Against Her Programming [SHELLVISION]

Is That All? [5]

 After regaining her balance, Vee stared out the door. As she stood there, other toons begrudgingly poured out the elevator. She noted that instead of groups, they spread out individually, completely unlike the previous floor; leaving little options for Vee, she decided to go solo too. 

 Vee's screen hummed a low, irritated frequency as she stepped out of the elevator, glancing left and right for danger. Looking at both sides, the throbbing in her screen subsided a little. She knew the drill by now, complete the machines and run to the elevator; but she couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that there was a threat nearby. 

 Almost immediately, she spotted a machine by a bookshelf, almost purposefully hidden. It didn't matter to her whatsoever, starting to twist the valve. It wasn't anything different, just done in about half a minute. As she finished the machine, she peered from behind the bookshelf. 

 She saw Tisha, she was running from.. Shrimpo? They were coming closer to her spot, pressuring her to make a decision. Watching Tisha's movement, she was bound to loop Shrimpo around Vee's spot, which would place Vee in direct danger. Vee started to run towards the other side of the shelf, peeking to see Tisha approaching with Shrimpo not far behind. 

 As Tisha rounded the corner, she spotted Vee, "RUN!" Tisha screamed, almost demanding. Vee immediately listened, sprinting alongside her as they ran from Shrimpo. That wasn't Shrimpo though, he was too animalistic and violent, practically a zombie. 

 As Vee felt herself start to slow down, Tisha pushed her behind a box. Stunned for a moment, Vee jerked her head at Tisha, about to curse her out; although, Tisha shortly rolled to Vee, hushing Vee. The two waited in silence as they heard Shrimpo's footsteps approach, pause, and trail off. The two sat in silence for a moment, before Vee spoke up. "What's going on!?" Vee quietly muttered, glancing at Tisha. 

 "I don't know, but whatever that thing is, it isn't Shrimpo anymore," Tisha hissed, "I guess whatever was in the machine changed him," she added, recalling what Boxten said earlier. 

 Vee nodded, recalling his irregular form. His mouth was enveloped in the substance, dripping off his chin whilst he trudged along. Other than the liquid, his form grew slightly in size, accompanied by lifeless, red eyes. 

 Glancing out of their hiding spot, the coast was clear. After this revelation, Vee pushed herself upwards, glaring at Tisha, "Did you need to push me?" She grumbled, irritated. Gauging her reaction, she could tell Tisha was holding back a snicker, "Yes? Well, maybe I just wanted to." The tissue-box toon paused briefly, "It could have been worse, just saying!" she reasoned.

 Vee rolled her eyes, "Yeah yeah, whatever," she scoffed. After a moment of reflection, she sighed, "Good thinking," she couldn't believe she was about to say this, "maybe.. we can partner up for a bit? You're witty against whatever these guys have become." Vee held her hands together, fiddling with them, feeling an instant pang of unease. What if she said no?

 Tisha almost broke character, holding back a giggle, "Me, Vee? Are your circuits fried? You don't usually ask anything of me." Tisha let out an amused huff, fiddling her feather duster as she raised an eyebrow, "..Well, I'll make an exception just this once, I guess," she teased, although Vee didn't take it to heart. 

 Lending her hand, she helped Tisha up. Quickly getting to work, Tisha led the way slowly, cautious of any threats up ahead. Watching Tisha's careful pace, Vee followed close behind and matched her vigilance. Both of them stalked in careful silence, looking for the next machine to get this over with. 

 Although for both of them, it was excruciating to keep tensions calm. "..So, Vee, you didn't have anyone else?" Tisha murmured, peeking past the corner as they pushed forward. "I didn't get the chance," Vee grumbled. Tisha was quiet for a moment.