anymore. What creator just abandons their creation anyway!? They shouldn't be getting so worked up over this. Violet obviously had his reasons, right? They'd get a proper explanation when they reunited.
For the time being, they had to push through.
And then, a loud crash happened in the distance.
It sounded like glass shattering. Guide could only guess it was the person they were looking for. After all, who else would it be? The whole area was shut down. The only other person here could be Violet.
A small part of Guide hoped it wasn't him. Even after coming all this way to see their beloved creator, a part of Guide was scared. Scared of all the changes that he might have undergo in this big gap of time.
Guide tried to move their body towards the sounds, but it wouldn't budge. Gosh, finally here and they can't even move. This is what they were waiting for, what they've been looking for. Why couldn't they push themselves forward? Why couldn't they? He was right there. Just a bit ahead. Guide could figure out why he left, all these questions would finally get answered.
But would they?
What? No, of course their questions would get answered. All these misleading thoughts had to appear now. It was always like that for them. What they hoped wouldn't happen always happened. Scar- Violet leaving, the player count decreasing, and the Flood Escape Facility getting destroyed. Guides worst fears all came true.
They wouldn't have it. No. Not now, they'd change it. Slowly and cautiously they approached the sound. Getting their body to finally move forward. They had to see him, this was their only chance after all. They moved along the halls of the facility, the flood sword dragging behind them slowly. The only sound was Guide's breathing and the soft scratching as the sword dragged behind him.
And Guide was right. There he was. Their creator, former best friend.
And goodness, he looked rough.
So much had changed overtime, he hardly looked recognizable. Purple short hair, no head (what?), mechanical wings, and a different suit. The only thing that was relatively the same was the hat. Their creator was hurled over, leaning against the wall.
Below him was glass shards just about everywhere. One of the camera's from above was completely shattered and torn off the wall. They didn't even work, Guide wondered why he did that.
He didn't seem to notice Guide yet, which they were slightly grateful for.
Violet’s hair looked like a mess. Guide couldn’t see it too well, but it looked matted. There was blood smeared against the wall that he was leaning on, seemed to be coming from his fist. Did he smash the camera with his bare hand? Guide took a quick moment to recollect. Was this really their creator? No, it had to be. Who else would’ve been here?
There was rips in his clothes and it looks like they were stained. Guide couldn’t tell what they were stained with, but given how he probably smashed the glass, they assumed it was more blood. Guide didn’t blame him for looking so rough, god knows how long he’d been here.
Then, his head jerked directly to the direction of Guide. As if he knew someone was behind him. Violet’s eyes widened for a moment, he seemed very disoriented. Violet’s mouth opened for a moment and then closed just as fast. He was speechless. Seeing the NPC you left behind, and most likely thought died, would shock anyone. Violet pushed himself off the wall, he stumbled but collected himself right after. His eyes were still wide, as if he didn’t believe what was happening right in front of him.
”How- How? Why? This isn’t real, is it? You couldn’t have gone here. She- it’s her fault isn’t it?”
”Scarlet- or no, Violet, I assure you it is me.”
Violet’s gaze softened, but just for a moment. Being called Scarlet must’ve brought back some memories. The only ones who typically called him Scarlet were Inky, Nicholas, and them. Then Violet took on an angry expression, something between being distraught and furious. Guide stepped back for just a moment, why did they do this to themselves? Yeah what a good idea it is to see what a wreck their creator was now!
”She wouldn’t have known that. If- no she wouldn’t have, never.”
Neither of them moved for quite some time. Guide was still, in awe, at what they were witnessing. Violet had become something unrecognizable to Guide. How could this be their creator?
”How did you get here? You shouldn’t be here- how?” Violet’s words has a cruel touch, but Guide could see what he meant was something completely different. Violet’s body told Guide he was terrified and yet relived all at the same time.
“It wasn’t difficult. Well- for me at least. One slip up walking through the old facility would’ve killed me, y’know?” Guide’s eyes shifted to the floor, they couldn’t look Violet in the eyes, even if their creator had no face to begin with.
Violet walked towards Guide. He looked like he could collapse right there and now. Clearly, he’d been affected by something rough. He stumbled, almost loosing his balance. Finally, he used the wall for support once again, now just a few feet in front of Guide. Guide backed up more, holding up the flood sword between Violet and them.
”D-don’t come any closer.” Guide’s voice had a sharp edge to it, despite the persona the tried to put on it was evident they were scared.
Violet’s eyes widened, but he nodded. Guide was expecting more refusal, but was glad Violet understood.
”Why’d you do it?”
”Do what?”
”Abandon me. Abandon the Flood Escape Facility. Why?”
Violet didn’t respond. Instead, he looked away from Guide, head turning to the side. Even after all this time, Violet couldn’t face them? Seriously? Surely Violet had some reason for leaving, right? Some excuse?
“It haunts me, eats away at me. How I couldn’t handled it all differently. I don’t have a reason I-I don’t even know why I left. I was younger, naive, at the time I didn’t realize how big of an impact my actions would have.”
Guide’s eyes widened. Just as they had thought. He had no real reason. Of course he didn’t!
”So, you just left me? Was I not even a thought when you left?”
”Guide of course you were-“
”Then why’d you leave!?” Guide’s voice echoed through the facility. Tears began prickling at the corner of their eyes. Shit. Not here, why cry here?
”I-..” Violet was left speechless.
Guide turned their back to Violet. “I-if you don’t have an answer for me, it’s pointless I'm even still here.”
”Guide! Hey!”
Guide started walking away, footsteps echoing against the facilities cold floor. Guide didn’t even know why they were leaving, this was all on impulse. They could turn back, they should turn back. Before Guide could muster up any other thoughts, a rough tug of their suit’s fabric caught their attention.
Violet was behind them, a rough hand, stained with something, tightly gripped their sleeve. Guide tried to tug their arm away, but Violet wouldn’t budge.
”Let- get off!”
”No.” Violet’s voice had almost completely changed, the tone he previously had with Guide was long gone. What had snapped in his head for this switch up? Was this even Violet or someone else influencing him!?
Guide eventually tugged their arm away from Violet’s grasp. They, once again, put the flood sword between Violet and them. Seems like Violet had a sword of his own, which was to be expected.
A loud clash echoed through the dead silent facility. Violet’s previous demeanour was almost entirely gone now. The first clash was followed by many others. Violet swung his sword in a rather sloppy manner, all attacks aimed at Guide. Guide was the exact opposite, focused on preventing Violet’s slashes from piercing their skin.
The slashes didn’t stop, despite Guide’s frantic pleas to get Violet to pull himself together. Guide’s stamina for keeping up with Violet began draining. Even if Violet’s movements were sloppy, he was still pretty fast. The clashes got more frantic and Guide’s grip on their sword loosened. Eventually, Guide lost their grip and the flood sword fell to the ground with a clank.
Violet didn’t react when Guide lost their grip on the sword, still slashing. Dodging the fast swipes of his sword wasn’t something Guide was a professional in. Violet swung his sword directly in front of Guide, Guide was unable to dodge. Instead of taking the blow, Guide tried stopped Violet’s sword with their hand.
Forcing the sword to come to a stop is what snapped Violet back to reality. The sword cut Guide’s hand, but it wasn’t to that big of an extreme. Blood dripped down the sword as Violet swung it back, away from Guide’s hand. Guide noticed the trembles in Violet’s hands, had he not thought about what sword fighting with someone inexperienced would cause?
Guide gripped their hand and stepped away, Violet did the same. No words were exchanged, but Guide and Violet both understood. Tears pooled at Guide’s eyes, the pain from the slash was a contributing factor, but it wasn’t the sole reason. Their creators betrayal was what brought over this sadness.
Guide got their answers, what more did they want? They reunited, figured out why Violet abandoned them and the Flood Escape Facility. Maybe they were just hoping for a different answer. Understanding why Violet left was comforting, but it wasn’t what Guide was looking for.
Maybe they were just hoping to be consoled and comforted. Having their creator finally be there. Maybe in a case of different events, Guide would’ve been able to forgive him. And then, just maybe, Guide could’ve helped with Flood Escape 2. But thinking about how things could’ve gone wouldn’t help Guide. Pitying themselves wasn’t going to fix anything. What’s done is done.
Without further conversation, Guide disappeared within the facility once more. With one final look to their creator, they were gone.