twenty-two. voice.

[goryteller]

[There's the soft sound of a heater in the background, a pleasant, continuous hum. Katurian's voice is clear but decidedly subdued, a contrast to his typically frantic nature.]

Aristotle once said that most of humankind is swayed by fear rather than reverence, that they refrain from evil not because it's the right thing to do but because they're afraid of punishment. It gets me thinking about religion more than anything.

[Pause. The faint sound of nails tracing wood. Tapping.]

After all, religion builds monsters to keep people in line. Fantastical beings. Or-- not so fantastical. But of course, I never needed them. I never payed attention to all the monsters that people cowered over in groups behind pews. The monsters described on clear blue pamphlets.

I'm a writer. I make my own monsters.

[Pause. Then, softer:]

There are, of course, quite a few people who don't refrain in the first place. I suppose that's what Aristotle meant. Most humankind.

[More tapping. Drumming.]

I suppose-- [Pause.] Well. I suppose that's it for today.

[Click.]

Comments

[goryteller]

[Disoriented:]

This has to be a game.

[crucifriction.livejournal.com]

I―My faith, my identity as Azrael. I keep failing it, over and over.

[goryteller]

No fucking kidding. You need help. You need some serious fucking help, do you hear me? What is wrong with you?

[crucifriction.livejournal.com]

It's not me, it's not my fault. You have to understand that. Please.

[goryteller]

How isn't it your fault?

[crucifriction.livejournal.com]

It just isn't. I know that isn't a satisfactory answer, I know. But it isn't.

[goryteller]

There are things here more powerful than your God.

[crucifriction.livejournal.com]

Come on. That's a lie.

[goryteller]

There are things her more powerful than your God. There is Lord and Lady Desire. There is--

[--a sound that isn't quite right, something like a gasp or a gurgle.

Then silence.]

1/2

[crucifriction.livejournal.com]

[ The blood drains out of his face. He's so hurt. ]

2/2

[crucifriction.livejournal.com]

It―It cannot be nearly as powerful. [ A shuddery breath, knowing that he's treading on thin ice. ] If it can be corrupted.

[goryteller]

[More silence. Katurian is still at the communicator - his breath is audible, a regular in and out, in and out, in and out, but he says nothing. He doesn't move.]

[crucifriction.livejournal.com]

[ Covering his face with his hands, his shoulders shake. He's weeping. ]

no comment

[enigmaestro.livejournal.com]

[WEEPING... OH MY GOD EDDIE IS WATCHING THIS. SO. ARDENTLY.]

also no comment

[fingerbang]

[this thread... THIS THREAD.........]

comment not here.

[pilfered]

[ ]

[goryteller]

[Katurian is aware of the sound, aware of the tears, but he still stays silent. The only noise from his communicator is feedback. Breathing.]

no comment!

[caststwoshadows.livejournal.com]

[crucifriction.livejournal.com]

[ Finally lifting his head, his eyes blink. Red and bleary. ]

I wouldn't kill you, Katurian. [ A wet cough. ] I swear to God, I wouldn't.

[goryteller]

You wouldn't kill me.

[It's nothing more than a dull echo.]

[crucifriction.livejournal.com]

[ Pathetically: ] I could use your help. Please.

There are so many sinners here. I don't know how to start.

[goryteller]

[There's another, too long stretch of silence. Eerily long.

Katurian only looks at the communicator in his hand.]

[crucifriction.livejournal.com]

I've just made so many mistakes.

[enigmaestro.livejournal.com]

Okay, you've practically already given him a baptism. Leave him be, won't you? He's clearly... Acting needlessly weird.

[crucifriction.livejournal.com]

Go to Hell, Riddler.

Damn you. God damn you.