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ACT I: The Paradox of Ataraxia
The cathedral reverberates with the enthusiastic roar of the crowds! Cosmic Void Priestess Idol Laine-sama strikes a final dissonant chord with her trusty guitar-resonator, The Sennjo-Gigas. She raises her fist skyward like an antenna communing with Kuromega! What a performance!]
Laine-sama: Godspeed Voidlings, thank you for listening to my Void Gospel. I love you all, my precious Voidlings! I am as certain in my love for you, as the Voidsun rises over the dark ocean of entro—
John Voidling: I LOVE YOU TOO, PRIESTESS!!! PLEASE MARRY ME! DEVOUR ME! I SHALL BECOME DEATH!
The Priestess casts her gaze to the brazen member of the audience.
Laine-sama: Oh my, who’s this? Dearest voidling, you’ve made this Void Maiden’s heart flutter! Though you must accept my apologies, as my heart belongs to Nothing. Perhaps, at the end of eternity, we shall be as as none upon the Shore…
John Voidling: BUT PRIESTESS, MY PATIENCE IS BOUNDLESS AS THE VOID OCEAN. I WILL DIE FOR YOU, IF THAT IS YOUR WILL! (TIPS FEDORA WITH COSMIC INTENT)
Laine-sama: Oh my. BLUSHING INTENSIFIES Dear voidling, are you saying that you will…die for me?
John Voidling: It is as the scripture has foretold! For my flesh is an illusion. My mind a passage. I am the chrysalis of nothing. I shall become as death!
Laine-sama: Maidenly swoon Ahhh, so this voidling knows the Canto of Penitence by heart?
John Voidling: tips trilby I have memorized all 76 verses, m’Priestess. I am become the chrysalis of the nothing, I shall become as death!!!
The voidling’s tirade is interrupted by the harsh shriek of the Sennjo-Gigas reverbrating through the blackened walls of the Zero Cathedral. The Priestess’ lovestruck demeanor was suddenly replaced with a sullen, contemplative mask.
Laine-sama: Ohh Voidling. Do my ears deceive me? Surely, you have memorized the Canto of Penitence? I shall give you another chance. Please recite the verse.
The Voidling whimpers as false bravado shatters.
John Voidling: Priestess, are you displeased? have I made a mistake? Let me recapitulate the sermon. I shall become as dea—
The Priestess strikes another dissonant chord. Sennjo-Gigas’ roar pierces yet again through the cathedral halls like a wailing voidbeast. The Priestess’ eyes were now filled with fury, blackened iris glowing, emblazened by the burning red core of a deathless star.
Laine-Sama: Dear voidling. Surely you must jest. You should know, that self-annihilation goes against our sacred scripture?
John Voidling: Priestess, I am truly at a loss. I have known the sacred rite of Penitenceby heart. Voidmother Katafra herself has written this sacred scripture herself. It is truth…It must be..
Tears run down John Voidling’s face.
The Priestess smiles.
Laine-Sama: Ah, of course. Mother Katafra, the ever infallible one, yes?
John Voidling: Yes, dearest Priestess. I am merely reciting Mother Katafra’s own words. I shall become as…
The Priestess plays an unscrutable melody with her resonator. Under the shadow of an unseen hand, the Priestess appears beside the Voidling, and whispers.
Laine-Sama: Such careless folly. Shall I instruct you myself?
The voilding falls to their knees.
John Voidling: Priestess…I have sinned in your grace. I offer penitence…I surrender to your wisdom…
The Priestess strokes her hand across the Voidling’s cheek.
Laine-Sama: Yes, penitence is an admirable virtue. You are an exemplary student, after all!
The Priestess is back to her cheerful demeanor. She turns her back to the brooding voidling, and returns to the stage.
Laine-Sama: Remember this, dear Voidlings! The scripture is prone to misinterpretation, I suppose. Mother Katafra was always the cryptic one, to her detriment. Oops?
Laine-Sama: Well then, let me introduce an amendment to the 76th verse of the Canto of Penitence. A modern reconstitution, shall we say, for a modern audience!
The Priestess points to a far corner of the room, where silent eyes linger.
Laine-Sama: Scribe-Scryers of the Choir! Beseeech my command! Commit this to the Epitaph of Zero!
The Scribe-Scryers Eyes blink in affirmation.
Laine-Sama: Commence the 77th verse! My words shall henceforth be recited as the “Paradox of Ataraxia”. This is the Gospel of Void Priestess Laine Chinensy, Cantor Secundus of Mother Katafra. Henceforth, I proclaim!
The Priestess clears her throat, as she strums her resonator to accompany her impromptu encore!
“Hear ye! The Promise of Nothing shall be joyless, If thou seekest the End as an end unto itself. Woe unto us, for our mortality! Take comfort in the looming Night, For therein shalt thou find Ataraxia.”