Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

     Stanley glared idly at the lights above the chair in his office, eyes of it bore into him, alongside the ever so slight hum of electricity clear in the air as a constant drone that'd only be heard if you really paid attention, or maybe he was just bored enough to notice it this time around?

No matter, he'd known well what'd happen next, and then over and over and over. 

Well that wasn't to say he was fully aware of everything that goes on, of course Stanley wouldn't know every nook and cranny of the parable off by heart but he knew enough that his own office stayed a burned image in his head, and not even exactly from all his years spent working in it.. really wasn't the most notable part of life to him back then.

Either way he shifted in his chair again with a light creak and a slight swivel as he did so. It was a bit odd to not hear the Narrator's voice for a while as long as this, somehow, concerningly so, usually Stanley'd get up by now or the man would have something to say. 'Suppose today wasn't that day, maybe one unlike any other, who really knew what could be the reason. He glared idly at his computer, the little green light as his point of interest.. and it stared, blink, blink, blink, looking directly at him in a sense..

Blink, blink, blink...

...Blink, blink.....

He had to get up.

Pushing down a sigh Stanley readied himself, lightly leaning backwards he begrudgingly stepped up and out of his chair, turning to his side and grabbing the cold door handle he braced himself for that ever so familiar ear-grating voice to bless his presence. 

and just like clockwork it rang out as per usual;

" All of his co-workers were gone, what could it mean? " 

Stanley stared forwards blankly in reply. What good was telling a story told a million times before, it gets repetitive, memorable. He gets the picture, so why bother? Still, even he had enough common sense to know he had only two options; do something, or do nothing, and as they say a day spent doing nothing is the same as a day spent doing something, or well, would that apply in this situation? more than likely not - sit in his office.. or do things, whether he listens or not is up to him however... regardless, it's time to get up and go. 

stepping out the door and onto the carpet familiar commentary droned on, 

   " Stanley decided to go to the meeting room; perhaps he had simply missed a memo. "

Pushing down his grievances Stanley walked forward across the oh-so familiar office, taking into account all the empty computers and desks splayed across the room that you'd think Stanley would be able to note the position of just by the notating number on each desk at this point with the amount of times he's seen them.

Turning where needed Stanley felt the familiar feeling of rearing up near those two basic yet fateful doors, all the while never truly fleeting it was a fateful moment regardless.

     " When Stanley came to a set of two open doors, he entered the door on his left. " 

Not today he wouldn't!

" This was not the correct way to the meeting room, and Stanley knew that perfectly well. " 

         " perhaps he wanted to stop by the employee lounge first. Just to admire it. "

Stanley took a turn to his right, hand on the wall all the while heading through as per usual knowing all well he'd get the same usual babble from the narrator after turning corners through the hall and then sitting in the room itself.

      " Ah, yes. Truly a room worth admiring. "

    " It had really been worth the detour after all, just to spend a few moments here in this immaculate, beautifully-constructed room. "

      " Stanley simply stood here, 

                               drinking it all in. "

Yeah, yeah, every time. 

He stood around for a second out of spite, y'know it really was a nice looking room.. well painted walls and lovely decoration! The atmosphere was truly something immaculate - It was sort of endearing!- 

  " Yes! Really, really worth it being here in the room. "

"A room so utterly captivating that, even though all your co-workers have mysteriously vanished, here you sit looking at these chairs and some paintings. Really worth it. "

....

It's been said a million times before, cut some slack off here 

...does he even know it's been said a million times before? - not the time, but take a moment for once ! Stanley stood there for a second, not even in annoyance but just melancholy at the need to just 'get on with it!' The Narrator always seemed to have for whatever reason, why couldn't he just take in this room like he could huh? what's his issue, really!

See now that's what'd make this story better.. is if he'd listen to me 

if it was a bit more about what I'd want to do, not just what he wants. 

"..."

Yeah, that'd do it, an interesting storyline about w-

   " Now Stanley I feel my badgering of you won't get you to leave this room now will it? " 

Stanley halted a little, that was new. Would such wishes come true ? - probably not, but hope is important,  

   " Well I'll turn my thinking around for now, anyways, I'll ask you again without my other thoughts on the matter and see if it makes a change in you. "  The Narrator spoke briskly though steadily

Oh this felt weird, but it was nice to hear him say something else for a change - definitely new to say the least, but the bare minimum of non-condescension wouldn't get you far you know.. 

 " Stanley moved forward past the lounge to get back on track. " The Narrator rung out once more,

Well, this'd be more entertaining at least, more options though it may not do much. Throughout his long while in the Parable Stanley found it's a bit of a gamble that anything truly unexpected would happen, be it some slight visual difference or anything The Narrator would say that doesn't feel so repeated or looping, so its better to take that chance when it happens right ? don't leave a road unfollowed ?

Stanley quietly agreed with The Narrator, silently scheming his own ideas all the while, stepping forward and out the lounge with a slight sense of victory over the Parable itself, even if it's not exactly 100% against him in reality. 

  " But eager to get back to business, Stanley took the first open door on his left." expectantly speaking, The Narrator spoke in a slightly hopeful tone aside the usual drone. 

Though much to his dismay by now opening the avenue there may be more important reactions to discover, Stanley would say 'sorry' if it mattered, for getting a rise out of the man - though even he knew he wasn't really all that sorry about it  really sorry for disobeying,

So about those directions..

Swiftly heading around with deliberate movements Stanley knew exactly what he was doing - if The Narrator would act like nothing is up this time around and provide his well-versed lines he'd make sure that the things said won't stay on track for long, just enough that it's entertaining really, for him maybe.. not so sure about that familiar starman up in the sky but that's not his issue at the current moment.

As the door to the maintenance room automatically shut behind him giving way to a very light slam Stanley looked around, the papers of the floor and the desks surrounding remain all too memorable. 

" Stanley was so bad at following directions, it's incredible he wasn't fired years ago. " usual lines drove on though a larger hint of irritation sounds, different to anytime really - it was something to listen to, he says the same things but you can point out that irritated difference at times. Keeps things fresh in a way, while using that word leniently. 

but, he's just so bad at following directions apparently.. If only he'd still have those commands telling him what buttons to click..

oh wait.. 

Regardless, now wasn't the time to lament, his co-workers were gone, he wasn't given commands anymore (though still technically speaking is) and he didn't know who was at fault for it, assumptions and assumptions though all he had were suspicions and all know too well that those won't get you far. Maybe things were for the better this way but that wasn't anything to think about at all.. he needed a different line of thought - no need for this useless one, after all the only thing he could do was think and keep thinking.

so, he might take a little break, why not? think some different things over! Not quite searching for a specific outcome but a new one was what he needed, and so he'd take his sweet precious time to do exactly that - as long as it would take he'd try his very hardest. 

Stepping down and out of room A4 with a reignited sense of purpose Stanley slowly took the steps down to the platform hearing the usual sound of the door clicking closed behind him. The scent of concrete and dust clung heavy in the air as he walked over to the wired fence above the cargo hold, looking down and over it all into the vast array of shelves and shipments. 

" Stanley do you just disrupt the story to annoy me? Is that it? " The Narrator spoke suddenly in a frustrated tone,

Well, partially, the Narrator should've come to the conclusion of free will existing far before he had, following along him, but alas here he is, listening to an unavoidable tangent, not that he minded at least it was something to do after all, even if it was the same sorry topic it did feel a bit different, as Stanley continued pondering to himself the voice continued on, 

" What is so wrong with following the rules time to time! It's abhorrent what you do, door to door room to room and it's never the correct one.. see I'd like to show you something amazing but you don't really listen to me. " a tinge of sad disappointment on that last one, 

Shocking, really.. maybe if it wouldn't be tasteless remarks and barked commands all the time, 

talk about anything else, make some kind of effort will you? not the time to actually be taking his words to heart.. he'd have to remind himself to just listen instead. 

Stanley then took a deep breath and just kept looking out over the hold, eyes flicking over item to item as he awaited the next idea to come to him, knowing his last of getting some kind of new information had been completed - though it was irritating that this was the way it had happened.

" Oh why do I bother.. you just stand there like you don't know anything.. " 

a pensive lace to his words

Give a guy a break once and a while! having a bit too much time to think over things and too little to think over doesn't create the best match in a man's head.

and you know all that's going on more than likely.. omnipotent thing you are it's not out the picture that you're keeping information hidden away.

and in a rush of a frustrated exclamation, 

     " You know what..! " 

The Narrator yelps

suddenly the rustling of papers and light grumbling sounded as Stanley turned his head upwards in ever so slight interest. 

" Stanley was so brain-dead he'd rather waste his time looking off into some empty warehouse than actually do something of importance..!  "

That was unnecessary,

And a bit rude to be honest. 

" This issue was probably the reason Stanley's co-workers hated him. They'd all gone into hiding the second the slightest idea of Stanley leaving his office would come up. "

" He was just so useless at what he did they'd loathe his presence out of fear that it'd catch on! " 

Stanley leaned further onto the fence in annoyance, nothing he could do about it after all so he just closed his eyes and tried his best to tune out The Narrator's mocking voice, at least he was up and talking like a normal person instead of reading off some kind of script, find the positive in things - that's how you make it in this kind of average existence he assumed. 

Stanley seemed to drift off lightly, not to sleep but to a sort of conscious unawareness 

and from another angle a different perspective shines alight,

[.....]

a strange atmosphere and an almost industrial smell of wood chips, dust, metal framing and boxes

where in the lands...

[ where were they? ] 

they thought to themselves, with a thin but furred body slouched between two thick boxes, not much recollection of this area nor how their presumed arrival even occurred, skittering ever so slightly their hands drawn close onto the metal edge of a platform, looking down and at odd shelved structures a white light pouring in from tall and sleek windows. 

Taking another slight glance around it noticed the items in the environment were all packed together, as if to store something,  the cardboard boxes near it made the tiny spot they were in almost claustrophobic, they rest observing on the second to highest layer of a stacked platform. Familiar to strange environments though never unknowing of how they reached it, such heights weren't much of a challenge in regular cases, an unfamiliar landscape however drives a disadvantage to those pacifist, those who want you then know the intricacies of which you may not.. 

the fact this is a surviving disadvantage for them comes to view very clearly. 

Saint glanced around for yet another breakdown of the resting items before it, strategy would be needed as a call to survival in this case and as much information understood as far as its capacity could handle,  to eye out any dangers as well would have to be a factor wagered into the calculated issue. 

 Other shelves lay to the side in rows not quite symmetrical, a metallic bridge lay across the open air with a turn in its side midway through - a grated plating linking the metal framing alongside two smaller shelves visually shone to a bright yellow platform that rest open and ready to move assuming mechanically. 

quickly diverting their view over to another location, a gray concrete structure of a similar ilk to the walls - intricate items on it and familiar shelves, thinking back to previous arrangements in land another assumed room lay upon the top, or an enclosure of some kind.. not to mention a suddenly striking figure - something of much more importance to consider 

a creature at rest upon a chain-linked fence, looking rather adrift, unknowing of its capabilities they'd have to remain vigilant to what may take place and move with utmost care however all the while considering an outcome carefully.. their mission always may remain unfinished until the very end of it all, so they must complete it with resolve, although in a strategic manor.

They would be the one to show this mysterious creature the light, more so the bright flicker marking the true end of its shine, that was its purpose and the mission that the cycle itself lay bare upon the martyr such as them - and so with care they must show this animal a truth for which they instinctually long for. 

They would lay their intention hidden for the moment to keep risk low, as gaining more knowledge about this animal would prove beneficial to their steady survival, to know of the risks was something to take into consideration here, a very situational predicament though nevertheless the more important and overarching task is to continue working.  

Furthermore, looking to the side, Saint climbed atop the cardboard box to its left with one paw gripping onto it at a time - calculated movements leaving a slight indent into the box in the process, eventually crouching down with the sound of a slight brush of fur against card material, raising their haunches, readying, they leaned down and sent movement forward, leapt gracefully eventually reaching the top of the next cardboard box slightly lower to it though on the next, noticeably smaller, shelf over. 

carefully planning, they look ever so slightly forwards to see a flimsy though supporting wooden path constructed sloppily connecting their shelf to the desired wooden platform.

As an easier path for exploration, they, in quick thinking, began moving forwards slowly and carefully with the quietest of creaks sounding from the wood, their body weighing it down though not enough to be much of a cause for concern, simultaneously thinking and planning of what may happen and the many possibilities alongside outcomes of this future interaction of theirs. 

its eyes fixated on the creature strongly and with resolve as it continued thinking, moving step by step holding their body lowered to the chipped wooden platforms calmly

were it to come and predate them they knew they held no regrets in that temporary finality, though attempting to prevent this outcome from occurring is a given, evermore the end shall entail freeing them of the cycle once and for all - nonetheless Saint held no remorse or hatred for those predating, for all were ones lost in a repeated, eternally weaving pattern that they would save these poor beasts from, as much as it may take as a martyr it was their purpose - their duty. 

it reared its head closer above the concrete edge as it climbed up, 

      ..What in the world!?

Opening his eyes before Stanley stared the last thing he'd expect to see..

he backed up a bit in awe, shocked by the appearance of some.. green animal just idly glancing at him - were its eyes even open !? what was this thing exactly?

curse him for eating his own words, this was something new but not something he expected! nor that he quite understands to be entirely honest.. 

      Was this a trick of some sort? 

            What is that thing.. some sort of cat-like appearance but it's obviously not..

                                  It was pretty small, only around 90-ish centimeters but seeing an animal of any kind? In the office? and not only that, one unrecognisable to the common eye?... what in the world could possibly be happening, there's been no commentary..? Does he have anything to do with this - no, he would've said something, though.. on another hand there's always the avenue of him just playing some kind of cheap trick - but can he do such a thing - no need for this! there's a now and there's a time for thinking, more pressing issues face its eyes right into him. 

  Stanley looked up to the ceiling hopefully signaling the Narrator something, a last ditch effort really, well, he never actually knew where the Narrator was or what he was, best assumption being he's omnipresent though watching from above somehow, or security cameras by chance.. you'd never know.. hmm..

This was no time to let his mind wander, there was an animal! And it was looking at him! Oh this was so confusing to see..!

[....]

It was afraid, quick-paced in its reactions and skittish in them as well

 interesting to say the least - so tall yet afraid, is it aware?

regardless of intricacies in behaviour this animal seemed no more a threat than simple prey or regular predators, it didn't seem of much concern in a larger scheme. 

They would then draw closer, one paw in front of the other before standing up straight, looking up and right into its eyes - to see what it would do.

Examine the reaction.

[Don't be afraid, I'm here to help you.] 

They thought, aware of the fact were they were yet to have given calls or yowls and even so there'd be a glaring language barrier between the two, assumed to be that is they they continued talking of their promises hoping freedom and relinquishment from the chains of a never-ending cycle. 

[I will free you of the eternal toil for which you suffer, I am your salvation.]

They readied themselves to open their eyes and release upon them their gift, to free this animal from its constriction of eternal return. 

[You'll be free.] 

Stanley stared down at the creature as it looked right back up to it, like some kind of cat... Maybe it's just some odd breed - too non-typical for that..

.. maybe more rodent-like, long green fur and some weird weird markings on its forehead a fact was this thing was nothing like Stanley'd ever known of no matter how much he's try to piece it all together! 

It was a bit, strange but he'd push through that. It was small and didn't seem like it'd pose much of a threat, so he could at least take the chance to do something he hadn't felt in far too long or questionably ever.. something important that he doesn't typically get the chance to do so, standing a staple for his existence in the parable, 

   taking a few tiny and uneasy steps, Stanley leaned down to the creature, getting on one knee and shifting forwards his hand to the animal's head, lowering it slightly and with care onto, while slowly feeling its slightly matted yet coarse fur, he felt himself ease a little at the lack of attack, gaining a slight bit more confidence in his movements - petting it faster and with mor fervour as he did so.

This thing was sort of cute when you looked at for a little while.. though strange it was something, hopefully explainable! 

It looked back up towards him, a bit confused with those questionably closed eyes that it had. Stanley examined it a bit, weird looking thing but it was pretty interesting all the while, wondering further just about its general nature, not taking much of that attention off of it as it seemed to look right at him, seemingly wondering what exactly he was doing, kind of cute!

All of a sudden, the shuffling of papers against each other sounds the area.

Alerting the animal, it looked around quickly, attempting to decipher exactly where the sound had come from all the while Stanley's hand rest upon its head - of course.. perfect timing would you care to have picked any other time to act a bit different or comment on things? But of course.. right now, of all times, ' nothing good lasts forever '. 

    " Oh Stanley there's been some mistake here,  no, that thing.. it's not meant to be here at all ! " 

It had seemed strange obviously concerning its current and sudden appearance though he supposed whatever claim he's making might be useful as information that this wasn't in fact The Narrator's doing, a good confirmation.. nicely done, 

Though he worriedly pet it further as the animal seemed to calm slightly, listening with its ears pointing as the dialogue continued onwards

    " What even..what is it? How'd it get here?" he took a light pause,

              " Stanley what'd you do exactly...? "

..what did he do? in either case The Narrator was panicking at whatever's going on, don't pay too much attention but don't pay too little huh.. intricate balance, it may just work. 

[...]

it looked, unmoving though with much concern to what was going on, there was a job to be done

[ That's sufficient. ] 

distractions are of no need for this - some kind of communication and this animal's odd action, it will not stay diverted much longer. 

they readied their body once more, an ever so familiar feeling of sacrifice yet release for those bestowed, 

[ Please, beast, do not fear your fate ]

a loud pang sounds

eyes shot open in bright and flashing colours, raised off the ground a familiar symbol shows and paints the sky in movement, aiming right above it,

time draws closer and closer, fate intertwines with action and it'll all come to that one moment of finality - a halt. 

[ you'll be free ] 

shifitng closer and closer. leering over to it, a soft glow on the face of their fateful recipient as they prepared to absolve it of its fate once and for all. 

   " Oh to hell with it! Why must everything want to make a mockery of my story.. "

The creature below looked somewhat glad through their naturally troubled expression and fidgeting to hear that other.. 'thing's' voice, just what exactly was happening here?

are you to interfere..? 

[ what was that.. thing talking about?..]

They watched intently, ears drawing back slightly alongside a subtle feeling of dread growing.. 

" Fine, I can't remove this thing Stanley, seems we have more problems with the parable than we thought, to hell with it!. "

hey, hold on! - WAIT JUST ONE SECOND WHAT'S GOING O-

        " Alright then, reset! " 

THE END IS NEVER THE END IS NEVER TH-

Chapter Text

...

Right back where he started..
Staring entirely blankly just in shock at the events that had just occurred Stanley couldn't do anything but focus on that desk of his in speculation - the familiar green blinking light
continuing just going on and on, more so on and off in reality, - regardless.. Blink.. Blink.. Blink it repeated… What’d happened last time in reality? - the intricacies of it?
He had run into some little strange animal that began.. floating of all things - some occult symbol with it just, glowing! Right there! With its, bright, oh-so-bright eyes, fixed threatening something, a slight lingering sense of assumed dread that Stanley just couldn’t put his finger on what the feeling really was entirely, a sense of anxiety and.. joy all-alike, one he'd never want to feel again - terrifying in nature but a slight soft comfort from the glow of that circle above him in a way that seemed to not be able to warm his frigid nerves at the moment despite making him feel like it would.. it was a strange contrast and sharp with anxiety all the while. It was a feeling like no other; one of true terror of something but oddly just.. What was that something? And why did that terror have an edge of relief to it? - he needed answers in general to what had been going on regardless.. and if he had to dig to find some he'd do so! 

There’s no chance this strange event happened by some freak accident right?  There has to be more to this case..

Possibly some merit, pre-planned event - no.. The Narrator had seemed puzzled about it last time, so it wasn't planned by him, or some screwup that caused the Parable to have some issue or anything similar of the like. Did the Parable itself slip up? ..how would it have slipped up, he needed rhyme or reason.. something, anything, of an explanation was all that Stanley longed for at this rate, focus shifted from previous event to the next - what to do..  

  before suddenly, an interruption brought Stanley out of his trance “ The clocks a-ticking Stanley.. Are you going to brood in that office forever? “ 

The Narrator rung out coldly yet playfully

Yes yes, him, almost forgot.. almost. Stanley supposed he should get a move-on either way, even if just to think for a little, considering the recent events partaken he could use this to his advantage, getting some new information by thinking alongside devising a plan, a little time to think to himself was what he needed, he recalled a place to wind down for a while and and excitement brought forth his exact idea to get there, and he would in due time use such a path wisely. 

Lifting off his chair with a hissing creak, shifting his attention to the subtle buzz of electricity in the light and the sound of his footsteps on the carpet, readying to rush out Stanley swung the door open further than he'd done before with a light bang- a reignited sense of adrenaline heading out with a new air of confidence and interest in discovering the intricacies of this mystery. 

 “ All of his co-workers were gone, what could it mean? “ 

Stanley knew exactly where to go, no need for idle chatter or direction! 

“ He decided to- Wha!? Hey! “ The Narrator exclaimed, interrupted in his speech held an offended tone

Stanley rushed forward, sprinting even throughout the office, hand on the edge of desks to propel himself forward as his pace quickened, breathing following suit. He leaned a quick turn near the window, almost knocking himself into the file cabinets out of his sheer recklessness, carpeted flooring keeping him more stable than anywhere else would. 

 “Stanley!” The Narrator shouted,

  Not too far from here he could think ! Now this was an interesting mystery to lighten up his fruitless days of just following or not following orders repeat after repeat… mistakes, screw-ups, something, anything unexpected in the Parable! That was a great interest - come on! 

 “ STANLEY! I am talking to you! Quit running this instant! “ 

Exclaiming sharply with a heightened tone,

…

Quickly turning his head at the sound, flinching in realisation, futile the exclamation, it wouldn't be stopping Stanley anytime soon, not to mention he'd gotten so worked up over finding out more about this mystery that he'd tuned out The Narrator's presence almost entirely this time around - good! Well as he was, Stanley was in quite a giddy mood due to this new information and all the ideas rushing to him, nothing The Narrator could do or say could stop that rush of excitement surging through him at this point. Ready to discover all he could at the drop of a hat! Nothing would slow his pace.. except perhaps that running of his now becoming tiring.

 Slowing down out of the natural consequence of his sprint, he thought back to his goal instead of the physical state of exhaustion derived from dodging cabinets running like a madman- he was going to recollect his thoughts, theorise and formulate something true and reasonable.. and in such he knew exactly where he wanted to go.. just a little slower this time! 

 " Well, seems you’ve finally managed to stop tumbling around the office like an idiot and listen to me, “ 

The Narrator comments, ever so slightly irritated

  “ I’ll have you know I find it quite rude what a rush you’re in! “ he tacks on,

           Oh, you poor soul.. ‘Couldn’t even imagine getting interrupted by someone in the middle of doing something of importance.. How hard it must be for you to be cut short a line or two! 

Without paying much attention Stanley unknowingly found his pace slowing gradually, eventually walking - panting lightly.

  “ Well now that I’ve gotten your attention, Ahem, he decided to check the meeting room- ”

 …yeah?

Stanley stared upwards with a smug expression on his face, knowing well what he had planned to do.

   “ . . . “

“ Oh, why bother? You clearly have a set intention, so enlighten me, Stanley, what could you possibly be so excited about that it’d cause you to interrupt my story and my train of thought, I’m really curious. “ 

The Narrator spoke, a sarcastic tone thick in the air.

Rude for finally bring curious about something of importance to him. But Stanley didn't have the time to worry about the intricacies of tone, he continued forward much to the Narrator's slight dismay - the man thinking along Stanley's next tracks all the while. Turning a few corners with care Stanley slid Into the two-doors room, a familiar feeling..

  “ Stanley came to a set of- “

And through the right door he went, pushing forward evermore, leaning to a light hint of what he want to do just out his sheer action.. 

“ Oh dear god Stanley, anything but that. “

said The Narrator, a light visual in his mind of what was to come.

..and running forward, pushing the broom closet door open with a swift swing Stanley felt a wave of relief wash over him as he walked into the closet, hand dragging on the wall - taking in the stinging scents of cleaning supplies, dust and the ever familiar concrete, lowering Himself to lean against a wall, hints of sawdust made themselves known, only a low hum Of electrical buzzing sounded as the annoyances of The Narrator were heard though given up quickly, as a quick surrender all the while.

" Alright Stanley.. if that's what you want.. " The Narrator said, a solemn tone in his speech and a light sigh

Oddly agreeable.. though not the thing to fixate on now - he had time to think for himself and theorise, but where exactly to begin! Lowering himself and sitting against the cold and hard floor, Stanley wondered.. where could that animal have come from? closing his eyes in deep thought Stanley took in the light drone of electrical buzzing once more as he drifted off into his own thoughts entirely.

[ . . . . ] 

A lanky and sleek body breathing in the smell of old dust and chemical scent through the air with the utmost of caution, keeping its breaths slow and steady, the least sound possible; its white, long, and frail whiskers twitched and trailed along the wall to its side, new sensory input to consider... vibrations, those of something alive. 

[ it's bright. ]

With white milky eyes, sensitive to light though it was a mere adjust that'd be needed to process well visually, a quick few blinks.

Unnaturally made and coloured, bioengineered to perfection with a clear purpose it had well since served - a scar in the shape of a cross adorned its chest, a reminder of its mission. 

Their ribs tented through their skin lightly, Narrowed arms and an internal structure like no other, no mouth nor regular organs, throughout its tail led openings running down in irregular places all lined with white accents along each. Their body's main survival system, intricately engineered for lack of distraction alongside a blessing or curse in view - a way to hunt and to eat in the least, only if irregular.

Tilting their head upwards a little further they had long past sensed the ground's vibrations of an animal entering the room, it could now see the creature itself leaning against one of the walls once it moved its head to the side slightly, however.. what was this animal, it seemed unknown? Furthermore this is an irregular environment for it.. This was nothing like what it'd ever seen before.. The creature unaware itself seemed a bit passive and had proven their ignorance and not noticed them despite their very odd appearance and poorly hidden location - disadvantages not utlised, perhaps it's young? regardless, a source for sustenance as survival for it, It would have to move sometime, make a step forward to the betterment of its own survival as a creature of its own surviving will now - however in consideration it didn’t know what the animal was capable of doing. it seemed to be focused on something else, completely unaware.. or.. asleep? no, its breathing suggests otherwise..

Yet again, on the other hand they didn't know a thing about where they were. Left lonely And cowering next to some odd shelved structure and starving wasn't what it had survived cycles so long for, so why not learn a bit more through the natural order of things and replenish their lifeline all the while?

They needed sufficient nutrition for this cycle.  

[ . . . . ]

it winced - squinting at it to get a better, more judgmental look.

[ What exactly are you? ]

It had wondered to itself, though now having a plan laid before it - it would strike suddenly once a fresh spear is produced..

... A crack sounds throughout the room with a harrowing echo.

   What the hell that!? 

Stanley was shaken out his trance, torn from his line of thought as he tensed, hearing an unnerving noise screech within the office's very broom closet, frantically looking around in a noticeable panic and a quickened pace of processing, finally laying his eyes upon a skinny animalistic figure staring its white eyes up into his, similar to the last though very different visually and structurally - some freakish animal standing upright in front of him, a white, sharp, thing, in its hand.. a small tube leading from the bottom of that odd bone-like structure it was holding leading a flesh adjacent wire fitted into its strangely shaped ' tail '.. if he could even call it that 

It seemed to be stepping closer and closer to him, a sense of unease grew in Stanley as he watched, disturbed 

It seems even after the reset a different odd thing showed up here, Stanley wouldn't waste time dwelling on that at this current moment and redirected his focus to the odd abomination in front of him that seemed to be closely analysing his every slight reaction and movement, with each little tick in his action it watched and his further step to the wall, 

Stanley looked down at it, it was raising its hand a bit, their bone-like structure oddly sharp, what a weird ani-

And just as suddenly as his thought was cut off a searing pain shot through Stanley's leg through a white flash and a whisk through the air, the structure embedded in his leg as a sudden swift movement from the creature. Stanley couldn't take a second to process what had happened out of pure shock - he felt an excruciating tear at his skin, futhermore sensing something being siphoned through the ' weapon ' like a sort of reverse-injection - the horrifying feeling held him near to tears, he had to do something and quick - adrenaline easing the pain lightly. Thinking with speed as much as he could with only his own body's reactions fueling him, with fervour Stanley grabbed the bottom of the spear-like object with an iron grip, when suffering a stab wound you should never remove the piercing item- but he felt himself grow dizzier and dizzier by the second with that damn thing drinking whatever it was out of him! And with enough willpower and through a final tug Stanley pulled out the spear with an excruciating tear, scarlet blood seeping out the wound, exclaiming in anguish, coating the floors a painted splatter, heaving as he held on tight to his leg, applying whatever pressure he could to the wound; blood splattered out and onto his hands all the while, staining them a crimson dye right in front of him, leaning forward, eyes only fixated on the creature and with thought sent into overdrive, thinking erratically at what to do as the taste of iron held sharp in his mouth, evermore, survival.. 

This thing, this..  he wasn't safe yet.

It looked like it was preparing to attack yet again, arm held back nearing its tail as Stanley saw those white tips of supposed weapons peek out the ends of the holes- he had to stop it. The thing held an air of faux calmness trying to hide the slight panic noticeable in its eyes - right now Stanley wasn't a man - they were both just animals fighting.. it was more than likely just as scared of him as he was of it.. He could work with that fact of nature as frantically as he could..

Thoughts racing as fast as he was physically able to form them, Stanley hurriedly ran forward, and he lunged suddenly- not giving the animal a chance to turn - he reached forward as he saw its ears draw back in preparation and whiskers trill at the movement, trying to move its body in time to evade. Stanley needed to stop it- he didn’t want to die bleeding out in the broom closet of all places! He'd get his hands on it and feel those ribs of it crack in his hands... He’d stop this thing..! 

[ I have to move, swiftly!- ] 

It watched as the creature’s arm reached and held steadfast with an intent to kill, casting a contrasting shadow onto it while Spearmaster attempted to back up, further leaving their readying spears to dip back into their respective holes as a focus on an immediate defense more than an offensive. It needed something to protect themselves with- at least enough to stunt this beast for the time being. 

Dodging narrowly, Spearmaster shifted to the side and looked around frantically, quickly racing its eyes onto some of the items of the shelf it had been hiding near to. it hurriedly grabbed an odd, circular item, without thinking it chucked the item at the animal, moving as fast as it could away from its range- it seems like it had really set it off! it needed to get as far away from its attacker as it could and as fast as possible. Unless they would manage to get to it while it attempted to flee.. This wasn’t a good outcome of the cycle. 

Suddenly their head turned at the sense of a quick movement- the entrance to the room swung open with a push and a loud slam, the animal ran out! Holding onto its pierced leg as it could, speckles of blood and drops trailing down its hand left a steady trail onto the floor in its path, Spearmaster watched and listened intently as the animal's laboured breaths filled the hall, quickly accompanied by their familiar squelch of a spear readying itself.. Hm, what was it doing exactly? That it couldn’t discern. 

  “ Well look who’s decided to turn up and out of the broom- STANLEY? “ 

The Narrator exclaimed, a horrified shock

PLEASE just reset, anything, anything at all! he didn’t want to die in such a way- just come on-

Stanley looked up with pleading eyes, his body couldn't bear the attack much longer  

“ Stanley, what even happened- “

he continued, a questioning tone

And just as suddenly another pain shot through Stanley sharp as a bullet, he cocked his head back in suprise at the sudden shock, immediately wavering on his balance Stanley’s right arm had been pierced and quickly in pace began the siphoning feeling- JUST RESET IT! QUICK! 

The animal was behind him, its legs and one of its arms on the ground as it sat there, leaning down skillfully all the while it watched intently.. 

“ RESET, alright! “ An audible sense of urgency,

and as Spearmaster's ears perked once more at the odd noise sounding there was a sudden darkness and..

THE END IS NEVER THE END IS NEVER THE END IS NEVER THE END IS- 

Chapter Text

...
What was even happening ! -
one thing after another, Stanley didn't know if he could handle it all now - after that other... thing.. what could he even consider? Even thinking to last time all he had wanted was to think for a second before continuing, but then that purple, freakish one, showed up and left him heaving - no time to process anything, he'd wanted something new to happen sure and he got what he wished for but god if he wasn't eating his words right about now.. all the man had wanted was some time to think despite his other overarching desires, it may have been a swift change in needs, regardless the fact remained that there was too much new information going on for Stanley to handle, he could maybe get over the recent past incident if he really tried and was given just a little more time before something else happened but yet again before him lies another situation he doesn't have the time to wait on, and so he takes caution while looking down at the little creature sat before him, it's holding up what seems to be a pearl it spat out to him, which was really odd to be honest.. like a clam.. what even were these things, should he trust it? ..Did this thing product pearls?.. all something strange in nature but it hadn't seemed to attack yet or act aggressively so.. that may have provided a light opening for judgement for time, and at the moment Stanley'd take what he can get.

Examining its body closely he took note of the gills and aquatic appearance of the strange animal, taking that pearl into view as well - staring it down and trailing his eyes along it, looking at its sleek, light blue body, pinkish gills which cut slits into the sides of its anatomy alongside frilly, pink external ones framing the sides of its face as well, it was a bit cute.. big round eyes as well, it stared at him, blankly! - he felt a little on edge but also at ease, this one seemed to have an unfamiliar kindness in its eyes in a sense, an odd little thing that was for certain but Stanley found himself easing up a little at its tiny outstretched hand, was it offering him the pearl? was it a trap of some kind ? Though.. he could take some chances now that he was thinking a bit better, why not? Alright - back on track now, no more panicking over lost thinking-time or stupid events transpiring prior, finding out more information was what was really vital in actuality, and what he needed was to truly focus and keep his views that way despite the ordeals that might happen, this was quite a situation after all.

Stanley got down on one knee, closer to being level with the little animal, it looked back at him - light reflecting on its eyes and the pearl in its hand all the like, Stanley looking into each sequentially. He reached out his own hand hesitantly, his being quite larger than the others', taking the slimy pearl into his, which he admittedly winced at the wet texture of what he assumed to be saliva across his palm he looked at it all, oddly shiny, and then once more at the creature, whose ears seemed to have perked up due to the assumed change in his behaviour, this one seemed quite the curious one in comparison to the rest, actively moving forth and interacting without malice of one kind or another. Its head turned, and well, you only live once.. It didn't quite seem to be armed, so Stanley thought to attempt figuring out more about these things relative anatomy, first he would have to figure out how to get his hands on it without a panic though all the while considering the ticking time bomb that was the amount of time he could spend unmoving before The Narrator would lay down one of his objections to the peaceful quiet that'd envelop his life otherwise.

Hesitantly bringing his hand forth and thinking quickly Stanley laid it down though hovered it right above the creatures' head, casting a little shadow and analysing its reaction to the sudden movement.

He watched closely, a slightly unnerved feeling dwelling within him as he laid a thick layer of stillness in speculation. Though, much to his surprise he felt a little quick succession of inhales and cold exhales on his fingers suddenly - it was sniffing him! Oh that was so weird.. Though it just stared evermore, Stanley lowered his hand further, now dropping it gently onto this odd animals head he'd began to stroke it as he would a pet or how he'd done the first of these weird things. It simply stood there and didn't seem to take that subtle moment to process that the first had, it let him pet it.. and Stanley began seeing how else to examine this thing. He dragged his finger along its ears respectively though the creature tensed up at this it seemed a bit familiar. It was very tolerant in comparison to previous ones, he then trailed one of his hands down its back, it was quite fit for the sea in display of its whole light teal or blue coloration and brightened pink gills and frills, intricate with the designs of nature all the while. A sort of odd texture, scale-like but not all the while - what a strange thing this one was!

he then reached his hands below it, nearing its stomach - and as it tensed he layed off a small amount, though in quick succession its calmness after realising no real danger was in order led Stanley to apply a little pressure and... up we go!

He held the animal up as he would a cat in his arms, hand securing the bottom of it and other arm occupied with holding it up with stability - frilled tail leaning off the end of its position, though this one was so oddly agreeable it was almost fascinating. And as he stared in silent contemplation Stanley felt a bit of a daring idea fester in his head.

Slowly taking a step he swung his door open slowly and with as much care as he could open it with his other hand occupied.. and as such a gentle bump in sound as it widened. He quickly brought his arm back onto the animal to support it once more as it lay there silently breathing away, seemingly unbothered