Part 8: Hall 2

[Music: Silence]



Seven was bent over, apparently doing something to the door.

What's he up to...?

Junpei had spoke more or less to himself, but apparently Seven had heard anyway.

The larger man stood up and turned to Junpei.

I was just putting one of those plates in there.



Now we can come back here any time we want, right?
Ah... Why would you want to come back here?

Snake was a reasonable one. Seven thought about it for a moment before he answered.



Piano...?
C'mon, let's get moving. We aren't outta this yet.

Without waiting for an answer, Seven started off down the hallway. Snake shrugged, sighed, and quietly followed Seven.

That's a lie, Junpei thought to himself. He had difficulty enough believing Seven could play the piano... But even if he could, the piano they'd just left was largely useless. The keyboard completely scrambled.

If Seven wanted to come back, it was unlikely he intended to do so in order to play the piano.



Junpei frowned, took one last look at the door, and then walked away toward his companions.

After some time in the hallway, they emerged into a larger, more open area.

[Music: Extreme Extrication]



A large, metal grate, like the door of a jail, divided it in half. They shook it for a while, but as they had expected, it did not move.

Behind the grate were 2 elevators. From so far away, however, it was difficult to tell if they were still operating.

On the left side of the grate was a door. Unfortunately, however, it was locked, and refused to open.



Standing guard at the top of the stairway was a large iron gate. Foreboding as it was, the gate seemed to be the sort that could be opened, unlike the metal grate that bisected the room. With luck, Junpei hoped he might be able to get it open.

In the center of the door was a small keyhole. Next to the keyhole, a small symbol had been carved into the metal.



He wasn't quite sure what to make of it.

Snake, naturally, was somewhat more sure.



Do you recall the similar symbols near the large central stairway? They reference many of the solar bodies. So, as you can see, that one is likely...
...Not the woman symbol, but a [Venus symbol].
So I assume.



His absence now felt, Snake and Junpei turned to look for their missing companion.

There.

Seven had left them to head down the hallway extending to the right of the stairs.

Junpei grabbed Snake to lead him in the right direction, and they both headed off after Seven.



Junpei tested the door, and realized that, unlike so many others that they'd encountered, it was unlocked. Almost as though he was afraid it would suddenly lock itself, Junpei threw the door open.



He stepped inside.

[Music: Silence]



It took only a moment for Junpei to take in his new surroundings.



Sure looks like one.

Before Junpei could comment further, a noise from behind made him turn around.



There was no reason to panic, however. Even if the door had been left open, there was nowhere for them to go back there.

They would have to find another way out.

All right guys, let's split up and search this room. C'mon no dawdling! Let's go! Quickly now!