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@employee418
welcome
i'm neb, employee number 418 ! pronouns r he/they. i like stars and space and sparkly stuff. and also video games that nobody else here will understand probably
basic dni criteria. dont be weird or gross.
feel free to drop by and tell me stuff or give me things, i dont mind :)
main is @nebbies-silly-spacecorener
Waughhh
waaaaa
Wa!
WHO ARE YOU PEOPLE
Waughhh
I made them into small bugs on my paper because I love them and I need them to explode 💖
I found my colored pencils I lost before I made the blog! They were in the drawer I never checked. Interesting.
Anyways, I took the opportunity to just...draw the SSAiH guys as canon accurate as I possibly could. Even tried drawing their weapons! This was mostly done for fun lol
If God Were Ever Possibly Real Then I'd Be Able To Avoid Any And All Marketing Related Meetings Because They Don't Take Me SERIOUSLY
A quiet knock comes from 418's door. When opened, it reveals Jake, with it close behind.
Sorry if you're busy! We haven't hung out in a bit, I thought maybe we could chat?
[ The door slowly opens, revealing a very tired but still "happy" 418. ]
Oh! I uh... wasn't expecting company right now, but... Yeah, sure, we can talk! Just watch your step, and...be careful?
[ ...That suggestion was odd, but kind of understandable after seeing the state of their office. A bunch of crumpled-up and discarded paintings, a few canvases around (where did he get these??), and an entire separate side table (WHERE DID HE GET THAT?????) to hold his... suspicious paints. Oh yeah and Silksong's running in the background of his box of a computer. ]
[ ...418 slips on one of the discarded papers. Thankfully, he didn't fall. ]
I should really learn to take my own advice, actually. Jeez...
Oh, my apologies!
As Jake walks in, he looks around at the mess of a room. Jeez, he really hadn't been here recently, had he?
A new hobby of yours I'm guessing? Pretty cool! How did you even get all of this anyways...
Has Benny been alright to you? I know shadow creatures can get pretty... yeah. So just checking in.
Yeah, new hobby. I don't remember how I got the rest of the stuff, but supplies gave me the paints. I uh. Don't recommend going near the paints. Actually. Long story.
[ 418 paused at the Benny question, before answering. ]
He's... He's honestly been nicer to me than I've been to myself, I'm not gonna lie to you. Even longer stor-
It's not that long of a story, though? Chasing perfection when humanity's defined by the imperfections is just setting yourself up for "failure", right? Though I doubt you can fail at a hobby. I believe in you :)
...Thanks Benny. Uh, yeah, I don't know how to word it myself actually. So like... Yeah.
...I see.
Before he can continue, it shifts closer to Benny, causing Jake to flinch.
L̷o̵n̶g̸ ̵t̸i̶m̷e̸ ̶n̴o̸ ̶s̴e̶e̵.̸ ̵
W̸h̸y̷ ̸t̵h̸e̵ ̵c̴h̷a̵n̸g̷e̸?̸ ̵I̵ ̶t̴h̵o̴u̸g̵h̷t̷ ̸w̶e̷ ̵h̶a̷d̶ ̷a̷ ̸c̸o̵m̴m̸o̸n̶ ̴g̸o̴a̵l̸,̷ ̷y̴o̸u̶ ̶a̵n̴d̶ ̶I̶.̶
Hm? I've always been like this, friend! I don't quite know why I am, but I am.
Yes, we do have a common goal, I think it was keeping our respective employees safe? Forgive me if I'm misremembering a lot of things, friend, it's been an eternity. Or, more like it felt like one? What is time in this place?
[ ...418 is growing increasingly uncomfortable with the whole time discussion. Unfortunately, he also doesn't have the heart to interrupt people. So. ]
.̵.̵.̵w̵e̸l̶l̵ ̸t̴h̸e̵n̵.̷ ̴I̴ ̴h̸a̶d̷ ̶a̷s̸s̶u̶m̶e̷d̴ ̶y̷o̷u̶ ̵w̵e̸r̷e̴ ̵s̴m̵a̷r̵t̸ ̴e̷n̸o̷u̸g̴h̸ ̴t̴o̷ ̷s̶e̶e̴ ̸w̵h̷a̶t̵ ̷I̶ ̵m̷e̴a̴n̸t̴.̷ ̶B̶u̴t̷ ̶a̴p̴p̷a̴r̵e̴n̵t̶l̷y̷ ̶n̷o̵t̵.̶ ̸S̵o̴ ̷l̶e̷t̸ ̶m̵e̶ ̴m̴a̸k̴e̴ ̸i̵t̸ ̷V̸E̶R̷Y̴ ̴c̴l̵e̵a̸r̸.̶
I̷ ̷d̶o̶ ̷n̷o̴t̶ ̴c̷a̷r̸e̸ ̵f̴o̴r̷ ̴t̵h̶e̷s̷e̵ ̴p̵a̸t̴h̷e̶t̸i̷c̵ ̸h̷u̷m̷a̵n̵s̸.̴
̷M̸y̶ ̷g̵o̷a̵l̶ ̵i̶s̷ ̷t̴o̵ ̸s̷u̶r̵v̴i̷v̴e̶.̴
H̵o̸w̶ ̸y̸o̶u̷'̵r̴e̴ ̵s̴t̷i̷l̷l̸ ̸a̴l̷i̷v̷e̶ ̶i̸s̵ ̸r̴e̸m̶a̶r̴k̸a̸b̵l̸e̴,̷ ̶c̷o̶n̸s̴i̷d̷e̷r̵i̶n̵g̵ ̸y̴o̴u̷ ̴c̷a̸n̴'̴t̷ ̷g̸e̴t̵ ̴t̸h̸a̷t̷ ̸t̵h̶r̸o̴u̵g̸h̴ ̵y̸o̴u̸r̴ ̶h̴e̷a̸d̶.̵ ̸I̴f̵ ̴y̸o̷u̵ ̴c̸a̸n̷'̶t̶ ̴s̸e̷e̵ ̷t̷h̴r̶o̴u̴g̶h̶ ̸t̶o̴ ̷m̷y̶ ̵t̴r̵u̴e̷ ̴i̴n̵t̴e̷n̷t̴i̵o̵n̸s̵,̴ ̸t̵h̷a̴t̸ ̸i̶s̸ ̵y̶o̵u̵r̸ ̸p̵r̵o̴b̶l̷e̷m̸ ̷t̴o̷ ̷f̴a̸c̵e̶.̵
Well, then. It appears we've reached a disagreement! How fun... Agh, screw it, I'm getting the technicalities out the way; 418 isn't human in the same way 510 is.
In fact, while 510 likely had a life before this place, 418 did not.
There's no purpose in torturing somebody who's already tortured with the faintest knowledge of their existence, you know? That'd just be rubbing salt in the gaping hole in someone's chest.
...
[ 418 looks ...Kind of shocked? A bit betrayed? ]
What. What the hell do you MEAN?! Is- Is that why I don't-...
. . . God, that explains way too much. I really am just like an NPC in a shitty video game, great, lovely, absolutely WONDERFUL.
...It appears I have made a severe lapse in my judgement.
YOU have no place to talk, Ben. Wow. This is. I.
...I can't even find words to explain what I'm feeling right now. Fuck, dude.
A̸n̸d̸ ̶w̵h̷a̸t̸ ̵d̶o̶e̵s̵ ̷i̶t̷ ̸m̴a̶t̵t̴e̴r̵?̵ ̸T̵h̵e̸y̴'̸r̶e̴ ̵a̸l̷l̸ ̵u̸s̵e̸l̴e̵s̶s̷ ̶i̸n̸ ̷t̵h̵e̷ ̷e̷n̷d̷.̷ ̸W̵h̶o̸ ̵c̵a̵r̴e̶s̷ ̶a̶b̶o̶u̸t̷ ̶r̵u̸b̴b̷i̵n̷g̸ ̷s̶a̴l̴t̴ ̸i̷n̵ ̵t̸h̶e̴ ̷w̷o̷u̸n̵d̶,̸ ̸t̴h̴e̴y̸ ̸a̷l̷l̴ ̴d̸e̶s̵e̴r̶v̸e̸ ̵t̴h̸e̵i̷r̵ ̴m̸i̵s̷e̵r̵a̴b̶l̴e̷ ̵f̶a̶t̶e̵s̸.̸
A̴n̸d̵ ̵y̸o̴u̸.̸
It turns to Jake, who instead of fear, has a look of... guilt? He shakes his head at it, silently signaling for it to stop. But it doesn't.
Y̵o̷u̵ ̵a̵l̴r̸e̵a̷d̵y̸ ̶k̷n̴e̴w̵ ̴t̵h̶i̶s̴,̸ ̶d̴i̸d̴n̷'̷t̶ ̵y̸o̷u̶?̵ ̴G̷o̴ ̸a̷h̸e̶a̷d̶,̴ ̶t̴e̷l̵l̶ ̶4̸1̸8̷ ̶w̴h̸a̵t̶ ̴y̴o̷u̴ ̶f̴o̴u̶n̵d̸.̵ ̸I̴'̸m̶ ̶s̴u̶r̴e̴ ̵h̷e̸'̸d̵ ̶b̷e̶ ̷t̴h̶r̴i̸l̸l̴e̸d̶ ̵t̵o̵ ̶h̸e̸a̸r̷ ̵h̸o̷w̷ ̵a̵m̸a̷z̸i̵n̶g̷ ̸o̸f̶ ̴a̷ ̴f̵r̵i̵e̸n̴d̶ ̷y̶o̵u̷ ̷a̴r̸e̸,̵ ̸k̸n̶o̵w̴i̴n̸g̵ ̶s̶o̸ ̵m̶u̴c̷h̴ : )
What, is it another stupid thing reminding me of how replaceable I am? Oh, trust me, I'm aware. The higher-ups at the meetings make that very, very clear when I express having an original thought.
[ 418 sighs, tired. ]
Also, nothing that can be said could ever make me hate 510. Please, just... just stop, dude. I just want to spend time with my friend. Why can't that ever happen without something tormenting us lately?
Why can't I just have one friend that I don't drive away or drift away from? Why do you insist on us suffering, when I already make myself suffer out of boredom? Just... Why? My only question is why.
.̶.̴.̴w̵h̷y̴?̶ ̵
B̷e̵c̶a̸u̴s̶e̶ ̷h̷e̸ ̶d̸e̶s̷e̵r̶v̵e̶s̷ ̷i̵t̵.̶ ̸A̷n̴d̷ ̵i̸f̷ ̴y̶o̵u̵'̴r̴e̷ ̷h̴i̶s̴ ̵f̴r̷i̴e̶n̶d̸,̷ ̶t̵h̵e̵n̸ ̶h̸u̵r̴t̴i̵n̸g̵ ̶y̷o̶u̶ ̸j̷u̸s̴t̴ ̶m̸a̸k̶e̷s̶ ̷i̵t̷ ̶d̴o̸u̸b̷l̶e̷ ̵t̵h̴e̸ ̵p̸a̷i̴n̴ ̴f̶o̶r̴ ̶h̷i̸m̷.̷ ̷
A̵n̴d̷ ̷b̴e̴s̶i̶d̴e̴s̷,̵ ̵w̷h̴y̴ ̵w̵o̶u̷l̴d̵ ̵y̵o̶u̸ ̵w̷a̸n̴t̸ ̴t̷o̸ ̷b̸e̴ ̵f̸r̴i̴e̷n̷d̸s̴ ̴w̴i̸t̸h̸ ̷H̵I̸M̸?̶ ̶H̵e̸'̶s̴ ̵a̴ ̶l̶i̴a̷r̸.̶ ̸A̶s̶k̷ ̸h̷i̶m̵ ̷w̶h̶a̶t̷ ̵h̵a̷p̴p̶e̷n̸e̶d̵ ̵w̷h̵i̵l̶e̸ ̴h̴e̴ ̶w̶a̸s̷ ̴g̶o̷n̴e̴,̴ ̴I̵ ̴d̸a̴r̷e̵ ̸y̴o̵u̸.̵ ̵Y̴o̴u̴'̴l̵l̵ ̷s̶e̵e̴ ̵w̸h̷a̶t̷ ̵h̶e̵ ̶r̷e̶a̴l̷l̷y̵ ̴i̵s̴.̵ ̸
B̸u̷t̸ ̵i̷f̵ ̸y̵o̵u̷ ̶w̵a̴n̴t̶ ̴t̸o̴ ̶i̷g̴n̴o̶r̷e̴ ̵t̴h̵e̷ ̸w̵a̸r̵n̴i̸n̷g̸ ̷s̵i̴g̶n̷s̶,̸ ̷I̸ ̵w̵o̶n̸'̵t̵ ̷s̵t̵o̵p̵ ̸y̸o̵u̴.̵
It... goes back to being just a shadow. Strange. It normally doesn't give up that easily.
...so.
...that was. something. for sure.
[ 418 stares at his hands. ]
definitely something. totally. yup.
...So, 069 really wasn't lying about the void thing? Or was it referencing something else?
[ They try to smile. They really do. Meanwhile, Benny just... Watches. In Pity. As small as possible, to take up the least amount of room. ]
That's fine. It's not like I'd want to know, anyways. Um. ...Have you ever heard of Hollow Knight?
[ 418 tries changing the topic so things are hopefully less awkward. ]
Jake stiffens a little at the mention of the void. He looks around for a moment as 418 continues, rubbing at his wrist while fidgeting with something under his sleeve. don't think about it don't think about it don't-
Oh, I think I've heard of that! Do you have it? I'd love to watch you play, it sounds really cool!
Yeah, I have it! I'm honestly surprised they never bothered to ban Steam on my computer... I can probably try getting another chair from somewhere for you to sit?
A quiet knock comes from 418's door. When opened, it reveals Jake, with it close behind.
Sorry if you're busy! We haven't hung out in a bit, I thought maybe we could chat?
[ The door slowly opens, revealing a very tired but still "happy" 418. ]
Oh! I uh... wasn't expecting company right now, but... Yeah, sure, we can talk! Just watch your step, and...be careful?
[ ...That suggestion was odd, but kind of understandable after seeing the state of their office. A bunch of crumpled-up and discarded paintings, a few canvases around (where did he get these??), and an entire separate side table (WHERE DID HE GET THAT?????) to hold his... suspicious paints. Oh yeah and Silksong's running in the background of his box of a computer. ]
[ ...418 slips on one of the discarded papers. Thankfully, he didn't fall. ]
I should really learn to take my own advice, actually. Jeez...
Oh, my apologies!
As Jake walks in, he looks around at the mess of a room. Jeez, he really hadn't been here recently, had he?
A new hobby of yours I'm guessing? Pretty cool! How did you even get all of this anyways...
Has Benny been alright to you? I know shadow creatures can get pretty... yeah. So just checking in.
Yeah, new hobby. I don't remember how I got the rest of the stuff, but supplies gave me the paints. I uh. Don't recommend going near the paints. Actually. Long story.
[ 418 paused at the Benny question, before answering. ]
He's... He's honestly been nicer to me than I've been to myself, I'm not gonna lie to you. Even longer stor-
It's not that long of a story, though? Chasing perfection when humanity's defined by the imperfections is just setting yourself up for "failure", right? Though I doubt you can fail at a hobby. I believe in you :)
...Thanks Benny. Uh, yeah, I don't know how to word it myself actually. So like... Yeah.
...I see.
Before he can continue, it shifts closer to Benny, causing Jake to flinch.
L̷o̵n̶g̸ ̵t̸i̶m̷e̸ ̶n̴o̸ ̶s̴e̶e̵.̸ ̵
W̸h̸y̷ ̸t̵h̸e̵ ̵c̴h̷a̵n̸g̷e̸?̸ ̵I̵ ̶t̴h̵o̴u̸g̵h̷t̷ ̸w̶e̷ ̵h̶a̷d̶ ̷a̷ ̸c̸o̵m̴m̸o̸n̶ ̴g̸o̴a̵l̸,̷ ̷y̴o̸u̶ ̶a̵n̴d̶ ̶I̶.̶
Hm? I've always been like this, friend! I don't quite know why I am, but I am.
Yes, we do have a common goal, I think it was keeping our respective employees safe? Forgive me if I'm misremembering a lot of things, friend, it's been an eternity. Or, more like it felt like one? What is time in this place?
[ ...418 is growing increasingly uncomfortable with the whole time discussion. Unfortunately, he also doesn't have the heart to interrupt people. So. ]
.̵.̵.̵w̵e̸l̶l̵ ̸t̴h̸e̵n̵.̷ ̴I̴ ̴h̸a̶d̷ ̶a̷s̸s̶u̶m̶e̷d̴ ̶y̷o̷u̶ ̵w̵e̸r̷e̴ ̵s̴m̵a̷r̵t̸ ̴e̷n̸o̷u̸g̴h̸ ̴t̴o̷ ̷s̶e̶e̴ ̸w̵h̷a̶t̵ ̷I̶ ̵m̷e̴a̴n̸t̴.̷ ̶B̶u̴t̷ ̶a̴p̴p̷a̴r̵e̴n̵t̶l̷y̷ ̶n̷o̵t̵.̶ ̸S̵o̴ ̷l̶e̷t̸ ̶m̵e̶ ̴m̴a̸k̴e̴ ̸i̵t̸ ̷V̸E̶R̷Y̴ ̴c̴l̵e̵a̸r̸.̶
I̷ ̷d̶o̶ ̷n̷o̴t̶ ̴c̷a̷r̸e̸ ̵f̴o̴r̷ ̴t̵h̶e̷s̷e̵ ̴p̵a̸t̴h̷e̶t̸i̷c̵ ̸h̷u̷m̷a̵n̵s̸.̴
̷M̸y̶ ̷g̵o̷a̵l̶ ̵i̶s̷ ̷t̴o̵ ̸s̷u̶r̵v̴i̷v̴e̶.̴
H̵o̸w̶ ̸y̸o̶u̷'̵r̴e̴ ̵s̴t̷i̷l̷l̸ ̸a̴l̷i̷v̷e̶ ̶i̸s̵ ̸r̴e̸m̶a̶r̴k̸a̸b̵l̸e̴,̷ ̶c̷o̶n̸s̴i̷d̷e̷r̵i̶n̵g̵ ̸y̴o̴u̷ ̴c̷a̸n̴'̴t̷ ̷g̸e̴t̵ ̴t̸h̸a̷t̷ ̸t̵h̶r̸o̴u̵g̸h̴ ̵y̸o̴u̸r̴ ̶h̴e̷a̸d̶.̵ ̸I̴f̵ ̴y̸o̷u̵ ̴c̸a̸n̷'̶t̶ ̴s̸e̷e̵ ̷t̷h̴r̶o̴u̴g̶h̶ ̸t̶o̴ ̷m̷y̶ ̵t̴r̵u̴e̷ ̴i̴n̵t̴e̷n̷t̴i̵o̵n̸s̵,̴ ̸t̵h̷a̴t̸ ̸i̶s̸ ̵y̶o̵u̵r̸ ̸p̵r̵o̴b̶l̷e̷m̸ ̷t̴o̷ ̷f̴a̸c̵e̶.̵
Well, then. It appears we've reached a disagreement! How fun... Agh, screw it, I'm getting the technicalities out the way; 418 isn't human in the same way 510 is.
In fact, while 510 likely had a life before this place, 418 did not.
There's no purpose in torturing somebody who's already tortured with the faintest knowledge of their existence, you know? That'd just be rubbing salt in the gaping hole in someone's chest.
...
[ 418 looks ...Kind of shocked? A bit betrayed? ]
What. What the hell do you MEAN?! Is- Is that why I don't-...
. . . God, that explains way too much. I really am just like an NPC in a shitty video game, great, lovely, absolutely WONDERFUL.
...It appears I have made a severe lapse in my judgement.
YOU have no place to talk, Ben. Wow. This is. I.
...I can't even find words to explain what I'm feeling right now. Fuck, dude.
A̸n̸d̸ ̶w̵h̷a̸t̸ ̵d̶o̶e̵s̵ ̷i̶t̷ ̸m̴a̶t̵t̴e̴r̵?̵ ̸T̵h̵e̸y̴'̸r̶e̴ ̵a̸l̷l̸ ̵u̸s̵e̸l̴e̵s̶s̷ ̶i̸n̸ ̷t̵h̵e̷ ̷e̷n̷d̷.̷ ̸W̵h̶o̸ ̵c̵a̵r̴e̶s̷ ̶a̶b̶o̶u̸t̷ ̶r̵u̸b̴b̷i̵n̷g̸ ̷s̶a̴l̴t̴ ̸i̷n̵ ̵t̸h̶e̴ ̷w̷o̷u̸n̵d̶,̸ ̸t̴h̴e̴y̸ ̸a̷l̷l̴ ̴d̸e̶s̵e̴r̶v̸e̸ ̵t̴h̸e̵i̷r̵ ̴m̸i̵s̷e̵r̵a̴b̶l̴e̷ ̵f̶a̶t̶e̵s̸.̸
A̴n̸d̵ ̵y̸o̴u̸.̸
It turns to Jake, who instead of fear, has a look of... guilt? He shakes his head at it, silently signaling for it to stop. But it doesn't.
Y̵o̷u̵ ̵a̵l̴r̸e̵a̷d̵y̸ ̶k̷n̴e̴w̵ ̴t̵h̶i̶s̴,̸ ̶d̴i̸d̴n̷'̷t̶ ̵y̸o̷u̶?̵ ̴G̷o̴ ̸a̷h̸e̶a̷d̶,̴ ̶t̴e̷l̵l̶ ̶4̸1̸8̷ ̶w̴h̸a̵t̶ ̴y̴o̷u̴ ̶f̴o̴u̶n̵d̸.̵ ̸I̴'̸m̶ ̶s̴u̶r̴e̴ ̵h̷e̸'̸d̵ ̶b̷e̶ ̷t̴h̶r̴i̸l̸l̴e̸d̶ ̵t̵o̵ ̶h̸e̸a̸r̷ ̵h̸o̷w̷ ̵a̵m̸a̷z̸i̵n̶g̷ ̸o̸f̶ ̴a̷ ̴f̵r̵i̵e̸n̴d̶ ̷y̶o̵u̷ ̷a̴r̸e̸,̵ ̸k̸n̶o̵w̴i̴n̸g̵ ̶s̶o̸ ̵m̶u̴c̷h̴ : )
What, is it another stupid thing reminding me of how replaceable I am? Oh, trust me, I'm aware. The higher-ups at the meetings make that very, very clear when I express having an original thought.
[ 418 sighs, tired. ]
Also, nothing that can be said could ever make me hate 510. Please, just... just stop, dude. I just want to spend time with my friend. Why can't that ever happen without something tormenting us lately?
Why can't I just have one friend that I don't drive away or drift away from? Why do you insist on us suffering, when I already make myself suffer out of boredom? Just... Why? My only question is why.
.̶.̴.̴w̵h̷y̴?̶ ̵
B̷e̵c̶a̸u̴s̶e̶ ̷h̷e̸ ̶d̸e̶s̷e̵r̶v̵e̶s̷ ̷i̵t̵.̶ ̸A̷n̴d̷ ̵i̸f̷ ̴y̶o̵u̵'̴r̴e̷ ̷h̴i̶s̴ ̵f̴r̷i̴e̶n̶d̸,̷ ̶t̵h̵e̵n̸ ̶h̸u̵r̴t̴i̵n̸g̵ ̶y̷o̶u̶ ̸j̷u̸s̴t̴ ̶m̸a̸k̶e̷s̶ ̷i̵t̷ ̶d̴o̸u̸b̷l̶e̷ ̵t̵h̴e̸ ̵p̸a̷i̴n̴ ̴f̶o̶r̴ ̶h̷i̸m̷.̷ ̷
A̵n̴d̷ ̷b̴e̴s̶i̶d̴e̴s̷,̵ ̵w̷h̴y̴ ̵w̵o̶u̷l̴d̵ ̵y̵o̶u̸ ̵w̷a̸n̴t̸ ̴t̷o̸ ̷b̸e̴ ̵f̸r̴i̴e̷n̷d̸s̴ ̴w̴i̸t̸h̸ ̷H̵I̸M̸?̶ ̶H̵e̸'̶s̴ ̵a̴ ̶l̶i̴a̷r̸.̶ ̸A̶s̶k̷ ̸h̷i̶m̵ ̷w̶h̶a̶t̷ ̵h̵a̷p̴p̶e̷n̸e̶d̵ ̵w̷h̵i̵l̶e̸ ̴h̴e̴ ̶w̶a̸s̷ ̴g̶o̷n̴e̴,̴ ̴I̵ ̴d̸a̴r̷e̵ ̸y̴o̵u̸.̵ ̵Y̴o̴u̴'̴l̵l̵ ̷s̶e̵e̴ ̵w̸h̷a̶t̷ ̵h̶e̵ ̶r̷e̶a̴l̷l̷y̵ ̴i̵s̴.̵ ̸
B̸u̷t̸ ̵i̷f̵ ̸y̵o̵u̷ ̶w̵a̴n̴t̶ ̴t̸o̴ ̶i̷g̴n̴o̶r̷e̴ ̵t̴h̵e̷ ̸w̵a̸r̵n̴i̸n̷g̸ ̷s̵i̴g̶n̷s̶,̸ ̷I̸ ̵w̵o̶n̸'̵t̵ ̷s̵t̵o̵p̵ ̸y̸o̵u̴.̵
It... goes back to being just a shadow. Strange. It normally doesn't give up that easily.
...so.
...that was. something. for sure.
[ 418 stares at his hands. ]
definitely something. totally. yup.
...So, 069 really wasn't lying about the void thing? Or was it referencing something else?
[ They try to smile. They really do. Meanwhile, Benny just... Watches. In Pity. As small as possible, to take up the least amount of room. ]
That's fine. It's not like I'd want to know, anyways. Um. ...Have you ever heard of Hollow Knight?
[ 418 tries changing the topic so things are hopefully less awkward. ]
A quiet knock comes from 418's door. When opened, it reveals Jake, with it close behind.
Sorry if you're busy! We haven't hung out in a bit, I thought maybe we could chat?
[ The door slowly opens, revealing a very tired but still "happy" 418. ]
Oh! I uh... wasn't expecting company right now, but... Yeah, sure, we can talk! Just watch your step, and...be careful?
[ ...That suggestion was odd, but kind of understandable after seeing the state of their office. A bunch of crumpled-up and discarded paintings, a few canvases around (where did he get these??), and an entire separate side table (WHERE DID HE GET THAT?????) to hold his... suspicious paints. Oh yeah and Silksong's running in the background of his box of a computer. ]
[ ...418 slips on one of the discarded papers. Thankfully, he didn't fall. ]
I should really learn to take my own advice, actually. Jeez...
Oh, my apologies!
As Jake walks in, he looks around at the mess of a room. Jeez, he really hadn't been here recently, had he?
A new hobby of yours I'm guessing? Pretty cool! How did you even get all of this anyways...
Has Benny been alright to you? I know shadow creatures can get pretty... yeah. So just checking in.
Yeah, new hobby. I don't remember how I got the rest of the stuff, but supplies gave me the paints. I uh. Don't recommend going near the paints. Actually. Long story.
[ 418 paused at the Benny question, before answering. ]
He's... He's honestly been nicer to me than I've been to myself, I'm not gonna lie to you. Even longer stor-
It's not that long of a story, though? Chasing perfection when humanity's defined by the imperfections is just setting yourself up for "failure", right? Though I doubt you can fail at a hobby. I believe in you :)
...Thanks Benny. Uh, yeah, I don't know how to word it myself actually. So like... Yeah.
...I see.
Before he can continue, it shifts closer to Benny, causing Jake to flinch.
L̷o̵n̶g̸ ̵t̸i̶m̷e̸ ̶n̴o̸ ̶s̴e̶e̵.̸ ̵
W̸h̸y̷ ̸t̵h̸e̵ ̵c̴h̷a̵n̸g̷e̸?̸ ̵I̵ ̶t̴h̵o̴u̸g̵h̷t̷ ̸w̶e̷ ̵h̶a̷d̶ ̷a̷ ̸c̸o̵m̴m̸o̸n̶ ̴g̸o̴a̵l̸,̷ ̷y̴o̸u̶ ̶a̵n̴d̶ ̶I̶.̶
Hm? I've always been like this, friend! I don't quite know why I am, but I am.
Yes, we do have a common goal, I think it was keeping our respective employees safe? Forgive me if I'm misremembering a lot of things, friend, it's been an eternity. Or, more like it felt like one? What is time in this place?
[ ...418 is growing increasingly uncomfortable with the whole time discussion. Unfortunately, he also doesn't have the heart to interrupt people. So. ]
.̵.̵.̵w̵e̸l̶l̵ ̸t̴h̸e̵n̵.̷ ̴I̴ ̴h̸a̶d̷ ̶a̷s̸s̶u̶m̶e̷d̴ ̶y̷o̷u̶ ̵w̵e̸r̷e̴ ̵s̴m̵a̷r̵t̸ ̴e̷n̸o̷u̸g̴h̸ ̴t̴o̷ ̷s̶e̶e̴ ̸w̵h̷a̶t̵ ̷I̶ ̵m̷e̴a̴n̸t̴.̷ ̶B̶u̴t̷ ̶a̴p̴p̷a̴r̵e̴n̵t̶l̷y̷ ̶n̷o̵t̵.̶ ̸S̵o̴ ̷l̶e̷t̸ ̶m̵e̶ ̴m̴a̸k̴e̴ ̸i̵t̸ ̷V̸E̶R̷Y̴ ̴c̴l̵e̵a̸r̸.̶
I̷ ̷d̶o̶ ̷n̷o̴t̶ ̴c̷a̷r̸e̸ ̵f̴o̴r̷ ̴t̵h̶e̷s̷e̵ ̴p̵a̸t̴h̷e̶t̸i̷c̵ ̸h̷u̷m̷a̵n̵s̸.̴
̷M̸y̶ ̷g̵o̷a̵l̶ ̵i̶s̷ ̷t̴o̵ ̸s̷u̶r̵v̴i̷v̴e̶.̴
H̵o̸w̶ ̸y̸o̶u̷'̵r̴e̴ ̵s̴t̷i̷l̷l̸ ̸a̴l̷i̷v̷e̶ ̶i̸s̵ ̸r̴e̸m̶a̶r̴k̸a̸b̵l̸e̴,̷ ̶c̷o̶n̸s̴i̷d̷e̷r̵i̶n̵g̵ ̸y̴o̴u̷ ̴c̷a̸n̴'̴t̷ ̷g̸e̴t̵ ̴t̸h̸a̷t̷ ̸t̵h̶r̸o̴u̵g̸h̴ ̵y̸o̴u̸r̴ ̶h̴e̷a̸d̶.̵ ̸I̴f̵ ̴y̸o̷u̵ ̴c̸a̸n̷'̶t̶ ̴s̸e̷e̵ ̷t̷h̴r̶o̴u̴g̶h̶ ̸t̶o̴ ̷m̷y̶ ̵t̴r̵u̴e̷ ̴i̴n̵t̴e̷n̷t̴i̵o̵n̸s̵,̴ ̸t̵h̷a̴t̸ ̸i̶s̸ ̵y̶o̵u̵r̸ ̸p̵r̵o̴b̶l̷e̷m̸ ̷t̴o̷ ̷f̴a̸c̵e̶.̵
Well, then. It appears we've reached a disagreement! How fun... Agh, screw it, I'm getting the technicalities out the way; 418 isn't human in the same way 510 is.
In fact, while 510 likely had a life before this place, 418 did not.
There's no purpose in torturing somebody who's already tortured with the faintest knowledge of their existence, you know? That'd just be rubbing salt in the gaping hole in someone's chest.
...
[ 418 looks ...Kind of shocked? A bit betrayed? ]
What. What the hell do you MEAN?! Is- Is that why I don't-...
. . . God, that explains way too much. I really am just like an NPC in a shitty video game, great, lovely, absolutely WONDERFUL.
...It appears I have made a severe lapse in my judgement.
YOU have no place to talk, Ben. Wow. This is. I.
...I can't even find words to explain what I'm feeling right now. Fuck, dude.
A̸n̸d̸ ̶w̵h̷a̸t̸ ̵d̶o̶e̵s̵ ̷i̶t̷ ̸m̴a̶t̵t̴e̴r̵?̵ ̸T̵h̵e̸y̴'̸r̶e̴ ̵a̸l̷l̸ ̵u̸s̵e̸l̴e̵s̶s̷ ̶i̸n̸ ̷t̵h̵e̷ ̷e̷n̷d̷.̷ ̸W̵h̶o̸ ̵c̵a̵r̴e̶s̷ ̶a̶b̶o̶u̸t̷ ̶r̵u̸b̴b̷i̵n̷g̸ ̷s̶a̴l̴t̴ ̸i̷n̵ ̵t̸h̶e̴ ̷w̷o̷u̸n̵d̶,̸ ̸t̴h̴e̴y̸ ̸a̷l̷l̴ ̴d̸e̶s̵e̴r̶v̸e̸ ̵t̴h̸e̵i̷r̵ ̴m̸i̵s̷e̵r̵a̴b̶l̴e̷ ̵f̶a̶t̶e̵s̸.̸
A̴n̸d̵ ̵y̸o̴u̸.̸
It turns to Jake, who instead of fear, has a look of... guilt? He shakes his head at it, silently signaling for it to stop. But it doesn't.
Y̵o̷u̵ ̵a̵l̴r̸e̵a̷d̵y̸ ̶k̷n̴e̴w̵ ̴t̵h̶i̶s̴,̸ ̶d̴i̸d̴n̷'̷t̶ ̵y̸o̷u̶?̵ ̴G̷o̴ ̸a̷h̸e̶a̷d̶,̴ ̶t̴e̷l̵l̶ ̶4̸1̸8̷ ̶w̴h̸a̵t̶ ̴y̴o̷u̴ ̶f̴o̴u̶n̵d̸.̵ ̸I̴'̸m̶ ̶s̴u̶r̴e̴ ̵h̷e̸'̸d̵ ̶b̷e̶ ̷t̴h̶r̴i̸l̸l̴e̸d̶ ̵t̵o̵ ̶h̸e̸a̸r̷ ̵h̸o̷w̷ ̵a̵m̸a̷z̸i̵n̶g̷ ̸o̸f̶ ̴a̷ ̴f̵r̵i̵e̸n̴d̶ ̷y̶o̵u̷ ̷a̴r̸e̸,̵ ̸k̸n̶o̵w̴i̴n̸g̵ ̶s̶o̸ ̵m̶u̴c̷h̴ : )
What, is it another stupid thing reminding me of how replaceable I am? Oh, trust me, I'm aware. The higher-ups at the meetings make that very, very clear when I express having an original thought.
[ 418 sighs, tired. ]
Also, nothing that can be said could ever make me hate 510. Please, just... just stop, dude. I just want to spend time with my friend. Why can't that ever happen without something tormenting us lately?
Why can't I just have one friend that I don't drive away or drift away from? Why do you insist on us suffering, when I already make myself suffer out of boredom? Just... Why? My only question is why.
A quiet knock comes from 418's door. When opened, it reveals Jake, with it close behind.
Sorry if you're busy! We haven't hung out in a bit, I thought maybe we could chat?
[ The door slowly opens, revealing a very tired but still "happy" 418. ]
Oh! I uh... wasn't expecting company right now, but... Yeah, sure, we can talk! Just watch your step, and...be careful?
[ ...That suggestion was odd, but kind of understandable after seeing the state of their office. A bunch of crumpled-up and discarded paintings, a few canvases around (where did he get these??), and an entire separate side table (WHERE DID HE GET THAT?????) to hold his... suspicious paints. Oh yeah and Silksong's running in the background of his box of a computer. ]
[ ...418 slips on one of the discarded papers. Thankfully, he didn't fall. ]
I should really learn to take my own advice, actually. Jeez...
Oh, my apologies!
As Jake walks in, he looks around at the mess of a room. Jeez, he really hadn't been here recently, had he?
A new hobby of yours I'm guessing? Pretty cool! How did you even get all of this anyways...
Has Benny been alright to you? I know shadow creatures can get pretty... yeah. So just checking in.
Yeah, new hobby. I don't remember how I got the rest of the stuff, but supplies gave me the paints. I uh. Don't recommend going near the paints. Actually. Long story.
[ 418 paused at the Benny question, before answering. ]
He's... He's honestly been nicer to me than I've been to myself, I'm not gonna lie to you. Even longer stor-
It's not that long of a story, though? Chasing perfection when humanity's defined by the imperfections is just setting yourself up for "failure", right? Though I doubt you can fail at a hobby. I believe in you :)
...Thanks Benny. Uh, yeah, I don't know how to word it myself actually. So like... Yeah.
...I see.
Before he can continue, it shifts closer to Benny, causing Jake to flinch.
L̷o̵n̶g̸ ̵t̸i̶m̷e̸ ̶n̴o̸ ̶s̴e̶e̵.̸ ̵
W̸h̸y̷ ̸t̵h̸e̵ ̵c̴h̷a̵n̸g̷e̸?̸ ̵I̵ ̶t̴h̵o̴u̸g̵h̷t̷ ̸w̶e̷ ̵h̶a̷d̶ ̷a̷ ̸c̸o̵m̴m̸o̸n̶ ̴g̸o̴a̵l̸,̷ ̷y̴o̸u̶ ̶a̵n̴d̶ ̶I̶.̶
Hm? I've always been like this, friend! I don't quite know why I am, but I am.
Yes, we do have a common goal, I think it was keeping our respective employees safe? Forgive me if I'm misremembering a lot of things, friend, it's been an eternity. Or, more like it felt like one? What is time in this place?
[ ...418 is growing increasingly uncomfortable with the whole time discussion. Unfortunately, he also doesn't have the heart to interrupt people. So. ]
.̵.̵.̵w̵e̸l̶l̵ ̸t̴h̸e̵n̵.̷ ̴I̴ ̴h̸a̶d̷ ̶a̷s̸s̶u̶m̶e̷d̴ ̶y̷o̷u̶ ̵w̵e̸r̷e̴ ̵s̴m̵a̷r̵t̸ ̴e̷n̸o̷u̸g̴h̸ ̴t̴o̷ ̷s̶e̶e̴ ̸w̵h̷a̶t̵ ̷I̶ ̵m̷e̴a̴n̸t̴.̷ ̶B̶u̴t̷ ̶a̴p̴p̷a̴r̵e̴n̵t̶l̷y̷ ̶n̷o̵t̵.̶ ̸S̵o̴ ̷l̶e̷t̸ ̶m̵e̶ ̴m̴a̸k̴e̴ ̸i̵t̸ ̷V̸E̶R̷Y̴ ̴c̴l̵e̵a̸r̸.̶
I̷ ̷d̶o̶ ̷n̷o̴t̶ ̴c̷a̷r̸e̸ ̵f̴o̴r̷ ̴t̵h̶e̷s̷e̵ ̴p̵a̸t̴h̷e̶t̸i̷c̵ ̸h̷u̷m̷a̵n̵s̸.̴
̷M̸y̶ ̷g̵o̷a̵l̶ ̵i̶s̷ ̷t̴o̵ ̸s̷u̶r̵v̴i̷v̴e̶.̴
H̵o̸w̶ ̸y̸o̶u̷'̵r̴e̴ ̵s̴t̷i̷l̷l̸ ̸a̴l̷i̷v̷e̶ ̶i̸s̵ ̸r̴e̸m̶a̶r̴k̸a̸b̵l̸e̴,̷ ̶c̷o̶n̸s̴i̷d̷e̷r̵i̶n̵g̵ ̸y̴o̴u̷ ̴c̷a̸n̴'̴t̷ ̷g̸e̴t̵ ̴t̸h̸a̷t̷ ̸t̵h̶r̸o̴u̵g̸h̴ ̵y̸o̴u̸r̴ ̶h̴e̷a̸d̶.̵ ̸I̴f̵ ̴y̸o̷u̵ ̴c̸a̸n̷'̶t̶ ̴s̸e̷e̵ ̷t̷h̴r̶o̴u̴g̶h̶ ̸t̶o̴ ̷m̷y̶ ̵t̴r̵u̴e̷ ̴i̴n̵t̴e̷n̷t̴i̵o̵n̸s̵,̴ ̸t̵h̷a̴t̸ ̸i̶s̸ ̵y̶o̵u̵r̸ ̸p̵r̵o̴b̶l̷e̷m̸ ̷t̴o̷ ̷f̴a̸c̵e̶.̵
Well, then. It appears we've reached a disagreement! How fun... Agh, screw it, I'm getting the technicalities out the way; 418 isn't human in the same way 510 is.
In fact, while 510 likely had a life before this place, 418 did not.
There's no purpose in torturing somebody who's already tortured with the faintest knowledge of their existence, you know? That'd just be rubbing salt in the gaping hole in someone's chest.
...
[ 418 looks ...Kind of shocked? A bit betrayed? ]
What. What the hell do you MEAN?! Is- Is that why I don't-...
. . . God, that explains way too much. I really am just like an NPC in a shitty video game, great, lovely, absolutely WONDERFUL.
...It appears I have made a severe lapse in my judgement.
YOU have no place to talk, Ben. Wow. This is. I.
...I can't even find words to explain what I'm feeling right now. Fuck, dude.
A quiet knock comes from 418's door. When opened, it reveals Jake, with it close behind.
Sorry if you're busy! We haven't hung out in a bit, I thought maybe we could chat?
[ The door slowly opens, revealing a very tired but still "happy" 418. ]
Oh! I uh... wasn't expecting company right now, but... Yeah, sure, we can talk! Just watch your step, and...be careful?
[ ...That suggestion was odd, but kind of understandable after seeing the state of their office. A bunch of crumpled-up and discarded paintings, a few canvases around (where did he get these??), and an entire separate side table (WHERE DID HE GET THAT?????) to hold his... suspicious paints. Oh yeah and Silksong's running in the background of his box of a computer. ]
[ ...418 slips on one of the discarded papers. Thankfully, he didn't fall. ]
I should really learn to take my own advice, actually. Jeez...
Oh, my apologies!
As Jake walks in, he looks around at the mess of a room. Jeez, he really hadn't been here recently, had he?
A new hobby of yours I'm guessing? Pretty cool! How did you even get all of this anyways...
Has Benny been alright to you? I know shadow creatures can get pretty... yeah. So just checking in.
Yeah, new hobby. I don't remember how I got the rest of the stuff, but supplies gave me the paints. I uh. Don't recommend going near the paints. Actually. Long story.
[ 418 paused at the Benny question, before answering. ]
He's... He's honestly been nicer to me than I've been to myself, I'm not gonna lie to you. Even longer stor-
It's not that long of a story, though? Chasing perfection when humanity's defined by the imperfections is just setting yourself up for "failure", right? Though I doubt you can fail at a hobby. I believe in you :)
...Thanks Benny. Uh, yeah, I don't know how to word it myself actually. So like... Yeah.
...I see.
Before he can continue, it shifts closer to Benny, causing Jake to flinch.
L̷o̵n̶g̸ ̵t̸i̶m̷e̸ ̶n̴o̸ ̶s̴e̶e̵.̸ ̵
W̸h̸y̷ ̸t̵h̸e̵ ̵c̴h̷a̵n̸g̷e̸?̸ ̵I̵ ̶t̴h̵o̴u̸g̵h̷t̷ ̸w̶e̷ ̵h̶a̷d̶ ̷a̷ ̸c̸o̵m̴m̸o̸n̶ ̴g̸o̴a̵l̸,̷ ̷y̴o̸u̶ ̶a̵n̴d̶ ̶I̶.̶
Hm? I've always been like this, friend! I don't quite know why I am, but I am.
Yes, we do have a common goal, I think it was keeping our respective employees safe? Forgive me if I'm misremembering a lot of things, friend, it's been an eternity. Or, more like it felt like one? What is time in this place?
[ ...418 is growing increasingly uncomfortable with the whole time discussion. Unfortunately, he also doesn't have the heart to interrupt people. So. ]
A quiet knock comes from 418's door. When opened, it reveals Jake, with it close behind.
Sorry if you're busy! We haven't hung out in a bit, I thought maybe we could chat?
[ The door slowly opens, revealing a very tired but still "happy" 418. ]
Oh! I uh... wasn't expecting company right now, but... Yeah, sure, we can talk! Just watch your step, and...be careful?
[ ...That suggestion was odd, but kind of understandable after seeing the state of their office. A bunch of crumpled-up and discarded paintings, a few canvases around (where did he get these??), and an entire separate side table (WHERE DID HE GET THAT?????) to hold his... suspicious paints. Oh yeah and Silksong's running in the background of his box of a computer. ]
[ ...418 slips on one of the discarded papers. Thankfully, he didn't fall. ]
I should really learn to take my own advice, actually. Jeez...
Oh, my apologies!
As Jake walks in, he looks around at the mess of a room. Jeez, he really hadn't been here recently, had he?
A new hobby of yours I'm guessing? Pretty cool! How did you even get all of this anyways...
Has Benny been alright to you? I know shadow creatures can get pretty... yeah. So just checking in.
Yeah, new hobby. I don't remember how I got the rest of the stuff, but supplies gave me the paints. I uh. Don't recommend going near the paints. Actually. Long story.
[ 418 paused at the Benny question, before answering. ]
He's... He's honestly been nicer to me than I've been to myself, I'm not gonna lie to you. Even longer stor-
It's not that long of a story, though? Chasing perfection when humanity's defined by the imperfections is just setting yourself up for "failure", right? Though I doubt you can fail at a hobby. I believe in you :)
...Thanks Benny. Uh, yeah, I don't know how to word it myself actually. So like... Yeah.
A quiet knock comes from 418's door. When opened, it reveals Jake, with it close behind.
Sorry if you're busy! We haven't hung out in a bit, I thought maybe we could chat?
[ The door slowly opens, revealing a very tired but still "happy" 418. ]
Oh! I uh... wasn't expecting company right now, but... Yeah, sure, we can talk! Just watch your step, and...be careful?
[ ...That suggestion was odd, but kind of understandable after seeing the state of their office. A bunch of crumpled-up and discarded paintings, a few canvases around (where did he get these??), and an entire separate side table (WHERE DID HE GET THAT?????) to hold his... suspicious paints. Oh yeah and Silksong's running in the background of his box of a computer. ]
[ ...418 slips on one of the discarded papers. Thankfully, he didn't fall. ]
I should really learn to take my own advice, actually. Jeez...
SILKSONG IS REALLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOBODY TALK TO ME I'M REACHING ENLIGHTENMENT /hj
...agh, something about this just- doesn't look right. again.
[ 418 stares at the painting in front of them, brush shaking in their right hand. A bunch of other canvases and papers were scattered around the office, unfinished, scrapped. ]
...
how am i supposed to be known and happy if i can't do anything right? im not supposed to be so imperfect. nothing i do is supposed to be imperfect.
sure, i forget to do my work sometimes, and my office is kind of a mess, but- but when i DO remember my work, i at least do it as perfectly as i can to make up for it!!!
...i don't know what's going on anymore.
i don't know why i think i have to be the best of the best in my field anymore.
but i don't want to leave. this is all i remember knowing, and besides, i don't want to leave with my work undone.
[ 418 stares at his hands. curling up in a ball in his chair. Benny continues staring, for a short while. ]
...Do you want to know what I think, 418?
. . . what, benny? what could you POSSIBLY say right now?
Well, I think...
[ Benny slowly stands up and stands next to 418, crouching back down to at least be at eye level. ]
I think you're trying your best. And, sometimes, trying your best is enough. You don't need to focus too hard on every tiny imperfection, or wrong word, or fear that you've failed the people you love because of your "failures".
You're human, despite not being one in the TRADITIONAL sense. Humans aren't supposed to be rigid and perfect, like small little machines. I think, you should live your life how you want to. Embrace the imperfections and failures because they make you... Real, in a way!
...haha.
i guess i can try that. thank you, benny.
I'm glad I could help you. :)
leaving an impact so big it destroys this place, oh, how I wish I could do that...
That went horribly.
