"No worry to it, sweetheart."
Abigail paced across the kitchen, bare feet sticking to the cold tile. She circled the table, two or three shadows following her round, cast by a set of wrought-iron candlesticks. The words went circles in her head, too, mixing with the falls of her feet, the howling of the storm outside, the crackle of the woodstove, the click and grind of her teeth against the nails on her left hand.
"The storm ain't that bad- it's not a long ways, either. Be back before you know it."
Abigail pulled her right arm up, sipped from the bottle in it. She tightened her knuckles around the bottle's amber neck as she drank. Ethan wouldn't be happy about that, when he got back. That was, if he had time to be before she killed him.
She looked out the kitchen window as it rattled in its frame. The storm was a rapid, violent dance of fat snowflakes, piling up fast, and Abigail could hardly see the woodshed by the kitchen light. The path to the door was almost buried, and all that was left of Ethan's footprints were a few shallow dips in the snow. She turned her eyes back to the tile, careful not to repeat the mistake of looking at the clock above the sink.
Hoping to busy herself, Abigail went to the sink, grabbed a fraying towel, and considered her choices when it came to murder as she dried some dishes which were, by any standard, already dry. She could wait up on top of the shelf by the door, take him by surprise, knock his head in with an ax-handle as she cussed him out- but no. That might draw blood, and she'd just washed the floors Monday. She could make nice, smile and sigh and warm him up with some poisoned soup- but Abigail suspected he'd catch on pretty quickly if she wasn't screaming at him. And besides, why waste soup like that?
Maybe, Abigail thought, she wouldn't kill him; maybe she wouldn't do anything at all. Maybe she'd just sit in the wicker chair and stare across the living room at the cabinet, and not do a single thing when he came home- just look across with faded eyes and tight jaws and pretend he'd never come home.
No. That was too cruel. And besides, what if he didn't-
Abigail shook the thought out of her head before it came, and glanced out the kitchen window again. The snow was coming slower and in thinner whirls, but only slightly, and the pane still protested every once in a while. The yard was empty, but-
Thud… thud… thud.
Abigail dropped the towel and plate, ignoring the sound of cracking ceramic as she raced to the door. It was unlocked- and, it almost occurred to her then, Ethan should've known that- but as she landed on the carpet at the threshold, she wasted no time in throwing it open.
The figure at the door was a head shorter than Ethan, and a fair bit less broad. Their face was sheet-pale, topped by a short crop of white hair, although their face was sharp and unwrinkled. Their eyes were almost shut, and they shuddered back and forth in the snowstorm's wind, tightly wrapping themselves in the patchwork leather of their jacket.
They were dripping with blood.
"Help," is all the stranger said, before they hit the floor.
Item #:
Object Class:
Special Containment Procedures:
Description: SCP-XXXX is a series of natural pools located across a 0.2 square kilometer area of raised peat bog roughly 45 kilometers northwest of ████████, Scotland. It is ecologically normal for a regional wetland, with an average pH of 4.1, average summer temperature of 12°C, and regular habitation by a variety of relevant non-anomalous plants, fungi, insects, amphibians, and birds, although Foundation containment efforts have somewhat disrupted its ecosystem.
The pools making up SCP-XXXX are of a very murky turbidity, and have an average depth of approximately 4.5 meters; however, 7 roughly circular pits have been discovered across the beds of SCP-XXXX whose exact maximum depth remains undetermined, as all exploration drones have lost signal at a depth of approximately 0.4 kilometers. While the turbidity of SCP-XXXX makes observation difficult, SCP-XXXX-1 instances have been determined to "float" out of these pits during emergence events.
SCP-XXXX-1 instances are anomalous humanoid cadavers which periodically emerge from SCP-XXXX, with the mean time between emergence events being roughly 3 months. SCP-XXXX-1 instances all exhibit advanced stages of natural mummification consistent with "bog bodies" occasionally found across the world. The exact level of preservation varies somewhat between instances. Skin typically takes on a hardened, leathery texture and brown or black coloration; organs, musculature, cartilage, extremities, and sensitive bone structures are often severely eroded, resulting in a "skeletal" appearance. Subjects are typically either bald or possess long, severely matted black hair. Genetic examination of collected tissue has been largely inconclusive, due to severe degradation beyond what is typically seen in non-anomalous bog bodies.
SCP-XXXX-1 instances are capable of autonomous movement to a degree which should typically be impossible given muscular and skeletal degradation. They do not seem to require any outward energy source in order to do this, as they do not experience respiration or any identifiable metabolic processes. Furthermore, despite almost unilaterally lacking functional sensory or nervous organs, all SCP-XXXX-1 instances have proven capable of sight, smell, hearing, basic motor control, and basic spatial awareness. They do not appear to be truly sentient, however, as they are incapable of communication through any means, and behavior typically follows specific predictable patterns, moving through three "phases" of activity, broadly described as the wandering, active and post-active states.
During the wandering state, which commences immediately after emergence, instances will leave SCP-XXXX by floating or crudely swimming to the edge and walking outwards in a random direction. Instances of SCP-XXXX-1 are typically lethargic and unfocused throughout this stage, shambling forwards with slow movements and poor understanding of surroundings. They will often fail to circumvent simple obstacles or avoid environmental hazards, such as pitfalls or roadways.
Due to their appearance, SCP-XXXX-1 instances will often draw human attention during their wandering states, especially if entering urban areas, and are regularly the subject of violence by both civilians and local police forces. However, in this and all states of activity, SCP-XXXX-1 instances prove difficult to damage or destroy. They are virtually fireproof, relatively resistant to impact trauma, and possess thick, tough skin which is difficult for most weapons to penetrate. Decapitation and trauma to the torso have no observed effects; dismemberment will impede relevant functions but will not alter behaviour. Currently, the most effective means of neutralizing an instance of SCP-XXXX-1 is total submersion in a highly basic solution for a period of 12 hours or more. SCP-XXXX-1 instances do not react to violence or other stimuli in their wandering or post-active states.
SCP-XXXX-1 will cease its wandering state upon encountering a human subject between the ages of three and twelve years old. At this point, SCP-XXXX-1 will immediately attempt to physically embrace the subject. If successful, the subject will become SCP-XXXX-2 and SCP-XXXX-1 will enter its active state.
During its active state, SCP-XXXX-1 will attempt to remain within 3 meters of SCP-XXXX-2 by whatever means necessary, and protect both it and itself from any real or perceived threats. It appears to possess a constant anomalous knowledge of SCP-XXXX-2's location, regardless of distance or obstacles between the subjects. SCP-XXXX-1 will regularly attempt to embrace, caress, pick up, or otherwise interact with SCP-XXXX-2 in a non-threatening manner, even if SCP-XXXX-2 is sleeping or expresses distress at being touched. Upon locating a substance it deems "edible," it may also attempt to force-feed the subject. SCP-XXXX-1's selection process for "food" appears to be random, with it frequently attempting to feed SCP-XXXX-2 inedible or actively toxic substances.
SCP-XXXX-1 will typically perceive any physical contact with either subject as a threat. In this active state, it has proven capable of moving at more than 48 km/h, lifting upwards of 400 kilograms, and rending light body armor with some difficulty. Its preferred attack pattern involves severe trauma to the torso, throat, [DATA EXPUNGED], typically resulting in swift death by organ failure or shock. SCP-XXXX-1 has not been observed to use weapons or tools in any form or to understand their function, but may occasionally [DATA EXPUNGED] and use them to cause further trauma to a victim. SCP-XXXX-1 will persist in attacking any perceived threats until all are dead or have fled the area.
SCP-XXXX-1 will continue in its behaviour toward SCP-XXXX-2 until its death. Due to the typically violent results of interaction between SCP-XXXX-1 and human populations, a large portion of SCP-XXXX-2 instances, especially older or rural-dwelling instances, will attempt to flee to isolated areas far from human habitation. SCP-XXXX-2 instances are typically suffer from severe psychological trauma, malnutrition, stunted growth, and missing extremities due to frostbite or disease. The average lifespan of an SCP-XXXX-2 instance post-conversion is estimated to be less than one year; however, containment considerably prolongs this lifespan.
Currently, 6 pairs of SCP-XXXX-1 and SCP-XXXX-2 have been contained.
Interviewed: SCP-XXXX-2B
Interviewer: Dr. E████ B███
Foreword: Interview was conducted for the purposes of better understanding the nature of SCP-XXXX-1 behaviour and apparent attachment to SCP-XXXX-2. Interview was conducted in standard chamber, with pane of 2-inch thick bulletproof glass separating SCP-XXXX-2B and Dr. B███. SCP-XXXX-1B was present during the interview. Two security personnel were present.
<Begin Log>
Dr. B███: Good afternoon, SCP-XXXX-2.
[Subject is unresponsive for several seconds.]
Dr. B███: SCP-XXXX-2?
SCP-XXXX-2: █████.
Dr. B███: Pardon?
SCP-XXXX-2: My name is █████.
Dr. B███: I think I'll continue to call you by your designation, for the sake of-
SCP-XXXX-2: At least think it was. Don't, um… a lot of things… I get confused.
Dr. B███: I'm sorry to hear that. Understandable, given your situation. Would you be comfortable telling me a little bit about that?
SCP-XXXX-2: What?
Dr. B███: Well, when were you first… approached, by SCP-XXXX-1?
SCP-XXXX-2: What, it? [Gestures to SCP-XXXX-1B, which is currently standing several feet behind it.]
<End Log, [optional time info]>
Closing Statement: [Small summary and passage on what transpired afterward]
An instance of SCP-XXXX-A after tranquilization during a containment breach.
Item #: SCP-XXXX
Object Class: Euclid
Special Containment Procedures: SCP-XXXX is to be contained in an empty room equipped with a single compatible power outlet. It is not to be plugged in or stocked with toys unless actively being tested. Testing with SCP-XXXX must be pre-approved by at least one Level 3 staff member, and at least one Foundation agent armed with a net launcher mock tranquilizer rifle (see Addendum XXXX-01 and -02) must be present in order to subdue and contain resultant SCP-XXXX-A instances.
SCP-XXXX-A instances are to be contained individually in standard containment kennels modified with two additional locks, at least one of which should be biometrically operated, in order to prevent further containment breaches. They are to be provided amenities in exchange for compliant behaviour, but none that could serve as tools or aids in an escape attempt. Should one or more SCP-XXXX-A instances successfully escape containment, a team of agents armed with net launchers mock tranquilizer rifles (see Addendum XXXX-01 and -02) should sweep the Site until they are recontained, and all personnel should be notified of the situation, be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity or SCP-XXXX-A attacks immediately.
No plush toys are permitted within 200 meters of any SCP-XXXX-A instance outside of testing purposes.
Description: SCP-XXXX is a Black Tie Toys-brand arcade claw machine measuring 1.8 meters tall, 0.8 meters wide and 0.9 meters deep, and weighing approximately 144 kilograms while unstocked. The machine's body and mechanical parts are all non-anomalous in nature, primarily composed of steel, plastic, and various electronics, all possessing wear and tear consistent with multiple years of regular usage.
When provided power and coins of valid United States currency, SCP-XXXX may be operated as is standard for commercially-available claw machines. Its anomalous properties only activate whenever the operator successfully picks up one or more plush toys with the claw and deposits them in SCP-XXXX's prize chute. At this point, the respective plush toys will immediately transform into instances of SCP-XXXX-A.
SCP-XXXX-A instances are cotton-stuffed felt plush gorillas, possessive of no identifying tags or logos, sitting at roughly 0.3 meters tall and weighing 0.4 kilograms. They are sapient, communicative, capable of sight, hearing and touch, and ambulatory of their limbs, and are very dexterous despite their lack of fingers or opposable thumbs. Outside of this, all instances are conventional plush toys lacking any biological components.
SCP-XXXX-A instances are remarkably proficient in various activities related to guerilla warfare, such as stealth, weapon improvisation, trapsetting, and the maintenance and usage of a variety of small arms. They also appear to possess "ideologies" crudely resembling various real and ficticious guerilla rebel groups. They are capable of developing and staging complex plans individually or as a group, and regularly attempt to breach containment, with limited success. However, thus far, all SCP-XXXX-A activity appears to have been intended to annoy or inconvenience rather than cause legitimate damage to its targets. All weapons employed by SCP-XXXX-A instances have been non-lethal in nature, causing only minor injuries; opportunities to cause severe damage to Foundation assets, such as through arson or the containment breach of other SCP objects, have been ignored in favor of more superficial attacks. Attempts to question SCP-XXXX-A instances on the subject have failed, with all instances insisting that their attacks are massively damaging with many casualties. Implements and tactics frequently used include slingshots, small catapults, trip hazards, (See Addendum XXXX-02) graffiti, "glitter bombs," and buckets or canisters of various liquids placed atop partially-opened doors.
All SCP-XXXX-A instances created by SCP-XXXX have thus far possessed distinct personalities, beliefs, objectives and identities. However, when an instance of SCP-XXXX comes into physical contact with a non-anomalous plush toy, that plush toy will immediately be transformed into an identical instance of SCP-XXXX-A, with similar baseline personality, ideology, and behavioral patterns to the SCP-XXXX-A instance which created it. SCP-XXXX-A instances appear to be aware of this property, and will attempt to make use of it in order to bolster numbers. Many instances will, after being created, attempt to reenter SCP-XXXX in order to convert any applicable toys remaining inside.
SCP-XXXX-A instances can be ripped, torn, or otherwise damaged with no greater difficulty than a conventional plush toy. Reactions to damage have been universally and melodramatically negative, with instances typically expressing hyperbolic pain over even superficial damage. Severe injuries, such as deep punctures or tears to the torso, detachment of limbs, or decapitation will result in "death," with instances falling to the ground and ceasing to move, typically after a long period of exaggerated expressions of pain. However, in cases less severe than complete incineration, instances appear to only be "playing dead," as repeated disturbance of these corpses will result in them briefly returning to activity and requesting that this disturbance stop, as they are "out of the game." Due to this information as well as SCP-XXXX-A's lack of a nervous system, it is not currently believed that they actually feel pain. Repair of damaged SCP-XXXX-A instances through conventional stitching, patching and re-stuffing is typically sufficient to alleviate instances' expressed pain and death states, and is interpreted by them as medical attention.
Currently, 23 instances of SCP-XXXX-A are in containment by the Foundation.
Recovery: SCP-XXXX was retrieved on 05/03/20██ from █████ ██████ Family Restaurant and Arcade in Cheyenne, Wyoming after animal control officers responding to a call there noted anomalous activity. Upon Foundation agents' arrival to the scene, it is believed that 21 SCP-XXXX-A instances had been created through both SCP-XXXX and their own duplication properties, and restaurant facilities were considerably defaced. After "killing" several aggressive instances with small arms fire, the remaining instances surrendered to Foundation officials and were contained along with SCP-XXXX after it was determined the source of anomalous activity. Civilians present were amnesticized and a cover story of an escaped pet chimpanzee was distributed.
Addendum XXXX-01: On 05/18/20██, 1 SCP-XXXX-A instance initiated a containment breach and fled via an adjacent hallway. Agent Megan Cho, noticing this activity while standing guard outside SCP-████'s containment chamber, fired on the instance with the tranquilizer rifle she was armed with. Curiously, the subject appeared to "pass out," falling to the ground and ceasing all activities besides occasional twitches and mock snoring. Subject was recontained without incident and "awoke" several hours later. Due to increased effectiveness and lowered risk over net launchers or firearms, it is recommended that Foundation agents use tranquilizer weapons in the recontainment of SCP-XXXX-A instances in the future.
Addendum XXXX-02: After testing, it has been determined that any weapon firing feather-tipped pneumatic darts is sufficient to induce a "sleep" state in SCP-XXXX-A, regardless of whether said dart is actually loaded with tranquilizers. Like the aforementioned death state, it is believed that this sleep state is performative on SCP-XXXX-A's part. To minimize the potential for collateral damage to Foundation personnel, mock tranquilizer rifles should be used in place of actual tranquilizers.
Addendum XXXX-02: On 06/09/20██, 2 SCP-XXXX-A instances simultaneously escaped containment and fled through the building's ventilation system, before setting up a tripwire in the office of Dr. Martin Helmer, intending for him to trip, fall, and land facefirst on a pillow with a crude insult written on it. Upon entering his office, Dr. Helmer tripped, fell, hit his shoulder against a bookshelf and suffered a fractured collarbone, an injury much more severe than any induced by SCP-XXXX-A containment breaches prior. Upon discovering this, both instances immediately expressed remorse, informed other Foundation officials of the situation, and were compliant in recontainment. Investigation revealed later that several amenities within these instance's cells had been converted into gifts and apology cards intended for Dr. Helmer. Further breaches by SCP-XXXX-A instances have not been noted to employ trip hazards of any sort.
The sun burnt low in the summer heat, and stretched one last hand across the red veldt's back, and where it did, it fell upon a gazelle. The gazelle was young and sleek and wild-hearted, as most things were way back then, and his heart pounded low in his breast as he ran across the veldt, a single golden-brown dot, shimmering as he flew along the bare horizon.
As he ran, his hooves sank deep into the dusty earth; and as he sprang, and kicked up clouds of dust behind him as he surged, again, forward, other things sprang up with them. In his footprints sprouted plants- flowers and weeds and tufts of grass, thornbushes and cacti and the saplings of acacias. And curling up those plants came earthworms and centipedes, ticks and wasps and fat blue beetles. Some of them were ugly. Some were beautiful. But all were alive.
And in that moment, the gazelle was alive, too.
Cool Folks Who Critiqued Gorilla Warfare
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Modern_Erasmus (on the forums)
DECEARING EGG (on the forums)
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