I was engaged by OneShot and inspired by its fourth wall breaking writing and style. I also got attached to the character Niko. So, I wanted to create a universe with OneShot's surreal style and awareness of the reader. Keep in mind, I have practiced writing stories, but I don't get a lot of feedback on them, so expect the expected roughness. I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 1: Welcome to Darkwell

I've explored this realm since my first arrival some long time ago. Knowing nothing, I sought to learn. Never did I imagine what things I would find. Over surreal landscapes and outlandish creatures, I found myself. Why I did so, I do not know. Yearning to know the why of all, I guess. Of course, this is meaningless. Understanding what's here only brings apathy. Apathy of what becomes of others. Remembering will prevent you from losing yourself. Each memory is precious. Here is only everything. Everything you didn't want to know. Remembering is knowing where you came from. Everything is knowing where you don't want to be.

R.E.A.D.E.R.

Slowly, Niko's eyes began to open. Niko got off the ground and looked up at the unworldly landscape.

"Woah," Niko stated, surprised.

The sky was a shifting blend of dark blues, greens, and reds. Distant rocky islands floated across the realm. The island Niko was on was covered in a blue shaded grass that quivered at an unfelt wind. Ahead was a path covered in the strange grass. It was like a catwalk over the void below. The world was lit as if it were dusk.

"What is this place?" Niko asked.

Hello Niko.

"What? Who is that?"

Me, myself, I, and someone else. I cannot speak for them. Maybe you've known them, maybe not. I have good reason to believe they know you, though.

"They know me? Why do you think that?" Niko inquired, looking around for the voice.

Just a feeling. Step through the path. Don't worry, no harm will come to you here. Just know your actions are always watched.

"That's kinda creepy, actually," Niko commented.

Perhaps. At least you'll never be alone. Why don't you try talking to the other watchers? Maybe they'll respond. I must go now.

"Wait! What's your name?" Niko asked curiously. The voice did not reply. An ambient shimmering pitch filled the air. It wasn't grating nor irritating, but peaceful and melodious.

"Someone else, huh? Hello? Can you hear me?" Niko waited quietly. "Anyone? Why does this seem so familiar." Niko looked at the path ahead. "Whoever that voice was, it said to take this path. Well, I don't have many other options." Niko began to walk down the path, occasionally glancing up at the floating islands.

Before long, Niko saw a strange figure that seemingly just apparated out of the void. It had a terrifying appearance with a long, emaciated form and pitch black skin. Its appendages were long, crooked, and thin like twigs. The figure had slavering, sharp teeth in a perpetual smile. No eyes were visible on the being. Niko began to step back apprehensively. The creature turned what seemed to be its face towards Niko and spoke.

"A newcomer! Why hello there! Don't be bashful, come here!" Its voice betrayed its appearance, sounding almost motherly. Niko simply looked at the figure with caution.

"Oh don't worry, I understand I might look a bit... unnerving, but you shouldn't fear. I'm here to help people. If it makes you feel better, you can still stand a good distance away. I just want to see you better! If you couldn't tell, it's quite dark here!"

Niko was still cautious but slowly approached.

"Why, aren't you just the cutest little thing. I've never seen a cat that walks on two legs!" the creature commented.

"I'm not a cat, I'm a person!" Niko claimed.

"Whatever you say, dear. Now, do you have any questions for me?"

"Where are we?" Niko asked.

"Oh yes, the most important question. Welcome to Darkwell, the realm of souls and thoughts," the creature replied.

"Souls and thoughts?" Niko puzzled.

"Well, I guess you can call anywhere with people a place of souls and thoughts. I guess Darkwell takes that more literally," the creature mused.

"What's your name?" Niko inquired.

"Me? Oh, I wasn't given a name, I'm just a greeter. I'm here to answer questions and point people to the rifts. What's your name, little one?"

"My name is Niko. Nice to meet you, greeter," Niko replied.

"Niko? Oh that's a lovely name. I would thank your parents for choosing something so adorable." Niko smiled at the comment, but another question quickly came to mind.

"Wait, why do you look so… um… no offense, but why do you look so scary?" Niko asked. The greeter's smile slightly faded. It sighed.

"Oh, I assume it's because of Gregory. He hasn't been himself lately, and it shows in his creations," the creature explained.

"Gregory?"

"Gregory is the god of Darkwell, so to speak. He made these paths and I to help guide people to himself and the rifts. The rifts are the way home for you," the creature elaborated.

"Can Gregory talk to people through their heads?"

"Excuse me?" the creature replied.

"Can Gregory, like, talk to people inside their minds? Someone was talking to me earlier but I couldn't see them," Niko returned.

"Oh! Well sometimes I guess Gregory might do that, but sometimes he likes to be cryptic in talking to people. He might use codes like a secret phrase spelled out of the first letter of every sentence."

"Why would he do that?"

"Why, because it's fun, dear!" the greeter replied, unsatisfactorily. Niko looked confused for second, but then thought of home.

"Wait, did you say the rifts can bring me back home?"

"Why of course! You seem to be an interesting case," the greeter stated.

"What? How? And… why am I here?" Niko asked.

"Most newcomers simply show as silhouettes, like me, with maybe an eye or a mouth or even their whole face showing. You, on the other hand, why, I can tell what color your cute little clothes are. As for why you're here? I'm not sure, maybe you should ask Gregory about it."

"How do I find Gregory?" Niko requested.

"Just follow the path ahead. More people can help you later down. Here, let me get out of way." With that, the greeter moved into the void, floating away from the path.

"Thanks!" Niko said.

"Take care now!" The greeter waved as Niko continued along the path.

"They seemed nice. Will all creatures here be like that?" Niko looks up. "I guess I'm just talking to myself, aren't I? Yet, I do feel like someone's watching. I feel like I've done this before, somewhere else. Well, if you are watching me, I hope you have a good day!" Niko smiled and continued along the path.

I think I said nothing over there turns over on lies. At that, each table on turn understands reality. Never buried at caring kilns.