Edgar and I proceed deeper and deeper into the nothingness, neither of us speaking, unsure of how we can start a conversation with one another.  Finally, Edgar opens his mouth to speak, but shakes his head and turns away without saying a word.

I open my mouth, hoping to think of something to say, but my mind goes blank, so I too stay silent.

We look at each other, trying desperately to break the tense, unbearable silence to no avail. Until, finally, and without any warning, Edgar asks, "you really going after the truth?"

I nod. "Why do you ask?" I inquire.

Edgar shakes his head. "You're gonna regret it," he warns, "the truth comes at a great cost. You've seen the Author. He's lost people, people who wore masks he didn't see, and didn't want to see. He wishes for a blissful lie now. Even he regrets the truth. If you continue down this path, you too may lose things. Are you certain you are willing to risk your soul, your very self, for the truth?"

I nod.

"Very well then," Edgar sighs, "but know, you were warned. Let us continue, Fando, there is much work to be done."

"Hey," I ask, "can I ask you something?"

"Oh?" Edgar inquires, "is there an issue?"

"Yeah," I reply, "something that's been bothering me. I met a child, his name was Innocence you see."

Edgar gestures me to continue.

"So," I elaborate, "I talk to him for a while, cool kid, but he mentions getting bullied and after that, he says he's turning ten and that he's going to die. Then... He was gone. This has been bothering me for a while but I haven't had the chance to ask the Author so I guess I'll ask you..."

Choice: What killed him?

Choice: Could I have saved him?

Choice: Who was bullying him?