Perception (ONC 2021)

Chapter 7: Reduction

"Well done-"

"Seraphiana."

"You completed-"

"Your task."

"We will-"

"Send you back."

Sera frowned, "Wait, what about the truth? You weren't going to talk about the Perception Phenomenon nor the truth about the Face C-" The woman stopped as one of the wins appeared behind her, and placed a hand on her mouth.

"Silence."

"You've done your job."

"Now go back-"

"To your universe-"

"Like a good child."

With that, Sera seemed to dissolve into thin air.

Everybody gaped.

"So, it was a lie after all?"

"I knew something about her story seemed off."

"Hmph! I was right."

"But then, what is going on?"

Lauris frowned. She whipped her head around, witnessing confused and concerned faces. She couldn't blame them. This situation only got weirder each passing day. At this point, she was unsure what was even real.

The whole situation may as well be a fever dream.

However, if that was the case, why did chills run down her spine?

Why was every fibre of her being screaming at her to run?

"Well then!"

"Shall we start?"

Lauris watched as one of the twins stepped forward with a wide, cavernous smile.

"I think that there are too many people."

The other stepped forward.

"Agreed."

"Then, what shall we do?"

The twins faced each other, giggling.

"I know! Let's reduce the numbers!"

Everyone froze.

The twins smiled wider. One of them tilted their head, revealing those multicoloured eyes.

"Well then-"

"Shall we?"

At that, someone screamed.

Lauris looked around as the crowd dissolved into confusion and chaos. She watched in horror as a red blob resembling a human shape wobbled forward.

Everyone took a step back.

Lauris shivered and followed the crowd.

The blob struggled forward, pushing out something that resembled a hand. "EEEEEEEE."

The crowd took another step back.

"E—H—E"

"Hel – EE"

Lauris paled.

No way. It's – it's asking for help.

Another appendage stretched from the abomination.