prismatica | text; un: adversary

Oh. Hey there.

[ the voice that drifts through the communicators defies description. it is venus's voice, and it is not; like a young tenor, barrel-aged since the beginning of time and only just coming into its own. it sounds like fresh hookah and tastes like music. it's like static and honey, gently sifting out of electronic speakers. ]

This place... [ a sigh. ] It's beautiful, isn't it? A thousand thousands, living their own truths. It's flawed, and uncut, and cracked down the edges. It's the most beautiful, wonderful gem I've seen.

[ for a few seconds, the recording stays silent. all that remains is the background noise of lunatia: voices trickling up from the streets. the whirr of machinery and the hum of crystals. ]

There are hundreds of you, and I know so few. [ there's something ancient in her words. deep, old, sad. ] So while there's still time... Tell me. Remind me of your name. Let me see your face so I never forget it again.

[ an exhale, long and smooth. ]

And if you're hurting, or lonely, or you've forgotten too... Find me. I'm waiting. I'll always wait for you.

[ there's a soft laugh, barely audible - a fond exhalation more than anything voiced. ]

Until then, my darling.

[ the recording clicks off. ]

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Um, Venus-han? Are you alright?

[ That is Venus, right? There something awe-inspiring, sad, and frighteningly powerful in her presence. She got the same chills from the brief appearance of the Lifemaker. ]

Oh, Konoka... I've missed you, darling.

[ there is something inhuman in her voice. not cruel, or cold, or anything like that - simply something beyond humanity. still, the soft giggle (like honey that could melt ice with its heat) is at least a little familiar. ]

I... don't think I'll be making it to work today. [ was she scheduled, on this day, so long ago...? yes, she believes she was. ] I have so little time, and there are so many people to see...

Uhh...?

[ There's so much to unpack here... Konoka figures she might just have to dump the whole suitcase open. She was missed? This voice was way too strong to be just Venus. ]

Okay...?

[ And apparently, to be called "The Adversary" seemed contrary to the usual handle she'd seen Venus with. What was going on? ]

[ a small, fond chuckle - barely picked up by the microphone, more of a smile than a laugh, but fond nonetheless. ]

You have questions. [ it's an observation of fact. ] I'm here as long as you want to ask.

Uh, where do I even start?

[ Venus could probably imagine the blank smile on Konoka's face that shows up when she's confused. ]

I might have to say... who are you now?

I am Venus. And... I'm not. [ coming from anyone else, it might sound evasive. here, it's simply the truth. ] Some know me as Satan. Others, Nachash. Call me whatever you want to.

Uh. Satan?

As in... Judeo-Christian Satan?

[ She attempted to set apart the stuff in the figurative suitcase, only to encounter a whole second suitcase. ]

Then uh... how are you Venus and not Venus at the same time? Soul fragment? Magic?

Christian. [ her voice is kind as it offers a correction, but no further details are offered. ] And... yes. We are one and the same.

[ sorry, konoka. you're just gonna keep finding suitcases. most of them are labeled "theology" and a few say "venus what the shit." ]

Maybe... yes, it'll do. Think of it like this. [ a pause, for emphasis. ] I was Venus once. I am what Venus may become, one day. And I am still her, her memories, and her loves, and her tears. But she is not me yet. And by being in this place, she is already someone new.

[ venus that doesn't explain anything!!! ]

Right.

[ Konoka wasn't a big religion buff, she'd take her word over anything she knew so far. But still. Satan of all things, despite her not being religious. And well... her answer answered... something, just not the question Konoka asked. Which in and of itself, was just another suitcase to unpack. Thanks Satan. ]

Wow, okay. Um, do you know what life decisions Venus made... or has to make to become... you?

[ No wait, of course Satan knows! Better question. ]

Wait, I mean, would it be good to know those decisions?

...do you want to hear them?

[ there is no judgment in her voice. ]

I...

yes.

[ Exposed so plainly. Konoka almost feels like she was a child with their hand caught in the cookie jar. ]

[ it's okay. a lot of people feel that way when talking to celestial beings, probably. ]

Then I will tell you what I can. [ she doesn't elaborate on what might be holding her back, of course. ] She rebels against God and the world. She chooses to show others the world they might be capable of. She brings Hell to Earth, for a few beautiful moments.

[ ... ]

The weight of gravity proves too much. The radios are torn down. The world enforces its laws. And rather than allow paradise to be lost, she takes it beyond the event horizon. And from inside...

...but there is so much to go, and I don't want to confuse you. [ her voice carries no reproach. she knows what it must sound like. ]

[ That... still doesn't really explain anything, except give her another suitcase. The Matroyshka of issues just never ends.

But she has the general idea: Venus was downtrodden, her world was not kind. It's a dangerous mindset to have, sure, but she has a feeling that Prisma isn't like that, so that threat doesn't exist here.

She'll leave it at that. ]

I see.

Yeah, thanks. I think I'll go lie down now.

[ Before she finds another suitcase. ]

Sleep well, Konoka.

[ so fond, she is. so loving. so kind. ]

She'll be back for you tomorrow.

text; un: adversary

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