SCP Undesignated/Secret Files

Prologue: Who Are You?

Place: [Unknown and Beyond Comprehension]

The Scarlet King had entered the realm of boundlessness, an existence beyond the fabric of reality. In this soundless space, hues of white, green, and blue shifted, but there was no true form. Two immense entities faced one another, at opposite ends of this infinite expanse—not in conflict, not in opposition, just... conversing. The other entity appeared though the form was a blank white character with only a mouth.

Scarlet King: Who are you? What are you?

???: ...

The Scarlet King heard only the clattering of metal rods echoing through his mind, disorienting him, making his dark form writhe. The sound resonated like a bell in an empty cathedral, throwing his senses into chaos. After a moment, he forced himself to ignore it, adjusting. Though the words were indecipherable, some meaning crept into his mind.

???: (smiling) You know, I've been here for longer than you could ever understand. You've only just arrived. But even in your power, you're no match for me. I have foreseen everything.

The King raised his hand, attempting to summon his destructive force, the power that had conquered realms. Yet nothing. His energy sputtered out like air, leaving him grasping at emptiness.

???: Oh... did I forget to mention? Your powers don't work here. There's no force to blast, no destruction to conjure. (chuckling) Might want to sit down.

A ripple echoed through the boundless void as a grand, kingly chair materialized behind the Scarlet King. He hesitated but found himself seated. The other entity, too, reclined into an opulent throne of his own, sitting comfortably.

???: Shall we begin?

Scarlet King: Who are you?

???: You don't want to know. Let's just say... I'm the opposite.

Scarlet King: Opposite of what?

???: Of you. Everything you are, everything you can do, I can as well. But where you falter, I thrive. Where you dominate, I surpass. Your powers, vast as they may be, are—

Scarlet King: But what?! I do not understand.

The Other merely smiled, as tea appeared on side tables next to each throne, their delicate cups filled in an instant. Both took a sip in unison, as though they'd done so for eons.

???: Does understanding truly matter? In a place like this?

Scarlet King: What does that mean? What does any of this mean?

His frustration grew, and in an attempt to peer into the other's mind, he hit an impenetrable barrier. No thoughts were available to him. No secrets. Only an overwhelming presence, dense and incomprehensible.

???: I have children too. Like you, many. 111, to be precise. They aren't what humans would call gods—not Greek, not Norse. They exist in every reality, every layer. And maybe... one of them is writing this conversation right now. He has no idea I even exist. (laughing softly) A tired writer, probably procrastinating.

The Scarlet King's crimson eyes narrowed. The words, like much of what had been said, made no sense to him. Yet the weight of them lingered.

???: Why are you here?

Scarlet King: I escaped. To find a higher power. To rule, twist, and break everything that exists into my own image. (his tone darkening) And you... you are nothing.