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What an absolutely delectable distraction!

[A frightening feline visage graces the viewer. While it registers more or less as a cat in shape and size, there is something particularly off about it. The eyes are too big, and the mouth gapes, full of crowded teeth pointing in all directions. It’s visibly smiling, which is something a normal cat shouldn’t be able to do. Maybe this is what cats look like in nightmares?]

Such an array of colours and textures! I find myself mourning my poor ability to see all the different shades, but oh, the sensations underneath my toes! The feeling of raking my claws over the various chairs and couches in this lovely building is nothing less than sublime.

I’ve been missing out my entire life, only able to sharpen them against the cold metal of Zone 0. It makes a most unpleasant sound, but one must endure. Hygiene is very important, children.

And they have even made me a little present. While I would prefer some fresh quarry to chase, or perhaps something to open those vexing little tins with, this device is more than satisfactory. It is made just for the charming, rounded shape of my paws.

[It kneads them against the screen, purring in a satisfied manner.]

Tell me, my well-kept inmates, what is the purpose of our prison? I was thoroughly convinced that my world had been reduced to nothingness, as my wanderings proved fruitless, and yet I am here, vibrant and alive! The puppeteers have made quite the tangle of strings here, but it does not bother me any more than any other ball of yarn, which we cats are so expert at unraveling.

I implore you to tell me all you know. I am very, very curious.

[OOC: Before playing with The Judge, please check out his permissions post! He has a particular fourth-wall breaking power that you need to know about before engaging with him.]

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Ah, yeah. The ol' beartrap. I'll watch my hands.

[He absolutely did not try at least once in the cat shrine in Wutai. Silly kitty, getting absurd ideas like that.]

So, now that the niceties are out of the way, I think I will introduce myself. I am the Judge, and I watch over this Zo--

Ah, excuse me. Force of habit. I think I will have to re-tool that first line of dialog.

You're a judge?

[Well, that was completely unexpected. Until the second thing the Judge says. It sounds familiar for a minute, but he can only remember one other guy who spoke all in... code and dialogue and whatnot.]

Hey, uh, do you know a Zacharie?

[The name's spoken a little hesitantly, like he's still not used to using the... full name.]

Not a judge, the Judge. My function is singular,and I am the only one of my kind.

And yes, I do! He is a very good friend of mine. Are the two of you acquainted?

Oh, wait, wait. Are you a monster, too?

[But he's not from the other monsters' world, is he? Still, it's rare for anyplace to have a talking cat. Talking... Judge. Whatever he is.]

Kinda sorta. Said he's a merchant, an' he's a little weird. Always talks about helpin' the hero or being part of a game or somethin'.

Of course not. I never randomly appear to halt progress. I find it rude and ungracious, poor qualities to be found in any proper host.

Yes, that is certainly Zacharie. You must excuse his mannerisms. He is very dedicated to his function, but he also has a way of... Ah, let's just say he is quite casual about spreading his particular kind of knowledge.

[He just has to wonder exactly what kind of a world this is, that they're from. If they're just ~~puppets~~ dedicated to some kind of role, some sort of 'game', it... doesn't sound like a pleasant existance.]

I gotta say. I'm actually kinda glad you two could find somethin' more here, even if it's not much. Sounds like you're both pretty confined back there.

I will admit it was a small world. That poor child had a limited imagination. But we are all confined to our fates, even if some are bigger than others.

...wait, what child?

[Zacharie never mentioned anything about that, at least.]

The Child that waits in the Room. His mother is coming to pick him up, but he has been waiting for her for some time now.

[This turned depressing pretty damn quick. Cloud wonders if he should even be prying about this at all.]

Are... uh. Are you an' Zacharie the child's guardians?

[Not a pet, not a cat, a 'Judge'. There's also the fact he's had... experience with 'guardians' named Zack.]

We are not technically Guardians-- there are three others that claim that responsibility-- but we play similar roles.

[He has a lot of questions. 'Are you even real?' 'What's your world like?' 'Did the child create you?' Because he... gets it. He gets being lonely enough to just try and make friends. But that's weird, right? He shouldn't assume anything.]

Would you ever wanna be?

Not particularly. Those three have grown a bit nasty as of late. They all had good intentions, but...

Power can get to someone's head.

That is exactly the problem, yes. They've taken their ideals too far.

Is... is the kid in any danger?

[Cloud, stop prying about a stranger's homeworld, goodness.]

...I'm afraid that question has been permanently answered.

[And now he REALLY wishes he hadn't.

The feeling hits like a brick to the stomach, and Cloud visibly pales. He doesn't know any of these p-- monsters. Creatures. And yet, the thought of a kid like that-- any kid-- being...

Just...]

Shit.

[He's not one to vocally swear often, but it just... comes out.]

There's... nothin' you can do? Nothin' at all?

My judgement came too little, too late. I am left with nothing but my regrets.

[He doesn't know you. Shouldn't get involved, shouldn't think about this. But he still feels sick.

A kid. A kid this Judge tried to protect, and failed. From what?

It's none of his business.

But...

Damn.]

I'm sorry.

[It barely registers in the feed, eyes no longer able to stay focused on the cat-thing. Whether it's home or elsewhere, the news of a child not making it is just... devastating.]

...You have a kind heart. That is a good trait for a protagonist to have.

[And again with the whole 'protagonist' thing. But it doesn't matter right now, does it? Shouldn't think on that too hard, just like he shouldn't be taking any of this to heart.

And maybe there's the irrational thought of 'I should've helped somehow'. Even though he had no possible way of knowing or having any involvement in a world that wasn't his own.

But maybe he can help here. Give the cat some company, or... something. Nobody should be left alone with their regrets. Not like he has.]

Maybe I'm just sick of all the bad ones.

[He tries to filter all emotion out of his tone, but doesn't quite make it. Hi voice trembles, and he can feel his hands trembling a bit, too.]

Can I, uh... do anything?

Your good intentions are fine enough on their own. This wound will heal with time.

[Heh. Good intentions. That's Cloud, making reasonable, rational decisions.]

We'll make sure you have a chance to, at least. Even if it's just for a little while.

~1~

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