HEAL/HARM

...

( a sudden chill. the grasses have slowly grown where seesay wanders, until they reach high up to her knees, then past them. tall and cold, and noticing it feels sudden. when did everything change? no vines, though, nothing to dictate anything particularly familiar.

its quiet. silence, but thats all. no wind, no animals or bugs, just...tall grass and the cold in the air.

nothing else until-

a mass laying there, covered slightly by the green. seems to be humanoid, but its too hard to truly see. left lying there in the cold. )

( - @forevision-html wavesss waves hi. kafka content now )

{ she's so horrifically tense (both from the cold and because Where The Fuck Is She) that the sight of the body(?) makes her JUMP, disturbing the grass around her. she's even more uneasy now because if something else is here with her they most definitely heard that!!!!! }

{ ..whatever. it's inspection time. }

{ she crouches down to look at the figure. }

{ she briefly considers poking it before realizing how stupid of an idea that is.. }

i could give you just my name, and that would be sufficient. but you want more, right?

i go by many names. kafka is my recent pick- dostoevsky, nobokov, camus, kant, hugo, hemingway, you can name it and i will be it.

i was appointed by the divine- your 'genesis', i presume, except ours is far from singularly named- to help sinners like you who end up there. in that dark hole.

if you chose to go down there, down below, you would survive. because of me. i guide them through the circles. i guide them past all that would want to hurt them.

( they turn to look at seesay, hand pressed against their own chest. )

you will forget much of this. you will forget not that you had this experience, but what it entails. you will remember yourself wandering off and meeting somebody, but you will not recall me. not until you see me again.

you will see the pit again, and it will call for you like it does all sinners. and when you enter, you will find me again. but for now, you will remember not of what we talked about.

( kafka smiles, shutting their eyes when they do so. )

this place belongs in a state of memory. and it will come back in due time, but not all of it.

...

( a sudden chill. the grasses have slowly grown where seesay wanders, until they reach high up to her knees, then past them. tall and cold, and noticing it feels sudden. when did everything change? no vines, though, nothing to dictate anything particularly familiar.

its quiet. silence, but thats all. no wind, no animals or bugs, just...tall grass and the cold in the air.

nothing else until-

a mass laying there, covered slightly by the green. seems to be humanoid, but its too hard to truly see. left lying there in the cold. )

( - @forevision-html wavesss waves hi. kafka content now )

{ she's so horrifically tense (both from the cold and because Where The Fuck Is She) that the sight of the body(?) makes her JUMP, disturbing the grass around her. she's even more uneasy now because if something else is here with her they most definitely heard that!!!!! }

{ ..whatever. it's inspection time. }

{ she crouches down to look at the figure. }

{ she briefly considers poking it before realizing how stupid of an idea that is.. }

completely still, eyes wide open. no blinking, no breathing, just nothing.

but after a blink, the body disappears. an indent is left in the ground, but the body is gone. )

...

...boo.

{ she flinches and whips around IMMEDIATELY, glaring daggers at this- this BASTARD that just gave her the scare of a lifetime. her heart is pounding. holy fuck her chest hurts-- }

{ she can't really get a good look at them, the grass obscuring her vision a bit, but when she gets a good look at those chompers.. }

{ she just.. politely scoots away. }

{ she really does not want to be dealing with this right now actually! }

( they do not seem genuine, pressing a hand to their chest as they speak with this...mock apologetic tone.

they shift more into view, and you can see them now! or, their face at least.

the horns sitting atop their head arent that odd, but the almost rotted look to their face is- instead of a natural flush that appears on most humans, its replaced with the sickly purple and green and yellow mottling of bruising. )

i was merely slumbering when you came across me. alas, youve awoken me, which is unkind but...

( they tap a long sharp claw against their chin, as though thinking. )

i can forgive you for such a disturbance. after all...you didnt mean to come here, did you?

{ okaaaay yeah she really does not like that }

{ she's backing up even more now. ok? ok. }

i'm sorry for waking you up.. i didn't realize you were, uh..

living...?

yeah, but i dunno where i am.. or how i got here even..

{ she's getting nervous just looking at them because what the fuck... what the hell... }

{ she's seen a lot of death and a lot of gore but absolutely NONE of this }

hm.

( despite seesay backing away, they dont seem to get the hint, following slowly, persistently. they tilt their head a bit. )

out of where? here is everything and all you are. do you mean the cold? the chill? you wandered here without intention, but everything you do must have intention.

…after all, this place is where all sinners go to die.

( a pause, then a hiccup of laughter…maybe. probably laughter, although it sounds more unsettling. they breathe in ; a death rattle in their lungs. )

just kidding. you all love a good joke, right? this is only the beginning!

i will help you get home, then, since you know nothing about here. you will follow me, or you can stay and be stuck forever.

( they stand up straight, swaying with the action, before they turn to a random direction. there is a path, at least, so perhaps they actually know the way?

{ as much as she hates following scary people on scary paths in the scary middle of nowhere, she probably will be stuck here forever if she doesn't. so she picks herself up and follows as far as she can without losing sight of them. }

{ this person is mean and weird and dead looking and freaking her out, but she's honestly more scared of the environment. she needs answers immediately. }

Is there anything you can tell me about this place?

the path is, at least, very clear. the grasses are still unruly and tall, but its like this path was carved out just for those passing by. )

you were nowhere!

( finally, they speak. their voice is somehow not startling- the silence following every sentence is, a sharp ringing silence. they take their time to speak. )

the before it all. thats what ive heard. people call it the before, but before means nothing- a place to catch your memory! and then the next time you come to nowhere, it wont be the same! how silly, right?

( they dont laugh this time, thankfully. )

{ the path is oppressive and far too quiet and she's trapped with a stranger so far from anybody who could save her. and then they start saying some bullshit that makes her head hurt. what else is she meant to say to that??? }

can i have one concrete answer. this whole situation is terrifying and i don't want to be here as much as you don't want me here and you being all cryptic isn't really helping anything actually!!

( their head twists back almost completely to look at seesay, like an owl, except the way their spine cracks and snaps has unfortunate implications. but they turn quickly back. )

nobody has anything truthful to say anymore. are you well acquainted with lies? you dont seem so, if judging by what you say. heart on your sleeve! admittance of the terrifying!

( they step further forward, then, and quickly continue on. as they do, the place shifts. the cold has eased to something less noticeable, and the grass curls in on the path here. )

you seek answers? im surprised! those who find me already think they know everything!

{ she is going to cry she is going to puke she is going to pass out what the fuck was that how did they do that WHY did they do that }

{ thank god she's. seemingly almost out hopefully maybe?? }

i'm pretty familiar with lies, honestly.

never been much a fan though..

( they dont...say anything else about the lying part, despite bringing it up in the first place. they simply walk, although they suddenly stop, leaving seesay little time to stop. they dont move when she inevitably bumps into them.

theres a pit.

the path stops just before a dark chasm, the grass leaning over the edge of it, a light breeze pushing them further. its pitch black, nothing to see but the darkness underneath. it's almost unnatural. its pretty large, too. )

oh. it ended so soon. how rude. the path, interrupted by this.

...is this like. what you were leading me to?? or can we just go around it. because i think i've had enough big falls for a forever actually.

( their voice is far quieter, though. as though being swallowed by the chasm in front of them. they turn to the side and begin walking around it. well, at least theres an implicit answer.

the grasses are thick, thick enough where even kafka slows to even be able to move. the grasses are swallowing, as though it wants seesay to stay.

when it seems like they wont say anything else, they give a faint hum, looking back out into the chasm and not ahead at the grass. )

you burn with questions. annoyed by them not getting answered- does nobody listen to you? and yet the urge for information continues. questions upon questions.

all sinners see the pit. i would almost be surprised, colored in shock, that you havent before...but you are quite young. i am surprised the divine would even deign you as a sinner. it doesnt usually demote children to such a fate.

{ ....but now she's got to actually confront what she's been intentionally obscuring. }

{ shit. }

{ could she lie?? probably not. she's pretty bad at lying now that she thinks about it. }

{ but they probably wouldn't believe the truth either.. because what's shaped like a sinner and moves like a sinner and has the anxiety of a sinner is probably a sinner.. }

{ who actually listens to her, though? no harm in just- spilling whatever. not like she'll ever see this person again. hopefully. }

...you arent.

right.

( they dont sound like they believe seesay, but then they glance at their empty wrist. their tail lashes once, then twice, before settling. )

many have pretended to be sinners, but i always know. i can smell it. you dont smell like anything but a full sinner.

( theyre speaking clearly, voice dropping to a lower, more monotone sound. their shoulders bend inward, a slouch betraying them. )

so youre not a sinner. what happens, then, when you go down there? into the circles? do you think the devils would treat you kindly? are you still one of them?

( the question relates to the pit, but something about it rings true anyway. )

when all you are is the antithesis of what everybody wants. is that the truth you seek?

( then, they snap back upright, tilting their head backwards to look at seesay. they grin. )

{ ..oh is she seriously not gonna remember any of this? }

{ she's at peace with that honestly }

I.. uhh..

{ okay well. they're still entertaining the idea that she isn't a sinner-- so should she be true?? }

{ .. fuck it why not }

I meaaaaan. If I got to cuddle the hell kitties and nap with Sin like this, I would hope the other sins would be nice to me..

{ ...but that. hasn't been the case, has it? she's hardly ventured into any of the dangerous layers to this place and still managed to get killed twice. }

{ not to mention she only didn't get instantly murdered by the lapses because of that mark on her shoulder. otherwise, she would have been treated like any old sinner. }

( they laugh again, this time a sharper sound, one that sounds much more...alive...than the hiccup they gave earlier. )

do they recognize you as one of them still?

do they still want you there as anything other than a point to prove?

you hope, you pray, does anybody ever answer them?

( the pit is finally passed, the path going back to normal. they walk back onto it. )

you can come back to the pit anytime you please. who is this sin you speak of? you name it as a person. proper noun.

sin as in the.. the deity?? like- the devil from the bible or whatever??

{ the devil, satan, beelzebub, lucifer-- }

how would you not-?

they and genesis made, like... most of the sins

it's- uh.. weird. that you don't know about them.

( kafka shrugs. the chill has lessened again, almost somewhat warm now, and the grass has shortened while they walked the path. )

i suppose we dont have one of those down there.

( although theyre looking forward, it feels like something is staring right at seesay. )

{ .. is she reading that wrong or does what they said imply they live in the hole }

{ no wonder they don't know much of anything That's really mean she needs to calm down }

I meann..

It's.. complicated, I guess??

'Cause..

I mean, I was a sin. But now I'm technically a sinner. But I feel like my previous status as a sin exempts me from ever being a proper sinner??

that’s stupid.

you are a sinner now. you embodied sin once, and you do it again. all who embody sin are sin.

( the staring feeling continues, but kafka is looking nowhere at seesay. )

okay. path ends now.

( the pathway stops. there’s a bunch of bushes and vines, although kafka pulls them away to reveal…the place where seesay started. before she wandered off and found kafka. )

you can ask me more questions before you go, or you can just go.

( they don’t seem particularly sad or anything, so they clearly dont want to keep seesay here against her will. )

...

( a sudden chill. the grasses have slowly grown where seesay wanders, until they reach high up to her knees, then past them. tall and cold, and noticing it feels sudden. when did everything change? no vines, though, nothing to dictate anything particularly familiar.

its quiet. silence, but thats all. no wind, no animals or bugs, just...tall grass and the cold in the air.

nothing else until-

a mass laying there, covered slightly by the green. seems to be humanoid, but its too hard to truly see. left lying there in the cold. )

( - @forevision-html wavesss waves hi. kafka content now )

{ she's so horrifically tense (both from the cold and because Where The Fuck Is She) that the sight of the body(?) makes her JUMP, disturbing the grass around her. she's even more uneasy now because if something else is here with her they most definitely heard that!!!!! }

{ ..whatever. it's inspection time. }

{ she crouches down to look at the figure. }

{ she briefly considers poking it before realizing how stupid of an idea that is.. }

completely still, eyes wide open. no blinking, no breathing, just nothing.

but after a blink, the body disappears. an indent is left in the ground, but the body is gone. )

...

...boo.

{ she flinches and whips around IMMEDIATELY, glaring daggers at this- this BASTARD that just gave her the scare of a lifetime. her heart is pounding. holy fuck her chest hurts-- }

{ she can't really get a good look at them, the grass obscuring her vision a bit, but when she gets a good look at those chompers.. }

{ she just.. politely scoots away. }

{ she really does not want to be dealing with this right now actually! }

( they do not seem genuine, pressing a hand to their chest as they speak with this...mock apologetic tone.

they shift more into view, and you can see them now! or, their face at least.

the horns sitting atop their head arent that odd, but the almost rotted look to their face is- instead of a natural flush that appears on most humans, its replaced with the sickly purple and green and yellow mottling of bruising. )

i was merely slumbering when you came across me. alas, youve awoken me, which is unkind but...

( they tap a long sharp claw against their chin, as though thinking. )

i can forgive you for such a disturbance. after all...you didnt mean to come here, did you?

{ okaaaay yeah she really does not like that }

{ she's backing up even more now. ok? ok. }

i'm sorry for waking you up.. i didn't realize you were, uh..

living...?

yeah, but i dunno where i am.. or how i got here even..

{ she's getting nervous just looking at them because what the fuck... what the hell... }

{ she's seen a lot of death and a lot of gore but absolutely NONE of this }

hm.

( despite seesay backing away, they dont seem to get the hint, following slowly, persistently. they tilt their head a bit. )

out of where? here is everything and all you are. do you mean the cold? the chill? you wandered here without intention, but everything you do must have intention.

…after all, this place is where all sinners go to die.

( a pause, then a hiccup of laughter…maybe. probably laughter, although it sounds more unsettling. they breathe in ; a death rattle in their lungs. )

just kidding. you all love a good joke, right? this is only the beginning!

i will help you get home, then, since you know nothing about here. you will follow me, or you can stay and be stuck forever.

( they stand up straight, swaying with the action, before they turn to a random direction. there is a path, at least, so perhaps they actually know the way?

{ as much as she hates following scary people on scary paths in the scary middle of nowhere, she probably will be stuck here forever if she doesn't. so she picks herself up and follows as far as she can without losing sight of them. }

{ this person is mean and weird and dead looking and freaking her out, but she's honestly more scared of the environment. she needs answers immediately. }

Is there anything you can tell me about this place?

the path is, at least, very clear. the grasses are still unruly and tall, but its like this path was carved out just for those passing by. )

you were nowhere!

( finally, they speak. their voice is somehow not startling- the silence following every sentence is, a sharp ringing silence. they take their time to speak. )

the before it all. thats what ive heard. people call it the before, but before means nothing- a place to catch your memory! and then the next time you come to nowhere, it wont be the same! how silly, right?

( they dont laugh this time, thankfully. )

{ the path is oppressive and far too quiet and she's trapped with a stranger so far from anybody who could save her. and then they start saying some bullshit that makes her head hurt. what else is she meant to say to that??? }

can i have one concrete answer. this whole situation is terrifying and i don't want to be here as much as you don't want me here and you being all cryptic isn't really helping anything actually!!

( their head twists back almost completely to look at seesay, like an owl, except the way their spine cracks and snaps has unfortunate implications. but they turn quickly back. )

nobody has anything truthful to say anymore. are you well acquainted with lies? you dont seem so, if judging by what you say. heart on your sleeve! admittance of the terrifying!

( they step further forward, then, and quickly continue on. as they do, the place shifts. the cold has eased to something less noticeable, and the grass curls in on the path here. )

you seek answers? im surprised! those who find me already think they know everything!

{ she is going to cry she is going to puke she is going to pass out what the fuck was that how did they do that WHY did they do that }

{ thank god she's. seemingly almost out hopefully maybe?? }

i'm pretty familiar with lies, honestly.

never been much a fan though..

( they dont...say anything else about the lying part, despite bringing it up in the first place. they simply walk, although they suddenly stop, leaving seesay little time to stop. they dont move when she inevitably bumps into them.

theres a pit.

the path stops just before a dark chasm, the grass leaning over the edge of it, a light breeze pushing them further. its pitch black, nothing to see but the darkness underneath. it's almost unnatural. its pretty large, too. )

oh. it ended so soon. how rude. the path, interrupted by this.

...is this like. what you were leading me to?? or can we just go around it. because i think i've had enough big falls for a forever actually.

( their voice is far quieter, though. as though being swallowed by the chasm in front of them. they turn to the side and begin walking around it. well, at least theres an implicit answer.

the grasses are thick, thick enough where even kafka slows to even be able to move. the grasses are swallowing, as though it wants seesay to stay.

when it seems like they wont say anything else, they give a faint hum, looking back out into the chasm and not ahead at the grass. )

you burn with questions. annoyed by them not getting answered- does nobody listen to you? and yet the urge for information continues. questions upon questions.

all sinners see the pit. i would almost be surprised, colored in shock, that you havent before...but you are quite young. i am surprised the divine would even deign you as a sinner. it doesnt usually demote children to such a fate.

{ ....but now she's got to actually confront what she's been intentionally obscuring. }

{ shit. }

{ could she lie?? probably not. she's pretty bad at lying now that she thinks about it. }

{ but they probably wouldn't believe the truth either.. because what's shaped like a sinner and moves like a sinner and has the anxiety of a sinner is probably a sinner.. }

{ who actually listens to her, though? no harm in just- spilling whatever. not like she'll ever see this person again. hopefully. }

...you arent.

right.

( they dont sound like they believe seesay, but then they glance at their empty wrist. their tail lashes once, then twice, before settling. )

many have pretended to be sinners, but i always know. i can smell it. you dont smell like anything but a full sinner.

( theyre speaking clearly, voice dropping to a lower, more monotone sound. their shoulders bend inward, a slouch betraying them. )

so youre not a sinner. what happens, then, when you go down there? into the circles? do you think the devils would treat you kindly? are you still one of them?

( the question relates to the pit, but something about it rings true anyway. )

when all you are is the antithesis of what everybody wants. is that the truth you seek?

( then, they snap back upright, tilting their head backwards to look at seesay. they grin. )

{ ..oh is she seriously not gonna remember any of this? }

{ she's at peace with that honestly }

I.. uhh..

{ okay well. they're still entertaining the idea that she isn't a sinner-- so should she be true?? }

{ .. fuck it why not }

I meaaaaan. If I got to cuddle the hell kitties and nap with Sin like this, I would hope the other sins would be nice to me..

{ ...but that. hasn't been the case, has it? she's hardly ventured into any of the dangerous layers to this place and still managed to get killed twice. }

{ not to mention she only didn't get instantly murdered by the lapses because of that mark on her shoulder. otherwise, she would have been treated like any old sinner. }

( they laugh again, this time a sharper sound, one that sounds much more...alive...than the hiccup they gave earlier. )

do they recognize you as one of them still?

do they still want you there as anything other than a point to prove?

you hope, you pray, does anybody ever answer them?

( the pit is finally passed, the path going back to normal. they walk back onto it. )

you can come back to the pit anytime you please. who is this sin you speak of? you name it as a person. proper noun.

sin as in the.. the deity?? like- the devil from the bible or whatever??

{ the devil, satan, beelzebub, lucifer-- }

how would you not-?

they and genesis made, like... most of the sins

it's- uh.. weird. that you don't know about them.

( kafka shrugs. the chill has lessened again, almost somewhat warm now, and the grass has shortened while they walked the path. )

i suppose we dont have one of those down there.

( although theyre looking forward, it feels like something is staring right at seesay. )

then, that brightness goes away. )

...wait what.

( its easy to tell they're a...fellow?...entity, although their face is morphed into one of confusion. )

youre- not a sinner like the rest.

but you are?

what.

( - @forevision-html hiii erin here throwing antero at you!! lighthearted opener before i delve into The Agonies grins )

It rubs its eyes as the brightness leaves. Ow…

“It’z a… Long ztory. (ᵕ—ᴗ—)”

( antero snaps their fingers, and 'vee' disappears. then, 'seesay' disappears, leaving snap alone in this scene. )

you were so happy in that memory, and then...what? did the lie catch up to you?

you know, all the untruths are caused by your design. by your nature.

you carry that with you no matter who you are. you know that, right? it's a part of you. to lie, to seek comfort in flashes of nothing, no matter how much it hurts others.

ugh. do you do anything other than wallow?

( antero sighs, pinching the bridge of their nose. )

the world isnt going to slow down anytime soon. it will keep going. everything keeps going. it is not its job to slow and wait.

how many times have you caught up? how many times have you tried?

there are still good lies. you invest yourself in false promises and ignore the good that your purpose can bring. all of you do. you ignore yourself in favor of what has not come, what will not come.

your investment in changing yourself, in shrouding yourself in lies so thick they hang like curtains off your body, will not bring you peace. it will not gain you love.

...

( a sudden chill. the grasses have slowly grown where seesay wanders, until they reach high up to her knees, then past them. tall and cold, and noticing it feels sudden. when did everything change? no vines, though, nothing to dictate anything particularly familiar.

its quiet. silence, but thats all. no wind, no animals or bugs, just...tall grass and the cold in the air.

nothing else until-

a mass laying there, covered slightly by the green. seems to be humanoid, but its too hard to truly see. left lying there in the cold. )

( - @forevision-html wavesss waves hi. kafka content now )

{ she's so horrifically tense (both from the cold and because Where The Fuck Is She) that the sight of the body(?) makes her JUMP, disturbing the grass around her. she's even more uneasy now because if something else is here with her they most definitely heard that!!!!! }

{ ..whatever. it's inspection time. }

{ she crouches down to look at the figure. }

{ she briefly considers poking it before realizing how stupid of an idea that is.. }

completely still, eyes wide open. no blinking, no breathing, just nothing.

but after a blink, the body disappears. an indent is left in the ground, but the body is gone. )

...

...boo.

{ she flinches and whips around IMMEDIATELY, glaring daggers at this- this BASTARD that just gave her the scare of a lifetime. her heart is pounding. holy fuck her chest hurts-- }

{ she can't really get a good look at them, the grass obscuring her vision a bit, but when she gets a good look at those chompers.. }

{ she just.. politely scoots away. }

{ she really does not want to be dealing with this right now actually! }

( they do not seem genuine, pressing a hand to their chest as they speak with this...mock apologetic tone.

they shift more into view, and you can see them now! or, their face at least.

the horns sitting atop their head arent that odd, but the almost rotted look to their face is- instead of a natural flush that appears on most humans, its replaced with the sickly purple and green and yellow mottling of bruising. )

i was merely slumbering when you came across me. alas, youve awoken me, which is unkind but...

( they tap a long sharp claw against their chin, as though thinking. )

i can forgive you for such a disturbance. after all...you didnt mean to come here, did you?

{ okaaaay yeah she really does not like that }

{ she's backing up even more now. ok? ok. }

i'm sorry for waking you up.. i didn't realize you were, uh..

living...?

yeah, but i dunno where i am.. or how i got here even..

{ she's getting nervous just looking at them because what the fuck... what the hell... }

{ she's seen a lot of death and a lot of gore but absolutely NONE of this }

hm.

( despite seesay backing away, they dont seem to get the hint, following slowly, persistently. they tilt their head a bit. )

out of where? here is everything and all you are. do you mean the cold? the chill? you wandered here without intention, but everything you do must have intention.

…after all, this place is where all sinners go to die.

( a pause, then a hiccup of laughter…maybe. probably laughter, although it sounds more unsettling. they breathe in ; a death rattle in their lungs. )

just kidding. you all love a good joke, right? this is only the beginning!

i will help you get home, then, since you know nothing about here. you will follow me, or you can stay and be stuck forever.

( they stand up straight, swaying with the action, before they turn to a random direction. there is a path, at least, so perhaps they actually know the way?

{ as much as she hates following scary people on scary paths in the scary middle of nowhere, she probably will be stuck here forever if she doesn't. so she picks herself up and follows as far as she can without losing sight of them. }

{ this person is mean and weird and dead looking and freaking her out, but she's honestly more scared of the environment. she needs answers immediately. }

Is there anything you can tell me about this place?

the path is, at least, very clear. the grasses are still unruly and tall, but its like this path was carved out just for those passing by. )

you were nowhere!

( finally, they speak. their voice is somehow not startling- the silence following every sentence is, a sharp ringing silence. they take their time to speak. )

the before it all. thats what ive heard. people call it the before, but before means nothing- a place to catch your memory! and then the next time you come to nowhere, it wont be the same! how silly, right?

( they dont laugh this time, thankfully. )

{ the path is oppressive and far too quiet and she's trapped with a stranger so far from anybody who could save her. and then they start saying some bullshit that makes her head hurt. what else is she meant to say to that??? }

can i have one concrete answer. this whole situation is terrifying and i don't want to be here as much as you don't want me here and you being all cryptic isn't really helping anything actually!!

( their head twists back almost completely to look at seesay, like an owl, except the way their spine cracks and snaps has unfortunate implications. but they turn quickly back. )

nobody has anything truthful to say anymore. are you well acquainted with lies? you dont seem so, if judging by what you say. heart on your sleeve! admittance of the terrifying!

( they step further forward, then, and quickly continue on. as they do, the place shifts. the cold has eased to something less noticeable, and the grass curls in on the path here. )

you seek answers? im surprised! those who find me already think they know everything!

{ she is going to cry she is going to puke she is going to pass out what the fuck was that how did they do that WHY did they do that }

{ thank god she's. seemingly almost out hopefully maybe?? }

i'm pretty familiar with lies, honestly.

never been much a fan though..

( they dont...say anything else about the lying part, despite bringing it up in the first place. they simply walk, although they suddenly stop, leaving seesay little time to stop. they dont move when she inevitably bumps into them.

theres a pit.

the path stops just before a dark chasm, the grass leaning over the edge of it, a light breeze pushing them further. its pitch black, nothing to see but the darkness underneath. it's almost unnatural. its pretty large, too. )

oh. it ended so soon. how rude. the path, interrupted by this.

...is this like. what you were leading me to?? or can we just go around it. because i think i've had enough big falls for a forever actually.

( their voice is far quieter, though. as though being swallowed by the chasm in front of them. they turn to the side and begin walking around it. well, at least theres an implicit answer.

the grasses are thick, thick enough where even kafka slows to even be able to move. the grasses are swallowing, as though it wants seesay to stay.

when it seems like they wont say anything else, they give a faint hum, looking back out into the chasm and not ahead at the grass. )

you burn with questions. annoyed by them not getting answered- does nobody listen to you? and yet the urge for information continues. questions upon questions.

all sinners see the pit. i would almost be surprised, colored in shock, that you havent before...but you are quite young. i am surprised the divine would even deign you as a sinner. it doesnt usually demote children to such a fate.

{ ....but now she's got to actually confront what she's been intentionally obscuring. }

{ shit. }

{ could she lie?? probably not. she's pretty bad at lying now that she thinks about it. }

{ but they probably wouldn't believe the truth either.. because what's shaped like a sinner and moves like a sinner and has the anxiety of a sinner is probably a sinner.. }

{ who actually listens to her, though? no harm in just- spilling whatever. not like she'll ever see this person again. hopefully. }

...you arent.

right.

( they dont sound like they believe seesay, but then they glance at their empty wrist. their tail lashes once, then twice, before settling. )

many have pretended to be sinners, but i always know. i can smell it. you dont smell like anything but a full sinner.

( theyre speaking clearly, voice dropping to a lower, more monotone sound. their shoulders bend inward, a slouch betraying them. )

so youre not a sinner. what happens, then, when you go down there? into the circles? do you think the devils would treat you kindly? are you still one of them?

( the question relates to the pit, but something about it rings true anyway. )

when all you are is the antithesis of what everybody wants. is that the truth you seek?

( then, they snap back upright, tilting their head backwards to look at seesay. they grin. )

{ ..oh is she seriously not gonna remember any of this? }

{ she's at peace with that honestly }

I.. uhh..

{ okay well. they're still entertaining the idea that she isn't a sinner-- so should she be true?? }

{ .. fuck it why not }

I meaaaaan. If I got to cuddle the hell kitties and nap with Sin like this, I would hope the other sins would be nice to me..

{ ...but that. hasn't been the case, has it? she's hardly ventured into any of the dangerous layers to this place and still managed to get killed twice. }

{ not to mention she only didn't get instantly murdered by the lapses because of that mark on her shoulder. otherwise, she would have been treated like any old sinner. }

( they laugh again, this time a sharper sound, one that sounds much more...alive...than the hiccup they gave earlier. )

do they recognize you as one of them still?

do they still want you there as anything other than a point to prove?

you hope, you pray, does anybody ever answer them?

( the pit is finally passed, the path going back to normal. they walk back onto it. )

you can come back to the pit anytime you please. who is this sin you speak of? you name it as a person. proper noun.

...

( a sudden chill. the grasses have slowly grown where seesay wanders, until they reach high up to her knees, then past them. tall and cold, and noticing it feels sudden. when did everything change? no vines, though, nothing to dictate anything particularly familiar.

its quiet. silence, but thats all. no wind, no animals or bugs, just...tall grass and the cold in the air.

nothing else until-

a mass laying there, covered slightly by the green. seems to be humanoid, but its too hard to truly see. left lying there in the cold. )

( - @forevision-html wavesss waves hi. kafka content now )

{ she's so horrifically tense (both from the cold and because Where The Fuck Is She) that the sight of the body(?) makes her JUMP, disturbing the grass around her. she's even more uneasy now because if something else is here with her they most definitely heard that!!!!! }

{ ..whatever. it's inspection time. }

{ she crouches down to look at the figure. }

{ she briefly considers poking it before realizing how stupid of an idea that is.. }

completely still, eyes wide open. no blinking, no breathing, just nothing.

but after a blink, the body disappears. an indent is left in the ground, but the body is gone. )

...

...boo.

{ she flinches and whips around IMMEDIATELY, glaring daggers at this- this BASTARD that just gave her the scare of a lifetime. her heart is pounding. holy fuck her chest hurts-- }

{ she can't really get a good look at them, the grass obscuring her vision a bit, but when she gets a good look at those chompers.. }

{ she just.. politely scoots away. }

{ she really does not want to be dealing with this right now actually! }

( they do not seem genuine, pressing a hand to their chest as they speak with this...mock apologetic tone.

they shift more into view, and you can see them now! or, their face at least.

the horns sitting atop their head arent that odd, but the almost rotted look to their face is- instead of a natural flush that appears on most humans, its replaced with the sickly purple and green and yellow mottling of bruising. )

i was merely slumbering when you came across me. alas, youve awoken me, which is unkind but...

( they tap a long sharp claw against their chin, as though thinking. )

i can forgive you for such a disturbance. after all...you didnt mean to come here, did you?

{ okaaaay yeah she really does not like that }

{ she's backing up even more now. ok? ok. }

i'm sorry for waking you up.. i didn't realize you were, uh..

living...?

yeah, but i dunno where i am.. or how i got here even..

{ she's getting nervous just looking at them because what the fuck... what the hell... }

{ she's seen a lot of death and a lot of gore but absolutely NONE of this }

hm.

( despite seesay backing away, they dont seem to get the hint, following slowly, persistently. they tilt their head a bit. )

out of where? here is everything and all you are. do you mean the cold? the chill? you wandered here without intention, but everything you do must have intention.

…after all, this place is where all sinners go to die.

( a pause, then a hiccup of laughter…maybe. probably laughter, although it sounds more unsettling. they breathe in ; a death rattle in their lungs. )

just kidding. you all love a good joke, right? this is only the beginning!

i will help you get home, then, since you know nothing about here. you will follow me, or you can stay and be stuck forever.

( they stand up straight, swaying with the action, before they turn to a random direction. there is a path, at least, so perhaps they actually know the way?

{ as much as she hates following scary people on scary paths in the scary middle of nowhere, she probably will be stuck here forever if she doesn't. so she picks herself up and follows as far as she can without losing sight of them. }

{ this person is mean and weird and dead looking and freaking her out, but she's honestly more scared of the environment. she needs answers immediately. }

Is there anything you can tell me about this place?

the path is, at least, very clear. the grasses are still unruly and tall, but its like this path was carved out just for those passing by. )

you were nowhere!

( finally, they speak. their voice is somehow not startling- the silence following every sentence is, a sharp ringing silence. they take their time to speak. )

the before it all. thats what ive heard. people call it the before, but before means nothing- a place to catch your memory! and then the next time you come to nowhere, it wont be the same! how silly, right?

( they dont laugh this time, thankfully. )

{ the path is oppressive and far too quiet and she's trapped with a stranger so far from anybody who could save her. and then they start saying some bullshit that makes her head hurt. what else is she meant to say to that??? }

can i have one concrete answer. this whole situation is terrifying and i don't want to be here as much as you don't want me here and you being all cryptic isn't really helping anything actually!!

( their head twists back almost completely to look at seesay, like an owl, except the way their spine cracks and snaps has unfortunate implications. but they turn quickly back. )

nobody has anything truthful to say anymore. are you well acquainted with lies? you dont seem so, if judging by what you say. heart on your sleeve! admittance of the terrifying!

( they step further forward, then, and quickly continue on. as they do, the place shifts. the cold has eased to something less noticeable, and the grass curls in on the path here. )

you seek answers? im surprised! those who find me already think they know everything!

{ she is going to cry she is going to puke she is going to pass out what the fuck was that how did they do that WHY did they do that }

{ thank god she's. seemingly almost out hopefully maybe?? }

i'm pretty familiar with lies, honestly.

never been much a fan though..

( they dont...say anything else about the lying part, despite bringing it up in the first place. they simply walk, although they suddenly stop, leaving seesay little time to stop. they dont move when she inevitably bumps into them.

theres a pit.

the path stops just before a dark chasm, the grass leaning over the edge of it, a light breeze pushing them further. its pitch black, nothing to see but the darkness underneath. it's almost unnatural. its pretty large, too. )

oh. it ended so soon. how rude. the path, interrupted by this.

...is this like. what you were leading me to?? or can we just go around it. because i think i've had enough big falls for a forever actually.

( their voice is far quieter, though. as though being swallowed by the chasm in front of them. they turn to the side and begin walking around it. well, at least theres an implicit answer.

the grasses are thick, thick enough where even kafka slows to even be able to move. the grasses are swallowing, as though it wants seesay to stay.

when it seems like they wont say anything else, they give a faint hum, looking back out into the chasm and not ahead at the grass. )

you burn with questions. annoyed by them not getting answered- does nobody listen to you? and yet the urge for information continues. questions upon questions.

all sinners see the pit. i would almost be surprised, colored in shock, that you havent before...but you are quite young. i am surprised the divine would even deign you as a sinner. it doesnt usually demote children to such a fate.

{ ....but now she's got to actually confront what she's been intentionally obscuring. }

{ shit. }

{ could she lie?? probably not. she's pretty bad at lying now that she thinks about it. }

{ but they probably wouldn't believe the truth either.. because what's shaped like a sinner and moves like a sinner and has the anxiety of a sinner is probably a sinner.. }

{ who actually listens to her, though? no harm in just- spilling whatever. not like she'll ever see this person again. hopefully. }

...you arent.

right.

( they dont sound like they believe seesay, but then they glance at their empty wrist. their tail lashes once, then twice, before settling. )

many have pretended to be sinners, but i always know. i can smell it. you dont smell like anything but a full sinner.

( theyre speaking clearly, voice dropping to a lower, more monotone sound. their shoulders bend inward, a slouch betraying them. )

so youre not a sinner. what happens, then, when you go down there? into the circles? do you think the devils would treat you kindly? are you still one of them?

( the question relates to the pit, but something about it rings true anyway. )

when all you are is the antithesis of what everybody wants. is that the truth you seek?

( then, they snap back upright, tilting their head backwards to look at seesay. they grin. )

...

( a sudden chill. the grasses have slowly grown where seesay wanders, until they reach high up to her knees, then past them. tall and cold, and noticing it feels sudden. when did everything change? no vines, though, nothing to dictate anything particularly familiar.

its quiet. silence, but thats all. no wind, no animals or bugs, just...tall grass and the cold in the air.

nothing else until-

a mass laying there, covered slightly by the green. seems to be humanoid, but its too hard to truly see. left lying there in the cold. )

( - @forevision-html wavesss waves hi. kafka content now )

{ she's so horrifically tense (both from the cold and because Where The Fuck Is She) that the sight of the body(?) makes her JUMP, disturbing the grass around her. she's even more uneasy now because if something else is here with her they most definitely heard that!!!!! }

{ ..whatever. it's inspection time. }

{ she crouches down to look at the figure. }

{ she briefly considers poking it before realizing how stupid of an idea that is.. }

completely still, eyes wide open. no blinking, no breathing, just nothing.

but after a blink, the body disappears. an indent is left in the ground, but the body is gone. )

...

...boo.

{ she flinches and whips around IMMEDIATELY, glaring daggers at this- this BASTARD that just gave her the scare of a lifetime. her heart is pounding. holy fuck her chest hurts-- }

{ she can't really get a good look at them, the grass obscuring her vision a bit, but when she gets a good look at those chompers.. }

{ she just.. politely scoots away. }

{ she really does not want to be dealing with this right now actually! }

( they do not seem genuine, pressing a hand to their chest as they speak with this...mock apologetic tone.

they shift more into view, and you can see them now! or, their face at least.

the horns sitting atop their head arent that odd, but the almost rotted look to their face is- instead of a natural flush that appears on most humans, its replaced with the sickly purple and green and yellow mottling of bruising. )

i was merely slumbering when you came across me. alas, youve awoken me, which is unkind but...

( they tap a long sharp claw against their chin, as though thinking. )

i can forgive you for such a disturbance. after all...you didnt mean to come here, did you?

{ okaaaay yeah she really does not like that }

{ she's backing up even more now. ok? ok. }

i'm sorry for waking you up.. i didn't realize you were, uh..

living...?

yeah, but i dunno where i am.. or how i got here even..

{ she's getting nervous just looking at them because what the fuck... what the hell... }

{ she's seen a lot of death and a lot of gore but absolutely NONE of this }

hm.

( despite seesay backing away, they dont seem to get the hint, following slowly, persistently. they tilt their head a bit. )

out of where? here is everything and all you are. do you mean the cold? the chill? you wandered here without intention, but everything you do must have intention.

…after all, this place is where all sinners go to die.

( a pause, then a hiccup of laughter…maybe. probably laughter, although it sounds more unsettling. they breathe in ; a death rattle in their lungs. )

just kidding. you all love a good joke, right? this is only the beginning!

i will help you get home, then, since you know nothing about here. you will follow me, or you can stay and be stuck forever.

( they stand up straight, swaying with the action, before they turn to a random direction. there is a path, at least, so perhaps they actually know the way?

{ as much as she hates following scary people on scary paths in the scary middle of nowhere, she probably will be stuck here forever if she doesn't. so she picks herself up and follows as far as she can without losing sight of them. }

{ this person is mean and weird and dead looking and freaking her out, but she's honestly more scared of the environment. she needs answers immediately. }

Is there anything you can tell me about this place?

the path is, at least, very clear. the grasses are still unruly and tall, but its like this path was carved out just for those passing by. )

you were nowhere!

( finally, they speak. their voice is somehow not startling- the silence following every sentence is, a sharp ringing silence. they take their time to speak. )

the before it all. thats what ive heard. people call it the before, but before means nothing- a place to catch your memory! and then the next time you come to nowhere, it wont be the same! how silly, right?

( they dont laugh this time, thankfully. )

{ the path is oppressive and far too quiet and she's trapped with a stranger so far from anybody who could save her. and then they start saying some bullshit that makes her head hurt. what else is she meant to say to that??? }

can i have one concrete answer. this whole situation is terrifying and i don't want to be here as much as you don't want me here and you being all cryptic isn't really helping anything actually!!

( their head twists back almost completely to look at seesay, like an owl, except the way their spine cracks and snaps has unfortunate implications. but they turn quickly back. )

nobody has anything truthful to say anymore. are you well acquainted with lies? you dont seem so, if judging by what you say. heart on your sleeve! admittance of the terrifying!

( they step further forward, then, and quickly continue on. as they do, the place shifts. the cold has eased to something less noticeable, and the grass curls in on the path here. )

you seek answers? im surprised! those who find me already think they know everything!

{ she is going to cry she is going to puke she is going to pass out what the fuck was that how did they do that WHY did they do that }

{ thank god she's. seemingly almost out hopefully maybe?? }

i'm pretty familiar with lies, honestly.

never been much a fan though..

( they dont...say anything else about the lying part, despite bringing it up in the first place. they simply walk, although they suddenly stop, leaving seesay little time to stop. they dont move when she inevitably bumps into them.

theres a pit.

the path stops just before a dark chasm, the grass leaning over the edge of it, a light breeze pushing them further. its pitch black, nothing to see but the darkness underneath. it's almost unnatural. its pretty large, too. )

oh. it ended so soon. how rude. the path, interrupted by this.

...is this like. what you were leading me to?? or can we just go around it. because i think i've had enough big falls for a forever actually.

( their voice is far quieter, though. as though being swallowed by the chasm in front of them. they turn to the side and begin walking around it. well, at least theres an implicit answer.

the grasses are thick, thick enough where even kafka slows to even be able to move. the grasses are swallowing, as though it wants seesay to stay.

when it seems like they wont say anything else, they give a faint hum, looking back out into the chasm and not ahead at the grass. )

you burn with questions. annoyed by them not getting answered- does nobody listen to you? and yet the urge for information continues. questions upon questions.

all sinners see the pit. i would almost be surprised, colored in shock, that you havent before...but you are quite young. i am surprised the divine would even deign you as a sinner. it doesnt usually demote children to such a fate.

...

( a sudden chill. the grasses have slowly grown where seesay wanders, until they reach high up to her knees, then past them. tall and cold, and noticing it feels sudden. when did everything change? no vines, though, nothing to dictate anything particularly familiar.

its quiet. silence, but thats all. no wind, no animals or bugs, just...tall grass and the cold in the air.

nothing else until-

a mass laying there, covered slightly by the green. seems to be humanoid, but its too hard to truly see. left lying there in the cold. )

( - @forevision-html wavesss waves hi. kafka content now )

{ she's so horrifically tense (both from the cold and because Where The Fuck Is She) that the sight of the body(?) makes her JUMP, disturbing the grass around her. she's even more uneasy now because if something else is here with her they most definitely heard that!!!!! }

{ ..whatever. it's inspection time. }

{ she crouches down to look at the figure. }

{ she briefly considers poking it before realizing how stupid of an idea that is.. }

completely still, eyes wide open. no blinking, no breathing, just nothing.

but after a blink, the body disappears. an indent is left in the ground, but the body is gone. )

...

...boo.

{ she flinches and whips around IMMEDIATELY, glaring daggers at this- this BASTARD that just gave her the scare of a lifetime. her heart is pounding. holy fuck her chest hurts-- }

{ she can't really get a good look at them, the grass obscuring her vision a bit, but when she gets a good look at those chompers.. }

{ she just.. politely scoots away. }

{ she really does not want to be dealing with this right now actually! }

( they do not seem genuine, pressing a hand to their chest as they speak with this...mock apologetic tone.

they shift more into view, and you can see them now! or, their face at least.

the horns sitting atop their head arent that odd, but the almost rotted look to their face is- instead of a natural flush that appears on most humans, its replaced with the sickly purple and green and yellow mottling of bruising. )

i was merely slumbering when you came across me. alas, youve awoken me, which is unkind but...

( they tap a long sharp claw against their chin, as though thinking. )

i can forgive you for such a disturbance. after all...you didnt mean to come here, did you?

{ okaaaay yeah she really does not like that }

{ she's backing up even more now. ok? ok. }

i'm sorry for waking you up.. i didn't realize you were, uh..

living...?

yeah, but i dunno where i am.. or how i got here even..

{ she's getting nervous just looking at them because what the fuck... what the hell... }

{ she's seen a lot of death and a lot of gore but absolutely NONE of this }

hm.

( despite seesay backing away, they dont seem to get the hint, following slowly, persistently. they tilt their head a bit. )

out of where? here is everything and all you are. do you mean the cold? the chill? you wandered here without intention, but everything you do must have intention.

…after all, this place is where all sinners go to die.

( a pause, then a hiccup of laughter…maybe. probably laughter, although it sounds more unsettling. they breathe in ; a death rattle in their lungs. )

just kidding. you all love a good joke, right? this is only the beginning!

i will help you get home, then, since you know nothing about here. you will follow me, or you can stay and be stuck forever.

( they stand up straight, swaying with the action, before they turn to a random direction. there is a path, at least, so perhaps they actually know the way?

{ as much as she hates following scary people on scary paths in the scary middle of nowhere, she probably will be stuck here forever if she doesn't. so she picks herself up and follows as far as she can without losing sight of them. }

{ this person is mean and weird and dead looking and freaking her out, but she's honestly more scared of the environment. she needs answers immediately. }

Is there anything you can tell me about this place?

the path is, at least, very clear. the grasses are still unruly and tall, but its like this path was carved out just for those passing by. )

you were nowhere!

( finally, they speak. their voice is somehow not startling- the silence following every sentence is, a sharp ringing silence. they take their time to speak. )

the before it all. thats what ive heard. people call it the before, but before means nothing- a place to catch your memory! and then the next time you come to nowhere, it wont be the same! how silly, right?

( they dont laugh this time, thankfully. )

{ the path is oppressive and far too quiet and she's trapped with a stranger so far from anybody who could save her. and then they start saying some bullshit that makes her head hurt. what else is she meant to say to that??? }

can i have one concrete answer. this whole situation is terrifying and i don't want to be here as much as you don't want me here and you being all cryptic isn't really helping anything actually!!

( their head twists back almost completely to look at seesay, like an owl, except the way their spine cracks and snaps has unfortunate implications. but they turn quickly back. )

nobody has anything truthful to say anymore. are you well acquainted with lies? you dont seem so, if judging by what you say. heart on your sleeve! admittance of the terrifying!

( they step further forward, then, and quickly continue on. as they do, the place shifts. the cold has eased to something less noticeable, and the grass curls in on the path here. )

you seek answers? im surprised! those who find me already think they know everything!

{ she is going to cry she is going to puke she is going to pass out what the fuck was that how did they do that WHY did they do that }

{ thank god she's. seemingly almost out hopefully maybe?? }

i'm pretty familiar with lies, honestly.

never been much a fan though..

( they dont...say anything else about the lying part, despite bringing it up in the first place. they simply walk, although they suddenly stop, leaving seesay little time to stop. they dont move when she inevitably bumps into them.

theres a pit.

the path stops just before a dark chasm, the grass leaning over the edge of it, a light breeze pushing them further. its pitch black, nothing to see but the darkness underneath. it's almost unnatural. its pretty large, too. )

oh. it ended so soon. how rude. the path, interrupted by this.

...

( a sudden chill. the grasses have slowly grown where seesay wanders, until they reach high up to her knees, then past them. tall and cold, and noticing it feels sudden. when did everything change? no vines, though, nothing to dictate anything particularly familiar.

its quiet. silence, but thats all. no wind, no animals or bugs, just...tall grass and the cold in the air.

nothing else until-

a mass laying there, covered slightly by the green. seems to be humanoid, but its too hard to truly see. left lying there in the cold. )

( - @forevision-html wavesss waves hi. kafka content now )

{ she's so horrifically tense (both from the cold and because Where The Fuck Is She) that the sight of the body(?) makes her JUMP, disturbing the grass around her. she's even more uneasy now because if something else is here with her they most definitely heard that!!!!! }

{ ..whatever. it's inspection time. }

{ she crouches down to look at the figure. }

{ she briefly considers poking it before realizing how stupid of an idea that is.. }

completely still, eyes wide open. no blinking, no breathing, just nothing.

but after a blink, the body disappears. an indent is left in the ground, but the body is gone. )

...

...boo.

{ she flinches and whips around IMMEDIATELY, glaring daggers at this- this BASTARD that just gave her the scare of a lifetime. her heart is pounding. holy fuck her chest hurts-- }

{ she can't really get a good look at them, the grass obscuring her vision a bit, but when she gets a good look at those chompers.. }

{ she just.. politely scoots away. }

{ she really does not want to be dealing with this right now actually! }

( they do not seem genuine, pressing a hand to their chest as they speak with this...mock apologetic tone.

they shift more into view, and you can see them now! or, their face at least.

the horns sitting atop their head arent that odd, but the almost rotted look to their face is- instead of a natural flush that appears on most humans, its replaced with the sickly purple and green and yellow mottling of bruising. )

i was merely slumbering when you came across me. alas, youve awoken me, which is unkind but...

( they tap a long sharp claw against their chin, as though thinking. )

i can forgive you for such a disturbance. after all...you didnt mean to come here, did you?

{ okaaaay yeah she really does not like that }

{ she's backing up even more now. ok? ok. }

i'm sorry for waking you up.. i didn't realize you were, uh..

living...?

yeah, but i dunno where i am.. or how i got here even..

{ she's getting nervous just looking at them because what the fuck... what the hell... }

{ she's seen a lot of death and a lot of gore but absolutely NONE of this }

hm.

( despite seesay backing away, they dont seem to get the hint, following slowly, persistently. they tilt their head a bit. )

out of where? here is everything and all you are. do you mean the cold? the chill? you wandered here without intention, but everything you do must have intention.

…after all, this place is where all sinners go to die.

( a pause, then a hiccup of laughter…maybe. probably laughter, although it sounds more unsettling. they breathe in ; a death rattle in their lungs. )

just kidding. you all love a good joke, right? this is only the beginning!

i will help you get home, then, since you know nothing about here. you will follow me, or you can stay and be stuck forever.

( they stand up straight, swaying with the action, before they turn to a random direction. there is a path, at least, so perhaps they actually know the way?

{ as much as she hates following scary people on scary paths in the scary middle of nowhere, she probably will be stuck here forever if she doesn't. so she picks herself up and follows as far as she can without losing sight of them. }

{ this person is mean and weird and dead looking and freaking her out, but she's honestly more scared of the environment. she needs answers immediately. }

Is there anything you can tell me about this place?

the path is, at least, very clear. the grasses are still unruly and tall, but its like this path was carved out just for those passing by. )

you were nowhere!

( finally, they speak. their voice is somehow not startling- the silence following every sentence is, a sharp ringing silence. they take their time to speak. )

the before it all. thats what ive heard. people call it the before, but before means nothing- a place to catch your memory! and then the next time you come to nowhere, it wont be the same! how silly, right?

( they dont laugh this time, thankfully. )

{ the path is oppressive and far too quiet and she's trapped with a stranger so far from anybody who could save her. and then they start saying some bullshit that makes her head hurt. what else is she meant to say to that??? }

can i have one concrete answer. this whole situation is terrifying and i don't want to be here as much as you don't want me here and you being all cryptic isn't really helping anything actually!!

( their head twists back almost completely to look at seesay, like an owl, except the way their spine cracks and snaps has unfortunate implications. but they turn quickly back. )

nobody has anything truthful to say anymore. are you well acquainted with lies? you dont seem so, if judging by what you say. heart on your sleeve! admittance of the terrifying!

( they step further forward, then, and quickly continue on. as they do, the place shifts. the cold has eased to something less noticeable, and the grass curls in on the path here. )

you seek answers? im surprised! those who find me already think they know everything!

...

( a sudden chill. the grasses have slowly grown where seesay wanders, until they reach high up to her knees, then past them. tall and cold, and noticing it feels sudden. when did everything change? no vines, though, nothing to dictate anything particularly familiar.

its quiet. silence, but thats all. no wind, no animals or bugs, just...tall grass and the cold in the air.

nothing else until-

a mass laying there, covered slightly by the green. seems to be humanoid, but its too hard to truly see. left lying there in the cold. )

( - @forevision-html wavesss waves hi. kafka content now )

{ she's so horrifically tense (both from the cold and because Where The Fuck Is She) that the sight of the body(?) makes her JUMP, disturbing the grass around her. she's even more uneasy now because if something else is here with her they most definitely heard that!!!!! }

{ ..whatever. it's inspection time. }

{ she crouches down to look at the figure. }

{ she briefly considers poking it before realizing how stupid of an idea that is.. }

completely still, eyes wide open. no blinking, no breathing, just nothing.

but after a blink, the body disappears. an indent is left in the ground, but the body is gone. )

...

...boo.

{ she flinches and whips around IMMEDIATELY, glaring daggers at this- this BASTARD that just gave her the scare of a lifetime. her heart is pounding. holy fuck her chest hurts-- }

{ she can't really get a good look at them, the grass obscuring her vision a bit, but when she gets a good look at those chompers.. }

{ she just.. politely scoots away. }

{ she really does not want to be dealing with this right now actually! }

( they do not seem genuine, pressing a hand to their chest as they speak with this...mock apologetic tone.

they shift more into view, and you can see them now! or, their face at least.

the horns sitting atop their head arent that odd, but the almost rotted look to their face is- instead of a natural flush that appears on most humans, its replaced with the sickly purple and green and yellow mottling of bruising. )

i was merely slumbering when you came across me. alas, youve awoken me, which is unkind but...

( they tap a long sharp claw against their chin, as though thinking. )

i can forgive you for such a disturbance. after all...you didnt mean to come here, did you?

{ okaaaay yeah she really does not like that }

{ she's backing up even more now. ok? ok. }

i'm sorry for waking you up.. i didn't realize you were, uh..

living...?

yeah, but i dunno where i am.. or how i got here even..

{ she's getting nervous just looking at them because what the fuck... what the hell... }

{ she's seen a lot of death and a lot of gore but absolutely NONE of this }

hm.

( despite seesay backing away, they dont seem to get the hint, following slowly, persistently. they tilt their head a bit. )

out of where? here is everything and all you are. do you mean the cold? the chill? you wandered here without intention, but everything you do must have intention.

…after all, this place is where all sinners go to die.

( a pause, then a hiccup of laughter…maybe. probably laughter, although it sounds more unsettling. they breathe in ; a death rattle in their lungs. )

just kidding. you all love a good joke, right? this is only the beginning!

i will help you get home, then, since you know nothing about here. you will follow me, or you can stay and be stuck forever.

( they stand up straight, swaying with the action, before they turn to a random direction. there is a path, at least, so perhaps they actually know the way?

{ as much as she hates following scary people on scary paths in the scary middle of nowhere, she probably will be stuck here forever if she doesn't. so she picks herself up and follows as far as she can without losing sight of them. }

{ this person is mean and weird and dead looking and freaking her out, but she's honestly more scared of the environment. she needs answers immediately. }

Is there anything you can tell me about this place?

the path is, at least, very clear. the grasses are still unruly and tall, but its like this path was carved out just for those passing by. )

you were nowhere!

( finally, they speak. their voice is somehow not startling- the silence following every sentence is, a sharp ringing silence. they take their time to speak. )

the before it all. thats what ive heard. people call it the before, but before means nothing- a place to catch your memory! and then the next time you come to nowhere, it wont be the same! how silly, right?

( they dont laugh this time, thankfully. )

...

( a sudden chill. the grasses have slowly grown where seesay wanders, until they reach high up to her knees, then past them. tall and cold, and noticing it feels sudden. when did everything change? no vines, though, nothing to dictate anything particularly familiar.

its quiet. silence, but thats all. no wind, no animals or bugs, just...tall grass and the cold in the air.

nothing else until-

a mass laying there, covered slightly by the green. seems to be humanoid, but its too hard to truly see. left lying there in the cold. )

( - @forevision-html wavesss waves hi. kafka content now )

{ she's so horrifically tense (both from the cold and because Where The Fuck Is She) that the sight of the body(?) makes her JUMP, disturbing the grass around her. she's even more uneasy now because if something else is here with her they most definitely heard that!!!!! }

{ ..whatever. it's inspection time. }

{ she crouches down to look at the figure. }

{ she briefly considers poking it before realizing how stupid of an idea that is.. }

completely still, eyes wide open. no blinking, no breathing, just nothing.

but after a blink, the body disappears. an indent is left in the ground, but the body is gone. )

...

...boo.

{ she flinches and whips around IMMEDIATELY, glaring daggers at this- this BASTARD that just gave her the scare of a lifetime. her heart is pounding. holy fuck her chest hurts-- }

{ she can't really get a good look at them, the grass obscuring her vision a bit, but when she gets a good look at those chompers.. }

{ she just.. politely scoots away. }

{ she really does not want to be dealing with this right now actually! }

( they do not seem genuine, pressing a hand to their chest as they speak with this...mock apologetic tone.

they shift more into view, and you can see them now! or, their face at least.

the horns sitting atop their head arent that odd, but the almost rotted look to their face is- instead of a natural flush that appears on most humans, its replaced with the sickly purple and green and yellow mottling of bruising. )

i was merely slumbering when you came across me. alas, youve awoken me, which is unkind but...

( they tap a long sharp claw against their chin, as though thinking. )

i can forgive you for such a disturbance. after all...you didnt mean to come here, did you?

{ okaaaay yeah she really does not like that }

{ she's backing up even more now. ok? ok. }

i'm sorry for waking you up.. i didn't realize you were, uh..

living...?

yeah, but i dunno where i am.. or how i got here even..

{ she's getting nervous just looking at them because what the fuck... what the hell... }

{ she's seen a lot of death and a lot of gore but absolutely NONE of this }

hm.

( despite seesay backing away, they dont seem to get the hint, following slowly, persistently. they tilt their head a bit. )

out of where? here is everything and all you are. do you mean the cold? the chill? you wandered here without intention, but everything you do must have intention.

…after all, this place is where all sinners go to die.

( a pause, then a hiccup of laughter…maybe. probably laughter, although it sounds more unsettling. they breathe in ; a death rattle in their lungs. )

just kidding. you all love a good joke, right? this is only the beginning!

i will help you get home, then, since you know nothing about here. you will follow me, or you can stay and be stuck forever.

( they stand up straight, swaying with the action, before they turn to a random direction. there is a path, at least, so perhaps they actually know the way?

...

( a sudden chill. the grasses have slowly grown where seesay wanders, until they reach high up to her knees, then past them. tall and cold, and noticing it feels sudden. when did everything change? no vines, though, nothing to dictate anything particularly familiar.

its quiet. silence, but thats all. no wind, no animals or bugs, just...tall grass and the cold in the air.

nothing else until-

a mass laying there, covered slightly by the green. seems to be humanoid, but its too hard to truly see. left lying there in the cold. )

( - @forevision-html wavesss waves hi. kafka content now )

{ she's so horrifically tense (both from the cold and because Where The Fuck Is She) that the sight of the body(?) makes her JUMP, disturbing the grass around her. she's even more uneasy now because if something else is here with her they most definitely heard that!!!!! }

{ ..whatever. it's inspection time. }

{ she crouches down to look at the figure. }

{ she briefly considers poking it before realizing how stupid of an idea that is.. }

completely still, eyes wide open. no blinking, no breathing, just nothing.

but after a blink, the body disappears. an indent is left in the ground, but the body is gone. )

...

...boo.

{ she flinches and whips around IMMEDIATELY, glaring daggers at this- this BASTARD that just gave her the scare of a lifetime. her heart is pounding. holy fuck her chest hurts-- }

{ she can't really get a good look at them, the grass obscuring her vision a bit, but when she gets a good look at those chompers.. }

{ she just.. politely scoots away. }

{ she really does not want to be dealing with this right now actually! }

( they do not seem genuine, pressing a hand to their chest as they speak with this...mock apologetic tone.

they shift more into view, and you can see them now! or, their face at least.

the horns sitting atop their head arent that odd, but the almost rotted look to their face is- instead of a natural flush that appears on most humans, its replaced with the sickly purple and green and yellow mottling of bruising. )

i was merely slumbering when you came across me. alas, youve awoken me, which is unkind but...

( they tap a long sharp claw against their chin, as though thinking. )

i can forgive you for such a disturbance. after all...you didnt mean to come here, did you?

...

( a sudden chill. the grasses have slowly grown where seesay wanders, until they reach high up to her knees, then past them. tall and cold, and noticing it feels sudden. when did everything change? no vines, though, nothing to dictate anything particularly familiar.

its quiet. silence, but thats all. no wind, no animals or bugs, just...tall grass and the cold in the air.

nothing else until-

a mass laying there, covered slightly by the green. seems to be humanoid, but its too hard to truly see. left lying there in the cold. )

( - @forevision-html wavesss waves hi. kafka content now )

{ she's so horrifically tense (both from the cold and because Where The Fuck Is She) that the sight of the body(?) makes her JUMP, disturbing the grass around her. she's even more uneasy now because if something else is here with her they most definitely heard that!!!!! }

{ ..whatever. it's inspection time. }

{ she crouches down to look at the figure. }

{ she briefly considers poking it before realizing how stupid of an idea that is.. }

completely still, eyes wide open. no blinking, no breathing, just nothing.

but after a blink, the body disappears. an indent is left in the ground, but the body is gone. )

...

...boo.

then, that brightness goes away. )

...wait what.

( its easy to tell they're a...fellow?...entity, although their face is morphed into one of confusion. )

youre- not a sinner like the rest.

but you are?

what.

( - @forevision-html hiii erin here throwing antero at you!! lighthearted opener before i delve into The Agonies grins )

It rubs its eyes as the brightness leaves. Ow…

“It’z a… Long ztory. (ᵕ—ᴗ—)”

( antero snaps their fingers, and 'vee' disappears. then, 'seesay' disappears, leaving snap alone in this scene. )

you were so happy in that memory, and then...what? did the lie catch up to you?

you know, all the untruths are caused by your design. by your nature.

you carry that with you no matter who you are. you know that, right? it's a part of you. to lie, to seek comfort in flashes of nothing, no matter how much it hurts others.

then, that brightness goes away. )

...wait what.

( its easy to tell they're a...fellow?...entity, although their face is morphed into one of confusion. )

youre- not a sinner like the rest.

but you are?

what.

( - @forevision-html hiii erin here throwing antero at you!! lighthearted opener before i delve into The Agonies grins )

It rubs its eyes as the brightness leaves. Ow…

“It’z a… Long ztory. (ᵕ—ᴗ—)”

...ohhh. got it.

( their wings flap once to keep them afloat, as they twist around snap, body almost seeming to stretch more than should be possible, like a loose rubber band. )

ah, youre s.n.a.p., right- hard to miss! especially with those memories of yours.

( they rest their head on their palm for a second, studying it. )

“Oh uhh…” The smoke. It should’ve never sent them in there. “We got zeparated. Really hope I can find them again zoon.”

you wanna see them now?

( for a second, they seem to disappear out of its sight, but when it blinks theyre still right in front of snap. )

i mean, i cant actually bring them back. that would be stupid, wouldnt it!

but i can help you feel like theyre right there with you. if you want.

…

( its a burst of color and light. all sorts of colors. they shift and move, like optical illusions.

and as they clear up, everything turns into a sketchbook. bright and light, every object turns into doodles. even antero themselves is slightly washed out in the glow, their wings much rounder and their whole demeanor way friendlier- they werent particularly malicious before, but theyre even moreso friendly now.

the memory feels real. the visages of vee and seesay seem to recognize snap, and their voices are warm. like the sun, something beautiful and kind.

its almost perfect. )

...

See, this is why it didn’t mind living in lies every now and then.

a friend gives you a flower, says its just for you. a sleepover with the two you most love, laughter echoing off the walls. a campfire where people tell stories. bright and warm.

like a dance, these memories end and start again and again. it tastes like sweet cherries, smells like the warmth of something baking. love in the oven. a home open to come inside.

and dont you miss it? the idea of home. the idea of something other than the dark. it waits.

'vee' holds a hand out towards you, the other hand holding seesay's. to join her, like all this perfect memory could be yours if you just join her. join them. be happy forever.

Its smile fades upon its gaze landing on Veeronica’s mark. Why? It has seen it plenty of times before, hasn’t it? It was only this time in particular that it gave S.N.A.P. a feeling that something was off.

it changes.

its in the shape of...a star. it changes color every time it blinks. the memory shifts, dulling slightly, as the star forms tendrils that wrap up vee's arm. its beautiful; kaleidoscope, fractals of rainbow colors that crawl up. like insects. beautiful, beautiful, and it smells sweet again. you can settle again, right? right, settle back into the love that you so want.

it looks like vee, looks like seesay. if you just ignore it, ignore the dimming of the lights or the fact that the rainbow looks plastic-y and fake, you could be happy. so why cant you?

...

for the first time, snap notices that antero has moved a little closer, observing. they notice the fading of snap's smile and they tilt their head, inquisitive in nature. )

ah.