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

You've seen it? What was it like?

Both beautiful and terrifying at once.

There are little pockets of darkness where the wandering spirits will pop out and attack you.

But the view of the sky is pretty amazing.

It sounds like something out of a dream.

Do you live in a dream?

[ It seems like a valid question. Walt's come to learn that anything is possible in all of these worlds. ]

That's a weird question to ask.

I lived in another reality.

That's sort of like a dream.

Your world sounds so unique. Even more unique than some of the unique worlds I've heard about.

There's...

It's different I guess. This world with imports is not so strange to me though.

Is unique good?

I would say so, yes.

My world is fairly boring by comparison. But you? You have a great deal you can talk about.

Even if you're a nobody there, you can definitely be a somebody here. Is that what you wish to do?

I was supposed to be a somebody there.

There's no real purpose for me here, not like it was supposed to be back home.

The storm isn't coming here.

You were pulled into this world to be a hero. Isn't that purpose enough?

Or are you not interested in heroics?

I'll fight injustice if I see it. Won't go out if my way to patrol though.

I don't think we were pulled here for that. That's just what they say.

They'll use us as soldiers if it suits them.

I won't say I disagree with you. But what are your thoughts on the matter? And feel free to tell me privately if you're concerned about prying eyes.

It's bogus.

They have this external power bringing us here and they're capitalizing on us.

At some point they'll use their good will towards us as leverage to control us. Say they own us.

That's why it feels like I sold out when I registered.

If you're having second thoughts, I think you can change your registration status at any point in time.

I'm registered myself if only because it seemed like the only option. Life is much more difficult for the unsettled.

That's what I figured out.

I could live in the woods and be fine, I can provide for myself.

But I don't want to do that anymore.

You don't have to deal with it alone.

I could help you.

[ Why not adopt yet another young person? Walt seems to be doing that with a lot of the younger generation around here. ]

really.

help me how?

don't think you can keep up with me.

[Walter he isn't sure he wants to be adopted, hence the evasive maneuvers.]

You'll need money, won't you?

And a place for shelter.

And food.

Don't let my age deceive you. I can actually keep up with young people very well.

but I got all those things.

Dog person or cat person?

I like both, really. I never considered myself one over the other. Dogs have the loyalty, but cats can be trusted to take care of themselves.

Why?

I'm a lion.

[And he sends a selfie. How nice of him. The problem being it seems to be a wide angle shot, his face a bit too close to the screen.]

So kinda gotta be a cat person. Like you said, cats can take care of themselves.

Edited 2015-10-03 17:26 (UTC)

[04] Voice

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