Chapter Text
“Who are you?”
The words rip the watery smile from the Puppeteer’s face. How could he not remember? They forged a friendship during the initial trip through the zones then a team in setting things right. All but two had survived the wicked machinations of the mad vulpine; endured psychological terrors all alone. By the sounds of battle outside of the chamber, Seneca was now preoccupied by The Judge and The Batter.
The door was still open. It was a blessing when they came back to the room that Seneca’s massive form occupied and found their comrade gone, but there was no telling when it would shut.
“I’m…”
They say their name.
He says nothing. Then:
“I’m sorry, mon ami. I have never seen you before and I certainly would have remembered a face like yours.”
The controller of strings and life tries to remember what could have made their dear friend forget. He seemed just fine before he was left alone – a stupid, stupid, stupid mistake – so chances are they missed whatever happened. Yet, could there have been a clue as to what happened earlier on in the quest?
His voice snaps them out of their musings.
“I don’t recognize this place… Where are we?”
A wet chuckle echoes throughout the room. Two names are called out.
“Get out of there, quickly!” shouts The Judge.
The Player turns, grabbing onto their friend and charging towards the exit. Two seconds later, the door slams shut with a bang of finality.
“No.” Legs shaking, they continue to move forward. “No no no no no nononono!” They let go of the merchant and charge at the door, bashing their fists against it, but the act makes no difference. Green arcs of electricity dance through the air. A chill slides down the Player’s spine. Turning back to their companion, the Puppeteer says only a few words:
“I’m sorry, Zacharie…”
There is nothing but searing agony until darkness claims them.