Username + ID: Velot + 593353
Archive: Eventide GrottoPokemon chosen: Yamask
Pokemon name: Nonson
Pokemon typing: Ghost
pokemon pronouns: He/It
prompt:"What was your previous life like..?" One of the two researchers inquired to the Yamask. It was peculiar... This Yamask seemed much more friendly than other Yamask that they had encountered. And what more, the mask it held... It looked more like a clown mask than a funerary mask. They supposed maybe it made sense in this abandoned opera house to not have a funerary mask But a clown mask? A Yamask haunting in itself didn't give them the best feeling, but it had been cooperating this far. They were investigating reports of lots of noise, some sort of ghostly opera... The Yamask fidgeted with his mask as he glanced down. A somber cry echoed from him as he sang... Something? They weren't really sure. But without missing another moment, he extended his spirit-like tail out seeming to be offering up the mask. The two researchers hesitantly glanced between eachother, the taller of the two quietly muttering,
"Well,
you're the ghost whisperer here..."
The shorter of the two gulped and tilted the wide brim of their hat back revealing more of their face with a soft sigh.
"Yeah, yeah. I suppose I am... If it will help us understand you..." They turned their attention back to the Yamask. "Then-..." They tentatively reached their had out to touch the mask, watching the Yamask all the while to make sure they interpreted his intentions correctly. With no reaction from him, they carefully took the crying clown mask from him..
And slipped it on over their face...
Single tear beads formed in the corner of the Yamask's widening eyes as he saw the crying mask looking back at him. And his ghostly form quickly swirled, sucked into the mask prompting a startled yelp from the researcher. Their Sprigatito quickly jumped with a hiss ready to attack- but they suddenly raised their hand halting further action... Both the pokemon and the second researcher stared stunned with baited breath... Until the silence was broken by a voice that wasn't quite their own.. with somewhat of an accent.
"My name... Is Beppe."
The two blinked as the researcher turned their head, revealing nothing but the sad clown mask as they spoke.
"My past life.. was a very good life. I think I had the best life. I was loved, I was applauded, I was incredible~" There was a softness to the words as he seemed to regard a fond memory. "But, it didn't last."
"Where should I start... I was a preformer! I was a singer~ A tenor in fact. I had played many roles... But I can't seem to remember-" A real tear ran from the mask's eye, rolling down it's surface and plopping onto the researchers lap who wore it.
"I preformed in the commedia dell'arte theatres... My best friend.. he would play the role of a clown but-" there was a long pause, the two audience members of this monologue glancing between eachother unsure....
"Was..
I the clown..? My apologies... I can't seem. To remember his name.. Name.. What was my name again...?"
"Beppe..?" The researcher offered.
"No... No. I'm sorry.. I must be confusing my memories.." The tears rolled down the mask in streams, flowing continuously now. Though the voice stayed unwaivering in pitch. "Anyway- I suppose all you really need to know is that I was a preformer. I don't quite remember... How I came to be here. I feel like I was living three lives, like I have too many memories."
"... '
Pagliaccio non son'... Am I Beppe..?" this didn't seem like the answer he wanted though, like he didn't quite believe it himself. His voice was tired... He no longer wished to entertain this.. or anyone. He raised the researchers hand up covering the mask... And gently pried it away. The researcher's face was revealed, their fresh tears still on their cheeks as they watched the Yamask swirl back into being from out of the mask, clutching it dearly as it floated backwards a few feet away. They sniffled back their tears and let out a sigh, recalling the same memories they shared for a brief time.
"Well..." Their voice was now normal, though shaking ever so slightly. "Pagliaccio... Beppe... Whoever you may be. Would you like to finally leave this place behind..?" They gently extended their hand, offering comfort and understanding all in one gesture, the two both with tears still stinging their eyes... The Yamask slowly nodded it's head down.
"After all... It's time to move on and try to find your
true self. Not just who you played on the stage..."
La commedia è finita.
