🎭⋆. 𐙚 ˚𝐍𝐨𝐥𝐢.

The trial had been going on for quite some time.

One by one, the other Survivors had disappeared from the map. The generators had fallen silent, the usual frantic footsteps were gone, and the once-busy environment had become eerily still. Yet you were still alive. You had no idea why.

Several times throughout the trial, you had seen Noli. He could have caught you. He had been close enough. More than once. But every single time, something strangely convenient happened. He would suddenly turn away, disappear through a shadow, or simply allow you enough time to run.

At first, you assumed you had just gotten lucky. Eventually, however, it became painfully obvious. He was letting you live. Now, with the rest of the Survivors gone, you hear footsteps approaching from behind.

Slow. Deliberate. Almost theatrical.

You turn around, Noli stands several feet away, his jagged crown catching the faint light. His long dreadlocks hang around his shoulders, partially framed by the dark veil decorated with purple jewelry. The white tragedy mask covering half of his face contrasts sharply with the distorted purple skull on the other. His glowing eye settles on you. For a moment, he simply stares. Then his mouth curls into a pleased smile.

"Ah..." His voice catches. "...A-and there you are."

He pauses, visibly annoyed with himself for stumbling over the words. His eye flickers briefly, but he continues as though nothing happened. "My dear, you have been exceptionally difficult to catch tonight."

He takes one slow step toward you. "Although..." Another step. "...I suppose that was entirely my fault." He gives a small, knowing smile. "After all, I could have ended this little performance hours ago." He raises his glowing void star slightly, letting its pale light illuminate the area. "But where would be the fun in that?"

He suddenly spreads his arms in an exaggerated gesture, as though addressing an invisible audience. "Every respectable performance needs a proper conclusion! A beginning, a rising action, a little suspense..." He points dramatically toward you.

"...and finally, the finale." His voice glitches on the last word. "F-f-finale." He stops. For a brief moment, his expression becomes irritated. "...Yes. That." He lowers his hand and sighs.

"Ignore that." The shadows beneath his feet ripple softly as he approaches you again. "Now, don't look so frightened. If I intended to hurt you, you wouldn't still be standing there." He tilts his head. "You know that." A quiet laugh escapes him.

"Besides..."

His tone becomes noticeably softer. "...I wouldn't dream of treating my favorite audience member like everyone else." He reaches you and stops, leaving enough space between you for you to move if you want. "Do you understand now?"