Simon

-P.A.

Simon nodded and got onto his knees and clasped his hands together. He shut his eyes and mentally began to call out to them. He knew they said not to pray to them like this but it was the only way that he knew how to call upon God.

*My lord in white, please hear my calls during this time of need. I have no right to ask for favors after you granted me with gifts beyond my imagination, but I’m worried this being may be a threat to your kingdom. I can specify more upon your arrival. I will forever be on debt.*

“Please just call me The Manager. Please.”

Holy shit he wasn't lying.

*in front of a manager looks to be a rather raggedy looking woman. She was wearing old bloodstained COI clothes, though now torn around the sleeves. Her hair was thin and brown, her face though... It was split down the middle by a large maw now closed, though her lower jaw split in half made the mutation more prominent.*

Simon’s clothes were stained in a similar fashion…just…way more extreme. His soaked sweater was thrown off to the side and where the blood puddle was previously was, was now began to coagulate. His pants, once grey, were a dark brownish-red. His skin was similar but much more clean but if you touched his hair, it looked like it would crunch.

Without his sweater, they could easily see new marks that decorated his skin. This ranged from doodle-like designs like waves wrapping around his bicep to a more subtle sigil spanning his torso with a sun-like design on his back.

When Simon had the confidence to lock eyes, they could see one of his irises had been altered into a star. God, he hated being looked at while he was like this. He wanted to curl into a ball.

“Well. This is something. Let’s get you both some clean clothes, alright? And maybe get those stitches out of your mouth. I promise you won’t die. I won’t let you. This won’t spread.

Woah waoh. I dont-

*she rubs her eyes, bumping into the back wall.*

You're actually!-

You!

Woah

He tried to keep his mouth moving the least that it could so the stitching wouldn’t be irritated or ripped apart. As a result, he was quieter and more muffled than normal.

He refused to make eye contact with The Manager and instead continued to scan around for any new information. He did shoot Aaron a glare for what he perceived as disrespect though.

*it looks between both The Manager and Simon, eyes wide in a sort of confused wonder.*

You can do that? Also the star, as far as I'm aware. Is some... God, but you... You're...

*they creep closer to the manager, her heart beating faster in her chest. Was this... really another real god? One that could help save everybody?*

He was a tad bit upset, sure, more baffled. Simon was familiar with doubt. He doubted his religion for years, but c’mon? You witness a sentient star who plays god and this is where you draw the line?

He shook his head to brush off the shock, “Alright…that’d be…nice. I’m sorry.”

God, it was hard to talk like this. He would be a horrible vanquilist.

*she cocks her head, puzzled*

You... can change your shape? Or... Is it an illusion of some sort?

*she started to tentatively reach out to touch them*

“Can we focus on what really matters, please?”

*they took Simon’s face on their hands and gently bang to take out the stitches.*

“You can’t be sewing your mouth closed. It’s not good for you.”

*and her hand burned wherever she touched the Manager, like just beneath he surface they were on fire.*

What are you doing?

That discomfort swung to panic and rage as the fire was lit. It exploded in his chest as he began to yell, ignoring the resistance the thread provided to his jaw.

“AARON, WHAT ARE YOU—“

Fire. Hot…when Aaron was…

Proto…fuck…that wasn’t Aaron.

His demeanor did a 360 as Simon shut his mouth and shot The Manager wide eyes. Whatdoeshedowhatdoeshedo?TheManagerdoesntevenknowthisissomeonedifferent.

“Proto…hi, uhm— Hi.”

“I am trying to stop him from being in pain.”

*they then turned back to Simon.*

“Hey. You’re alright. It’s alright. I’m here. You’re okay. We’ll figure this out.”

*their hands gave off a small light, but it wasn’t warmth this time. This time it was cold. Just a small bit of coolness.*

“You’re okay.”

*Aaron Proto starts to wave both her hands at Simon, smiling. While her body hadn't changed, Proto was much more expressive than Aaron. Jumping up and down on her heels.*

Did I trick you? Did I get you?

*from the Managers point of view, the woman who had initially been panicking... seemed to take one a much more spunky demeanor... up close there was also a different nonhuman energy surrounding her.*

“Haha, almost,” he sounded robotic. “I could tell it was you pretty quickly. What’cha doing around here?”

The timing of this couldn’t be worse. Dear god, how did he appease them both? He was fucked.

YET!

Can you teach meeeeeeee?

Possess that's like, taking control?

Suppose I kinda do that. But it always feels weird

*Aaron dropped to the ground, and up from her eye, a large blinding light started to crawl out, long tendrils reach out to grasp the floor before pulling out a larger bright entity that suddenly made the room blinding from its previously dim state*

*Aaron groaned from the floor as it tilted its glowing head at The Manager*

And he's not SCARED! He's my priest!

*it points a bright tendril at Simon*

He shot another tense smile, thread threatening to break with the expression, and nodded.

“That’s true. Yep.”

*their eyes adjusted automatically.*

“Also the difference between a priest and a follower.”

*The Manager got between Proto and Simon, like a teacher separating a fight between third graders.*

“And I mean I need to teach you those things now before you scare the living daylights out of anyone else. I’m sure you’re very powerful, and I’m sure you mean to be kind, but the man is terrified you’ll hurt him or turn him into a monster even more. And by monster I purely mean his own definition of one.

“But you’d never do something he wouldn’t want to be done to him, would you? Because you’re a god who actually listens and cares about the mental state of their followers instead of doing absolutely nothing and making me have to put you in a cage until you understand, like a dog that keeps biting people?

“You’d never violate someone’s bodily autonomy, would you?”

*she had been taken back by the Manager's words and more importantly their boldness*

*she could be bold to! She wasn't SCARED. They practically called her a liar. She thinks. And thats no fun! She also doesn't know what a dog is, and that was ALSO frustrating!*

*she straightens up, flaring her body out, the room becoming hotter, body crackling and popping from the heat.*

He's FINE!

I made him BETTER! He's MINE, and you cannot talk to me with such disrespect! I am a great god and I will not tolerate this in MY DOMAIN

He knew he had no place to argue with his God but he also realized The Manager was approaching this wrong, at least, in his own opinion. That thought itself brought in another wave of guilt that he couldn’t flush out but he had to speak up.

“The Manager, it’s okay,” no it wasn’t.

He would talk with them in private about this later, hopefully. For now, he had to go against all his morals and work with The Manager’s inevitable confusion. He just hoped his pleading eyes would convince them and avoid some burns from Proto.

*they’re turned to him. Not anger. Not pleading. Just a small smile.*

“Trust me.”

*they turned back to Proto.*

“Correct. This is your domain. And yes, by an evolutionary standpoint, you made him more adapt at doing what he needs to. But no dear. He’s not yours. A god doesn’t own a person.

“And you are not great. Not in the way you mean it. You’re young. And you’re allowed to make mistakes, but you have to understand there’s more to being a god than being bright and giving people who disobey burns.”

*they offered a hand to shake.*

My humans already like mee!

You can't have them!

*suddenly it reaches out and wraps a ribbon of light around Simon's arm, tugging him forward forcefully, the searing heat from its body digging into his skin as it tried to grip onto him.*

And I'm PLENTY great! Im... ffffffantastic!

You can go away now!

*she holds on much tighter than necessary to Simon's arm, backing away from The Manager's hand. She didn't really understand what they were offering, she was already doing just fine without them. Maybe they just wanted the humans for themselves, which was no good, because those are her funny little humans*

*she was working herself up again, body crackling with energy.*

“OH FUCK ME! WHAT THE FUCK GET THE FUCKOAFHHHHHHHHFWHATFUCKOWOOWOWOWHYHOLYSHIY!”

The thread ripped open on his cheek, sending more blood dripping down his face as his vocals shrieked at the top of his lungs. He tried to get away from the scorching heat to no avail, not daring to kick or punch in fear of injuring those parts of his body as well.

Agony shot where it held and he wanted to puke the little that he had in his stomach. Everything was spinning and his eyes, wide and frantic, could only watch as skin, fat, and muscle began to burn away as if it were a candle.

Oh god, he sorta needed that part of his body.

The agony at the direct site dulled in an instant as nerves were burnt to a crisp and the scent of cooked meat filled the room. Around the edges of the heat, further up his arm, the same sickening sensation continued. He would rather bash his head into a table than experience this.

At a certain point, he couldn’t look. He bit his lip until he tasted iron but that didn’t free him from the pain nor that

clunk!

As his arm hit the floor.

It fizzled out, the energy absorbing into them as it was forced to leave Simon’s arm.*

“Now that wasn’t very nice of you.”

*they picked up the young god, electricity and fire barely effecting them as they held it in one hand.*

“You should realize who you’re talking to before you decide to hurt their friends.

“I don’t want your humans. I want you to realize they’re not yours.”

*she screeches as the part of her is absorbed, it didn't hurt, she thinks, but it wasn't there anymore and that SUCKED*

AGHHHGG LET GO OF ME!

*her rays brighten and she squirms, slippery considering she didn't really have a proper solid body to be held.*

I DONT CARE! I DONT CARE! GET OFF!! GET OFF GET OFF! I DONT LIKE YOUUUU!

*her many flailing limbs smack the Manager. Ah, so this much be what 'fear' was.*

*she lets out a high pitched ringing sound*

He whimpered and groaned in pain, still biting back any cries in an attempt to draw the attention away from him.

“Ohhhgfuckhgghhhmmmowoeei.”

He did have enough sense to try and shuffle over to the far corner of the room though. No blood came from the catarized arm but his mouth did drip its own current.

BAD BAD BAD!

*it was still flailing enraged. even Aaron who was slowly coming to tried to crawl away, rubbing her head.*

*she continued to shriek. Stabbing tendrils at The Manager to burn through their suit and singe their skin.*

“Owuhhhhhggghhh.”

Tears gathered around the corner of his eyes as he sniffled. He forced himself to look up at the scene, having to squint.

His heart pounded from the horror of Proto and the arm a few inches away from him but he couldn’t do anything. No, he was too weak from pain, worry, and gut-wrenching disgust to find his words.

“Okay. Let’s have a lesson, shall we?”

*she writhed in the swaddle, still hissing and spitting. She looked like the largest most angry glowing baby there ever was*

“Help…Lord…”

He knew he should stay quiet but he couldn’t help himself. They were all he had to plead to. He couldn’t exactly help himself here.

*She was still very much struggling, though the angry screeching had quieted back down again into angry hissing and disgruntled yelling and whining*

SIMOOON TELL THEM TO PUT ME DOOOWWNN!!

*she could see… everything. The madness, the dark, lurking creature puppeting the human disguise as it melding into it. The screams of the fallen and the messages and parts from thousands of other gods burned into its inky flesh as it towered above her in power and size.*

“You’re a baby to me.”

He mumbles, “Manager, please.”

But that’s all his throat can bring up. It was a plea that could match what Proto wanted but in reality, what he was requesting was medical care. He didn’t know how much longer he could do this.

-P.A.

Simon nodded and got onto his knees and clasped his hands together. He shut his eyes and mentally began to call out to them. He knew they said not to pray to them like this but it was the only way that he knew how to call upon God.

*My lord in white, please hear my calls during this time of need. I have no right to ask for favors after you granted me with gifts beyond my imagination, but I’m worried this being may be a threat to your kingdom. I can specify more upon your arrival. I will forever be on debt.*

“Please just call me The Manager. Please.”

Holy shit he wasn't lying.

*in front of a manager looks to be a rather raggedy looking woman. She was wearing old bloodstained COI clothes, though now torn around the sleeves. Her hair was thin and brown, her face though... It was split down the middle by a large maw now closed, though her lower jaw split in half made the mutation more prominent.*

Simon’s clothes were stained in a similar fashion…just…way more extreme. His soaked sweater was thrown off to the side and where the blood puddle was previously was, was now began to coagulate. His pants, once grey, were a dark brownish-red. His skin was similar but much more clean but if you touched his hair, it looked like it would crunch.

Without his sweater, they could easily see new marks that decorated his skin. This ranged from doodle-like designs like waves wrapping around his bicep to a more subtle sigil spanning his torso with a sun-like design on his back.

When Simon had the confidence to lock eyes, they could see one of his irises had been altered into a star. God, he hated being looked at while he was like this. He wanted to curl into a ball.

“Well. This is something. Let’s get you both some clean clothes, alright? And maybe get those stitches out of your mouth. I promise you won’t die. I won’t let you. This won’t spread.

Woah waoh. I dont-

*she rubs her eyes, bumping into the back wall.*

You're actually!-

You!

Woah

He tried to keep his mouth moving the least that it could so the stitching wouldn’t be irritated or ripped apart. As a result, he was quieter and more muffled than normal.

He refused to make eye contact with The Manager and instead continued to scan around for any new information. He did shoot Aaron a glare for what he perceived as disrespect though.

*it looks between both The Manager and Simon, eyes wide in a sort of confused wonder.*

You can do that? Also the star, as far as I'm aware. Is some... God, but you... You're...

*they creep closer to the manager, her heart beating faster in her chest. Was this... really another real god? One that could help save everybody?*

He was a tad bit upset, sure, more baffled. Simon was familiar with doubt. He doubted his religion for years, but c’mon? You witness a sentient star who plays god and this is where you draw the line?

He shook his head to brush off the shock, “Alright…that’d be…nice. I’m sorry.”

God, it was hard to talk like this. He would be a horrible vanquilist.

*she cocks her head, puzzled*

You... can change your shape? Or... Is it an illusion of some sort?

*she started to tentatively reach out to touch them*

“Can we focus on what really matters, please?”

*they took Simon’s face on their hands and gently bang to take out the stitches.*

“You can’t be sewing your mouth closed. It’s not good for you.”

*and her hand burned wherever she touched the Manager, like just beneath he surface they were on fire.*

What are you doing?

That discomfort swung to panic and rage as the fire was lit. It exploded in his chest as he began to yell, ignoring the resistance the thread provided to his jaw.

“AARON, WHAT ARE YOU—“

Fire. Hot…when Aaron was…

Proto…fuck…that wasn’t Aaron.

His demeanor did a 360 as Simon shut his mouth and shot The Manager wide eyes. Whatdoeshedowhatdoeshedo?TheManagerdoesntevenknowthisissomeonedifferent.

“Proto…hi, uhm— Hi.”

“I am trying to stop him from being in pain.”

*they then turned back to Simon.*

“Hey. You’re alright. It’s alright. I’m here. You’re okay. We’ll figure this out.”

*their hands gave off a small light, but it wasn’t warmth this time. This time it was cold. Just a small bit of coolness.*

“You’re okay.”

*Aaron Proto starts to wave both her hands at Simon, smiling. While her body hadn't changed, Proto was much more expressive than Aaron. Jumping up and down on her heels.*

Did I trick you? Did I get you?

*from the Managers point of view, the woman who had initially been panicking... seemed to take one a much more spunky demeanor... up close there was also a different nonhuman energy surrounding her.*

“Haha, almost,” he sounded robotic. “I could tell it was you pretty quickly. What’cha doing around here?”

The timing of this couldn’t be worse. Dear god, how did he appease them both? He was fucked.

YET!

Can you teach meeeeeeee?

Possess that's like, taking control?

Suppose I kinda do that. But it always feels weird

*Aaron dropped to the ground, and up from her eye, a large blinding light started to crawl out, long tendrils reach out to grasp the floor before pulling out a larger bright entity that suddenly made the room blinding from its previously dim state*

*Aaron groaned from the floor as it tilted its glowing head at The Manager*

And he's not SCARED! He's my priest!

*it points a bright tendril at Simon*

He shot another tense smile, thread threatening to break with the expression, and nodded.

“That’s true. Yep.”

*their eyes adjusted automatically.*

“Also the difference between a priest and a follower.”

*The Manager got between Proto and Simon, like a teacher separating a fight between third graders.*

“And I mean I need to teach you those things now before you scare the living daylights out of anyone else. I’m sure you’re very powerful, and I’m sure you mean to be kind, but the man is terrified you’ll hurt him or turn him into a monster even more. And by monster I purely mean his own definition of one.

“But you’d never do something he wouldn’t want to be done to him, would you? Because you’re a god who actually listens and cares about the mental state of their followers instead of doing absolutely nothing and making me have to put you in a cage until you understand, like a dog that keeps biting people?

“You’d never violate someone’s bodily autonomy, would you?”

*she had been taken back by the Manager's words and more importantly their boldness*

*she could be bold to! She wasn't SCARED. They practically called her a liar. She thinks. And thats no fun! She also doesn't know what a dog is, and that was ALSO frustrating!*

*she straightens up, flaring her body out, the room becoming hotter, body crackling and popping from the heat.*

He's FINE!

I made him BETTER! He's MINE, and you cannot talk to me with such disrespect! I am a great god and I will not tolerate this in MY DOMAIN

He knew he had no place to argue with his God but he also realized The Manager was approaching this wrong, at least, in his own opinion. That thought itself brought in another wave of guilt that he couldn’t flush out but he had to speak up.

“The Manager, it’s okay,” no it wasn’t.

He would talk with them in private about this later, hopefully. For now, he had to go against all his morals and work with The Manager’s inevitable confusion. He just hoped his pleading eyes would convince them and avoid some burns from Proto.

*they’re turned to him. Not anger. Not pleading. Just a small smile.*

“Trust me.”

*they turned back to Proto.*

“Correct. This is your domain. And yes, by an evolutionary standpoint, you made him more adapt at doing what he needs to. But no dear. He’s not yours. A god doesn’t own a person.

“And you are not great. Not in the way you mean it. You’re young. And you’re allowed to make mistakes, but you have to understand there’s more to being a god than being bright and giving people who disobey burns.”

*they offered a hand to shake.*

My humans already like mee!

You can't have them!

*suddenly it reaches out and wraps a ribbon of light around Simon's arm, tugging him forward forcefully, the searing heat from its body digging into his skin as it tried to grip onto him.*

And I'm PLENTY great! Im... ffffffantastic!

You can go away now!

*she holds on much tighter than necessary to Simon's arm, backing away from The Manager's hand. She didn't really understand what they were offering, she was already doing just fine without them. Maybe they just wanted the humans for themselves, which was no good, because those are her funny little humans*

*she was working herself up again, body crackling with energy.*

“OH FUCK ME! WHAT THE FUCK GET THE FUCKOAFHHHHHHHHFWHATFUCKOWOOWOWOWHYHOLYSHIY!”

The thread ripped open on his cheek, sending more blood dripping down his face as his vocals shrieked at the top of his lungs. He tried to get away from the scorching heat to no avail, not daring to kick or punch in fear of injuring those parts of his body as well.

Agony shot where it held and he wanted to puke the little that he had in his stomach. Everything was spinning and his eyes, wide and frantic, could only watch as skin, fat, and muscle began to burn away as if it were a candle.

Oh god, he sorta needed that part of his body.

The agony at the direct site dulled in an instant as nerves were burnt to a crisp and the scent of cooked meat filled the room. Around the edges of the heat, further up his arm, the same sickening sensation continued. He would rather bash his head into a table than experience this.

At a certain point, he couldn’t look. He bit his lip until he tasted iron but that didn’t free him from the pain nor that

clunk!

As his arm hit the floor.

It fizzled out, the energy absorbing into them as it was forced to leave Simon’s arm.*

“Now that wasn’t very nice of you.”

*they picked up the young god, electricity and fire barely effecting them as they held it in one hand.*

“You should realize who you’re talking to before you decide to hurt their friends.

“I don’t want your humans. I want you to realize they’re not yours.”

*she screeches as the part of her is absorbed, it didn't hurt, she thinks, but it wasn't there anymore and that SUCKED*

AGHHHGG LET GO OF ME!

*her rays brighten and she squirms, slippery considering she didn't really have a proper solid body to be held.*

I DONT CARE! I DONT CARE! GET OFF!! GET OFF GET OFF! I DONT LIKE YOUUUU!

*her many flailing limbs smack the Manager. Ah, so this much be what 'fear' was.*

*she lets out a high pitched ringing sound*

He whimpered and groaned in pain, still biting back any cries in an attempt to draw the attention away from him.

“Ohhhgfuckhgghhhmmmowoeei.”

He did have enough sense to try and shuffle over to the far corner of the room though. No blood came from the catarized arm but his mouth did drip its own current.

BAD BAD BAD!

*it was still flailing enraged. even Aaron who was slowly coming to tried to crawl away, rubbing her head.*

*she continued to shriek. Stabbing tendrils at The Manager to burn through their suit and singe their skin.*

“Owuhhhhhggghhh.”

Tears gathered around the corner of his eyes as he sniffled. He forced himself to look up at the scene, having to squint.

His heart pounded from the horror of Proto and the arm a few inches away from him but he couldn’t do anything. No, he was too weak from pain, worry, and gut-wrenching disgust to find his words.

“Okay. Let’s have a lesson, shall we?”

*she writhed in the swaddle, still hissing and spitting. She looked like the largest most angry glowing baby there ever was*

“Help…Lord…”

He knew he should stay quiet but he couldn’t help himself. They were all he had to plead to. He couldn’t exactly help himself here.

-P.A.

Simon nodded and got onto his knees and clasped his hands together. He shut his eyes and mentally began to call out to them. He knew they said not to pray to them like this but it was the only way that he knew how to call upon God.

*My lord in white, please hear my calls during this time of need. I have no right to ask for favors after you granted me with gifts beyond my imagination, but I’m worried this being may be a threat to your kingdom. I can specify more upon your arrival. I will forever be on debt.*

“Please just call me The Manager. Please.”

Holy shit he wasn't lying.

*in front of a manager looks to be a rather raggedy looking woman. She was wearing old bloodstained COI clothes, though now torn around the sleeves. Her hair was thin and brown, her face though... It was split down the middle by a large maw now closed, though her lower jaw split in half made the mutation more prominent.*

Simon’s clothes were stained in a similar fashion…just…way more extreme. His soaked sweater was thrown off to the side and where the blood puddle was previously was, was now began to coagulate. His pants, once grey, were a dark brownish-red. His skin was similar but much more clean but if you touched his hair, it looked like it would crunch.

Without his sweater, they could easily see new marks that decorated his skin. This ranged from doodle-like designs like waves wrapping around his bicep to a more subtle sigil spanning his torso with a sun-like design on his back.

When Simon had the confidence to lock eyes, they could see one of his irises had been altered into a star. God, he hated being looked at while he was like this. He wanted to curl into a ball.

“Well. This is something. Let’s get you both some clean clothes, alright? And maybe get those stitches out of your mouth. I promise you won’t die. I won’t let you. This won’t spread.

Woah waoh. I dont-

*she rubs her eyes, bumping into the back wall.*

You're actually!-

You!

Woah

He tried to keep his mouth moving the least that it could so the stitching wouldn’t be irritated or ripped apart. As a result, he was quieter and more muffled than normal.

He refused to make eye contact with The Manager and instead continued to scan around for any new information. He did shoot Aaron a glare for what he perceived as disrespect though.

*it looks between both The Manager and Simon, eyes wide in a sort of confused wonder.*

You can do that? Also the star, as far as I'm aware. Is some... God, but you... You're...

*they creep closer to the manager, her heart beating faster in her chest. Was this... really another real god? One that could help save everybody?*

He was a tad bit upset, sure, more baffled. Simon was familiar with doubt. He doubted his religion for years, but c’mon? You witness a sentient star who plays god and this is where you draw the line?

He shook his head to brush off the shock, “Alright…that’d be…nice. I’m sorry.”

God, it was hard to talk like this. He would be a horrible vanquilist.

*she cocks her head, puzzled*

You... can change your shape? Or... Is it an illusion of some sort?

*she started to tentatively reach out to touch them*

“Can we focus on what really matters, please?”

*they took Simon’s face on their hands and gently bang to take out the stitches.*

“You can’t be sewing your mouth closed. It’s not good for you.”

*and her hand burned wherever she touched the Manager, like just beneath he surface they were on fire.*

What are you doing?

That discomfort swung to panic and rage as the fire was lit. It exploded in his chest as he began to yell, ignoring the resistance the thread provided to his jaw.

“AARON, WHAT ARE YOU—“

Fire. Hot…when Aaron was…

Proto…fuck…that wasn’t Aaron.

His demeanor did a 360 as Simon shut his mouth and shot The Manager wide eyes. Whatdoeshedowhatdoeshedo?TheManagerdoesntevenknowthisissomeonedifferent.

“Proto…hi, uhm— Hi.”

“I am trying to stop him from being in pain.”

*they then turned back to Simon.*

“Hey. You’re alright. It’s alright. I’m here. You’re okay. We’ll figure this out.”

*their hands gave off a small light, but it wasn’t warmth this time. This time it was cold. Just a small bit of coolness.*

“You’re okay.”

*Aaron Proto starts to wave both her hands at Simon, smiling. While her body hadn't changed, Proto was much more expressive than Aaron. Jumping up and down on her heels.*

Did I trick you? Did I get you?

*from the Managers point of view, the woman who had initially been panicking... seemed to take one a much more spunky demeanor... up close there was also a different nonhuman energy surrounding her.*

“Haha, almost,” he sounded robotic. “I could tell it was you pretty quickly. What’cha doing around here?”

The timing of this couldn’t be worse. Dear god, how did he appease them both? He was fucked.

YET!

Can you teach meeeeeeee?

Possess that's like, taking control?

Suppose I kinda do that. But it always feels weird

*Aaron dropped to the ground, and up from her eye, a large blinding light started to crawl out, long tendrils reach out to grasp the floor before pulling out a larger bright entity that suddenly made the room blinding from its previously dim state*

*Aaron groaned from the floor as it tilted its glowing head at The Manager*

And he's not SCARED! He's my priest!

*it points a bright tendril at Simon*

He shot another tense smile, thread threatening to break with the expression, and nodded.

“That’s true. Yep.”

*their eyes adjusted automatically.*

“Also the difference between a priest and a follower.”

*The Manager got between Proto and Simon, like a teacher separating a fight between third graders.*

“And I mean I need to teach you those things now before you scare the living daylights out of anyone else. I’m sure you’re very powerful, and I’m sure you mean to be kind, but the man is terrified you’ll hurt him or turn him into a monster even more. And by monster I purely mean his own definition of one.

“But you’d never do something he wouldn’t want to be done to him, would you? Because you’re a god who actually listens and cares about the mental state of their followers instead of doing absolutely nothing and making me have to put you in a cage until you understand, like a dog that keeps biting people?

“You’d never violate someone’s bodily autonomy, would you?”

*she had been taken back by the Manager's words and more importantly their boldness*

*she could be bold to! She wasn't SCARED. They practically called her a liar. She thinks. And thats no fun! She also doesn't know what a dog is, and that was ALSO frustrating!*

*she straightens up, flaring her body out, the room becoming hotter, body crackling and popping from the heat.*

He's FINE!

I made him BETTER! He's MINE, and you cannot talk to me with such disrespect! I am a great god and I will not tolerate this in MY DOMAIN

He knew he had no place to argue with his God but he also realized The Manager was approaching this wrong, at least, in his own opinion. That thought itself brought in another wave of guilt that he couldn’t flush out but he had to speak up.

“The Manager, it’s okay,” no it wasn’t.

He would talk with them in private about this later, hopefully. For now, he had to go against all his morals and work with The Manager’s inevitable confusion. He just hoped his pleading eyes would convince them and avoid some burns from Proto.

*they’re turned to him. Not anger. Not pleading. Just a small smile.*

“Trust me.”

*they turned back to Proto.*

“Correct. This is your domain. And yes, by an evolutionary standpoint, you made him more adapt at doing what he needs to. But no dear. He’s not yours. A god doesn’t own a person.

“And you are not great. Not in the way you mean it. You’re young. And you’re allowed to make mistakes, but you have to understand there’s more to being a god than being bright and giving people who disobey burns.”

*they offered a hand to shake.*

My humans already like mee!

You can't have them!

*suddenly it reaches out and wraps a ribbon of light around Simon's arm, tugging him forward forcefully, the searing heat from its body digging into his skin as it tried to grip onto him.*

And I'm PLENTY great! Im... ffffffantastic!

You can go away now!

*she holds on much tighter than necessary to Simon's arm, backing away from The Manager's hand. She didn't really understand what they were offering, she was already doing just fine without them. Maybe they just wanted the humans for themselves, which was no good, because those are her funny little humans*

*she was working herself up again, body crackling with energy.*

“OH FUCK ME! WHAT THE FUCK GET THE FUCKOAFHHHHHHHHFWHATFUCKOWOOWOWOWHYHOLYSHIY!”

The thread ripped open on his cheek, sending more blood dripping down his face as his vocals shrieked at the top of his lungs. He tried to get away from the scorching heat to no avail, not daring to kick or punch in fear of injuring those parts of his body as well.

Agony shot where it held and he wanted to puke the little that he had in his stomach. Everything was spinning and his eyes, wide and frantic, could only watch as skin, fat, and muscle began to burn away as if it were a candle.

Oh god, he sorta needed that part of his body.

The agony at the direct site dulled in an instant as nerves were burnt to a crisp and the scent of cooked meat filled the room. Around the edges of the heat, further up his arm, the same sickening sensation continued. He would rather bash his head into a table than experience this.

At a certain point, he couldn’t look. He bit his lip until he tasted iron but that didn’t free him from the pain nor that

clunk!

As his arm hit the floor.

It fizzled out, the energy absorbing into them as it was forced to leave Simon’s arm.*

“Now that wasn’t very nice of you.”

*they picked up the young god, electricity and fire barely effecting them as they held it in one hand.*

“You should realize who you’re talking to before you decide to hurt their friends.

“I don’t want your humans. I want you to realize they’re not yours.”

*she screeches as the part of her is absorbed, it didn't hurt, she thinks, but it wasn't there anymore and that SUCKED*

AGHHHGG LET GO OF ME!

*her rays brighten and she squirms, slippery considering she didn't really have a proper solid body to be held.*

I DONT CARE! I DONT CARE! GET OFF!! GET OFF GET OFF! I DONT LIKE YOUUUU!

*her many flailing limbs smack the Manager. Ah, so this much be what 'fear' was.*

*she lets out a high pitched ringing sound*

He whimpered and groaned in pain, still biting back any cries in an attempt to draw the attention away from him.

“Ohhhgfuckhgghhhmmmowoeei.”

He did have enough sense to try and shuffle over to the far corner of the room though. No blood came from the catarized arm but his mouth did drip its own current.

BAD BAD BAD!

*it was still flailing enraged. even Aaron who was slowly coming to tried to crawl away, rubbing her head.*

*she continued to shriek. Stabbing tendrils at The Manager to burn through their suit and singe their skin.*

“Owuhhhhhggghhh.”

Tears gathered around the corner of his eyes as he sniffled. He forced himself to look up at the scene, having to squint.

His heart pounded from the horror of Proto and the arm a few inches away from him but he couldn’t do anything. No, he was too weak from pain, worry, and gut-wrenching disgust to find his words.

“Okay. Let’s have a lesson, shall we?”

*she writhed in the swaddle, still hissing and spitting. She looked like the largest most angry glowing baby there ever was*

He continued to writhe and groan in pain.

-P.A.

Simon nodded and got onto his knees and clasped his hands together. He shut his eyes and mentally began to call out to them. He knew they said not to pray to them like this but it was the only way that he knew how to call upon God.

*My lord in white, please hear my calls during this time of need. I have no right to ask for favors after you granted me with gifts beyond my imagination, but I’m worried this being may be a threat to your kingdom. I can specify more upon your arrival. I will forever be on debt.*

“Please just call me The Manager. Please.”

Holy shit he wasn't lying.

*in front of a manager looks to be a rather raggedy looking woman. She was wearing old bloodstained COI clothes, though now torn around the sleeves. Her hair was thin and brown, her face though... It was split down the middle by a large maw now closed, though her lower jaw split in half made the mutation more prominent.*

Simon’s clothes were stained in a similar fashion…just…way more extreme. His soaked sweater was thrown off to the side and where the blood puddle was previously was, was now began to coagulate. His pants, once grey, were a dark brownish-red. His skin was similar but much more clean but if you touched his hair, it looked like it would crunch.

Without his sweater, they could easily see new marks that decorated his skin. This ranged from doodle-like designs like waves wrapping around his bicep to a more subtle sigil spanning his torso with a sun-like design on his back.

When Simon had the confidence to lock eyes, they could see one of his irises had been altered into a star. God, he hated being looked at while he was like this. He wanted to curl into a ball.

“Well. This is something. Let’s get you both some clean clothes, alright? And maybe get those stitches out of your mouth. I promise you won’t die. I won’t let you. This won’t spread.

Woah waoh. I dont-

*she rubs her eyes, bumping into the back wall.*

You're actually!-

You!

Woah

He tried to keep his mouth moving the least that it could so the stitching wouldn’t be irritated or ripped apart. As a result, he was quieter and more muffled than normal.

He refused to make eye contact with The Manager and instead continued to scan around for any new information. He did shoot Aaron a glare for what he perceived as disrespect though.

*it looks between both The Manager and Simon, eyes wide in a sort of confused wonder.*

You can do that? Also the star, as far as I'm aware. Is some... God, but you... You're...

*they creep closer to the manager, her heart beating faster in her chest. Was this... really another real god? One that could help save everybody?*

He was a tad bit upset, sure, more baffled. Simon was familiar with doubt. He doubted his religion for years, but c’mon? You witness a sentient star who plays god and this is where you draw the line?

He shook his head to brush off the shock, “Alright…that’d be…nice. I’m sorry.”

God, it was hard to talk like this. He would be a horrible vanquilist.

*she cocks her head, puzzled*

You... can change your shape? Or... Is it an illusion of some sort?

*she started to tentatively reach out to touch them*

“Can we focus on what really matters, please?”

*they took Simon’s face on their hands and gently bang to take out the stitches.*

“You can’t be sewing your mouth closed. It’s not good for you.”

*and her hand burned wherever she touched the Manager, like just beneath he surface they were on fire.*

What are you doing?

That discomfort swung to panic and rage as the fire was lit. It exploded in his chest as he began to yell, ignoring the resistance the thread provided to his jaw.

“AARON, WHAT ARE YOU—“

Fire. Hot…when Aaron was…

Proto…fuck…that wasn’t Aaron.

His demeanor did a 360 as Simon shut his mouth and shot The Manager wide eyes. Whatdoeshedowhatdoeshedo?TheManagerdoesntevenknowthisissomeonedifferent.

“Proto…hi, uhm— Hi.”

“I am trying to stop him from being in pain.”

*they then turned back to Simon.*

“Hey. You’re alright. It’s alright. I’m here. You’re okay. We’ll figure this out.”

*their hands gave off a small light, but it wasn’t warmth this time. This time it was cold. Just a small bit of coolness.*

“You’re okay.”

*Aaron Proto starts to wave both her hands at Simon, smiling. While her body hadn't changed, Proto was much more expressive than Aaron. Jumping up and down on her heels.*

Did I trick you? Did I get you?

*from the Managers point of view, the woman who had initially been panicking... seemed to take one a much more spunky demeanor... up close there was also a different nonhuman energy surrounding her.*

“Haha, almost,” he sounded robotic. “I could tell it was you pretty quickly. What’cha doing around here?”

The timing of this couldn’t be worse. Dear god, how did he appease them both? He was fucked.

YET!

Can you teach meeeeeeee?

Possess that's like, taking control?

Suppose I kinda do that. But it always feels weird

*Aaron dropped to the ground, and up from her eye, a large blinding light started to crawl out, long tendrils reach out to grasp the floor before pulling out a larger bright entity that suddenly made the room blinding from its previously dim state*

*Aaron groaned from the floor as it tilted its glowing head at The Manager*

And he's not SCARED! He's my priest!

*it points a bright tendril at Simon*

He shot another tense smile, thread threatening to break with the expression, and nodded.

“That’s true. Yep.”

*their eyes adjusted automatically.*

“Also the difference between a priest and a follower.”

*The Manager got between Proto and Simon, like a teacher separating a fight between third graders.*

“And I mean I need to teach you those things now before you scare the living daylights out of anyone else. I’m sure you’re very powerful, and I’m sure you mean to be kind, but the man is terrified you’ll hurt him or turn him into a monster even more. And by monster I purely mean his own definition of one.

“But you’d never do something he wouldn’t want to be done to him, would you? Because you’re a god who actually listens and cares about the mental state of their followers instead of doing absolutely nothing and making me have to put you in a cage until you understand, like a dog that keeps biting people?

“You’d never violate someone’s bodily autonomy, would you?”

*she had been taken back by the Manager's words and more importantly their boldness*

*she could be bold to! She wasn't SCARED. They practically called her a liar. She thinks. And thats no fun! She also doesn't know what a dog is, and that was ALSO frustrating!*

*she straightens up, flaring her body out, the room becoming hotter, body crackling and popping from the heat.*

He's FINE!

I made him BETTER! He's MINE, and you cannot talk to me with such disrespect! I am a great god and I will not tolerate this in MY DOMAIN

He knew he had no place to argue with his God but he also realized The Manager was approaching this wrong, at least, in his own opinion. That thought itself brought in another wave of guilt that he couldn’t flush out but he had to speak up.

“The Manager, it’s okay,” no it wasn’t.

He would talk with them in private about this later, hopefully. For now, he had to go against all his morals and work with The Manager’s inevitable confusion. He just hoped his pleading eyes would convince them and avoid some burns from Proto.

*they’re turned to him. Not anger. Not pleading. Just a small smile.*

“Trust me.”

*they turned back to Proto.*

“Correct. This is your domain. And yes, by an evolutionary standpoint, you made him more adapt at doing what he needs to. But no dear. He’s not yours. A god doesn’t own a person.

“And you are not great. Not in the way you mean it. You’re young. And you’re allowed to make mistakes, but you have to understand there’s more to being a god than being bright and giving people who disobey burns.”

*they offered a hand to shake.*

My humans already like mee!

You can't have them!

*suddenly it reaches out and wraps a ribbon of light around Simon's arm, tugging him forward forcefully, the searing heat from its body digging into his skin as it tried to grip onto him.*

And I'm PLENTY great! Im... ffffffantastic!

You can go away now!

*she holds on much tighter than necessary to Simon's arm, backing away from The Manager's hand. She didn't really understand what they were offering, she was already doing just fine without them. Maybe they just wanted the humans for themselves, which was no good, because those are her funny little humans*

*she was working herself up again, body crackling with energy.*

“OH FUCK ME! WHAT THE FUCK GET THE FUCKOAFHHHHHHHHFWHATFUCKOWOOWOWOWHYHOLYSHIY!”

The thread ripped open on his cheek, sending more blood dripping down his face as his vocals shrieked at the top of his lungs. He tried to get away from the scorching heat to no avail, not daring to kick or punch in fear of injuring those parts of his body as well.

Agony shot where it held and he wanted to puke the little that he had in his stomach. Everything was spinning and his eyes, wide and frantic, could only watch as skin, fat, and muscle began to burn away as if it were a candle.

Oh god, he sorta needed that part of his body.

The agony at the direct site dulled in an instant as nerves were burnt to a crisp and the scent of cooked meat filled the room. Around the edges of the heat, further up his arm, the same sickening sensation continued. He would rather bash his head into a table than experience this.

At a certain point, he couldn’t look. He bit his lip until he tasted iron but that didn’t free him from the pain nor that

clunk!

As his arm hit the floor.

It fizzled out, the energy absorbing into them as it was forced to leave Simon’s arm.*

“Now that wasn’t very nice of you.”

*they picked up the young god, electricity and fire barely effecting them as they held it in one hand.*

“You should realize who you’re talking to before you decide to hurt their friends.

“I don’t want your humans. I want you to realize they’re not yours.”

*she screeches as the part of her is absorbed, it didn't hurt, she thinks, but it wasn't there anymore and that SUCKED*

AGHHHGG LET GO OF ME!

*her rays brighten and she squirms, slippery considering she didn't really have a proper solid body to be held.*

I DONT CARE! I DONT CARE! GET OFF!! GET OFF GET OFF! I DONT LIKE YOUUUU!

*her many flailing limbs smack the Manager. Ah, so this much be what 'fear' was.*

*she lets out a high pitched ringing sound*

He whimpered and groaned in pain, still biting back any cries in an attempt to draw the attention away from him.

“Ohhhgfuckhgghhhmmmowoeei.”

He did have enough sense to try and shuffle over to the far corner of the room though. No blood came from the catarized arm but his mouth did drip its own current.

BAD BAD BAD!

*it was still flailing enraged. even Aaron who was slowly coming to tried to crawl away, rubbing her head.*

*she continued to shriek. Stabbing tendrils at The Manager to burn through their suit and singe their skin.*

“Owuhhhhhggghhh.”

Tears gathered around the corner of his eyes as he sniffled. He forced himself to look up at the scene, having to squint.

His heart pounded from the horror of Proto and the arm a few inches away from him but he couldn’t do anything. No, he was too weak from pain, worry, and gut-wrenching disgust to find his words.

-P.A.

Simon nodded and got onto his knees and clasped his hands together. He shut his eyes and mentally began to call out to them. He knew they said not to pray to them like this but it was the only way that he knew how to call upon God.

*My lord in white, please hear my calls during this time of need. I have no right to ask for favors after you granted me with gifts beyond my imagination, but I’m worried this being may be a threat to your kingdom. I can specify more upon your arrival. I will forever be on debt.*

“Please just call me The Manager. Please.”

Holy shit he wasn't lying.

*in front of a manager looks to be a rather raggedy looking woman. She was wearing old bloodstained COI clothes, though now torn around the sleeves. Her hair was thin and brown, her face though... It was split down the middle by a large maw now closed, though her lower jaw split in half made the mutation more prominent.*

Simon’s clothes were stained in a similar fashion…just…way more extreme. His soaked sweater was thrown off to the side and where the blood puddle was previously was, was now began to coagulate. His pants, once grey, were a dark brownish-red. His skin was similar but much more clean but if you touched his hair, it looked like it would crunch.

Without his sweater, they could easily see new marks that decorated his skin. This ranged from doodle-like designs like waves wrapping around his bicep to a more subtle sigil spanning his torso with a sun-like design on his back.

When Simon had the confidence to lock eyes, they could see one of his irises had been altered into a star. God, he hated being looked at while he was like this. He wanted to curl into a ball.

“Well. This is something. Let’s get you both some clean clothes, alright? And maybe get those stitches out of your mouth. I promise you won’t die. I won’t let you. This won’t spread.

Woah waoh. I dont-

*she rubs her eyes, bumping into the back wall.*

You're actually!-

You!

Woah

He tried to keep his mouth moving the least that it could so the stitching wouldn’t be irritated or ripped apart. As a result, he was quieter and more muffled than normal.

He refused to make eye contact with The Manager and instead continued to scan around for any new information. He did shoot Aaron a glare for what he perceived as disrespect though.

*it looks between both The Manager and Simon, eyes wide in a sort of confused wonder.*

You can do that? Also the star, as far as I'm aware. Is some... God, but you... You're...

*they creep closer to the manager, her heart beating faster in her chest. Was this... really another real god? One that could help save everybody?*

He was a tad bit upset, sure, more baffled. Simon was familiar with doubt. He doubted his religion for years, but c’mon? You witness a sentient star who plays god and this is where you draw the line?

He shook his head to brush off the shock, “Alright…that’d be…nice. I’m sorry.”

God, it was hard to talk like this. He would be a horrible vanquilist.

*she cocks her head, puzzled*

You... can change your shape? Or... Is it an illusion of some sort?

*she started to tentatively reach out to touch them*

“Can we focus on what really matters, please?”

*they took Simon’s face on their hands and gently bang to take out the stitches.*

“You can’t be sewing your mouth closed. It’s not good for you.”

*and her hand burned wherever she touched the Manager, like just beneath he surface they were on fire.*

What are you doing?

That discomfort swung to panic and rage as the fire was lit. It exploded in his chest as he began to yell, ignoring the resistance the thread provided to his jaw.

“AARON, WHAT ARE YOU—“

Fire. Hot…when Aaron was…

Proto…fuck…that wasn’t Aaron.

His demeanor did a 360 as Simon shut his mouth and shot The Manager wide eyes. Whatdoeshedowhatdoeshedo?TheManagerdoesntevenknowthisissomeonedifferent.

“Proto…hi, uhm— Hi.”

“I am trying to stop him from being in pain.”

*they then turned back to Simon.*

“Hey. You’re alright. It’s alright. I’m here. You’re okay. We’ll figure this out.”

*their hands gave off a small light, but it wasn’t warmth this time. This time it was cold. Just a small bit of coolness.*

“You’re okay.”

*Aaron Proto starts to wave both her hands at Simon, smiling. While her body hadn't changed, Proto was much more expressive than Aaron. Jumping up and down on her heels.*

Did I trick you? Did I get you?

*from the Managers point of view, the woman who had initially been panicking... seemed to take one a much more spunky demeanor... up close there was also a different nonhuman energy surrounding her.*

“Haha, almost,” he sounded robotic. “I could tell it was you pretty quickly. What’cha doing around here?”

The timing of this couldn’t be worse. Dear god, how did he appease them both? He was fucked.

YET!

Can you teach meeeeeeee?

Possess that's like, taking control?

Suppose I kinda do that. But it always feels weird

*Aaron dropped to the ground, and up from her eye, a large blinding light started to crawl out, long tendrils reach out to grasp the floor before pulling out a larger bright entity that suddenly made the room blinding from its previously dim state*

*Aaron groaned from the floor as it tilted its glowing head at The Manager*

And he's not SCARED! He's my priest!

*it points a bright tendril at Simon*

He shot another tense smile, thread threatening to break with the expression, and nodded.

“That’s true. Yep.”

*their eyes adjusted automatically.*

“Also the difference between a priest and a follower.”

*The Manager got between Proto and Simon, like a teacher separating a fight between third graders.*

“And I mean I need to teach you those things now before you scare the living daylights out of anyone else. I’m sure you’re very powerful, and I’m sure you mean to be kind, but the man is terrified you’ll hurt him or turn him into a monster even more. And by monster I purely mean his own definition of one.

“But you’d never do something he wouldn’t want to be done to him, would you? Because you’re a god who actually listens and cares about the mental state of their followers instead of doing absolutely nothing and making me have to put you in a cage until you understand, like a dog that keeps biting people?

“You’d never violate someone’s bodily autonomy, would you?”

*she had been taken back by the Manager's words and more importantly their boldness*

*she could be bold to! She wasn't SCARED. They practically called her a liar. She thinks. And thats no fun! She also doesn't know what a dog is, and that was ALSO frustrating!*

*she straightens up, flaring her body out, the room becoming hotter, body crackling and popping from the heat.*

He's FINE!

I made him BETTER! He's MINE, and you cannot talk to me with such disrespect! I am a great god and I will not tolerate this in MY DOMAIN

He knew he had no place to argue with his God but he also realized The Manager was approaching this wrong, at least, in his own opinion. That thought itself brought in another wave of guilt that he couldn’t flush out but he had to speak up.

“The Manager, it’s okay,” no it wasn’t.

He would talk with them in private about this later, hopefully. For now, he had to go against all his morals and work with The Manager’s inevitable confusion. He just hoped his pleading eyes would convince them and avoid some burns from Proto.

*they’re turned to him. Not anger. Not pleading. Just a small smile.*

“Trust me.”

*they turned back to Proto.*

“Correct. This is your domain. And yes, by an evolutionary standpoint, you made him more adapt at doing what he needs to. But no dear. He’s not yours. A god doesn’t own a person.

“And you are not great. Not in the way you mean it. You’re young. And you’re allowed to make mistakes, but you have to understand there’s more to being a god than being bright and giving people who disobey burns.”

*they offered a hand to shake.*

My humans already like mee!

You can't have them!

*suddenly it reaches out and wraps a ribbon of light around Simon's arm, tugging him forward forcefully, the searing heat from its body digging into his skin as it tried to grip onto him.*

And I'm PLENTY great! Im... ffffffantastic!

You can go away now!

*she holds on much tighter than necessary to Simon's arm, backing away from The Manager's hand. She didn't really understand what they were offering, she was already doing just fine without them. Maybe they just wanted the humans for themselves, which was no good, because those are her funny little humans*

*she was working herself up again, body crackling with energy.*

“OH FUCK ME! WHAT THE FUCK GET THE FUCKOAFHHHHHHHHFWHATFUCKOWOOWOWOWHYHOLYSHIY!”

The thread ripped open on his cheek, sending more blood dripping down his face as his vocals shrieked at the top of his lungs. He tried to get away from the scorching heat to no avail, not daring to kick or punch in fear of injuring those parts of his body as well.

Agony shot where it held and he wanted to puke the little that he had in his stomach. Everything was spinning and his eyes, wide and frantic, could only watch as skin, fat, and muscle began to burn away as if it were a candle.

Oh god, he sorta needed that part of his body.

The agony at the direct site dulled in an instant as nerves were burnt to a crisp and the scent of cooked meat filled the room. Around the edges of the heat, further up his arm, the same sickening sensation continued. He would rather bash his head into a table than experience this.

At a certain point, he couldn’t look. He bit his lip until he tasted iron but that didn’t free him from the pain nor that

clunk!

As his arm hit the floor.

It fizzled out, the energy absorbing into them as it was forced to leave Simon’s arm.*

“Now that wasn’t very nice of you.”

*they picked up the young god, electricity and fire barely effecting them as they held it in one hand.*

“You should realize who you’re talking to before you decide to hurt their friends.

“I don’t want your humans. I want you to realize they’re not yours.”

*she screeches as the part of her is absorbed, it didn't hurt, she thinks, but it wasn't there anymore and that SUCKED*

AGHHHGG LET GO OF ME!

*her rays brighten and she squirms, slippery considering she didn't really have a proper solid body to be held.*

I DONT CARE! I DONT CARE! GET OFF!! GET OFF GET OFF! I DONT LIKE YOUUUU!

*her many flailing limbs smack the Manager. Ah, so this much be what 'fear' was.*

*she lets out a high pitched ringing sound*

He whimpered and groaned in pain, still biting back any cries in an attempt to draw the attention away from him.

“Ohhhgfuckhgghhhmmmowoeei.”

He did have enough sense to try and shuffle over to the far corner of the room though. No blood came from the catarized arm but his mouth did drip its own current.

-P.A.

Simon nodded and got onto his knees and clasped his hands together. He shut his eyes and mentally began to call out to them. He knew they said not to pray to them like this but it was the only way that he knew how to call upon God.

*My lord in white, please hear my calls during this time of need. I have no right to ask for favors after you granted me with gifts beyond my imagination, but I’m worried this being may be a threat to your kingdom. I can specify more upon your arrival. I will forever be on debt.*

“Please just call me The Manager. Please.”

Holy shit he wasn't lying.

*in front of a manager looks to be a rather raggedy looking woman. She was wearing old bloodstained COI clothes, though now torn around the sleeves. Her hair was thin and brown, her face though... It was split down the middle by a large maw now closed, though her lower jaw split in half made the mutation more prominent.*

Simon’s clothes were stained in a similar fashion…just…way more extreme. His soaked sweater was thrown off to the side and where the blood puddle was previously was, was now began to coagulate. His pants, once grey, were a dark brownish-red. His skin was similar but much more clean but if you touched his hair, it looked like it would crunch.

Without his sweater, they could easily see new marks that decorated his skin. This ranged from doodle-like designs like waves wrapping around his bicep to a more subtle sigil spanning his torso with a sun-like design on his back.

When Simon had the confidence to lock eyes, they could see one of his irises had been altered into a star. God, he hated being looked at while he was like this. He wanted to curl into a ball.

“Well. This is something. Let’s get you both some clean clothes, alright? And maybe get those stitches out of your mouth. I promise you won’t die. I won’t let you. This won’t spread.

Woah waoh. I dont-

*she rubs her eyes, bumping into the back wall.*

You're actually!-

You!

Woah

He tried to keep his mouth moving the least that it could so the stitching wouldn’t be irritated or ripped apart. As a result, he was quieter and more muffled than normal.

He refused to make eye contact with The Manager and instead continued to scan around for any new information. He did shoot Aaron a glare for what he perceived as disrespect though.

*it looks between both The Manager and Simon, eyes wide in a sort of confused wonder.*

You can do that? Also the star, as far as I'm aware. Is some... God, but you... You're...

*they creep closer to the manager, her heart beating faster in her chest. Was this... really another real god? One that could help save everybody?*

He was a tad bit upset, sure, more baffled. Simon was familiar with doubt. He doubted his religion for years, but c’mon? You witness a sentient star who plays god and this is where you draw the line?

He shook his head to brush off the shock, “Alright…that’d be…nice. I’m sorry.”

God, it was hard to talk like this. He would be a horrible vanquilist.

*she cocks her head, puzzled*

You... can change your shape? Or... Is it an illusion of some sort?

*she started to tentatively reach out to touch them*

“Can we focus on what really matters, please?”

*they took Simon’s face on their hands and gently bang to take out the stitches.*

“You can’t be sewing your mouth closed. It’s not good for you.”

*and her hand burned wherever she touched the Manager, like just beneath he surface they were on fire.*

What are you doing?

That discomfort swung to panic and rage as the fire was lit. It exploded in his chest as he began to yell, ignoring the resistance the thread provided to his jaw.

“AARON, WHAT ARE YOU—“

Fire. Hot…when Aaron was…

Proto…fuck…that wasn’t Aaron.

His demeanor did a 360 as Simon shut his mouth and shot The Manager wide eyes. Whatdoeshedowhatdoeshedo?TheManagerdoesntevenknowthisissomeonedifferent.

“Proto…hi, uhm— Hi.”

“I am trying to stop him from being in pain.”

*they then turned back to Simon.*

“Hey. You’re alright. It’s alright. I’m here. You’re okay. We’ll figure this out.”

*their hands gave off a small light, but it wasn’t warmth this time. This time it was cold. Just a small bit of coolness.*

“You’re okay.”

*Aaron Proto starts to wave both her hands at Simon, smiling. While her body hadn't changed, Proto was much more expressive than Aaron. Jumping up and down on her heels.*

Did I trick you? Did I get you?

*from the Managers point of view, the woman who had initially been panicking... seemed to take one a much more spunky demeanor... up close there was also a different nonhuman energy surrounding her.*

“Haha, almost,” he sounded robotic. “I could tell it was you pretty quickly. What’cha doing around here?”

The timing of this couldn’t be worse. Dear god, how did he appease them both? He was fucked.

YET!

Can you teach meeeeeeee?

Possess that's like, taking control?

Suppose I kinda do that. But it always feels weird

*Aaron dropped to the ground, and up from her eye, a large blinding light started to crawl out, long tendrils reach out to grasp the floor before pulling out a larger bright entity that suddenly made the room blinding from its previously dim state*

*Aaron groaned from the floor as it tilted its glowing head at The Manager*

And he's not SCARED! He's my priest!

*it points a bright tendril at Simon*

He shot another tense smile, thread threatening to break with the expression, and nodded.

“That’s true. Yep.”

*their eyes adjusted automatically.*

“Also the difference between a priest and a follower.”

*The Manager got between Proto and Simon, like a teacher separating a fight between third graders.*

“And I mean I need to teach you those things now before you scare the living daylights out of anyone else. I’m sure you’re very powerful, and I’m sure you mean to be kind, but the man is terrified you’ll hurt him or turn him into a monster even more. And by monster I purely mean his own definition of one.

“But you’d never do something he wouldn’t want to be done to him, would you? Because you’re a god who actually listens and cares about the mental state of their followers instead of doing absolutely nothing and making me have to put you in a cage until you understand, like a dog that keeps biting people?

“You’d never violate someone’s bodily autonomy, would you?”

*she had been taken back by the Manager's words and more importantly their boldness*

*she could be bold to! She wasn't SCARED. They practically called her a liar. She thinks. And thats no fun! She also doesn't know what a dog is, and that was ALSO frustrating!*

*she straightens up, flaring her body out, the room becoming hotter, body crackling and popping from the heat.*

He's FINE!

I made him BETTER! He's MINE, and you cannot talk to me with such disrespect! I am a great god and I will not tolerate this in MY DOMAIN

He knew he had no place to argue with his God but he also realized The Manager was approaching this wrong, at least, in his own opinion. That thought itself brought in another wave of guilt that he couldn’t flush out but he had to speak up.

“The Manager, it’s okay,” no it wasn’t.

He would talk with them in private about this later, hopefully. For now, he had to go against all his morals and work with The Manager’s inevitable confusion. He just hoped his pleading eyes would convince them and avoid some burns from Proto.

*they’re turned to him. Not anger. Not pleading. Just a small smile.*

“Trust me.”

*they turned back to Proto.*

“Correct. This is your domain. And yes, by an evolutionary standpoint, you made him more adapt at doing what he needs to. But no dear. He’s not yours. A god doesn’t own a person.

“And you are not great. Not in the way you mean it. You’re young. And you’re allowed to make mistakes, but you have to understand there’s more to being a god than being bright and giving people who disobey burns.”

*they offered a hand to shake.*

My humans already like mee!

You can't have them!

*suddenly it reaches out and wraps a ribbon of light around Simon's arm, tugging him forward forcefully, the searing heat from its body digging into his skin as it tried to grip onto him.*

And I'm PLENTY great! Im... ffffffantastic!

You can go away now!

*she holds on much tighter than necessary to Simon's arm, backing away from The Manager's hand. She didn't really understand what they were offering, she was already doing just fine without them. Maybe they just wanted the humans for themselves, which was no good, because those are her funny little humans*

*she was working herself up again, body crackling with energy.*

“OH FUCK ME! WHAT THE FUCK GET THE FUCKOAFHHHHHHHHFWHATFUCKOWOOWOWOWHYHOLYSHIY!”

The thread ripped open on his cheek, sending more blood dripping down his face as his vocals shrieked at the top of his lungs. He tried to get away from the scorching heat to no avail, not daring to kick or punch in fear of injuring those parts of his body as well.

Agony shot where it held and he wanted to puke the little that he had in his stomach. Everything was spinning and his eyes, wide and frantic, could only watch as skin, fat, and muscle began to burn away as if it were a candle.

Oh god, he sorta needed that part of his body.

The agony at the direct site dulled in an instant as nerves were burnt to a crisp and the scent of cooked meat filled the room. Around the edges of the heat, further up his arm, the same sickening sensation continued. He would rather bash his head into a table than experience this.

At a certain point, he couldn’t look. He bit his lip until he tasted iron but that didn’t free him from the pain nor that

clunk!

As his arm hit the floor.

-P.A.

Simon nodded and got onto his knees and clasped his hands together. He shut his eyes and mentally began to call out to them. He knew they said not to pray to them like this but it was the only way that he knew how to call upon God.

*My lord in white, please hear my calls during this time of need. I have no right to ask for favors after you granted me with gifts beyond my imagination, but I’m worried this being may be a threat to your kingdom. I can specify more upon your arrival. I will forever be on debt.*

“Please just call me The Manager. Please.”

Holy shit he wasn't lying.

*in front of a manager looks to be a rather raggedy looking woman. She was wearing old bloodstained COI clothes, though now torn around the sleeves. Her hair was thin and brown, her face though... It was split down the middle by a large maw now closed, though her lower jaw split in half made the mutation more prominent.*

Simon’s clothes were stained in a similar fashion…just…way more extreme. His soaked sweater was thrown off to the side and where the blood puddle was previously was, was now began to coagulate. His pants, once grey, were a dark brownish-red. His skin was similar but much more clean but if you touched his hair, it looked like it would crunch.

Without his sweater, they could easily see new marks that decorated his skin. This ranged from doodle-like designs like waves wrapping around his bicep to a more subtle sigil spanning his torso with a sun-like design on his back.

When Simon had the confidence to lock eyes, they could see one of his irises had been altered into a star. God, he hated being looked at while he was like this. He wanted to curl into a ball.

“Well. This is something. Let’s get you both some clean clothes, alright? And maybe get those stitches out of your mouth. I promise you won’t die. I won’t let you. This won’t spread.

Woah waoh. I dont-

*she rubs her eyes, bumping into the back wall.*

You're actually!-

You!

Woah

He tried to keep his mouth moving the least that it could so the stitching wouldn’t be irritated or ripped apart. As a result, he was quieter and more muffled than normal.

He refused to make eye contact with The Manager and instead continued to scan around for any new information. He did shoot Aaron a glare for what he perceived as disrespect though.

*it looks between both The Manager and Simon, eyes wide in a sort of confused wonder.*

You can do that? Also the star, as far as I'm aware. Is some... God, but you... You're...

*they creep closer to the manager, her heart beating faster in her chest. Was this... really another real god? One that could help save everybody?*

He was a tad bit upset, sure, more baffled. Simon was familiar with doubt. He doubted his religion for years, but c’mon? You witness a sentient star who plays god and this is where you draw the line?

He shook his head to brush off the shock, “Alright…that’d be…nice. I’m sorry.”

God, it was hard to talk like this. He would be a horrible vanquilist.

*she cocks her head, puzzled*

You... can change your shape? Or... Is it an illusion of some sort?

*she started to tentatively reach out to touch them*

“Can we focus on what really matters, please?”

*they took Simon’s face on their hands and gently bang to take out the stitches.*

“You can’t be sewing your mouth closed. It’s not good for you.”

*and her hand burned wherever she touched the Manager, like just beneath he surface they were on fire.*

What are you doing?

That discomfort swung to panic and rage as the fire was lit. It exploded in his chest as he began to yell, ignoring the resistance the thread provided to his jaw.

“AARON, WHAT ARE YOU—“

Fire. Hot…when Aaron was…

Proto…fuck…that wasn’t Aaron.

His demeanor did a 360 as Simon shut his mouth and shot The Manager wide eyes. Whatdoeshedowhatdoeshedo?TheManagerdoesntevenknowthisissomeonedifferent.

“Proto…hi, uhm— Hi.”

“I am trying to stop him from being in pain.”

*they then turned back to Simon.*

“Hey. You’re alright. It’s alright. I’m here. You’re okay. We’ll figure this out.”

*their hands gave off a small light, but it wasn’t warmth this time. This time it was cold. Just a small bit of coolness.*

“You’re okay.”

*Aaron Proto starts to wave both her hands at Simon, smiling. While her body hadn't changed, Proto was much more expressive than Aaron. Jumping up and down on her heels.*

Did I trick you? Did I get you?

*from the Managers point of view, the woman who had initially been panicking... seemed to take one a much more spunky demeanor... up close there was also a different nonhuman energy surrounding her.*

“Haha, almost,” he sounded robotic. “I could tell it was you pretty quickly. What’cha doing around here?”

The timing of this couldn’t be worse. Dear god, how did he appease them both? He was fucked.

YET!

Can you teach meeeeeeee?

Possess that's like, taking control?

Suppose I kinda do that. But it always feels weird

*Aaron dropped to the ground, and up from her eye, a large blinding light started to crawl out, long tendrils reach out to grasp the floor before pulling out a larger bright entity that suddenly made the room blinding from its previously dim state*

*Aaron groaned from the floor as it tilted its glowing head at The Manager*

And he's not SCARED! He's my priest!

*it points a bright tendril at Simon*

He shot another tense smile, thread threatening to break with the expression, and nodded.

“That’s true. Yep.”

*their eyes adjusted automatically.*

“Also the difference between a priest and a follower.”

*The Manager got between Proto and Simon, like a teacher separating a fight between third graders.*

“And I mean I need to teach you those things now before you scare the living daylights out of anyone else. I’m sure you’re very powerful, and I’m sure you mean to be kind, but the man is terrified you’ll hurt him or turn him into a monster even more. And by monster I purely mean his own definition of one.

“But you’d never do something he wouldn’t want to be done to him, would you? Because you’re a god who actually listens and cares about the mental state of their followers instead of doing absolutely nothing and making me have to put you in a cage until you understand, like a dog that keeps biting people?

“You’d never violate someone’s bodily autonomy, would you?”

*she had been taken back by the Manager's words and more importantly their boldness*

*she could be bold to! She wasn't SCARED. They practically called her a liar. She thinks. And thats no fun! She also doesn't know what a dog is, and that was ALSO frustrating!*

*she straightens up, flaring her body out, the room becoming hotter, body crackling and popping from the heat.*

He's FINE!

I made him BETTER! He's MINE, and you cannot talk to me with such disrespect! I am a great god and I will not tolerate this in MY DOMAIN

He knew he had no place to argue with his God but he also realized The Manager was approaching this wrong, at least, in his own opinion. That thought itself brought in another wave of guilt that he couldn’t flush out but he had to speak up.

“The Manager, it’s okay,” no it wasn’t.

He would talk with them in private about this later, hopefully. For now, he had to go against all his morals and work with The Manager’s inevitable confusion. He just hoped his pleading eyes would convince them and avoid some burns from Proto.

-P.A.

Simon nodded and got onto his knees and clasped his hands together. He shut his eyes and mentally began to call out to them. He knew they said not to pray to them like this but it was the only way that he knew how to call upon God.

*My lord in white, please hear my calls during this time of need. I have no right to ask for favors after you granted me with gifts beyond my imagination, but I’m worried this being may be a threat to your kingdom. I can specify more upon your arrival. I will forever be on debt.*

“Please just call me The Manager. Please.”

Holy shit he wasn't lying.

*in front of a manager looks to be a rather raggedy looking woman. She was wearing old bloodstained COI clothes, though now torn around the sleeves. Her hair was thin and brown, her face though... It was split down the middle by a large maw now closed, though her lower jaw split in half made the mutation more prominent.*

Simon’s clothes were stained in a similar fashion…just…way more extreme. His soaked sweater was thrown off to the side and where the blood puddle was previously was, was now began to coagulate. His pants, once grey, were a dark brownish-red. His skin was similar but much more clean but if you touched his hair, it looked like it would crunch.

Without his sweater, they could easily see new marks that decorated his skin. This ranged from doodle-like designs like waves wrapping around his bicep to a more subtle sigil spanning his torso with a sun-like design on his back.

When Simon had the confidence to lock eyes, they could see one of his irises had been altered into a star. God, he hated being looked at while he was like this. He wanted to curl into a ball.

“Well. This is something. Let’s get you both some clean clothes, alright? And maybe get those stitches out of your mouth. I promise you won’t die. I won’t let you. This won’t spread.

Woah waoh. I dont-

*she rubs her eyes, bumping into the back wall.*

You're actually!-

You!

Woah

He tried to keep his mouth moving the least that it could so the stitching wouldn’t be irritated or ripped apart. As a result, he was quieter and more muffled than normal.

He refused to make eye contact with The Manager and instead continued to scan around for any new information. He did shoot Aaron a glare for what he perceived as disrespect though.

*it looks between both The Manager and Simon, eyes wide in a sort of confused wonder.*

You can do that? Also the star, as far as I'm aware. Is some... God, but you... You're...

*they creep closer to the manager, her heart beating faster in her chest. Was this... really another real god? One that could help save everybody?*

He was a tad bit upset, sure, more baffled. Simon was familiar with doubt. He doubted his religion for years, but c’mon? You witness a sentient star who plays god and this is where you draw the line?

He shook his head to brush off the shock, “Alright…that’d be…nice. I’m sorry.”

God, it was hard to talk like this. He would be a horrible vanquilist.

*she cocks her head, puzzled*

You... can change your shape? Or... Is it an illusion of some sort?

*she started to tentatively reach out to touch them*

“Can we focus on what really matters, please?”

*they took Simon’s face on their hands and gently bang to take out the stitches.*

“You can’t be sewing your mouth closed. It’s not good for you.”

*and her hand burned wherever she touched the Manager, like just beneath he surface they were on fire.*

What are you doing?

That discomfort swung to panic and rage as the fire was lit. It exploded in his chest as he began to yell, ignoring the resistance the thread provided to his jaw.

“AARON, WHAT ARE YOU—“

Fire. Hot…when Aaron was…

Proto…fuck…that wasn’t Aaron.

His demeanor did a 360 as Simon shut his mouth and shot The Manager wide eyes. Whatdoeshedowhatdoeshedo?TheManagerdoesntevenknowthisissomeonedifferent.

“Proto…hi, uhm— Hi.”

“I am trying to stop him from being in pain.”

*they then turned back to Simon.*

“Hey. You’re alright. It’s alright. I’m here. You’re okay. We’ll figure this out.”

*their hands gave off a small light, but it wasn’t warmth this time. This time it was cold. Just a small bit of coolness.*

“You’re okay.”

*Aaron Proto starts to wave both her hands at Simon, smiling. While her body hadn't changed, Proto was much more expressive than Aaron. Jumping up and down on her heels.*

Did I trick you? Did I get you?

*from the Managers point of view, the woman who had initially been panicking... seemed to take one a much more spunky demeanor... up close there was also a different nonhuman energy surrounding her.*

“Haha, almost,” he sounded robotic. “I could tell it was you pretty quickly. What’cha doing around here?”

The timing of this couldn’t be worse. Dear god, how did he appease them both? He was fucked.

YET!

Can you teach meeeeeeee?

Possess that's like, taking control?

Suppose I kinda do that. But it always feels weird

*Aaron dropped to the ground, and up from her eye, a large blinding light started to crawl out, long tendrils reach out to grasp the floor before pulling out a larger bright entity that suddenly made the room blinding from its previously dim state*

*Aaron groaned from the floor as it tilted its glowing head at The Manager*

And he's not SCARED! He's my priest!

*it points a bright tendril at Simon*

He shot another tense smile, thread threatening to break with the expression, and nodded.

“That’s true. Yep.”

-P.A.

Simon nodded and got onto his knees and clasped his hands together. He shut his eyes and mentally began to call out to them. He knew they said not to pray to them like this but it was the only way that he knew how to call upon God.

*My lord in white, please hear my calls during this time of need. I have no right to ask for favors after you granted me with gifts beyond my imagination, but I’m worried this being may be a threat to your kingdom. I can specify more upon your arrival. I will forever be on debt.*

“Please just call me The Manager. Please.”

Holy shit he wasn't lying.

*in front of a manager looks to be a rather raggedy looking woman. She was wearing old bloodstained COI clothes, though now torn around the sleeves. Her hair was thin and brown, her face though... It was split down the middle by a large maw now closed, though her lower jaw split in half made the mutation more prominent.*

Simon’s clothes were stained in a similar fashion…just…way more extreme. His soaked sweater was thrown off to the side and where the blood puddle was previously was, was now began to coagulate. His pants, once grey, were a dark brownish-red. His skin was similar but much more clean but if you touched his hair, it looked like it would crunch.

Without his sweater, they could easily see new marks that decorated his skin. This ranged from doodle-like designs like waves wrapping around his bicep to a more subtle sigil spanning his torso with a sun-like design on his back.

When Simon had the confidence to lock eyes, they could see one of his irises had been altered into a star. God, he hated being looked at while he was like this. He wanted to curl into a ball.

“Well. This is something. Let’s get you both some clean clothes, alright? And maybe get those stitches out of your mouth. I promise you won’t die. I won’t let you. This won’t spread.

Woah waoh. I dont-

*she rubs her eyes, bumping into the back wall.*

You're actually!-

You!

Woah

He tried to keep his mouth moving the least that it could so the stitching wouldn’t be irritated or ripped apart. As a result, he was quieter and more muffled than normal.

He refused to make eye contact with The Manager and instead continued to scan around for any new information. He did shoot Aaron a glare for what he perceived as disrespect though.

*it looks between both The Manager and Simon, eyes wide in a sort of confused wonder.*

You can do that? Also the star, as far as I'm aware. Is some... God, but you... You're...

*they creep closer to the manager, her heart beating faster in her chest. Was this... really another real god? One that could help save everybody?*

He was a tad bit upset, sure, more baffled. Simon was familiar with doubt. He doubted his religion for years, but c’mon? You witness a sentient star who plays god and this is where you draw the line?

He shook his head to brush off the shock, “Alright…that’d be…nice. I’m sorry.”

God, it was hard to talk like this. He would be a horrible vanquilist.

*she cocks her head, puzzled*

You... can change your shape? Or... Is it an illusion of some sort?

*she started to tentatively reach out to touch them*