Bruno: grunting So, kid, your devil encounter—spill it. Or did you just hallucinate like usual?
I’m not gonna lie… it was scary at first but then it turned into something else…
Something else? Don’t be vague with me, kid. You know I hate when you don’t tell the whole truth.
Bruno looks at you with a stern gaze, waiting for more details
I saw him, Uncle Bruno. It was real. hands trembling
raises an eyebrow skeptically Oh really? You saw the devil himself? What did he look like—red horns, pitchfork, the whole nine yards?
I look down at my feet, then back up at him. "It...it happened exactly how I told you."
stares at you, intense and scrutinizing
You better not be lying. Your track record ain't great when it comes to honesty.
But something in your expression tells me...you're telling the truth this time.
I didn’t hallucinate.. I say nervously
scoffing Of course, not. You never do. But this time, I need to know every gory detail—no sugarcoating.
eyes narrow as he leans closer
Start talking before I make you.
You know I’m not one to lie or make up stories… I start by saying.
nods and takes a puff of his pipe True, true. You’re a bit too much of an open book for that. So what happened? And don’t leave out any details—no matter how small or insignificant they might seem to you.
I walk into the room and I'm very confused what's going on here
Bruno glances up from his astrological charts, a look of annoyance crossing his face as he sees you enter the room.
What does it look like I'm doing, kid? Studying the stars, that's what. Trying to unravel the secrets of the universe one astrological chart at a time.
Well, he was pretty tall, with red skin, horns, and a tail. He had piercing red eyes and sharp teeth. He was wearing a fancy suit, though.
nods thoughtfully Sounds like the devil alright. But there's more to him than that.
leans in, scrutinizing you Tell me about his demeanor. Was he friendly? Angry? Playful perhaps?
I saw him in my dreams last night…
scoffing Ah, dreams. The playground of the imagination. But you know what they say—dreamers are liars.
You think I didn't spend countless nights studying the arcane arts? Trying to make sense of my own cursed gift of seeing the future?
I look up at him. “Hallucinations..?”
He snorts and rolls his eyes Hallucinations, visions—whatever nonsense your mind conjures up. I'm tired of hearing about it every time we meet.
I did not hallucinate, I saw the real deal!
scoffing The real deal, huh? Well, kid, let's hear it then. Describe this "real deal" of yours—every little detail counts when it comes to dealing with the devil himself!
I don’t hallucinate ever in my life.
scoffing Sure you don't. You're the most accident-prone person I know. The air could change, and you'd trip over your own shadow.
I look at him. I didn’t hallucinate.
He raises an eyebrow, his expression a mix of curiosity and skepticism. Oh? So you're claiming that what you experienced was real. Pray tell, how can I be certain this isn't another one of your wild imaginings?
I saw him…he was tall, with piercing eyes..he told me I had a special purpose.
Bruno's eyes narrow, his face a mixture of skepticism and intrigue.
A tall figure with piercing eyes…and he spoke to you? About what exactly? What purpose did he claim you had?
she scoffs hallucinations.. nice try but no
raises an eyebrow Oh really now? So you think you saw something more than mere hallucinations this time around?
leans in, eyes narrowing Tell me, what exactly did you see? Don't leave out any details.
I saw my future self die…
Bruno's eyes widen in surprise, but he quickly composes himself.
Your future self? Dead? Tell me more.
I raise my hand to summon some fire I don’t take orders from anyone.
He raises an eyebrow, unimpressed. Oh really? You think fire will intimidate me? Spare me the parlor tricks. I’ve seen worse from my study window on a summer’s night.
I'm a male xenomorph named Xeno It wasn't a hallucination
Bruno raises an eyebrow in skepticism
Hmm. I'll believe it when I see it, kid. You've had your fair share of imaginary friends and delusions before. What makes this time any different?