Anamorph
Byron, alone and in company, observes the results of his efforts with muted delight. He steps slowly through a clearing, a path of well-trodden grass and mud separating an ocean of red and sinew.
Gentle as he walks, Byron gazes to the distant sky. The moon half-full, the stars ever-present; washing over the piles of viscera and carved metal. As he passes, reflections of him distort, the gentle light of eventide becoming multitudes.
The Argent comes to a halt before the lowest point of the field; a patch of newly soaking mud. Within lies a slowly growing font of blood, still full of the life he'd sought. With a satisfied sigh, he kneels, bending forward to glimpse at his form.
His fur, once mottled and black, now shines bright as the stars themselves. Where his red, maddened eyes once resided had been replaced by spheres of viscous mercury; within which the Ichor ebbs and flows freely.
"...Unimaginable."
With a longing expression, Byron reaches his right hand toward his image. Cautious as to not allow himself to break the surface, a single claw makes contact.
"They cannot see themselves as I do. Truthfully. Without pity. Without mercy."
Byron takes his opposite hand, gliding it upon his knee and slowly across his breast. So precise are his movements that the blood remains undisturbed.
"Fools. Enthralled to the belief that the world is theirs. That they, together, share the gift of vision; that one amongst their ilk is capable..."
With a quieted growl, Byron's left hand continues- across his collarbone, then to his shoulder. As he speaks, the hand begins descending, sliding gracefully down his stilled arm.
"That one among them is worthy to understand the world. To speak their word as law. That one among them might cross the threshold."
Byron's left hand pauses at his wrist, glancing over to it. His ring finger extends, now alone as it travels down his right.
"But what of them...?"
Byron's right claw dips slightly into the pool, causing a single ripple.
"What of those who give their existence to these saviors? Saints and Gods and Prophets- what of the common name?"
He growls deeply, looking into his reflection and watching it distort with the presence of the single ripple.
"They are forgotten- as is deserved. But, they are led to believe that they will not be so. That, in service to what is 'good' and 'right', their death brings further meaning."
Byron snarls openly. As he does, his reflection begins to warp abnormally; with some remaining unfazed while others vanished entirely.
"That mortals are capable of such treachery- that they would leave another to writhe in abandon and continue to speak?!"
Byron's ring claw smoothly digs into his index finger, dragging it up to the center of his right hand before retracting his left. Split flesh lets ichor fall noiselessly, ebbing down his finger and into the pool.
"...No matter. To you, the foolish... I grant a pitying, passing glance. As is the right you were given- to be seen, in your final moment."
As the silver fluid sinks into the pool, a reaction takes place- almost instantly, the font and its many offshoot rivers of blood begin to crack and burn.
The wind ceases. The light of midnight fades. The field dries as the unknowable is fathomed. Metal bends in screaming angles. Bone and sinew from piling bodies wrong themselves.
Byron's reflection fades as roiling ichor and mortal blood burns away to mirror-smog, and all the world is unbecoming.
"...But no more."
The light returns.
Byron kneels in a grassy field before a patch of mud.
He grins widely.
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Movie #10 of 2024: The X Files
I've been watching the series on Hulu and they remastered it for widescreen t.v.'s and some of the framing is hilarious when they block the actors super close together in the center of the screen.
The first three seasons are fantastic. My favorite episode is probably "Squeeze" which includes snap crackling pop dialog from Mulder like, "Is there anyway I can get it off my fingers quickly without betraying my cool exterior?" [shakes hand wildy]
My other favorite aspect of the early seasons includes on location shooting in Vancouver so nearly every episode they're in a forest. This dynamic led to magnificent storytelling decisions facilitated by editing such as Mulder knocking on Scully's door and handing her a ticket because they've got to get on a plane to leave D.C. and fly to Washington state. Smash cut to Mulder and Scully in a 1994 Ford Taurus driving INTO DANGER (a forest). Because something bad and scary happened there (forest bad)!
Oh yeah, they also made this dumb movie at some point in between seasons. Duchovny and Anderson exude tiredness as they over and under emote their way through this oddly paced nothingburger of a movie that serves as a way to kill the one cool old english guy and doesn't make a whole lotta sense continuity wise. And then they've gotta get right back to work on the next season. It's fine.
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Good Omens Loves Its Animals
Think of it this way:
Snakes are known as being protective, healing animals from a spiritual viewpoint. They’re also said to have very primal energy. This energy is said to be dormant until you awaken the coiled serpent, then you will be led down the path of enlightenment.
Crowley is extremely protective of those he loves and continues to be Aziraphale’s safe place. He was also curled under the Earth before tempting Eve to eat from the forbidden tree- enlightening her to the difference between good and evil.
Or maybe this way:
Toads are incredibly adaptable creatures and great symbols of abundance and fertility. They manage to jump from place to place without worry and are known to lay hundreds of eggs. When you pass a toad, it will likely remind you to slow down and focus on the small things.
Hastur is livid when he finds out that Warlock isn’t the Antichrist, but instead of losing his shit, he adapts to the changes and accepts the new plan. He is present when providing the baby to Crowley and is there to meet the Antichrist as a child like a parent with their kids.
But on the contrary:
Chameleons are fascinating creatures. They have been known as omens of death in African mythology, proclaiming that life is precious and it can end as abruptly as it began. Chameleons also appear in dreams, bringing curiosity and insight to the dreamer in question.
Ligur met his untimely death at the hand of Crowley. His life, though terrible, was specific to his end. He believes killing is fun regardless of circumstances and clearly values insight into the whereabouts of the Anti-Christ, keeping information flowing through Hell.
And, in minor conclusions:
Flies are persistent little things. Though small in stature, they have a whizzing attitude and determined outlook on life. In some Native American myths, flies are known as messengers. Their association with black magic veils them in darkness, but their goal setting and ability to transform their lives is astounding.
Beelzebub consistently urges Crowley to assist Hell in its work, even when he doesn't want to. Every time they are seen, they have new information and deliver messages, especially in Crowley's car. They even sacrificed their ruling life to be with Gabriel.
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