After the beginning, there is 1.

Reality is fickle, no one knows what is what. But even then they feel it, the guiding hand that directs them.

At 2 things begin to evolve, and on 3 a repetition is formed. With 4 that little incentive becomes a habit, expected. At 5 the pieces have been laid.

Be it fantastical lands, demons clothed as humans, or even something as small as a hungry little girl.

All of it is in place, ready to break loose, to connect.

6 begins the cracks with a broken repetition. A hint of more.

In 7 The one who describes begins giving titles to the ever-growing list. And my tool, my puppet, is given form. How lucky.

At 8 a strong connection between the numbers is made. All because of a silly song...infinite possibilities begin to open up.

9 is said to lack, but that is wrong. As 9 gives form to the lovers, the key and keyhole needed for me to be free. 9 has my smell.

10 is completion? What foolishness. 10 is a zero away from the end. The end of my puppet's delusion. The end of that troublesome cultivator's path to power. The end of the hidden greed of all that makes.

...Just one zero away.

11 is the beginning of my victory. As in my vessel's heart, a seed finally blossoms.

Observe closely in 12 and you'll understand the ways of those who describe. And why they could never stop me.

This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

13...hahahhahahHahahhaHaHA! Oooh, yes. I suppose you will.

14 my vessel inches closer.

15 is full of lies. The Muppet's journey shall never reach '10'. As I will leave no blood, no dust, no memories. No feelings. No hope. Nothing. I shall return you all to the first number.

16...how amusing it is to watch them squirm. Struggle against the inevitable. Against me.

17 The key should've considered what she wanted.

18 Failures. All of them.

19 The hand and key meet.

20 She was wrong.

21 Everything is pretend. Are minds always playing games such as 'choice this' or 'Justice that'.

Like we aren't simply toys. Like you aren't just a slave to your worlds laws.

22 :)

23 The hand moves the key closer to the keyhole. Closer to me.

24 The final hour. As it all circles back to the first.

0

Then 1 to 2 and so on until 24. Until it circles all back to 0.

To me.

Because though the names may change, though the numbers and perspectives and even goals morph. I still remain. It all circles back

To me.

To 0.

To fear.

Always guiding. Always growing. Always the reason for why

This world,

Your world,

Every world,

Will end.

Me.