What dread countenance approaches?

[alchemicaladam]

Anyone walking into the room will notice it at once--A hideous beast has appeared in the main room! It is huddled in a corner, attempting to be small, even unseen, but for such a ghastly beast that would be utterly impossible. It appears nearly human... but it is 8 feet tall, and has horrid, yellow, translucent skin. The veins and muscles

Comments

[topofadmiration]

[Miranda's reaction is more like those the monster has probably come to expect-- she lets out a little cry and turns quickly away, holding her hands to her face. She has learned, after all, to fear monsters.]

[alchemicaladam]

It erupts with a small cry of bitter vindication.

Here as everywhere, you fear and despise me! I do not blame you for it--but that does not stop me from hating you for it!

[topofadmiration]

[She does not reply, save a quick glance of surprise that it is able to speak, but quickly skirts farther away.]

[alchemicaladam]

Yes, you pitiful thing, flee from me! I could expect no better! I deserve no better, damned thing I am--but at least I did not pass judgment until you acted!

Actually, he rather did, but.

[topofadmiration]

My-- my father did warn me-- I have seen--

[alchemicaladam]

Your father warned you of Devils like myself? Fathers! What are they good for, but bringing you into a world of evil and horror? I have seen more than you could possibly have--I have seen a mirror in full light! I have seen the cruelty of your kind! I ought to--It stops, mid rage. She has done nothing but fear, it knows, and does not deserve to be killed. It manages to hope she never deserves it. Listen to your father. He is doubtless a good Christian man, and rightfully reviles ugliness.

[topofadmiration]

He did not, until it did him harm.

[alchemicaladam]

The monster scoffs--Do I even need to point out that it's a horrifying process? Doubtlessly, your father imprisoned and shunned the wretch first. Or perhaps the harm was to his poor, beauty-stained eyes, upon seeing a demon of ugliness? Do I do you the same harm?

[topofadmiration]

Thou speakest well, beast, yet so harshly. [--which may be an answer to his question, but probably is not.]

[alchemicaladam]

And how would you have me speak? With kindness to those who flee from me? They do not speak kindly to me! You speak with terror in your voice, and a wish for me to never have been before you. You deserve only harshness.

[topofadmiration]

Ay. [we're sorry, monster-- she starts to cry] Ay, it is so.

[alchemicaladam]

What's this? Is the beast becoming whelmed (not overwhelmed, just whelmed, I'm afraid) with sympathy for the poor dear? It is so. It is. But I will not fulfill it. You have no reason to love me; I will not expect you to. But you should have no reason to despise me either! I have not harmed you, I do not know myself to have harmed those you love!

[topofadmiration]

Thou-- thou didst remind me of another.

[alchemicaladam]

shock! Perhaps hope! His voice becomes less caustic, though of course nearly as dreadful. Another? Another like me? Is he in this place? Tell me, girl, and I will swear never to harm you!

[topofadmiration]

[she shakes her head fervently-- no, he's not]

[alchemicaladam]

The monster lets out a little roar, more of a squeal of despair really, but it's a roar in its voice. He slumps down. And I doubt that you know where I could leave to find him, then! Oh, damnation! But worry not, young one. I will not go back on my word. Well, it has before, and might again, but it's not all that self-aware.