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A sudden realization hits you like a foam bat to the face–Talbot, you hiss, he never fessed up about his memories!
“Say what ya’ will about da’ guy,” Ly remarks as you stomp off in the direction you last saw him head, “he’s pretty slippery when he wants ta’ be.”
Not slippery <span class="mu-i">enough,</span> you reply as you emerge into your bunker’s <span class="mu-g">POOL AREA</span> for the first time! Though not nearly as impressive as your boss’ garden, the pool’s clearly a step up from the one you had growing up! Black tiles surround a stout layer of river rocks bordering the water–the latter sitting with barely a ripple on top of even smaller blue tiles interlaced with glimmering seashells.
From a slit in the ceiling spanning the width of the deep end comes a waterfall–its flow creating a paper-thin curtain of water that descends to a cluster of sitting stones below. Peering past the cascade, you can just barely see what appears to be a hot tub sunken into the floor for a more natural appearance… save for the eerie green light shining from the bottom.
You’re just about to dive in when you spot a familiar crowd idling next to what you assume are doors to dressing rooms adjacent to the waterfall–specifically Syb, Mitz, Eddie, Art, and your target:
<span class="mu-r">TALBOT!</span>
All of which are still wearing their usual attire.
“Pop the cover off right now and I’ll prove it.” The man in question says with determination. “I don’t even need to put swim trunks on.”
“I can tell you with absolute certainty that even if you <span class="mu-i">were</span> correct,” Sybil replies, clearly eager to abandon the conversation, “You stand to gain nothing from stuffing yourself into this ‘<span class="mu-i">secret passage</span>’ of yours.”
“Uhh, apart from looking <span class="mu-i">awesome</span> when I pop out from the top of the waterfall?” Talbot fires back in an incredulous tone. “Artie, back me up here!”
“Even though I agree that it’s a stupid idea,” Art begins, exchanging a knowing glance with Mitzi, “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to see him try it.”
“Shit, I’ll give you five bucks.” Mitz adds, gesturing to the pool filter cover despite Sybil’s look of disapproval. “I’ll even pop the thing open myself.”
“Oh good, Stan’s here!” Exclaims The Goth in mock surprise as you approach the group! “Perhaps you’ll listen to <span class="mu-i">her?</span>”
“Whuh?” Talbot asks as you reach the circle. “Oh. Hey.”
Hey himself!
“Don’t tell me you <span class="mu-i">don’t</span> wanna check out this secret tunnel!” He continues, gesturing towards the waterfall’s origin. “Think of how cool it’d be!”
The only thing you’re thinking of, you snap, is that you’ve got a bone to pick with him! Or did he forget you were gonna talk? Sensing drama, the rest of the pool goers chime in with an ‘<span class="mu-i">ooooh</span>’!
“Sure,” He nods, waving you and <span class="mu-r">LIL’ STANLEY</span> away, “Just uh, just wait a sec, alright?”
For what, pray tell?
>CONTD.
