-[ prismic △ sanctum ]-

[knux400]

"Well, the room is empty, and the only other way out is locked. We should be safe."

Does the purple hand look like it could belong to that aerosoul we saw earlier? If so, I think this room is somehow taking pictures of people as they enter or leave and putting them up on the wall. The two burnt-out cameras correspond to the two doors that have been opened already in the pictures, and the remaining camera might correspond to the empty gold frame.

Speaking of, the gold frame probably has something to do with that switch, or that button in the middle, or both. Not sure what the tube in the ceiling is about, though.

Let's carefully head over to investigate the switch.

[ಠ_ಠ]

push botun

[SHIVERS]

You couldn't really see the aerosoul well when you encountered them, but you presume they're the one in this picture.

"Well, the room is empty, and the only other way out is locked. 
We should be safe."
Roux just nods, starting to catch their breath now.

You walk over to the switch and pull on it. 
It's a little difficult, requiring you to push harder than you were expecting as it resists your pull.
You're able to move it a little over 90 degrees from its off position, after which it halts; seemingly as far as it can move.

As you hold the switch in this position, the brass tube in the ceiling begins to slowly descend further into the room.
It's longer than it looked before, the rest of it being gradually revealed with its motion.

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MAPCURRENT ROOM: GALLERY PHOTO ROOM

[knux400]

Does the tube go back up if we pull the switch the other way? How far out can it extend before it stops?

[ಠ_ಠ]

climb the tube

[RibbonCharm]

is the tube large enough to fit inside? if so, climb. or ask roux what they think first

[SHIVERS]

The tube isn't anywhere near large enough to potentially fit inside, and it still has a cap on the end regardless.
You don't think climbing it would do much good, either: the hole it's emerging from is snug, no room for anything else to fit in beside the tube.

You don't have to pull the switch in the other direction; the second you stop holding it, it flips back to its starting position almost instantly, the tube soon ascending into the ceiling once again.

You pull it back, taking effort to hold it in place, waiting to see how far it lowers.
It descends until it's not too far above the switch - four feet or so, you estimate - then stops.
Momentarily after it stops moving, the light nearby the switch turns from red to green.

You let go, the switch flips off, and the light goes back to red.

You put a paw to your muzzle, taking care with the knife you're holding, and look to Roux.
They're now standing, leaning against the nearby wall as they watched you experiment.
"Any thoughts? I'm just testing things."
"Guessing we need someone to hold the switch while the other presses the button.
Just a bit wary of that tube. Maybe it opens when the button is pressed, and we don't know what could come out."

They held up their shovel.
"I do have this, I think it could reach the button.
...Cause I'm not risking a jump across. 
Unless you want to try."

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MAPCURRENT ROOM: GALLERY PHOTO ROOM

[RibbonCharm]

Let Roux try with the shovel, pretty much anything could come out of that tube.

[knux400]

"I think the camera and the gold frame might have something to do with this, too. I'd say go ahead and try it, but watch where you stand if you're camera shy. Or we could just drape something over it."

[ಠ_ಠ]

actually, green is my color, so we should try and have roux work the lever

[SHIVERS]

"Maybe I should press the button. 
Green is my color, it could be significant."
"I don't think it matters, but," 
Roux looks at the pedestal. 
"Light's red right now, so let's test it."
They grasp the shovel with both claws and reach it over the gap after a bit of hesitation.
The head of the shovel smacks the button.
Nothing happens.
"Yeah, didn't think so.
Worth checking, though."

"I'd let you try with the shovel, but... 
No offense: if this is a trap somehow, I'd rather be the one ready to smack things away."
"Fair enough.
I'll work the lever, then.
Before we start, I wanted to note that the camera and gold frame may also have something to do with this."
You point at both, and Roux's gaze follows.
"Watch where you're standing if you're camera shy."
Or we could just drape something over--"
A loud clang rings out as the shovel bangs into the camera, making you jump.

It seems to have no effect, the camera as pristine as ever.

"Eh.
Don't think we have much to put over it.
And that didn't work, so- Oh."
They run their claws along the shovel, noticing a tiny crack in the wood around the stress marks.
"...Bad idea. 
Sorry."

"Either way, I still say this is our best option.
If they get a photo of me, then fine.
Let's get this done."
"Alright."



Roux situates themself, shovel over the button.
"Hit it."
You pull the lever and hold it, allowing the tube to lower all the way.

The light turns green.

Roux gently taps the button with the shovel.

The button lets out a soft buzz.
A few seconds later, the cap on the bottom of the tube opens.
What looks to be a keyring falls from the tube.
Roux gasps and struggles to catch it with the shovel.
It clatters onto the shovel head, nearly slipping as Roux holds it higher to compensate.

The moment it seems to stabilize, a larger, rectangular object drops out of the tube.
It catches in the shovel as well, Roux grunting as they just barely manage to keep the impact from tipping the shovel.

They hold firm; eyes wide, arms starting to wobble.
"Think that's... everything... 
OK."
As carefully as possible, they move the shovel so it's no longer over the hole, then lay it on the floor.
Roux wipes their brow.

"Could've been--" 
The camera flashes in Roux's face, the chorosy recoiling and covering their eyes on instinct.

Unable to see, they let their knee buckle and fall forward away from the hole.

The hand not covering their eyes grips the carpet tight, shaking.
They manage to let out a growl through shuddered breathing, eyes still covered.
"...bastard."

An image slowly fades into focus in the gold frame:
Roux's shocked expression can be seen facing straight at the camera, looking awkward with their rigid posture, while your shoulder and hand are barely visible in frame at the side.
The silly, candid photo looks out of place hanging next to the other two, especially within such an ornate frame.



Roux lays back all way on the floor, making sure to stay far from the hole, still breathing heavily.

You glance over at the shovel and pick up what Roux had caught, curious.
One is indeed a keyring with three items strung on it:
-A keychain in the shape of a sealed letter; same as the one on the west door
-A gold key
-A small tube with a nozzle on the top, labeled 'PEPPER SPRAY'

The bigger object that fell with the keyring seems to be an instant camera, which thankfully looks small enough to fit in your pocket.

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MAPCURRENT ROOM: GALLERY PHOTO ROOM

[knux400]

"About time we found a key. The only two keyholes I've seen are the one on the switch panel, and another one blocking a hatch wayyy back in MAINTENANCE ACCESS."

First things first, see if the letter keychain opens the sealed door to the west. Also see if we can detach the pepper spray from the chain to make it easier to use quickly.

Second, we should probably head back to the switch panel and see if the gold key works there. I don't want to backtrack all the way to maintenance access right now, but the mall is close enough and could end up being really useful if the key does work.

Third, we need to gently poke fun at Roux's shocked expression in the photo while we do these two things.

[ಠ_ಠ]

resist the mighty urge to test the pepper spray on yourself. even though it wouldnt work.

look down the hole and see if you can get the canera to snap a photo of you as well.

[SHIVERS]

You debate trying to get a picture of yourself, but the flash bulb is now burnt out in the middle camera, just like the others.
Ah well. Better to get going anyway. Maybe another time.

"About time we found a key."
You hold the keyring up, dangling them for Roux to see as they shakily stand.
"Probably goes to that door."
"More than likely, yes."
"Would've been nice to get one that's more useful, but I'll take anything at this point."

You nod, talking to the chorosy as you detach the pepper spray from the keyring.
"You should see the picture before we go, by the way."
"I don't even wanna look."
You can't help but grin.
"Come now, it's not so bad.
You look... energetic!"

Once the spray's off, you put it in your left pocket, instant camera in the other.

"Oh god..." Roux glanced at the painting for half a second, turning away almost instantaneously.
"Remind me to burn this place down when we get out."
"And destroy such a lovely photo? What a wonderful frame, too."
"Yeah, starring me doing my best impression of being tazed."
"Co-starring my shoulder, as itself."

They stare at the painting.
"Hey, hand me the knife. 
Just for a sec."
Before you can respond, they snatch it from your hand, and swiftly stab at the bottom of the painting.

It bounces off, not even making a dent.

"...Fantastic."



They give you back the kitchen knife and pick up their shovel, motioning towards the door.
Still grinning, you put the key into the sealed letter door and turn.
The lock clicks, and you head through.



You immediately see another button, though motion in the corner draws your attention.
There are clear plastic tubes in the corners of the room, and you can see plastic capsules whiz through them every once in a while; the tubes seemingly pneumatic. 
A fifth tube hangs from the ceiling in the center of the room, though it doesn't reach the floor, instead hanging high over the button.
This one doesn't seem to be pneumatic, and it has a clear cap on its bottom.

Three items rest on top of the cap, inside the tube:
Two keys - each with a label attached - and a card of some kind.
You can't read the text on the labels or the card at first glance, but you probably could if you got a closer look.

On the north, west and south walls are three large vents, all with slatted covers over them.
Your map seems to inform you that they lead somewhere, but they look to be slightly too small for you.
They seem to be 'locked' regardless, though you aren't sure how.

Below the vent on the south wall lies another switch, just like in the last room, though this one looks to be made of cheap grey metal.



You note that the room looks is fairly plain; off-white walls, off-white tile floor, in stark contrast to the photo room.
However, other than the cosmetic changes, the room is strikingly similar.
The cameras and pictures are missing, but the pedestal, button, switch and ceiling tube are all still present, in nearly the exact same locations. 

The most stark difference you can see is that the platform the pedestal rests on is comically smaller than before.
It's practically nonexistant; just a tiny lip around the base of the pedestal.
The hole itself also seems smaller, as if to match the miniscule platform. 
Though, its width is comparable to the previous chasm; still entirely possible to fall in.



"More keys. Looks like two this time."
Their head tilts down towards the hole, and the pathetic excuse of a 'platform' at its center.
"...But that doesn't look promising."

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MAPCURRENT ROOM: GALLERY MAILROOM

[knux400]

"...You think you can do your trick with the shovel again?"

[SHIVERS]

"...Could you do your trick with the shovel again?"
"I can try, but I nearly dropped it last time. Not sure if that's the best idea.
We aren't careful, we lose those keys."

"Speaking of..."
Roux squints.
"Can you see what's on them?
I can't really tell."
They tried to lean forward and stand up straighter, but backed up when they realized how close they were to the hole.

Trying to get a better look, you step past the chorosy - making sure to keep some distance from the hole - and squint.
You can just barely make out the text.

The tag on one key reads 'SDU HALL 2', while the other tag has 'ATRIUM' written on it.
The text on the card is worn, but you can make out some of it: 
'-------TURAL HISTORY MUS--- 
EMPLO--E BADGE'

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MAPCURRENT ROOM: GALLERY MAILROOM

[knux400]

"Looks like keys to the SDU hall and the atrium, as well as an employee badge for the natural history museum."

"...Okay, so hear me out, and stop me if this is too crazy for you. If you can step across the pit and reach the ledge, you should be able to grab the pillar and kind of step over. But you'd be starting next to me, near the switch. Then I could pull the switch with one hand, and hold your cloak in the other as you step across. If you lean forward over the button, we might be able to use your cloak as a net to catch the keys in. Then you'd just step back, and I'd guide the stuff to safety. Theoretically."

There may also be a much simpler solution that I (the player) am missing here.

[SHIVERS]

"Looks like keys to the SDU hall and the atrium, as well as an employee badge for the natural history museum."
"All things we could use." They put a claw to their face in thought.
"...How're we doing this?"
"I think I have an idea."

"This might be too far-fetched, but hear me out:  
If you can step across the pit and reach the edge, you should be able to grab the pillar and - sort of - step over."
"Already hate it. 
Continue." 
"But, you'd be starting next to me, near the switch. 
Then I could pull the switch with one hand, and hold your cloak in the other as you step across. 
Once you're secure, if you lean forward over the button, we might be able to use your cloak as a net to catch the keys in. 
Then you'd just step back, and I'd guide the stuff to safety. 
...Theoretically."

"You're right."
"You think it'll work?"
"Nope. 
Definitely too ...far-fetched.
Not all of it, though."
"How so?"
"I don't think it's a good idea for me to try and fully stand on... that.
There's barely anything to it. Way too easy to slip if I'm completely on it.
And if I slip," they held up the end of their cloak. "...I don't trust that this is going to hold up my entire bodyweight without ripping.
Don't know if you can hold me with one hand and not drop me, either.
Let's not test that.
...But," they took a shaky step forward, surveying the hole.
"...I could put one foot across the gap, on the edge there, and keep my weight mostly back here.
That way, I could lean forward just a little, hit the button, and just catch them with my hands.
You hold onto my cloak - just like you said - and if I start to slip, you pull on the cloak to fix my balance.
It's still a little risky - I may not catch everything - but it's safer for us. ...For me.
And if I catch at least one, we can make progress. 
And I won't ...fall to my ...death. 
...Hopefully."
"Alright."
"Okay then." They looked over the pit again, instinctively pulling back a little.
"Let's do it quick. Get it over with.
Before I change my mind."

You nod, and get into position.

You start by pulling the switch over and holding it, then you turn your body sideways; stretching out slightly to hold onto Roux's cloak.
The tube begins to lower.

They step forward towards the hole.

The chorosy lifts their foot up an inch, then hesitates, avoiding looking down.

"...You...

...You've got me?"

"I've got you."

"...okay."
The tube stops moving, now as low as it could be.

"...quick and easy...
Just..."
They lifted their boot, and stretched, before placing it as far onto the ledge as they could; only a couple of inches.
Roux wavered suddenly, raising their arms to keep their balance.
You pulled their cloak a little tighter, just in case.

They breathed a quick puff of air out of their filter, then took a deep breath.
Their movement steadied, though their breathing seemed to speed up.
"...Quick. And easy.
O... kay."

As slowly as possible, they leaned forward, getting their arms closer over the button.


They placed a claw on it, 


then pushed down.


The cap opened


Everything dropped


Roux raised their claws up






The keys and card were suddenly caught by something wide and metallic, leaving Roux grasping at nothing.

"I'll take those, thank you."

The chorosy wobbled, and you quickly tugged hard on their cloak, pulling them away from the pit.
They stumbled aside, both of you now looking upward.

Your eyes quickly processed the object.
It was a large, metal hand, attached to an incredibly-long metal arm.

Though, it rapidly shortened now, being drawn back to its owner.



A figure had appeared in the - now open - west vent.

You could just barely make out 'CERULEAN' on their shoulder.
Their head and arms were sticking out, one of which now held your prizes.

They dangled them in front of you, a pleased look on the amerveille's face.

"I appreciate you saving me the trouble.
I'm not sure who--" The stranger's eyes went wide.

Roux had the shovel in hand - you hadn't even seen them grab it. 

Their body was already in motion, practically flinging themself in the cat's direction. 

They swung, hard; metal clanging against metal as the amerveille's hand was struck.
The shovel cracked in half from the impact.
What was left of the handle - now just a stick - clattered to the floor, while the rest was flung away, including your prizes.



Everything was scattered, many objects slapping against the wall and sliding across the tile floor towards the pit.
The card - thankfully - landed safely in the corner, 
but one of the keys fell into the hole along with the shovelhead, 
while the other key teetered precariously on the edge.

Roux paid no attention to any of that.

"You--!
I have half a mind t--"

The amerveille cut themself off again, starting to scramble back into the vent.
The chorosy was quick to follow, seemingly running on adrenaline.

They jumped up, got a grip on the edge of the vent, and scrambled upward.
In no time, they'd lifted themself into the vent, only their cloak and legs hanging out now.

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MAPCURRENT ROOM: GALLERY MAILROOM

[knux400]

Grab the card and the remaining key.

"Roux! Hold on a minute! I'm not sure I can make it up there!"

"Also they can probably punch you from really far away if they wanted to!"

[SHIVERS]

You scoop up the key just before it falls, grab the card from the corner, and hastily stash both in your pockets.

"Roux! Hold on a minute! I'm not sure I can make it up there!
And those arms of theirs are probably dangerous!"

The chorosy pauses, and you can hear them panting heavily, their breathing shaky.
However, the sound of the blue stranger scrambling away through the vents could still be heard, gradually growing more faint.
It grabbed Roux's attention once again.

"I'll lose them! 
Just-
...I'll... be back!"

They didn't sound sure in the slightest.
Despite your warning, Roux carelessly resumes their pursuit, though they were having some physical difficulty situating themself in the vent.

Their boots were still hanging out, within reach.

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MAPCURRENT ROOM: GALLERY MAILROOM