rewind the tapes as time is meaningless
Time is hard. How long had it even been since the last time a recorder turned on. Jon sat running his hand through Martin’s hair as Martin slept dreamlessly. The nightmares have long since faded for him.
They had defeated Jonah hoping it would reverse things, only when his body was destroyed, the Ceaseless Watcher was kind enough to repair the damages. That gift turned out to extend to Jon after a few other attempts to return the world to what it once was. No. Killing those that served the Beholding didn’t have any effects on this world. The end no longer held power over them. This was it. Nothing was changing. Things stopped having ways to change.
It was boring. Jon hated it in that he was getting hungry again as well, having to travel further and further to witness new reactions. The responses to the fears had started to feel similar enough through traveling, it was like reading a new book from an author that tended to have a style they stuck with. People experiencing things were still suffering in an eternal loop, never knowing that they felt it before. It was fresh for those suffering, but increasingly growing stale for those that feed on it. Jon Knew. Jonah Knew. The Ceaseless Watcher Knew.
There was a click. It took Jon a fraction of a moment to realize the tape turned on. He was flooded with relief, it’d been so long. He hated himself for that feeling. Static filled the air and words poured from his mouth as they hadn’t in so long. He didn’t pay much attention to what he was saying at first, it was just filling.
“In this barren land that was flooded with fears,
Flooded to over-saturation filled the air
A new fear was emerging
Soon to be birthed in this world of endless suffering.
Not the fear of Extinction, but
A fear that could be also tied closely to the End
A fear that could call the Lonely or Vast cousin,
But not the Extinction.
It was something far more benign and sinister.”
Martin was stirred from hearing Jon’s voice.
“Bearing witness to this new fear.
The Archive watched, as always,
waiting for this Fear to emerge.
Waiting to be able to give it a name to file away.”
Martin’s eyes grew wide. He was very awake as Jon recorded.
“This fear could not emerge. Not yet. There isn’t enough yet.
It’s too soon.
The Door must be –closed. ”
There was a cracking sound from the recorder, then Jon blinked.
---
Jon blinked. He was sitting in Elias’ office and before him was a contract. The pen that was in his hand, just lifted off the paper. Jonah- Elias was sitting at the desk before him. “That should wrap up the needed paperwork for your transf-” Elias was interrupted by Jon as he stood up, knocking his chair over. “Jon, are you alright?”
Jon’s eyes darted around the room. What...
March 25th, 2015 The Beholding supplied to Jon. Least that answers when his fate was sealed.
“A-ah yeah. Yes. I’m quite fine.” Jon cleared his throat as he picked up the chair and sat back down. The action bought him a second to collect his thoughts. This was the day he had officially taken the job offer for the Archives. Gods, Elias was disgusting for taking no time to fill the position that Gertrude left often. Jon thought that the first time around too, but now that he knows, it’s all the worse. It was just last weekend.
“I’m glad to hear it. Do you have any questions before you start tomorrow in the Archives?”
Jon hesitated slightly, still mildly disoriented. Something had happened with that last statement. He would have to play along for now, and figure out what happened tonight.
“Yes, about my assistants.” If they hadn’t signed their contracts, maybe…
“Ah yes. They should already be moving their things down to their office space since they aren’t waiting on cleaners like you are. Should be able to get started right away tomorrow as we discussed earlier.“
“Yes. Right. Thank you.” Jon couldn’t remember how this conversation went. Might be better to stop for now since looks like contracts had been signed. “I think that will be all.” Jon started to get up to head out and collect his thoughts.
“Oh, Jon.” Elias called out as Jon neared the door. “I wanted to say I look forward to working with you in your new position. I’m sure the Archives will be humming in no time.” Jon wanted to punch this smug bastard.
“I’ll see what I can do.” Jon left and closed the door behind him.