002. Voice.

[enigmaestro]

[There's an idleness in his tone, something hinging between cruel amusement and an even more subtle, repressed frustration.]

The reverse of sun, spoken in stutter.

Too literal?

How about this: take it from another and you'll be the poorer for it.

Any takers? I imagine not, I'm always my own greatest company when it comes to these things. Loss, of course. Loss. We've all suffered it -- some more than others naturally, and how lucky for them. But especially here, especially in this world, loss seems more profound wouldn't you say? Especially where people are concerned. And yes, I am anticipating most would consider that their greatest loss. People.

Comments

[enigmaestro]

And some are dehumanized before that return. Could anyone be considered the same, after an experience like that?

I'm used to corpses resuming their typicality without the deranged transition.

[brat_from_hell]

That assumes they remember what happened in between their death and their return. And most major experiences change people, anyhow.

[enigmaestro]

No, no, you misunderstand. It isn't the victims we're discussing. It's the observers. The ones who are at loss, having lost their companions.

Shall I phrase it in a more accessible way? Would you be unmoved if you saw your mother as some flesh-devouring slug freak?

[brat_from_hell]

I'd be surprised, considering that her own magic was powerful enough to work against her and trap her in another dimension.

[enigmaestro]

[A beat. Goodness!]

Well, impressive genetics aside, it's all theoretical anyway, isn't it?

[brat_from_hell]

What if it's not?

[enigmaestro]

Would you rather it be concrete? I'm not adverse to the gauging.

[brat_from_hell]

It can be whatever you like. It's your NV post, after all, mister.