maskormenace | [04] Voice

[ So even though the feed opens up, Walt doesn't talk for a moment or so. There's a sharp inhale and it's accompanied by a piteous cough. And then after a couple minute pause, he starts talking -- sounding rather relaxed. ]

Today was my birthday.

[ A beat. Nonchalant. ]

But it's also my death anniversary. How many people can say that? Their life came a full and complete circle, starting and ending all on the same day? I mean, what are the chances? Pretty crazy, that.

[ Another brief pause. Another follow up cough. When he speaks, his voice is a little strained. ]

I mean like, this whole world. What an insane concept, right? To think that our own individual worlds are just this tiny fraction of all the different worlds out there -- some with crazy powers or vampires or Satan. We have Satan. Does anyone ever stop to think about that? How Satan has a TV show? I mean, I guess...what a better way to say welcome to hell than Satan with his own TV show. I've never actually watched it, mind. But I imagine it probably involves burning people alive.

But following that thought -- I still think this place is hell. I mean, I can't be the only dead guy walking here, can I? And it's definitely not heaven. My therapist called it purgatory once.

[ A beat. ]

Purgatory is kind of accurate. Sometimes he knows what he's talking about. All of us just sitting here and waiting -- to either go home and die for good or to do whatever it is we do here. I mean, we can't die. There's a definite statistical likelihood that we come back to life if we get killed, so do we age? I'm 53 today, but am I not really 53? Am I eternally 52 until I die again? Do I die again? Or do I just live an endless loop of my life -- dying, coming here, dying coming here until some otherworldly being makes up their mind?

Maybe that's what Satan's show is about. Collecting as many of us that belong in hell and dragging us back with him. That's a pretty morbid thought, isn't it?

[ So why is Walt laughing. Why is Walt laughing like it's the most hilarious thing in the world? Why is he laughing at all? What was he laughing at again?

The laughter dies. ]

What was I talking about again? [ But it's lost. ] Anyway, I just want to know. Is there anyone else out there who died? Bonus if you died on your birthday. Might be good to talk about it. Therapeutic. And I'm here to listen. We can talk here or in person. If anyone wants to go with me to get birthdeath day breakfast for dinner, that could be a thing. That we do.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I don't understand. Who's Lucifer?

[A pause.]

And happy birthday, Mr. White.

I was dying when I came here. I found out I survived...the transmutation was reversed. But what I remember was dying.

Just, you know. The devil. King of evil.

[ TOTALLY NONCHALANT. Like it's no big deal that kind of thing is in this world. ]

Thank you. For the birthday wish. And what had happened to you? If you don't mind talking about it.

Oh? [Sorry. Doesn't ring a bell. Not a part of her world.] I guess the Porter really doesn't make any distinctions.

You're welcome. If you'd like, I'll make you an apple pie!

[Everyone likes pie, right?]

Ah...when my country was founded five hundred years ago, it was designed to provide enough people - souls - to turn into a Philsopher's Stone large enough to capture the Truth. Ah. God, I guess, in my world? So my soul was stolen from my body and transmuted by alchemy - but everything works out. The souls were returned - will be returned, I guess. I don't know how. That's my future. I know I live - that everyone survives.

[ He's quiet for a moment. Listening. ]

See, that's what I was talking about. How crazy it is that things like what you just said can even happen. That your whole soul can be converted into some alchemy related science and somehow you defy the laws of chemistry and nature and live through all of that.

But you were temporarily dead. Twice temporarily dead if you count coming into this world. And that's impressive, Winry.

[ A pause and he realizes how hungry he is, pretty much salivating at the thought of an apple pie. ]

The pie sounds great. I love apples. And pie. And the combination together is great.

[If you could see her, Walter, she's smiling and shaking her head just a bit. 'Impressive' for living? Not really, in her opinion, but she'll let you have that.]

Alchemy has been around since my country was founded, before then, even. I don't know how old it is, but...before Xerxes fell, I'd guess.

[...Better subject. Pie.]

I'd be happy to make you one but it'll take a few hours. I could bring it by later or send it with someone if you'd like!

I'm not in town at the moment, I'm afraid. But do you know a young woman named Harley? She's going to be paying me a visit. Maybe you could hand it off to her?

Harley? No, I'm afraid I don't, but I could meet her at the Heropa Porter and give it to her there? Just tell me what she looks like and when I should be there!

She's blonde like you. Often wears her hair in pigtails. Thin. Young -- I'd guess late twenties, early thirties. Pretty. Very bubbly and enthusiastic. You'll like her. It's hard not to.

[You do know Winry's seventeen, right, Mr. White?] Great. I'll be looking for her!

[ You kids look so much older these days! ]

Thank you. And. If it isn't too much trouble.

[ Pause. ]

A card would be nice.

[ Because Walt is a lonely man who needs some tangible things to prove people care about him. ]

[Awwww. Winry remembers how upset he was about his friend leaving. Of course a card is something she can do.]

I'll be happy to send you a card, Mr. White!

You really are a nice girl, Winry. I'm actually talking to Edward now about how nice you are.

[A stuttered pause.]

You are?

I am. It shouldn't surprise you, Winry. Surely you must know what a good person you are.

I'm...surprised Ed would talk about me!

[And not about her engineering skills.]

Well. I brought it up by asking how delicious your apple pie is. And from that, I could tell just how much he adores you.

Th-thank you, Mr. White. That's very kind of you to tell me!

[Blushing so hard now.]

[ Aw. Young love. ]

You're welcome. I very much hope the two of you have a wonderful and happy future.

[Soe does she, actually.]

Thank you, sir.

[But let's change the subject.]

I should get working on your pie!

[And find you a birthday card, too.]

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