#but I'm back from my uhhh union mandated sick leave

[stop-the-play]

> (Explore) "I'm not sure why I'm here. I just know that I don't want us to keep killing each other."

The figure laughs.

"Yeah. That... would be nice."

VOICE OF THE MEEK: ...I don't think it wants to kill us anymore.

VOICE OF THE HERO: No, that can't be right. Why would it change so much all of a sudden? This has to be some sort of trick.

VOICE OF THE MEEK: I guess...

"But you still need to do something. You can't just stay down here forever."

VOICE OF THE HERO: That's close to what it said last time, isn't it?

VOICE OF THE MEEK: Yeah, but look at how much less threatening it is! I think it might actually want to cooperate!

VOICE OF THE HERO: And I think that if we try to show it mercy, we're going to regret it just as much as last time.

VOICE OF THE MEEK: It isn't shutting down our organs this time, though. How much can it really do to us?

VOICE OF THE HERO: Plenty, if we keep leaving that blade within its arm's reach.

> (Explore) "I thought you wanted me dead. Why aren't you trying to kill me right now?"

"..."

The figure buries its head in its arms, or at least it seems like it from what you can make out.

"...I'm sorry."

VOICE OF THE MEEK: ...!

VOICE OF THE HERO: ...

"I... don't have an excuse. You had the blade, and I didn't want to die, but..."

It looks back up at you.

"You weren't even trying to kill me. You couldn't, after you threw away the blade. I was just waiting for an opening, and... when I saw one, I didn't think about whether it was still needed. I didn't have to kill you."

"And I don't want to do it again. It was bad enough last time."

VOICE OF THE HERO: ...

VOICE OF THE MEEK: I want to believe it.

VOICE OF THE HERO: I don't. We're still in danger the longer you leave that blade where it is. And, need I remind you, so is the world.

VOICE OF THE MEEK: ...Right...

Choices:

(Explore) "If you don't want the blade, why were you holding it before I came in?"

(Explore) "Is this some sort of trick?"

(Explore) "We could try leaving. If you really don't want me dead."

(Explore) [Reach for the blade]