🎵🎵🎵
Oh Steven's got a secret~
That makes my circuits fry~
Claims he don't remember~
But that clown knew his eyes!
(CLANG-clang-clang goes the wrench)
Our Mark's got dementia~
Forgets which way to run~
"Who's Steven? Who's the clown?"
Bro just grab the GUN!
(CLANG-clang-clang goes the wrench)
We're all fucked six ways to Sunday~
Trapped in this shitty game~
Raf's too busy goonin'~
To recall his own damn name!
Raf's HUD's just anime~
And "figurine funds"~
Priorities? Survival?
Nah—Starlight Magical Mikudumps!
(CLANG-clang-BZZT! sparks fly)
So patch this rustbucket faster~
Before we all flatline~
...Wait, why's the clown's nose honking—
OH FUCK IT'S BEHIND ME!
Miles turned around as he noticed a beam of light and noticing who came back the clown himself, as Steven's body shows after the light fades.
🎵🎵🎵 And he's a PDF FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIILLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEE 🎵🎵🎵
"Well, that's my song. How'd it go, Steven? Where are the others? Surely you didn't leave them behind knowing a clown with your fucking face is on the loose, especially when one of us hasn't actually played R.E.P.O.!" Miles said, noting that only Steven had returned.
"Well… first of all, fuck you, Miles. And I… yeah, I have no excuses. We got separated after passing through several rooms, so after buying upgrades at the shop, I teleported back here to the truck." Steven avoided Miles' gaze, guilt twisting his voice.
"So you teleported back knowing you didn't know where your friends were and could've gone back on foot to find them? WOW, STEVEN! WOOOW! What happened to the Steven who said teamwork was vital in this shitty game? Now we've got a spineless fuck who can't even remember what happened last time he was here!" Miles jabbed a finger into Steven's chest.
"No! UGH! FUCK! I'm just not in the right state of mind, Miles! I want to remember everything so we can get out of here! Even if I went back on foot, the door might've been gone, I could've wasted time! By teleporting here, I can search for them starting from—"
A metallic BLAAAANG cut him off as the vent cover clattered to the floor.
"So… you didn't lead me to your room to drain my life essence to escape this place, right?" Raf's voice echoed from the vent as he crawled behind Echo.
"No! Just fucking get out already! Look, there's the truck, Miles, and…" Echo's eyes locked onto Steven. "Ults! You came back!"
Steven stiffened. She knows my in-game name. She must've been with me last time. Aloud, he asked Raf, "Where's Mark? We got separated in the third room."
"I wasn't with Mark. First thing I saw was your ugly face on that clown. Fucking horrifying. And I ain't 1v1-ing that bitch again," Raf said, then added, "Oh yeah, Echo saved me. Went SHING SHING SHING with her sword and sliced the clown to bits."
"Okay, introductions later. We need to find Mark first, and—"
"GUUUUUYYYSSS! IS THAT YOUUUUUUUUUUU???" Mark's voice rang through the building as he sprinted toward them.
"YESSSSS! WE'RE BACK HERE AT THE TRUCK!" Raf yelled.
Mark skidded to a stop, panting. "Oh fuck, man! Thought I was a goner. Steven's glitchy boy tried to make me betray you guys. Good thing some stranger helped Raf fight the clown."
"Since we're all here, let's focus on leaving. Miles, truck status?" Steven asked.
Miles wiped grease off his hands. "Exterior's fine, materials are crazy tough. Reconnected some wires and tightened bolts linking the engine to this… alien power core." He gestured to a compartment pulsing with bluish-violet fluid. "No steering wheel or interface, though. Just a red button up front. Might start the engine… or might eject us into space. No fucking clue."
"Wait! Let's ask Echo first," Raf interjected. "She's been here forever."
Echo shook her head. "Ults and I never touched the truck before. I'll press it alone, you guys stay back in case it's a trap."
Steven narrowed his eyes. After what Mark said about deals… "Why risk yourself?"
"Just trust me, Ults... Steven. I owe you. Even if you don't remember… I want us out."
Miles sighed. "Let's do it. Even if she's shady, we're screwed either way."
After a tense silence, Steven nodded. "Hop in the back. We'll use the upgrades I bought."
As the others climbed in, Echo took a deep breath and hovered over the button.
"Okay… pressing it in 3… 2… 1…"