first puzzle | voice

[recinerate]

[beyond was dead, and now he's not.

it's a perplexing position for anyone to find themselves in, of course, but even more so when there's something fundamental about that person that's gone missing - something that should be there, but isn't. beyond has found he is missing such a thing, and has decided to take advantage of the technology of this new place in order to work out his thoughts regarding this dilemma.]

"In the social jungle of human existence, there is no feeling of being alive without a sense of identity."

[his voice is quiet, raspy, almost unnaturally even in tone. he pauses, then picks up with one of many questions currently on his mind, addressing anyone within earshot.]

What shapes your sense of identity?

Comments

[recinerate]

Which one?

[visetvires]

Christ and so on.

[recinerate]

You're implying more than one. "And so on."

[visetvires]

The Father, and the Holy Ghost. "And so on."

[recinerate]

"You shall have no other gods before me." Seems as if someone has something of an identity crisis.

[visetvires]

Or His children are disobedient.

[recinerate]

What specifically about God shapes your identity?

[visetvires]

I do His bidding on Earth. I protect His people from monsters.

[recinerate]

... I see.

[so you're crazy, basically. and coming from beyond?]

What sort of monsters do you typically protect God's people from?

[visetvires]

[She knows that sort of pause. Fortunately for her, she doesn't care what he thinks about her.]

What kind of monsters do you believe in?

[recinerate]

I don't. Humans are monstrous enough.

[visetvires]

[She laughs. Not quite kekeke, but harsh and raspy, like she's forgotten how.]

Good answer. Pat, but not untrue.

[recinerate]

You haven't answered, by the way. [beyond is well-versed in the art of answering a question with another question in an attempt to distract.] What sorts of monsters are you accustomed to encountering?

[visetvires]

[There is a brief pause. Then, intently:]

Vargulf. Upir.

[recinerate]

[one of the words sounds like it might be russian, but beyond doesn't recognize the significance.]

I'm afraid I'm not familiar with them.

[visetvires]

Werewolf. Vampire.

[recinerate]

I see. Is that all?

[visetvires]

You don't think that's enough?

[recinerate]

I wouldn't know - I'm not an expert in dealing with monsters.

[not the nonhuman sort, at least.]

[visetvires]

It's more than enough for me, then.

[recinerate]

Then I suppose I will have to take your word for it.