Chapter Text
[Chapter Audio; 1 - Silent Hill, The Terminal Show, 2 - Silent hill, The Thing, 3 - Silent Hill, Who Knows]
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Was it day or night? Did it even exist here? Did it even matter...?
Perhaps. Perhaps not.
You traversed through the thickets of the rich Scarlet Forest. It could have been minutes - could have been hours - for time had long lost it's purpose here. Did anyone know the time, or even own a clock?
Perhaps not. Or perhaps.
It was anyone's guess down(?) here. The shadows in which the Darkners dwell. Wherever it was that you came, you were all heading to the same destination - ignorant towards that fate or not. And in a place such as this... Ignorance was bliss. That sweet nectar that even the common house fly craves. Gold dripping from the lips of desperate youths - their eyes shimmer with a queer glint of hope. Of self-destruction. 'Cause "that's where we're all goin'"
Scarlet Forest possessed many pockets, twists, turns. Each perfectly wrapping up the lost in leaf cocoons to wallow a dismal demise. A choir of cicada/cricket hybrids sung the ambiance of the woods as the scent of licorice and subtle strawberries settled in your nasal way. This place made the perfect Limbo. You wondered if it really-
-was that a shop?
You paused.
A 'tent' of sorts; pitched and patch work. Dusty and dull brown. Appropriately signed "Shop", for there was no need for a creative name when it was the sole of it's kind. No "Treasures" or "Bonanza" nor "Jumble". "Shop". Just shop. Despite it's shabby appearance, the inky entrance was enticing enough. You could have sworn it was murmuring your name...
"[name]..."
Step.
"[name]..."
Step.
"[name]..."
~~~
Do you remember the first thing that hit you in that shop?
An indescribable scent struck you as you first came out into the light. One which captured a typical 'vintage' odor from objects long ago yet it was that precise smell that could never be pinned down to one source. It shouldn't have come to a surprise once you glanced around. This 'Shop' appeared akin to an antique dealer's den. If Jack of All Trades needed a location... Well, you knew just the place! Old clocks, dolls, games... Weaponry, jewellery, clothing and candy! Was there anything-... Scratch that. It was the only store Darkners could purchase from (to your awareness) so this really oughtn't come to a shock. Somehow it did. Why?
Why should you even ask?
"Ya gonna buy something, or have you came to window shop? Heh heh heh..."
Gasping, you leaped backwards, nearly dropping the strange trinket in your mits in the process. Using a large paw, the shopkeeper gestured to said trinket "Ya break it, you buy it." Best not test that theory then! Ever so carefully, you placed the ‘junk’ down. A familiar clink-ding was heard emitting from the odd treasure before you wisely backed off. [E/C] eyes scopes out the steampunk paradise before you’d finally spun around towards the shopkeeper himself. An old violet stuffed cat. His body littered with patchwork and stitched up scarring. From wear and tear, he possessed only one vermilion button eye, and pure darkness where his other should be. Covering his body were old brown rags. The older 'man' flashed a crooked smile your way as he gave a gravelly chuckle. Despite appearances, the old Bagpuss seemed harmless. Apathetic, even. There truly was no risk of him turning on you anytime soon.
Leaning against his counter, he croaked "Welcome travelers, what can I get ya-"
*You interrupted
"... Hm?"
*What stories can you tell me of the Dark World?
"Hm... History buff, eh? Heh... Alright. Whatever suits you... Ha ha ha ha..."
The tattered feline motioned you to a few cushions on the floor, armed with a cup of tea - one each. It's warm herbal aroma settling into your nasal passageways (if you even possessed those). Taking ahold of his rusty lantern, the old device creaked as it swayed closer. Clunk. Between yourselves and Seam, the lantern cast a sickly yellow beam. Though it possesses no candle nor wax insight, it was still warmly lit by an orange orb. An oddly comforting visual in such a dark, dismal and run down world. It shimmers and vibrates gently under the large fuzzy paws of the shopkeeper. Thick shadows are cast from behind, reminding you of the ever creeping darkness of this world. Always present. Always lurking.
"Settle down and I'll grab you some tea. Make yourselves comfortable and listen closely. After all...
Ain't no time better spent."
~~~
"Any requests?" he offers. Exactly...
What do you wish to learn of this world?