Metalogue 1:

Religion is a story.

I think this is a valid opinion to take without a huge amount of background research.

Earthly religions are invariably coupled with a narrative. It demonstrates the moral context for which its followers should be emulating.

It’s not enough to simply present a series of axioms that ought to be followed and expect them to be so undeniably true and valid that no explanation or context is necessary. That’s philosophy. Or an instruction manual.

Religious activity involves scrutinizing these stories and drawing conclusions from them. Worship involves some enactment or direct reference of praise toward this story and its characters. It might be argued that the simple reading of a religious text might constitute worship. Emulating these characters also might constitute worship through a life well lived.*

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

With all that being said, it might also plausibly be said that stories themselves are religion. That the creation and framing of them is the work of a monk or holy person. That the presentation and distribution of them is the work of a church. That the act of watching, or reading, or playing what’s provided to you is an act of worship.

I consider this the point in which I potentially begin to editorialize: Worship is the thing that makes Gods. They aren’t Gods we recognize or depict, but their influence in our lives is cell-deep in every one of us. Our collective behavior is as real as the individuals collectively behaving it.

I believe Hollywood the Wretched was a reference to one of these Gods. Its stories writhe their way to every corner of this world and homogenize the space where stories live. I believe what I’m receiving is the weakening cries of those chaotic infinite beings that would otherwise thrive in that space.

They intend this writing to be of specific parasitic nature. That it might begin to consume and annihilate Hollywood the Wretched’s flesh.

-The Author

*In the context of the lessons provided within the presentation and stylized depiction of said narrative.