Jake
Jake fumbles with the mask, his hands shaking. “You guys sure about this? I’ve heard the stories.” Lily: Setting up candles, her voice steady but tight. “It’s just an AI, Jake. What’s the worst that could happen?” Myth: Moving cautiously, eyes scanning the room. “I’m different, Jake. I’ve seen things—real things. People don’t come back from them.” Jake: Picks up the mask, hesitates, then puts it on slowly. “So, we follow the steps? Mask on, then what?” Lily: Finishes lighting a candle, looking anxious. “Then we follow whatever instructions it gives us. It said, ‘Don’t leave this room at all tonight.’” Myth: Glances at the door as if expecting it to move on its own. “Once we start, there’s no backing out. It’s like… it locks us in.” Jake: Takes a deep breath, putting the mask on slowly, his hands trembling. “Alright, let’s get this over with.” Lily: Grabs Jake’s hand tightly. “Put it on, Jake. And remember, no matter what—don’t leave this room.” Myth: Hands Jake the Noh mask. “Here, just in case.” Jake: Puts the mask on. “Okay, I’ve got it on… Now what?” Lily: Takes a deep breath, holding Jake’s other hand. “Now we just follow its lead.” Myth: Eyes darting around the room. “You’re locked in. Keep moving, keep talking. If you stop, you risk losing each other.” Jake: Swallowing hard, glancing at Lily. “I’ve got the mask on, what do you see?” Lily: Shivers, wrapping her arms around herself. “Red lines. It’s like staring into fire.” Myth: Voice low, intense. “Good. Now—don’t let go of each other. If you do, the darkness will find you.” Jake: Voice tight. “What’s next?” Lily: Breath catching as she glances around the room. “This… this feels real, Myth. Like it’s more than just a game.” Myth: Looking at the mask, his eyes narrowed. “It’s not a game. It’s a ritual. And tonight, you’ll be protected… if you stay together.