guestservices | CYOA REWARD: WEEK 5

You discovered a VHS tape on your adventures. Oddly, it seems similar to the blank tapes that can be found in the security room, given the Starlight Hotel logo on it. Upon further investigation there appears to be a sticker indicating that it's recorded footage from this past Friday, almost a week ago. When you take a moment to play the tape back, something happens...

The video opens to the dojo, where two figures are sparring using the training swords, one taller than the other. Both move like experienced fighters, allowing them to chat as they clash swords.

"... Nig--man's getting suspicious." The taller figure speaks, their voice identifiable as Lepus's.

The second figure looks alarmed. When they speak, their voice is recognizable as Vulpecula's.

"Then...!" Vulpecula pauses for a moment." We need to find some way to throw him off the scent."

"I'm doing what I can to deflect, but he's wondering why people aren't dy--- -n the excursions."

"There's not an easy answer to that - it's not like we can just go back in and make things harder for them..." Vulpecula sounds troubled, resuming with the attacks.

"No kidding." Lepus blocks. "I just told him that whatever, what was he expecting from a bunch of --------, -----istic assholes, most of whom are used to danger? Hopefully it didn't give him any ideas."

"...I think I've managed to ------- --------- well enough, and it's - it's been a while since he last spoke to her, so he probably wouldn't remember her voice exactly. It's a little unfair for you to have to be the one to talk to him every time. Next time, I could... I could do it."

Lepus shrugs, before aiming for a slash. Their voice sounds casual enough, but there’s something firm lurking in it. "Hey, I'm not that much of a slacker. I can do my job, at least."

"It's technically all of our jobs! At this rate, I'm the one --acking..." Vulpecula moves to block the attack.

"You're good at dealing wi-- --- guests. That's important too. Faking my way through things is my specialty, so don't worry about it. If anything, talking to the Nightman is the easy part o- ---ngs."

Vulpecula's response is immediate. "Is that so? Then there's no reason not to let me take a turn. If it's so ----, even you can't be worried I'll mess it up."

Lepus sounds deadpan, going for another attack. "I mean it's easy for someone like me, idiot. We both have what we're good at, so just focus on yours."

Vulpecula still doesn't seem certain, as the fight continues. "...if he's angry, like you said, I don't like the idea of you going in there to talk to him alone, though. At least l-- me come with you! I won't say a word, I'll just - be there."

"Seriously, just focus on your responsibilities. People are an--- -n my vicinity all the time." Lepus sounds calm. "It's not personally intimidating to deal with—it's just a broad issue we need to keep in mind. If I bring you, that's just going to make it obvious to him that we think it's a big deal, which ---- ----- wouldn't."

"...I really hate it when you make sense." Vulpecula sounds a little petulant. "But - you better be right. Just bec---- -ou're used to people being angry doesn't mean it's okay for you to have to deal with it. And if the Nightman hurts you, I'm going to cry, and I will stick annoyingly close to you and you'll have to be the one who deals with my crying, and you'll hate that, so just..."

It takes a moment, but they finish the sentence. "Just don't get hurt, you jerk."

That apparently causes Lepus to falter, allowing Vulpecula to grant what would be the winning blow in a kendo match.

"...hah! I win."

It's Lepus's turn to complain. "... Cheap shot."

" 'Che-- --ot,' nothing!" Vulpecula sounds smug. “When it comes down to it, all's fair i- - --al fight, and isn't that what we're training for?”

Lepus lets out a huff, before falling quiet for a moment, as they look over their training sword.

"... Don't worry so much. I'm the one who t-- --ghtman has the least reason to be suspicious of, you know? I've done my part in keeping my distance from the guests."

They continue. "If anything, the rest of you might be in bigger danger, for getting so friendly with them. Even if not... here's hoping they don't think we can help them much, at this point. Our hands are tied ---- --th damage control."

"I don't think I'm in much danger, personally... --------- is the type of person to get to know someone so she can be close enough to stab them in the back, so the Nightman probably doesn't think there's anything weird ----- -- ---- --."

Vulpecula pauses. "...but you're right - I hope they don't think we can help them much, either. Because if they're relying on us... they'll be let down. We've bought them as much time as we can and tried to keep as many of them alive as we can, but the rest is up to them. It has to be."

"... As much as it sucks, yeah." Lepus is quiet for a second. "At least the Nightman doesn't control everything one hundred percent, though. The ----- --ting up is what helped you guys out, right? The more complicated he makes its 'programming' to up the danger, the more likely it's going to do something unexpected.

We'll have to see if that goes in everyone's favour or against it."

The tape is yours to keep and show others, but do try to handle it with care.