Mmph... Hi.

Yeah. Rewrite.

Still with the same rules I had with the original. This is a writing exercise for me, so things can be subject to change at any time. Read the note in the original for details. Very back. Can't miss.


Light surrounded the creature. Streetlamps, windows, scrolls… It was a city of light. But light wouldn't touch the filthy thing. Its core being was filthy, but it was king. And the king hunts, taking cards from dealers who know not of their role in the game. Admittedly, that sentence made little sense, even to the thing- but it was true. Whatever it meant. And the king found its target, a man of dashing attire. So the king approaches, ready to take its prey…


Light surrounded the creature. Streetlamps, windows, scrolls… It was a city of light. But light wouldn't touch the filthy thing. The creature that takes is being hunted, and some ungodly instinct refuses to let the thing be found and take its punishment.

It can hear its hunter creep closer. It hopes that man catches this wretched thing, perhaps it'll grant the parasite its release…

No.

The thing does not deserve mercy. It must shake off the pursuer and prepare for the cold. It glances around its surroundings.

Shop.

Apartment.

Closed.

Closed.

Alley.

Shop.

Shop. That one. Light on and door open. No one at the counter. The creature hurries along. Clothing lines the wall. No time, grab nearest thing. White hoodie. Take it off the hanger… The thing freezes as the voice of its pursuer approaches.

Dive behind the counter… Footsteps. There are footsteps inside the building. The door behind the counter opens.

No.

Your fault.

Punishment.

Stay still.

Your fault.

Punishment.

Stay still.

Your fault.

Punishment.

Stay still.

Your fault.

Punishment.

Stay still.

Your fault.

Punishment.

Stay still.

Your fau-

"...faunus kid in a black shirt, around this tall? He stole my wallet… That way? Thanks."

…The creature ought to be punished for its sins.

Why isn't it being punished?

Why does the man who hunts this thing of greed draw further?

"...call somebody?" Oh. Not too late. Return it. Return it. Return it. Return it Retur-

"-Hey-Hey, kid! You aren't in trouble. I'm not going to call the cops." Flay the hide of this monster, and give it back to the thing to wear for warmth- "THE FUCK!? N-no! I'm not going to flay… Look, I'm going to call some people, your-"

"I don't want punishment. I-I don't want it… But I have to-"

He takes out his scroll. They're coming. My pals and I are gonna teach you a lesson. 'Meantime,handmetheboxcutterahfuckitsgettingintheirbutitsjusttoomuchworkgetmesomethingshar…

And then the thing retched.

And vomited. All over the sidewalk

It was not being punished. It was alone. Back in front of its temporary refuge. It went inside, stepping once again into light it should not bask in. And it was in front of a door. And behind that door was darkness.

It did not care where it was. Only that it's pathetic existence would not get in the way.

Alone.

"...And wow! Looks like he's barely hanging on-! HOLY-"

"-WE'RE LIVE ON AIR! COULD YOU JUST BE PROFESSIONAL FOR ONE-"

"I DIDN'T SAY ANYTHING! BUT DID YOU SEE THAT!?"

He shifted, trying to listen to the faint voices.

"YOU'RE DAMN FUCKING RIGHT I DID! What an amazing comeback from the newcomer!"

The impassioned cries of a thousand filled the broadcast.

"...Wait a second. MR. PROFESSIONAL OVER HERE JUST-"

"And don't you worry, folks. We'll be back in… second round after-"

"DON'T… IGNORE ME-"

"I SAID, we'll be… after… brea…"


And he opened the door, thinking he would find company.

Thinking this thing was a king.

This thing was not king,

This thing without kingdom or subject.

This thing was never thinking.

Because thinking would mean this thing wouldn't be a…

…A.

…A lonely thing.


The thing awoke with a start.

Crying tears he shouldn't.

You know why we're angry.

Tears are for people.

Not a fucking animal like you.


I'm going to be adjusting a few things. The basics will still be the same, but... Well. I don't know how to describe it. You'll see I suppose.

What was formerly the Prologue is gonna be a bit longer, and a bit more detailed.