outsiders-owen

[outsiders-owen]

it.. it worked?

…oh my god it worked. It worked!

sorry, this is really overwhelming. I have been trying for what? Thirteen resets? and you know sometimes we get close but this is the first time we’ve actually.. done it.

I- I need to go take a nap. Well, I actually don’t because I don’t need to sleep but like- you know… stuff.

Also if anyone asks I am not crying I swear-

-pastry voice.

Apparently, it did work.

Twelve resets, actually, but... yeah. Yeah, I think we might've.... I think we might be able to get out and win this.

Really?

Yeah. Only problem is, we can't- some people are going to die on the way. That's unavoidable.

Well, all the demons will just have to-

Owen, please. You have to stop with that.

...

Anyway, Pastry, enjoy your nap, and... thank you for this. Truly.

Thank you, Pastry. So much

[outsiders-owen]

What if he was hurt? What if he was dying at this very moment and you could do nothing to stop it? What if he's already dead Owen, what would you do then?

You know who I'm talking about.

-Root Voice

Then I would be sad. But he wouldn't, because- because he's here. In my house again.

Not for long. I'm leaving soon, but-

Yeah, yeah-

-but I've invited Owen to join me-

-which I won't be doing-

Why?

I told you.

Well, it didn't make sense.

Whatever.

paf

Hey!! Punching isn't nice!

You aren't nice.

I hate you.

You love me.

...Fine.

[outsiders-owen]

.

.

.

Pastry said you wanted to meet?

I- Yeah, yeah. Yeah, I guess- I guess I did say that, I-

We should go where no one will see us. They all think you're dead or something.

Do you think I'm stupid? Owen, I- I want to be able to trust me, but every single time that's happened, it hasn't ended well.

...

Apo, do you remember way back when? I made you a promise, then.

...What? What are you talking about?

I said, and I quote: "Apo, of course I'm not going to hurt you. Never in a million years. I'll do a lot of things, but I will never hurt you. Ever."

.

And a lot of things have- have happened, and I- I don't really know who I am right now, or what I believe. Hell, half of me thinks I should lock you up right now- NO! Sorry, sorry- I'm not going to, I'm just- don't leave, please-

...Owen, I don't- I don't know about this...

Apo, please. Please.

...

And- and I never told you this- but after I learnt that you, you flipped the lever, I went to Soup about it. And I talked to her. And she told me- she told me- she told me that you'd had my back through thick and thin, and this was just one slip-up. She said you did an awful thing, but- but you're allowed to forgive people. She told me that fear makes people act strangely, and- and she said you were feeling so much fear.

Owen-

Let me finish.

I don't-

P- hhhh. I can't- please.

Are you crying?

.

As- let me keep talking. This is important.

Because then when you were in jail, I wrote you that letter, do you remember?

I- yes, Owen, of course I remember-

I don't know- I don't know how that ended up for you, or how you felt about that, but what I do know is that- is that when I walked into- into that prison, barely breathing, and let you out, you-

You helped me. You hadn't seen me in months, and you helped me, and I don't- I don't-

Breathe. You're- Owen, you're going to choke on your tears, you need- you need to sit down-

SHUT UP!

...

I'm sorry- I- I need to keep talking, please let me keep talking-

...

Th- thank you. And when I got my memories back- I don't know- I-

I want to be better. I was happier when I- I don't know. I still think- your kind- is not to be trusted, and I think you're liars, and thieves, and-

Hhh.

But I'm- I've decided, I'm just going to sit tight, and- and I'm not going to kill you.

What a relief.

I promised. I don't break my promises.

You've hurt me in the past-

Before I made that promise. Past resets, past lives.

...

So if I'm to believe... this, then... what's next? Why did we meet? Do you have some grand plan to get us out of here, or-

We met up because I missed you, you idiot.

oh

You're my best friend, I can't- I can't believe I've killed you, so many times, I- I'm sorry. And that'll never be enough, never, but I am. I am so, so sorry.

Apo, I love you, and I miss you, and I'm sorry.

That's- that's all I can offer.

oh.

I love you too.

.

What?

You heard me.

But I hurt you. I- I killed you. I stabbed you, and called you vile, and- and I don't-

I used to tell you I loved you, didn't I?

I mean, yes, but-

And I remembered everything then. Owen, I will always forgive you. No matter what. You're my anchor, here, and every time the story resets, those months when we're the best of friends, before I pull the lever- because I have to pull the lever, every time, I have to- that's the time I look forward to. That's- that's my favorite part of life.

F- fuck-

I thought you didn't swear-

Oh my god, you are actually- holy shit, bro, clean up those tears-

.

.

.

Do you, like, want a hug? Or something?

...

It's okay if not-

Sorry, it's just- you're a demon, and I know you're not like the others, but I can't-

Okay, so first off, we're gonna need to work on that racism, hooooly moly. Secondly, you've hugged me plenty of times before, and never contracted whatever deadly demon desease you seem to think you're gonna get. So bring it in.

...

pt pt ptp tp pt

OH-

I didn't mean run into me at full pelt, I-

Too bad.

...I missed you.

I missed you too.

[outsiders-owen]

hey Owen! Update on the Apo thing.

um.. I think he’s coming to you? I don’t know it wasn’t all that clear, be prepared I guess. But not too prepared because um that would be bad.. not that he probably would run if you tried to kill him because he seems really lax about the whole death thing-

sorry I’m really nervous right now um I’m just gonna sit over here-

-pastry voice

He's-

what?

He's- oh my goodness. When, Pastry Voice? How? I'm right out by the gates to the Maze now, I-

Owen?

.

.

.

oh my god

A- Apo?

[outsiders-owen]

Do you love Apo? Do you sincerely want to keep him safe? I'm sure he would love to see you, if you wished to try and find each other. He would be less thrilled to get locked up.

What will you do to try and get some company in the maze, other than the voices? To actually see someone?

-Stone Voice

I- Voices, please- I can't answer these questions. I can't do it.

yes i love him of course i love him how could i not he's apo

Like I said, if we meet up, I'll just talk to him. I won't-

I won't do anything else.

For now.

[outsiders-owen]

I have so much origami to share, and this isnt even all of what ive made!

Ok the first group is some of the various dragons ive made, these are a favorite of mine which is part of why theres so many.

Then ive got a few samurai hats

A bunch of these paper spiky balls that i have no clue the actual name of. Most of these take 12 or 30 pieces of paper, depending on how many points i want it to have.

A plethora of paper stars

A couple of hearts and a kite i made for a school project

A pair of birds

2 massive ninja stars, theyre a little beat up because they're like 4 years old at this point

A cute little box

And lastly a cool fidgety thing. It spins, but i couldn't really capture that well.

I honestly enjoy the process of making origami things more than the end product most of the time. It gives me something to do with my hands, and is just relaxing to me :D

-Sword Voice

These are really pretty, Sword. I might try to make some of my own... although, it may not be that good at first. Maybe I'll practice for a bit before showing you Voices...

I like the spinny thing the most, I think.

[outsiders-owen]

And why does them being demons make them dangerous? If they were going to do something, why haven’t they already? What have they done to incite your wrath other than just exist?

As for what you said about demons, if you knew where apo was would you be willing to tell him that to his face?

If you find him would you truly be able to look him in the eyes and say you think he is nothing but awful and you NEVER considered him your friend? It’s no wonder he probably doesn’t want to see you, with friends like you who needs enemies?

The only thing you are “protecting” is your fragile belief system that is falling apart around you and you know it.

Yours,

Danger Voice.

Why haven't they alre- Danger, they're biding their time! They're- they're waiting to strike, when it's okay, they're-

I'm not-

Don't talk about Apo. You don't get to talk about Apo. I don't- Shut up. Shut up, shut up, shut up.

S top

s stopp p

.

.

.

i n n eed d hii im t to be be e s s aaffe

[outsiders-owen]

Hey Owen, I’m back again!

Yes, you can indeed play songs on the trumpet, but if you want to play full songs on only the trumpet, it’s best to have a few players, so you can get some backings and harmonies.

I’ve been playing for a few years now, I’m pretty good at it (I think) but I am by no means a master. I can play both fun little riffs and proper songs though! One of my favourites is “Imperial March” from Star Wars… although I doubt you’ve heard of it.

As for my name… I mean, I dont know… I just chose the name because I like shiny things.

And people have to have names right? I had to have a name I couldn’t keep the old one

Are names supposed to be literal? Should I chose a new one??

No- that can’t be right. Sorry, got a little worried there.

(Besides, I’ve grown quite fond of my name)

-Gilded voice

(Maybe I should go jump in a vat of gold leaf. Is gold leaf kept in a vat? Either way, I’m sure I could get my hands on some)

Ohh, that makes sense. Sort of like how playing only violin doesn't sound good unless someone is very skilled at it. "Imperial March" from "Star Wars".... no, I've never heard of either of those things. I'd love to hear some of your trumpet playing, though, if you're comfortable! No pressure if not.

It's very fair to have just chosen your name unliterally. You're alright.

...Sorry, I think you said something before that I couldn't quite hear? It was very quiet, and sort of... fuzzy. Do you... wanna repeat yourself, maybe?

[outsiders-owen]

Hi Owen! I'm sure you've heard this plenty from the other voices, but it's been a while on my end. A couple months actually! I was wondering, do you have any experience with origami? I find it pretty calming, and really helpful when I need something to do with my hands. You also get a little trinket after! I could show you some of the things i've made if you want?

- Sword Voice

Wow, a couple months? That's very interesting. I wonder... I wonder why time passes for you guys, but not for me?

Origami... I mean, I used to make cootie catchers when I was younger, but other than that, no, I don't believe so. I'd love to see what you've made, Sword, in the past you've shown yourself to be quite the creative individual.

[outsiders-owen]

hi Owen. I can’t- I can’t do this anymore.

I um, I think things need to happen. We’re all going crazy- you included- sitting around here and just making idle chat. So, I’m going to do something.

it’s funny- I don’t really know where to start. I’ve never really pushed the boundaries of what exactly I can do here, I was content to just talk. But like, if we can change the freaking weather, we can stage a meetup!

I’ll um- I’ll see how this works. I’ll update you if I need to, I promise. But also I might not if I think me telling you will make you set like- a trap for Apo.

Just- please- trust me.

-Pastry Voice

...Pastry? Are you- are you saying-

Are you going to- to tell me where Apo is?

I don't... thank you. I won't- I won't hurt him, I'll try, I promise- I just- I just wanna talk, I just wanna talk.

I...

Voices, I feel like I'm going crazy. There's such conflict inside me- I don't know what to do, or what to think. Because... I don't know, all demons are evil, right? No exceptions? But Apo... he's never... I mean, he pulled the lever, right? And he lied.

And he remembered what was happening here, but he didn't tell me-

Oh wait. He did. That's why- that's why I remember all this.

I still think he needs to be locked up, don't get me wrong. I don't think- I don't think I could kill him.

But he can't be- be free, to roam around the Maze, or whatever. I'm- for the meantime, Pastry, I'm content to have a conversation. But if he shows any sign of violence...

I need to keep my friends safe.

he matters more than any of them

[outsiders-owen]

I don't know if the others would agree with me on this, I but I don't like the aftertaste of apples

They taste fine on the first bite, but when you finish eating them it tastes weird and water doesn't wash the taste out :(

I hope you hear more from the other voices, it's getting boring just playing one-player ping-pong with my last braincell

-Goat voice

Hm. I don't- I dunno, Goat, I don't really agree with that. I think apples are sweet all the way through. Some have bad spots, sure, but... I dunno. I think they're a wonderful fruit. And great in pies.

...Wait. Are you talking about Apo? Using a metaphor or something? Because if so, stop.

Don't do that.

i hate thinking about him

voices, where is he?

[outsiders-owen]

Hi owen!

Its been a minute since ive spoken here but i feel its about time i chimed in again to give my two cents so my question to you is this:

Why?

Why do you have to do something about Rasbi and Apo?

I mean they are your friends! Are you seriously going to prioritize being so stubborn and stuck in the ways of the person you Used to be that you’re willing to sacrifice the friends you have now?

Sure they’re demons, but like at the end of the day who cares‽ other than you‽‽

The only person forcing your hand to hurt Your Friends is yourself, are you seriously willing to sacrifice your closest friends to continue a war that has no impact inside the maze? Who does it help if something happens to them inside the maze, the only thing it will do is cause you to lose your closest friends, and face the consequences of your actions.

But what do i know, I’m just a voice at the end of the day, if you want to sacrifice your closest friends for literally no reason than a cause that no one but you cares about, be my guest.

Sincerely,

Danger Voice

I keep telling all of you: it's because they're dangerous. It doesn't matter if no one else cares, if no one else can see the truth- I can see it. I can see it, and I need to keep them safe. I need to keep me safe.

They're not my friends! They can't be my friends. Demons are not to be trusted. They are corrupt, evil creatures, and I have never met one who isn't completely awful-

yes i have its apo apo apo apo apo and rasbi too

"Sacrifice my closest friends"- Danger, do you hear yourself?! They're not my friends! They never were, they can't be, because if they are- I can't- I-

snff

It doesn't matter. You'll never understand. I'm trying to keep the people I care about safe.

[outsiders-owen]

Hey Owen!

It’s been a pretty long time since I’ve talked to you (In my time anyway). I know it hasn’t been long for you, but I want to apologise anyway, so sorry :-(

The talk about musical instruments from the other voices reminded me about my own instument! I play the trumpet (I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned this before). I suppose I chose it because it’s shiny, loud, and fun, like me! (well, I’m loud and fun, not shiny. I think.)

So how has your day been so far? Anything interesting? Any hot gossip? If there is, tell me all of it! >:]

-Your friend (I hope),

Gilded Voice

Hello, Gilded! Please don't worry- I promise, no time has passed for me, or barely more than the usual amount, since your last message.

Youp lay the trumpet? How lovely! There were always trumpets played whenever someone important came to visit the Castle... just this little riff. Can you play, like, full songs on trumpets?

Gilded, what do you mean you're not shiny?! Your name is GILDED Voice. There's no way you aren't covered head to toe in gold leaf.

As for anything interesting happening... I'm keeping an eye on the Maze. I keep thinking I see... well... oh, you'll call me stupid, but just flashes of red horns, and- yeah. Yeah, it's dumb. Or maybe not. I know he's in there, I just can't imagine he'd be idiotic enough to venture so close to the Clearing...

i hope he is

[outsiders-owen]

So they summoned rain.

Neat.

Apologies for my absence, someone kept trying to escape gay baby jail.

And then it got worse.

Sometimes I can almost understand the purgatory you put yourself though. ‘If I do this, with that change?’ ‘What if nothing changes?’ ‘Should I write down the changes?’

…

I have to make sure Drained isn’t doing something stupid again. Have fun in the rain, jump in a puddle for me or something.

-S

What did Drained do?!

Scaled, please, I need to know they're okay, I-

Apo could fix this. He could fix this! I'm so stupid, what am I doing, why do I- what is this? I was happy, I was happy, why'd I have to go and remember everything?! This is so much worse. Everything was f-fine-

it was never fine i will never be satisfied i'm greedy i'm lazy i'm everything my father hated everything he told me i would be

[outsiders-owen]

Drained decided to do something stupid, and now we’re both suffering because of its choices.

Stupid.

S-

I̷̠̒’̶̄͂ͅm̵̼͙̑̽ ̷͚́̋s̷̫̉ǒ̶̹͘ͅR̸̨̨̓̀R̶̪̿͌Y̸͙̗̾͊

Are you okay? What happened? Are you okay?

.

.

.

...scaled?

please tell me you're okay

h҉e҉l҉p҉ ҉h҉e҉l҉p҉ ҉h҉e҉l҉p҉ ҉h҉e҉l҉p҉ ҉h҉e҉l҉p҉

[outsiders-owen]

Hey Owen, it's been awhile, at least for me it has. But to ask you another thing based on where we left off

Why do you have to do this? Who is going to know? The people that you want to prove yourself to won’t be here to see, what are you proving? That you can’t change? Doing this will not fix what happened to you, you are allowed to be angry but this? This won’t do anything

Reconsider

Please

-Choco voice

Angst be upon ye boi

Has it been a while? I wouldn't know, I suppose.

...

You wouldn't understand. None of you Voices understand. I have- I have to. It's my purpose, it's what I was born to do. On the day I killed my first demon (agarci agarci agarci), I knew as soon as the arrow entered his- its chest.

They're not people, they're a disease. And there are people I care about in this clearing, people who aren't Apo. As long as there are demons here, it won't be safe for them. I know this. I know this from experience.

So I lock them up.

Or kill them.

I don't know.

except apo i'll let him escape i'll turn a blind eye anything to keep him safe voices where is he

[outsiders-owen]

hi Owen! :D

as of me sending this, it’s the day before Mother’s Day for me! Do you guys celebrate Mother’s Day? I guess it wouldn’t make sense because most of the clearing members don’t have moms, but I will be severely disappointed if no one gives you at least one ‘thank you mom!’ card.

Hmmm I guess Father’s Day would be better? Nah there basically the same thing

-pastry voice

Oh wow! I guess time really is passing out there... huh.

The way you Voices experience the world is so... strange. I can't even- it's so messed up from where my perception is located, you know?

...Mother's Day? I don't- I've never heard of that holiday. Not even- yeah, I mean, maybe it's a thing in different Districts, but we never had it. Kinda wish we did, though, I- I miss my mom, sometimes, and I- I didn't let her know how much I loved her enough.

Guh.

Yeah, we don't have a Father's Day, either.

i'd maybe be a little less keen on that one