A most disarming experience

[vamptired]

[Standing in a canvas of almost blinding white, Louis wonders if he was perhaps slain in his sleep.

Such should be his fate. He never expected to regain consciousness again. And if he's without his purifier mask, exposing his face save for the frame coating the outline of his jaw, it would only make sense that his ego be thrust into itself before turning to ash. However, it's far too empty and bright here.

Brow knitted in confusion, Louis wanders the seemingly limitless expanse of white with slow, hesitant steps. Before long, he spots something—or, rather, someone—a ways ahead and grinds to a halt.]

Who . . . ?

Comments

[disarmony]

Can't say it does. But then again, I don't think the word "daemon" is going to mean much to you, either.

[ She tilts her head, slowly. ]

No longer human, huh? Was that a choice or a circumstance?

[vamptired]

. . . The circumstances were dire. Many of us had already lost our lives when the choice was made for us.

[disarmony]

Mm. And how was the choice made?

[vamptired]

Before I answer that, are you familiar with horrors?

[disarmony]

... Let's just assume I'm not, if what you're referring to isn't like-- werewolves, monsters, and the like.

[vamptired]

. . . I can't say for certain, but maybe there's a difference.

Simply put, revenants were created from the corpses of the fallen to protect humanity's survivors against horrors. Our purpose shifted following an incident that led to our current situation, but . . . as for me, I awakened as a revenant long after these events.

[disarmony]

... So you were human, died, arose to become this... revenant, but the purpose had changed from protecting what was left of humanity. Do I have that right?

[ She could sound dubious, but it's not as though she hasn't encountered stranger. ]

[vamptired]

[He nods. She's got it in one.]

I understand how difficult it is to believe if you've never heard of revenants before, but it's the truth.

[Speaking of that which they've never heard . . . ]

Can I ask what a daemon is?

[disarmony]

It's a creature-- well, no, it could be anything overwhelmed by malevolence. In my case, I was turned into a therion-- a daemon that devours other daemons for strength.

I'm hardly in the position to judge anyone for a wild tale.

[vamptired]

A daemon that devours other daemons . . .

[If he replaces a few keywords, it becomes understandable enough—though that's probably arrogant of him to think so.]

Then I believe we're both telling the truth. You seem very calm, though.

[disarmony]

I can still tell we're asleep, my brother included. As long as he's safe, that's all that matters.

... Though I'd also rather make sure this isn't a new and permanent arrangement.

[vamptired]

. . . If you don't mind my asking, why is it important for you and your brother to remain asleep?

[disarmony]

[ super, super dryly-- ]

World peace.