Chapter Text
That fucking skeleton…
What gave him the right to barge into their house this late at night to party with their mom? And to have the music so goddamn loud too? What does mom see in that bastard anyways?!
Kris pulled the pillow over their head tighter, trying to block out the noise. It was somehow worse than the gaping ache in their chest from having their sou- parasite ripped out the moment they entered their room. They had locked their door tight, both to keep their mom out (they really don’t want to talk to their drunk mother) and to make sure that THING stayed in their room. Don’t want to risk it escaping, even if it’s already in a cage.
THE CAGE, WITH HUMAN SOUL AND PARTS!
The laughter from doorstairs grew louder, mom and that skeleton creating some really shitty jokes, uncaring about the noise they’re making. Kris thrashed around in bed harder, growing frustration could not even begin to describe their rage. Too loud, too loud!
Susie’s voice from outside cut through the music.
Kris paused. She’s still here? They thought she would’ve been home by now…
She kept talking, but her voice sounded muffled from where they laid. Rolling out of bed, they walked towards the window they forgot to close (so much for ensuring the parasite stays trapped…). The cool air from the earlier rainfall carried an earthy smell and the fall breeze brushed gently against their face. Peaking outside the window, they could see Susie looking away from their home, her clothes and hair still soaking wet.
“... We… aren’t gonna let that happen…” The reptilian murmured out. Her voice was shaky and unsure, so unlike her usual boisterous attitude that Kris oh so loved about her. She turned her head back towards the house, towards them. “...right?”
The rain came back, falling softly onto the earth, and Susie took that as her cue to leave.
Kris was… unsure about her words. Subverting the Prophecy to such a magnitude… it feels impossible. It IS impossible. And yet… with Susie’s naive hope? They couldn’t help but to believe her words too.
They climbed up onto the ledge of their window. Fuck the Prophecy, fuck the plan, fuck the fact they were going to jump out from the second story, they just want to be with Susie.
Their phone rang.
They inhaled sharply in shock. They… hadn’t expected them to call at this time. Especially with the risk of the THING figuring it out (ignoring how they failed from it finding out anyways). Hesitantly, Kris turned their head down to where they threw it earlier as it answered itself.
“...
Kris…”
“...
don’t
forget,
Kris…”
“...
you promised.”
They promised… they promised, they promised!
Kris threw themself back from the window and collapsed on the floor. They… they had forgotten their promise. How could have they forgotten? All of their suffering, all of these lies, all to save her. Save her from their mistake. It’s all their fault, they have to suffer for her, lose a part of themself and host a parasitic entity and make it stronger. All for her. It’s what she wants. Everything will be back to normal soon.
So why does their chest ache more than ever?
It… It must be that goddamn fake soul! T-that has to be it! They weren’t second guessing themself, no no no, that leech must have caused them even more pain on purpose!
Pushing themself up from the carpet, Kris glared at the THING through their thick bangs, hoping it would cower at their piercing red eye. They ignored how they had curled up on themself on the floor, how they were shaking violently. From the rage, it has to be their rage.
However, the more they stared at that THING, the more they realized its glow was fainter than normal. Ah, it’s in its unreactive mode again. They couldn’t figure out why, but for some reason at certain points, its glow would fade and wouldn’t react to anything. On the plus side, at least it means Kris has their full autonomy back without having to rip it out. Best to be safe however and keep it out. Wouldn’t want it to wake up while they were doing important stuff.
Slowly, they crawled towards the caged red heart. Fuck they were so tired.
Once they made it to the birdcage, Kris kept staring at their prisoner. The THING floated motionless in its cell, not even swaying, just existing without a care in the world. As if it wasn't caged.
THE CAGE, WITH HUMAN SOUL AND PARTS!
It pissed them off.
Kris grabbed the cage and shook it as hard as they could.
-1hp
They didn't care if mom or that skeleton heard the rattling of the cage.
-1hp -1hp -1hp
They didn't care if Aunt Carol called them to do any last minute errands.
-1hp -1hp -1hp -1hp -1hp
They didn't care if the rough treatment was hurting them, the teen was sure it was hurting the THING more!
-1hp -1hp -1hp -1hp -1hp -1hp -1hp -1hp -1hp -1hp
…they didn't care anymore…
Unceremoniously, Kris dropped the cage down onto the floor. It clattered onto the ground, most of the noise absorbed by the carpet, but still audible. The latch didn't unlock, and that parasite still doesn't look responsive, so that's all that mattered.
Slowly, they willed their body to stumble back into bed. Their usual languid steps are more sluggish than ever, both from the earlier cage abuse and from being soulless for too long. Realistically they should put it back inside themself, wouldn't want to risk dying, but does it even matter now?
Kris crawled onto the bed and pulled the covers over their head. The obnoxiously loud music from downstairs had finally stopped, and they couldn't hear either their mom or the skeleton talking. Good riddance. Maybe they could get some damn sleep for once. Ignoring that it was around 3am last they checked.
Besides, how can they even sleep with everything going on?
THE CAGE, WITH HUMAN SOUL AND PARTS!
They always paid attention at church, (well not always, but they always remembered the stories told), and they've heard plenty of interpretations of the Prophecy. The Dragon Blazer series, Lord of the Hammer, even Ralsei's weird summary. But, never before had they seen the all present religion laid so bare in front of them.
THE CAGE, WITH HUMAN SOUL AND PARTS!
Susie had seen so elated at her place in the Prophecy. And why wouldn't she be? She had the best parts written after all. The girl with hope crossed on her heart. The girl who will find love. The girl at last… Nothing negative was written about her, and with how much she's mentioned she's likely the most important hero too. And Kris can't hate her for it. She's, well, Susie! They never hated her, no matter how many times she bullied them, and now she's been worming her way into their life in the best way possible. She's cool, funny, and so much smarter than she thinks she is. Her willpower to make her own choices against the odds, her crazy ideas working, she really is a hero.
THE CAGE, WITH HUMAN SOUL AND PARTS!
Ralsei is… odd to say the least. Even when they didn't know he looked identical to their brother in his youth, they weren't the most fond of the prince. Always talking through them to speak to placate the THING more than really helping them. Not to mention how much the THING liked him back, giving him hugs and compliments, and wanting him to be himself. Oh that's so fucking rich considering what it's been doing to them. But… the last part of the Prophecy… He must've been holding that burden for so long. How long has he been alone for? Long enough for the Prophecy to take note. His subservience to find fulfillment… Maybe that's why Kris held contentment, they hated how much he reminded them of themself. They want Ralsei to be Ralsei now too.
THE CAGE, WITH HUMAN SOUL AND PARTS!
Kris is the cage. They aren't the important one, the soul is. They're just keeping the soul prisoner. They're not even human, just with parts. They're not even a person, just an object to be used. They don't matter they don't matter they don't matter they don't matter they don't matter they don't matter they don't matter they don't matter they don't matter they don't matter
THE CAGE, WITH HUMAN SOUL AND PARTS!
SHUT UP!
The dam that held back their tears finally broke. Their tiny, broken sobs filled the room as they clutched the sheets tighter.
They want to save her, they really really do… but, they want to be friends with Susie and Ralsei too. Damnit, surely they could play both sides, right? Oh who were they kidding, once they see them working with the enemy, they'll both hate them forever. And they can't even leave the conspiracy, they're too deep in, they still have to save her. Not to mention… she still has… Another sob tumbled out of them before they could finish that thought.
THE CAGE, WITH HUMAN SOUL AND PARTS!
Kris doesn't want to be the cage anymore.
Suddenly, their eyelids grew heavy, and the world faded to black.
.
.
.
.
.
AH
HOW VERY,
VERY INTERESTING.
YOUR PLEADS HAVE BEEN HEARD.
A NEW CONNECTION HAS EMERGED.
YET IT WAS NOT I WHO FORGED IT.
THIS WORLD
TRULY IS FULL OF SURPRISES!
NOW THEN
LET'S TAKE THIS FROM THE TOP
SHALL WE?
.
.
.
.
.
Kris felt… odd… when they awoke. Are they even awake right now? The teen feels like they're floating underwater. They aren't wet, so it can't be underwater, but it feels cold enough to be so. Weirdly, they're not shivering despite the freezing temperature.
When they opened their eyes, the first thing they registered was how dark it was. It wasn't completely pitch black, but they had to squint to make anything out. What they could make out was that they were surrounded by deep blue waves. Not quite like ocean waves, but rippling all the same. It was almost hypnotizing with the way it moves. They let out a gasp at the sight. So they were underwater!
Shit, they were underwater. Kris thrashed for a moment, hoping to swim upwards. But they weren't moving. Kris held their breath, trying to save as much oxygen as possible. But, they aren't losing any air.
Are they even breathing?
The panic faded as they realized they weren't in any danger. A dream, this has to be a dream. Certainly not the worst dream they had at least. Yet something nagged at them. Their brain was full of static and mushy, but simultaneously everything felt too lucid to be a dream, sensations too real. What was that trick to check if you were dreaming or not? Oh right! Look down at your hands. Hands always appear weird in dreams. Kris looked down and raised their hands-
They couldn’t find their hands.
Wha- wh-where- their hands, their body! Gone!
Panic began to set in once more, this time terror alongside it. They- they didn't have a body. No hands, no legs, no torso, nothing! B-but they must have something! They’re moving their head around aren’t they? How could they feel this ever present chill if they didn’t have a body? Dream dream, this has to be a dream!
CALM YOURSELF.
Kris’s head (if they still had one) whipped around frantically, the sense of dread of losing their body is now replaced by fear of the mystery voice, attempting to locate it.
Who are you? Show yourself!
They had wanted to say, but they couldn’t speak. Kris tried again, no words. No sound. No noise.
Hell. Kris must be in hell.
WHILST HELL IS AN…
APT DESCRIPTOR FOR THIS PLACE
I CAN ASSURE YOU
YOU WILL NOT BE HARMED HERE.
There it was again! After hearing the mysterious voice again, they could at least somewhat identify it better. It didn’t sound like words were being spoken, but more so words being projected into their mind. Sort of like when they read in their head, but more direct. They were still wary of this mysterious presence. Who are they? Why did they bring them here?
YOU ARE MOST
PERCEPTIVE.
…Thanks?
Still doesn’t answer any of their questions.
ALL IN DUE TIME.
Sweet Angel this guy is so unhelpful.
Instead of the weird voice answering back their snark, a glowing red pillar of light is summoned before them, revealing a glowing red soul.
Although they can’t breathe currently, Kris’s breath still hitched. Is that their…
No. The energy was drastically different. It was that FAKE soul. That fucking parasite. It was hard to describe the difference between it and a regular human soul, but whenever they looked at the THING, all they could feel was a pervasive wrongness. A disgusting thing through and through.
FASINATING.
MOST PEOPLE
CANNOT TELL THE DIFFERENCE.
…Uh… Thanks, again…
Another pillar of red light appeared, and the fake soul vanished. Good riddance.
NOW.
WE MAY
BEGIN AGAIN.
The surrounding waves brightened, the dark blue waves more visible now, though still shrouded in shadow.
Wait, again?
FIRST.
YOU MUST CREATE
A VESSEL.
Answer the question asshole!!! And fuck you mean vessel?!?
SELECT THE HEAD
THAT YOU PREFER.
Pfft, head.
A row of severed human heads faded into existence before them. Each of them were grayed out, hair black as ink and skin a pale ashy gray. None of them had a face either. Kris… never really met another human, only seeing them in pictures or TV shows, but they can guarantee that humans do NOT look like that. For some reason, doll heads are what comes to mind for them. Not real, just an intimidation. A copy.
Kris simulated a deep breath.
Create a vessel. Right. So like a character creator then. How do they scroll?
With the thought in their mind, the heads moved over by one, as if responding to their willpower. This works.
They looked through their options carefully. Honestly, this was less “Select the head” and more “Select the hair”. The head shape between the eight heads were all identical, and the lack of facial features didn't help distinguish any of them. Although, the sixth one did have a cool scar on its left cheek! Kris wished they had cool scars… Then they could share (fake) war stories with Susie!
Which hairstyle though. Hmm…
It was incredibly tempting to pick the bald head. It funny. It fill them with joy. But, considering they don’t have a body at the moment, they should probably think somewhat seriously. Besides, they like their hair. Makes them mysterious. None of these really look like their actual hair though. Definitely not the seventh one, the hell was up with that part? The sixth one had the cool scar, but the hair was way too short for their liking. Same goes for the second hairstyle. The fourth, fifth, and eighth heads had the bangs look too funky for them, so that only left…
Kris chose the third hairstyle.
SELECT THE TORSO
THAT YOU PREFER.
Just like the heads before, the torsos provided had ashy gray skin coupled with a similarly monochrome sweater with two white stripes, the color of said sweater only a shade darker than the skin. Also like the previous selection, really stretching the definition of “torso” here. The only thing different are the sweaters! At least say “Select the clothes” or something! Whatever…
Not the second one, they don’t like short sleeves. Not the third or fourth ones either, the sleeves too big and puffy. And not the last two, button ups have never really been their thing, and they also don’t want to look like they were going to church. The first one however…
Kris chose the first sweater.
SELECT THE LEGS
THAT YOU PREFER.
…Oh you gotta be fucking kidding me.
ALL THESE LEGS ARE THE GODDAMN SAME!!! THE PANTS AREN’T EVEN DIFFEREN- Wait are those legs backwards? Inverted??? Does the disembodied voice have a sense of humor now?! Fuck it.
Kris chose the second legs.
THIS IS YOUR BODY.
DO YOU ACCEPT IT?
YES ♥️ NO
Sure, they guessed. Presumably it’ll be their new body for the time being until they can get their old one back. Maybe that’s why the voice summoned them, so they could have their own body that hasn’t been stolen by that parasite… This could work. Not only would they get their autonomy back, but they wouldn’t have to worry about their body getting snatched by it. Plus, they could still rip the THING out from their real body. Oh! They wouldn’t even get blamed for working with the Knight like this! If they could make it seem that this entity was the one responsible for aiding the Knight, then they could still be friends with Susie and Ralsei by the end of this. This could work!
YES♥️ NO
YOU HAVE CREATED
A WONDERFUL FORM.
NOW.
LET US SHAPE ITS
MIND AS YOUR OWN.
Huh, odd they have to give it a mind. Wouldn’t their mind already be their own?
WHAT IS ITS
FAVORITE FOOD?
♥️SWEET
SOFT
SOUR
SALTY
PAIN
COLD
Once again, Kris has to question if the voice has a wack sense of humor or is just stupid. The hell kind of food is pain? Is it like… eating knives? Hold on… is it talking about spicy food?!?! Why would it be worded like that? Ugh.
Either way, if they had to pick one, Kris has always been a fan of sweet foods. Mom’s butterscotch pie is always the best, cinnamon coming in at a close second. And apple pie too! Really, all pies that mom makes are the best. Except maybe snail pie. Kris has standards after all.
It's been a while since they had a proper chocolate bar too, that skeleton only carries dark chocolate, the worst kind of chocolate! Mom’s been locking up the chocolate supply recently. They were only gonna have one! Or two. Or, three… Maybe Azzy could sneak them one when he gets home.
Kris chose sweet.
YOUR FAVORITE
BLOOD TYPE?
♥️A
AB
B
C
D
…Sigh…
Shit, does Kris remember what their blood type is? It’s been a while since they’ve been to the doctor. Fuck it.
Kris chose AB.
WHAT COLOR DOES
IT LIKE MOST?
♥️RED
BLUE
GREEN
CYAN
Was asking what their favorite color is really necessary? What is this, kindergarten? They don’t really have a preference for one color. Blue is a reliable color, but cyan is just a lighter blue, and it's way better too. When they first saw that their skin turned cyan in the dark world, it was a little off putting at first. They didn’t look human with it. And that was the best part.
Green always feels like home however. Mom got them and Azzy green and yellow striped sweaters when they were younger, and Kris couldn’t bring themself to part with the style. They drew themself and Azzy with those sweaters on so much it used all of the green crayon.
Red is… Red was… Red… Red…
For some strange reason, Kris chose red.
PLEASE GIVE IT
A GIFT.
♥️KINDNESS
MIND
AMBITION
BRAVERY
VOICE
A gift huh?
What does Kris value the most?
Two of the choices, kindness and bravery, made them think about mom's lessons about human souls. Unlike monster souls, which are made up of love, hope, and compassion but are very weak, humans have enough strength to display a color. A trait.
Patience
Bravery
Integrity
Perseverance
Kindness
Justice
…Odd, the red soul trait escapes them. Which is especially weird since that's THEIR soul color. They've been told what it was, but they couldn’t quite grasp it…
Kris shakes their head. Focus, they're getting side tracked. Give their vessel a gift, right. What is something they wished they had? Well, all of those traits really. They wished they could be more than they are now, be as brave as Susie, be as loving as Ralsei, and be as perceptive as Noelle. Kris isn't really anything special…
But they guess that's what the whole “gift” thing is about. The one thing they wished they had… There is one choice here that stands out to them.
Kris chose Voice.
HOW DO YOU FEEL
ABOUT YOUR CREATION?
(IT WILL NOT HEAR.)
♥️LOVE
HOPE
DISGUST
FEAR
It will not hear…
Have… have they been making a sentient being this whole time?
Fury begins bubbling inside them. They were told it'd be a vessel! Not- Not another person!
Kris almost instinctively chose disgust. Why weren't they told it'd be a separate thing! It's a vessel for them right?! Why should it-
They paused right before they could finish that thought. No, this vessel didn't ask to be created, didn't ask to be born, why should they take the brunt of their hate? They kind of remind Kris of themself in a way. Just another tool to be used…
A part of Kris wants to answer “Fear” to the question. Right now this vessel poses too many unknown variables to it. What if it doesn’t want to participate in the plan? What if it hates Kris? What if Kris doesn't get their body back? But, it's not the vessel's fault for any of this… Maybe… they could at least try.
Kris chose Hope.
HAVE YOU ANSWERED
HONESTLY?
♥️YES
NO
As honestly as they felt like they could given circumstances…
Kris chose Yes.
YOU ACKNOWLEDGE
THE POSSIBILITY OF
PAIN AND SEIZURE.
♥️YES
NO
…Kris chose Yes
UNDERSTOOD.
NAME YOUR VESSEL.
Their vessel slides down, as letters from the entire alphabet are presented before them, said vessel blacking out until its silhouette appears. They really are creating a new being at this point…
A name, a name, what to name them? Kris knows their family has… not the best reputation with names (They will forever be grateful to the Holidays for their current name (Togore can kiss their ass)) but surely Kris can break the trend! They just gotta think.
.
.
.
Shit they got nothing.
Okay okay, gotta make things simple. What's another name for a vessel? Avatar? Persona? Bag of flesh? No no no, too dehumanizing. And just calling them vessel would be too lazy.
What about physical features? The vessel is gray, monochrome, would any of that work? A color isn't really a name though. Uh… it has two stripes on their sweater, maybe stripes? But what if they change their clothes.
New train of thought, what is this vessel doing for them? It'll serve as a new body for Kris, help them get their footing, catering them until they get their old body back.
…Cater.
Kris inputted Cater.
WE CALLED IT
“CATER.”
AND WHAT ABOUT
THE CREATOR?
There's no denying it now, they were making a new person this whole time. Now they feel bad about molding them around their own looks and tastes… Maybe they could help them form their own opinions. Heck, maybe they could invite Ralsei too, Angel knows he needs some help building up himself.
YOUR OWN NAME.
The same group of letters reappeared. At least this will be easy for them.
Kris inputted Kris.
“KRIS.”
Yes that is their name, thank you for noticing.
EXCELLENT.
TRULY
EXCELLENT.
“KRIS.”
THANK YOU
FOR YOUR TIME.
And fuck you for kidnapping them.
YOUR ANSWERS
YOUR WONDERFUL
CREATION
Will now be discarded.
Wait what? But they spent all that time! You bastard! Why would-
No one can choose who they are in this world.
Wait… they know that voice! Shit wait no no no don't do it it's them!
Your
It's them Kris! Please listen! Abort the plan!
name
Please! I need it!
is
DE-
“KRIS!” Their mom's voice cut through the static in their head. Slowly Kris began waking up. Shit, they must've passed out sometime during their… mental spiral. Was all of that a dream? But, despite the lack of senses, it still felt too real. No, it had to be a dream. What else would it be? The stress must be getting to them…
FUCK THE SOUL!
They forgot to put the parasite back inside them. Shit how are they gonna explain it to mom? Uhhhh, call it their new pet rock. A pet rock that has glow in the dark paint. And can float. Look mom bought them that birdcage so they and Azzy could keep that twig with googly eyes as a pet, she'll let them keep anything.
“Kris, if you do not wake up, we will be late for school,” Mom spoke again. But, it's Sunday, and the Festival is today too. Was she that hungover? They muttered something about it not being a school day, they couldn't hear it, but they knew they spoke.
“Summer break?” She said in a questioning voice. That's not even remotely what they said. Maybe mom really is that hungover. “My child, it's still the middle of fall.”
Kris swears they let out a groan, but once again they couldn’t hear their voice.
“I will wait outside for you, alright?” Their mother says in a soothing voice. The soft steps of her feet leave the room as she closes the door behind them.
Why does Kris have the weirdest sense of déjà vu?
At the very least, she didn't question them about… their new pet. Which is odd, because normally she would at least acknowledge if they did something weird. But hey, small victories. All they have to do now is get out of bed. Geez, the covers felt thicker than normal, light can't even pass through them. Their body also felt weirdly sluggish. It's like their body isn't catching up with what their mind wants. They go to roll out of bed.
Why aren't they moving?
They know they're moving, they can feel themselves wriggling, but they
just
can't
MOVE!
A loud thump echoed through the room. That has to be them, right? But they didn't feel themself fall on the floor. They… can't really feel anything.
Blearily they opened their eyes, and they saw their room in a new perspective.
Instead of looking up at their ceiling, or from wherever they're laying on the floor, Kris was looking down at their room. Everything about their room appeared normal at a glance. Azzy's side is still decorated with his glow-in-the-dark stars and various awards he'd accumulated throughout the years. The carpet and window looked the same as it ever was. But when their eyes fell to their side of the room, there were three major differences compared to yesterday. One, the Susie award was gone, now moved back to where it originally was placed on Azzy's side. Two, their… bloodstain was back as if it was never cleaned. And three…
The SOUL was gone.
Fuck fuck fuck. Okay, it's okay, they can fix this. All they have to do this track down the fucker and everything will be fine.
Because focusing on the missing SOUL was much easier to think about than the fact they could see their body collapsed on the floor.