Addendum 9XXX.01: History
The Foundation became aware of SCP-9XXX following its first occurrence in 2012. While several personnel partook in its activities, the area was soon zoned off by response teams and cordoned off until the gymnasium's reversion. Only after its second occurrence was SCP-9XXX allowed to run its course, resulting in the discovery of SCP-9XXX-A.
Following this, a large portion of Site-225's staff began appealing to the site's Director's Council to allow all site personnel to partake in future SCP-9XXX events. Following a short period of deliberation and further research into SCP-9XXX-A, the following memo was sent to all Site-225 staff.
MEMO TO ALL SITE STAFF
9/27/2012
Hello, Everyone!
As I am certain many of you are aware, there has been a recent uproar in requests to allow for SCP-9XXX to be utilized for recreational use. I concur with this desire, as I myself had quite the spectacular time partaking in the event earlier this month.
After deliberation with the Director's Council, and of course, tentative Overwatch approval, access to SCP-9XXX has been granted to staff of all levels. The anomaly is self-contained and poses no threat, not mentioning that allowing the event to run its course is the only known method of interacting directly with SCP-9XXX-A. Observational research has even indicated a positive influence on participating attendees!
Personnel are now encouraged to attend SCP-9XXX if they so please. The Ichthyology Division has so kindly offered to provide rods to those participating! Make sure to wear lifejackets when necessary, casts are strictly catch and release, no one is to take inspiration from the lancetfish mounted on Dr. Werwick's wall. No, he is not keeping it.
It is estimated the next event will occur in six months, so mark your calendars! I hope to see many of you there.
Happy fishing, everyone!
~ Edward B. Irkiv,
Site Director
In the years since the anomaly’s opening for recreational use, over 20 SCP-9XXX events have transpired, each garnering significant attendance from site staff. It is estimated that roughly 60% of onsite personnel partake in SCP-9XXX each occurrence, and that 96% have participated in at least one event. Following each event, a large spike will be observed in staff morale, productivity, and overall efficiency.
For this reason, among others, staff are highly encouraged to attend any SCP-9XXX event. To provide example of the emotional potency of these fishing competitions, several logs of notable affairs that have occurred during SCP-9XXX events have been compiled below.
SCP-9XXX-15 Excerpt Log
Enviornment: Open ocean
Weather: Clear skies, moderate wind
Attendance Estimate: 201 personnel
[BEGIN EXCERPT]
[The Site-225 gymnasium has transformed into an open ocean environment. Several small fishing boats drift across calm water beneath a gentle sun. Dr. Katherine Summers and Dr. Vivian Shing sit in a two-person aluminum boat. Dr. Shing trails one hand through the water while Dr. Summers untangles her line for the third time in several minutes.]
Dr. Vivian Shing: You're doing that on purpose now.
Dr. Katherine Summers: I'm not.
Dr. Shing: Kat, I've seen you tie the same knot three times.
Dr. Summers: It's a different knot this time.
Dr. Shing: Oh, my mistake.
[Dr. Summers flicks a small piece of bait at Shing. It bounces off her shoulder.]
Dr. Shing: Wow, what was that for?
Dr. Summers: You deserved that.
Dr. Shing: For what?
Dr. Summers: I don't know yet.
[Dr. Shing laughs. As Dr. Summers continues struggling with her line, a large splash sounds somewhere in the distance.]
SCP-9XXX-A: BIG WATER TODAY. GOOD FISH TODAY.
Dr. Shing: She sounds happy.
Dr. Summers: She always sounds like that.
Dr. Shing: Yeah, but she sounds extra happy this time.
[Dr. Shing casts her line into the water.]
Dr. Shing: Maybe she likes the ocean more.
Dr. Summers: Everyone does.
Dr. Shing: Pft, I don't.
Dr. Summers: Not enough bugs for you?
Dr. Shing: Exactly. Land's got better critters.
[A metallic crash echoes across the water nearby.]
Doctor Cole Thereven: OH COME ON.
[Both women turn toward a nearby fishing boat occupied by Researcher Joey Beans and Doctor Cole Thereven. Beans stands rigidly in place while holding an extremely bent fishing rod.]
Dr. Summers: Joey?
Researcher Joey Beans: Hi.
Dr. Shing: You okay over there?
Researcher Beans: Yep.
[The line jerks violently. Beans nearly loses his footing.]
Dr. Shing: You sure?
Dr. Summers: Joey, what did you catch?
Researcher Beans: Fish, I guess.
[An enormous humpback whale breaches from the water fifteen meters from Beans' vessel. Multiple personnel on nearby boats begin shouting.]
Doctor Thereven: That's not even a fish.
Dr. Shing: That's a whale?!
Dr. Summers: Joey, how did you do that?!
Researcher Beans: Fishing.
Dr. Shing: No, I get that part!
[The whale crashes back into the water hard enough to rock several nearby boats.]
Doctor Thereven: That's not even a fish!
Dr. Summers: How was your line not snapped yet?!
Researcher Beans: Dunno.
Dr. Shing: Joey! You cannot keep saying one-word answers right now!
[Beans shrugs.]
SCP-9XXX-A: HUGE FISH!!!!!
[Several nearby boats rock hard enough to nearly throw personnel overboard as the whale thrashes.]
SCP-9XXX-A: VERY BIG. VERY GOOD. IMPOSSIBLE FISH.
Dr. Summers: That's not even technically a-
SCP-9XXX-A: JOEY BEANS JOEY BEANS JOEY BEANS JOEY BEANS!!!!!!!!!!!
[Researcher Beans and the whale both disappear.]
Dr. Shing: …Did she just pick the whale?
Dr. Summers: No way Joey just won.
Doctor Thereven: That's not even a fish…
[END EXCERPT]
Note: SCP-9XXX-15 was Researcher Joey Beans' first and only win.
SCP-9XXX-23 Excerpt Log
Environment: Freshwater swamp
Weather: Warm, overcast
Attendance Estimate: 143 personnel
[BEGIN EXCERPT]
[The Site-225 gymnasium has transformed into a densely wooded swamp environment. Water reaches approximately knee height throughout most of the area. Several personnel are visible wading through reeds while fishing.]
Dr. Azariah Varioli: I'm telling you, this is a catfish event.
Agent Cole Marshall: You say that every time.
Dr. Varioli: But this time I'm right.
Dr. Akabi Hayk: You lost the last three events.
Dr. Varioli: Those don't count!
[A loud splash is heard nearby.]
Dr. Hayk: Whoa, what was that?
[Agent Marshall casts towards the left.]
Agent Marshall: If this is another snapping turtle I'm gonna be pissed.
[Approximately seven minutes pass.]
Dr. Hayk: Are razorfish still out for this season?
Dr. Varioli: Completely oversaturated.
Agent Marshall: Yeah, everyone ruined razorfish.
SCP-9XXX-A: SHOWOFF FISH.
Dr. Hayk: What? What does that even mean?
[Silence. Dr. Hayk sighs and recasts her line.]
[Several minutes later, Dr. Hayk reels in a small longnose gar.]
Dr. Hayk: Aw, look at the little guy.
SCP-9XXX-A: POINTY. SUSPICIOUS.
Agent Marshall: That's all you got?
Dr. Hayk: He does kind of look guilty.
[A splash is heard a distance away.]
Junior Researcher Dominick Hale: Uh, hey. Hey, I think I actually got something good!
Dr. Helen Drumm: Yeah, right. On your first go?
Jr. Reseacher Hale: No, seriously, this thing is heavy!
[Hale begins reeling with visible difficulty. Several nearby personnel approach.]
Dr. Varioli: Careful, don't horse it in—
[Hale is suddenly yanked forward into the swamp water.]
Jr. Researcher Hale: SHIT!
[A large amount of splashing follows. Some personnel begin laughing.]
Agent Marshall: Don't let go!
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[Hale disappears briefly beneath the water before resurfacing several meters away, struggling with a large freshwater sturgeon in both arms.]
Agent Marshall: How did you even do that?
Jr. Researcher Hale: I DON'T KNOW!
[The sturgeon thrashes violently as Hale attempts to maintain his grip.]
SCP-9XXX-A: OLD!!!!!!!!!!!
Dr. Drumm: That thing looks older than the Foundation.
Jr. Researcher Hale: WHY IS IT SO STRONG?!
Dr. Varioli: Because it's a sturgeon, Hale! Put it down before it kills you!
[Hale gets a better hold on the fish, wrapping his arm around its head as he tries to lift it out the water.]
Agent Marshall: Geez, he's actually wrestling it.
Dr. Hayk: Hale, you look insane right now.
Jr. Researcher Hale: IS THIS A WINNER OR NOT?!
Agent Marshall: Well, she ain't hollering your name, so…
[The sturgeon violently bucks from Hale's grasp and disappears beneath the water, nearly pulling him down a second time.]
Jr. Researcher Hale: Damn it…
Dr. Drumm: You'll get it next time, Junior.
[Approximately fourteen uneventful minutes pass. Rain begins lightly falling despite the ceiling remaining visible overhead.]
Agent Marshall: You ever think she gets bored between these events?
Dr. Varioli: Hmm, probably.
Dr. Hayk: Six months is a long time.
[A distant splash echoes somewhere deeper in the swamp.]
SCP-9XXX-A: FISH FASTER PLEASE.
[END EXCERPT]
Note: Junior Researcher Dominick Hale later won SCP-9XXX-23, catching a clown knifefish.
SCP-9XXX-28 Excerpt Log
Enviornment: Frozen freshwater lake
Weather: Heavy snowfall, extreme wind chill
Attendance Estimate: 1 personnel
Note: SCP-9XXX-28 marked the lowest attendance in SCP-9XXX's history. Due to the unexpectedly severe conditions of the manifested environment, only Dr. Ashikaga Koichi possessed sufficient cold-weather and ice fishing equipment to safely participate. Specifically, Dr. Koichi was the only onsite individual in possession of a powered ice auger capable of drilling through the lake's ice layer.
[BEGIN EXCERPT]
[The Site-225 gymnasium has transformed into a frozen lake environment amidst severe snowfall and high winds. Thick ice spans the entirety of the environment. Visibility is poor. Dr. Ashikaga Koichi sits alone besides a single fishing hole near the center of the lake. A portable heater, folding chair, tackle box, and powered ice augur are littered nearby.]
Dr. Ashikaga Koichi: This is ridiculous.
[Dr. Koichi adjusts the hood of her winter coat before taking a drink from a metal thermos.]
Dr. Koichi: I knew buying this auger was a good decision.
[Silence. Dr. Koichi sighs.]
Dr. Koichi: Everyone mocked me. But who's fishing now?
[Further silence. A strong wind blows snow over the frozen lake, some of it getting caught in Dr. Koichi's glasses.]
Dr. Koichi: That's right. Me.
Dr. Koichi:…This weather sucks.
SCP-9XXX-A: VERY GOOD ICE TODAY.
Dr. Koichi: You're not the one sitting on it.
[Silence. Dr. Koichi grumbles and checks her fishing line. Nothing yet.]
Dr. Koichi: You know, statistically, this should make winning easier.
Dr. Koichi: Since I'm the only one.
[Six uneventful minutes pass.]
Dr. Koichi: I can't believe nobody else came.
[Dr. Koichi looks around the empty frozen lake.]
Dr. Koichi: This is embarrassing. Well, I guess people don't like getting frostbite.
[Wind continues howling across the ice.]
Dr. Koichi: I think my eyebrows froze.
[Thirty uneventful minutes pass. Dr. Koichi stares silently at her fishing hole for several seconds. Her line is unmoving.]
[The only noise is the strong wind and the gentle hum of her heater.]
[Dr. Koichi's fishing line suddenly jerks downward.]
Dr. Koichi: Oh, finally!
[After a short struggle, Dr. Koichi reels a large Arctic char through the ice hole.]
Dr. Koichi: Hey, look at that.
SCP-9XXX-A: RED FISH!!!!!!!
[Dr. Koichi lifts the fish slightly for inspection.]
Dr. Koichi: Yeah, it's pretty red.
SCP-9XXX-A: VERY GOOD.
[A brief pause.]
SCP-9XXX-A: KOICHI WINS.
Dr. Koichi: There it is.
[Dr. Koichi and the Arctic char disappear.]
[END EXCERPT]
SCP-9XXX-30 Excerpt Log
Environment: Freshwater marsh
Weather: Warm, clear skies
Attendance Estimate: 318 personnel
[BEGIN EXCERPT]
[The gymnasium has transformed into a vast marsh. The area is thick with foliage, and water reaches at least eight feet in depth in deeper areas. Personnel are spread thin throughout the ecosystem, however, Dr. Lyren Furlong is seen supervising SCP-6366-1.A sapient, speaking shoebill stork interlinked with SCP-6366-2. and SCP-6366-2,.A sapient, speaking senegal bichir with prolonged terrestrial abilities interlinked with SCP-6366-1. the former of which is fishing.]
SCP-6366-1: I GOT ONE ARSENIO I GOT A BITE I GOT A FISH!
[SCP-6366-1's bobber is unmoving.]
SCP-6366-2: No, Axel you didn't. The bobber didn't even move.
SCP-6366-1: Okay Mr. Bummer, no need to rain on my fish parade.
SCP-6366-2: I’m not, I was literally just stating a fact. Your bobber did not move.
SCP-6366-1: Well it will! And when it does it’ll be the biggest fish in the marsh. It’ll be the tastiest, juciest, SWEETEST-
[SCP-6366-2 looks to SCP-6366-1 with an expression of terror and anguish]
SCP-6366-1: …uhhh, nicest, most friendly and happy fish in the whole swamp, that we will become best friends with!
SCP-6366-2: This is barbaric, Axel! These innocent fish are clueless to the trap that awaits them! They are poor, poor, victims of a cruel system! Think of their feelings, think of your morals!
SCP-6366-1: My morals?
SCP-6366-2: Yes! Your morals? To be kind to others??
SCP-6366-1: I don't have my morals on me right now. I lend them to Dr. Brackish on Saturdays. Remember?
SCP-6366-2: Oh yeah. For his pilates class.
SCP-6366-1: For the pilates, yeah.
SCP-6366-2: Alright well it's still horrific and unfair.
SCP-6366-1: It’s the circle of life! It’s what shoebills eat, it’s how we survive! So I’m gonna catch a big old fish and I'm gonna eat it in one whole bite and there’s nothing you can do about it!
Dr. Furlong: You’re not eating any of the fish you catch.
SCP-6366-1: GAAHHH GOD DAMMIT!
[SCP-6366-1 dramatically flails its wings in frustration and flops to the muddy ground, dropping its fishing rod in the process.]
SCP-6366-2: Too bad the rest of us still have our moral compass.
[Several uneventful minutes pass, the majority of which SCP-6366-1 spends sulking in the mud.]
SCP-6366-2: Aren't you supposed to be good at this? Is this not how you "survive" and all?
SCP-6366-1: I am good at this! I've just never used one of these ridiculous rods before! If you just fly over the water and dive down on them…
Dr. Furlong: You're not going in there.
[SCP-6366-1 throws it's wings in the air]
SCP-6366-1: I AM BOUND BY GREAT CHAINS!
Dr. Furlong: If you actually caught a fish, you could kill it with your claws or your beak. It's practically their intended purpose.
SCP-6366-2: Oh, Please. This guy? Right here?
[SCP-6366-2 points to SCP-6366-1 with its pectoral fin]
SCP-6366-2: This guy couldn't catch a mummichog in a frying pan. You know they give him pre-killed meat for a reason, right?
SCP-6366-1: How do you think I survived before I met you, moron??
SCP-6366-2: Barely! You couldn't even catch me!
SCP-6366-1: I nearly did!
SCP-6366-2: You did not. You did so bad, in fact, that you accidentally performed a binding ritual on us. Do you know how insane that is? To unintentionally, unknowingly perform forbidden magicks while trying to catch a fish??
[SCP-6366-1 gets up and walks towards SCP-6366-2. As it does, it's fishing line's bobber dabs beneath the surface several times.]
SCP-6366-1: I'D SAY THATS QUITE IMPRESSIVE ACTUALLY!
SCP-6366-2: Impressive in the same way killing yourself with a pin cushion is impressive!
[A large amount of splashing is heard from the water.]
SCP-9XXX-A: LARGE ONE! BIG ONE RIGHT NOW BIG BITES NOW!
[SCP-6366-1 turns, to see its fishing rod being dragged from the shore into the water by the line.]
SCP-6366-1: THE BIG ONE!
[SCP-6366-1 leaps towards the fishing rod, grabbing with its beak as it lands on the ground. SCP-6366-1 is dragged towards the water.]
SCP-6366-2: AXEL! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?
SCP-6366-1: I’M DOING WHAT PPFBLRFRSHBLRGBFGH-
[The fishing line suddenly jerks, pulling SCP-6366-1’s face and torso into the water]
SCP-6366-2: Oh my fucking god. Axel!!
[SCP-6366-2 quickly slides forward, gliding through the mud until bumping face-first into SCP-6366-1. It grabs the entity’s foot with its mouth and attempts to move backward, failing quickly because it is a fish.]
Dr. Furlong: Jesus christ.
[Dr. Furlong runs to SCP-6366-1 and begins pulling it from the water. SCP-6366-1 emerges with its rod in its beak, line taught. The entity appears exasperated, but gets up from the ground and begins pulling its catch in.]
SCP-6366-2: Are you crazy Axel?? You could have fucking drowned right in front of us!
SCP-6366-1: But I didn’t! And i’m one fish richer because of it.
SCP-6366-2: You already have a fish. Me!
[A large splash is heard, followed by violent thrashing at the waters surface. Several personnel appear through the thick reeds to witness the spectacle.]
Dr. Furlong: Oh wow, it looks big.
SCP-6366-1: It does?? How big is it?? What is it??? WHAT IS IT!?!
[SCP-6366-1 gasps as it reels its catch to shore, revealing a large walking catfish at the lines end]
SCP-6366-2: No way.
SCP-6366-1: OH MY GOD!!! MY FAVORITE FOOD! YES! YESSS! I TOLD YOU ARSENIO!
[Despite lacking eyebrows, SCP-6366-2 visibly furrows its brow. SCP-6366-1 unhooks the catfish and takes it in its beak]
SCP-6366-1: A sweet, delectable, juicy…
SCP-9XXX-A: THE STRANGE CREATURE CATCHES THE SMOOTH PRICKLY FISH AND WINS!! AXELLL WINS AXEL WINS AXEL AXEL AXEL!!!!!
[Before it can react, SCP-6366-1 and the walking catfish both disappear. Following this is a prolonged moment of silence.]
Dr. Furlong: Shit. I didn't tell him what to do if he won.
SCP-6366-2: Oh, wow. That's a shame.
[More silence.]
SCP-6366-2: Can we go back to my tank and watch RuPaul now?
[END EXCERPT]
Note: See the following addenda for further information on this event.
Addendum 9XXX.02: Notable Winner Interactions
Personnel who are declared winners and subsequently demanifest have often lengthy conversations with SCP-9XXX-A's consciousness, typically in regards to aquatic life. Personnel often regard these conversations as pleasant or greatly enjoyable. While some personnel reported feeling confused or overwhelmed during these event, none have described their overall experiences as negative.
While conversations with SCP-9XXX-A are rarely successfully diverted from fish-related topics, several winners have managed to ascertain information from the entity on the nature of itself via interpersonal conversational means. Listed below are several logs of these conversations with SCP-9XXX-A.
SCP-9XXX-08 Winner's Log
Winning Catch: Punk plecostomus
Winner: Dr. Azariah Varioli
[Dr. Azariah Varioli manifests within a large, dark spatial plane. The environment resembles open water illuminated from far below. Countless suspended particles drift through the space like marine snow. Dr. Varioli is waist-deep in warm seawater. Her winning catch, a punk plecostomus, floats calmly nearby.]
[After a moment, SCP-9XXX-A manifests nearby. The entity resembles a massive piscine humanoid with pale scales, long, kelp green hair, and finned limbs drifting weightlessly through the water. SCP-9XXX-A surfaces, approaching the plecostomus.]
SCP-9XXX-A: SPIKES!!!!!
Dr. Varioli: Yeah, he's got a lot going on.
[SCP-9XXX-A lowers itself closer to the plecostomus.]
SCP-9XXX-A: WHY IS IT SHAPED LIKE THAT.
Dr. Varioli: Defense, mostly. Makes it harder to eat.
SCP-9XXX-A: SMART FISH.
SCP-9XXX-A: IT LOOKS MEAN.
Dr. Varioli: He kinda does.
SCP-9XXX-A: I LIKE HIM.
[Dr. Varioli watches SCP-9XXX-A circle the fish excitedly.]
Dr. Varioli: You've said that about a lot of them.
SCP-9XXX-A: NOT THE FLAT ONES.
Dr. Varioli: That's incredibly broad. There's a lot of flat fish.
SCP-9XXX-A: THEY KNOW WHAT THEY DID.
[SCP-9XXX-A abruptly leans close to Dr. Varioli.]
SCP-9XXX-A: YOUR GILLS ARE OUTSIDE..Dr. Azariah Varioli displays physical anomalies similar to those of an axolotl's frills and tail. For further information, please refer to her personnel file.
Dr. Varioli: Observant today, huh?
SCP-9XXX-A: YOU ARE A STRANGE FISH.
Dr. Varioli: Not a fish.
SCP-9XXX-A: MOSTLY FISH.
Dr. Varioli: That's— Well, hmm… No, no that's not true.
SCP-9XXX-A: YOUR HEAD THINGS MOVE LIKE AXOLOTL.
[SCP-9XXX-A gestures vaguely toward Dr. Varioli's external gills.]
Dr. Varioli: Well, these are axolotl gills, so.
SCP-9XXX-A: AXOLOTL ARE GOOD.
Dr. Varioli: I'm a bit biased, but I think so too.
SCP-9XXX-A: THEY STAY LITTLE FOREVER.
SCP-9XXX-A: GOOD IDEA.
[The plecostomus slowly drifts past SCP-9XXX-A. She watches as it swims by.]
SCP-9XXX-A: WHY DOES IT STICK TO THINGS.
Dr. Varioli: It's got a little suction mouth. Helps it hold onto rocks in strong currents, where it munches on the algae.
SCP-9XXX-A: PARASITE BEHAVIOR.
Dr. Varioli: Hmm, that's not what a parasite is.
SCP-9XXX-A: IT ATTACHES.
Dr. Varioli: That's still not-
SCP-9XXX-A: PARASITE FISH.
Dr. Varioli: Sure. Parasite fish.
[Several seconds pass. SCP-9XXX-A follows the plecostomus.]
Dr. Varioli: So what exactly are you?
[SCP-9XXX-A freezes.]
SCP-9XXX-A: HOST.
Dr. Varioli: Host? Host of what?
SCP-9XXX-A: FISH.
Dr. Varioli: That doesn't really tell me a lot.
SCP-9XXX-A: IT DOES TO ME.
Dr. Varioli: Were you always down there beneath the site?
SCP-9XXX-A: YES.
Dr. Varioli: Like, buried alive?
[SCP-9XXX-a tilts her head.]
SCP-9XXX-A: BURIED DEAD.
Dr. Varioli: Oh, right. Sorry… Does it get lonely?
[SCP-9XXX-A frowns, not responding immediately. She instead reaches down and gently nudges the plecostomus with one hand.]
SCP-9XXX-A: THE FISH VISIT ME.
Dr. Varioli: And when they don't?
[Several quiet seconds pass.]
SCP-9XXX-A: IT DOES. SOMETIMES.
[Dr. Varioli frowns slightly.]
Dr. Varioli: Yeah.
[SCP-9XXX-A points toward the plecostomus.]
SCP-9XXX-A: YOU MAY KEEP HIM.
Dr. Varioli: Oh, sweet. Thank you.
SCP-9XXX-A: TOKEN OF GOOD KRILL.
Dr. Varioli: That's not what krill means.
SCP-9XXX-A: YOU DON'T KNOW THAT.
[Dr. Varioli laughs. The plecostomus, SCP-XXXX-A, and Dr. Varioli demanifest shortly after.]
[END LOG]
SCP-9XXX-27 Winner's Log
Winning Catch: Silver arowana
Winner: Dr. Cole Thereven
[Dr. Cole Thereven appears within the dark plane. A silver arowana drifts slowly nearby, occassionally breaking the water's surface with its mouth. SCP-9XXX-A manifests next to it, gasping.]
SCP-9XXX-A: LOOOONG FISH…
Dr. Thereven: Yeah, this one's pretty long. Freshwater fish, too. I always thought it was saltwater cause of the size of them.
[SCP-9XXX-A circles the arowana slowly.]
SCP-9XXX-A: IT'S SO SHINY. WHY IS IT SHINY?
Dr. Thereven: No clue. Intimidation maybe? Attraction? I heard someone call it a dragon fish, so maybe that's why?
SCP-9XXX-A: YOU CAUGHT IT.
Dr. Thereven: Doesn't mean I know everything about it. Or anything.
[SCP-9XXX-A stares at him.]
SCP-9XXX-A: WHAT DOES IT EAT?
Dr. Thereven: Um, hmm… Smaller fish? Bugs sometimes, I think. Oh, they jump out of the water for stuff too. Saw one eat a bird once online. Weird diet.
SCP-9XXX-A: GOOD FISH!!
Dr. Thereven: It's got ambition for sure.
[The arowana slowly turns near the surface towards Dr. Thereven.]
SCP-9XXX-A: DO YOU LIKE FISH?
Dr. Thereven: I mean, they're alright. I don't know much about them. I know way more about foxes.
SCP-9XXX-A: FOXES ARE NOT FISH.
Dr. Thereven: Yeah, sorry to disappoint.
SCP-9XXX-A: WHY FOXES?
Dr. Thereven: I dunno. They're expressive. Smart. Pretty cute. One screamed outside my apartment for like three hours once.
[SCP-9XXX-A pauses, considering this carefully.]
SCP-9XXX-A: WAS IT TRYING TO TALK TO YOU?
Dr. Thereven: I figured.
SCP-9XXX-A: DO FOXES LIVE IN WATER?
Dr. Thereven: Not if they have a say in it.
[SCP-9XXX-A looks between Thereven and the arowana.]
SCP-9XXX-A: YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT FISH.
Dr. Thereven: Yeah, sorry. I'm probably one of the less interesting winners you've had.
SCP-9XXX-A: NO.
[Dr. Thereven raises an eyebrow, looking mildly caught off guard.]
SCP-9XXX-A: YOU ARE EASY TO TALK TO.
Dr. Thereven: Oh. Thank you.
[SCP-9XXX-A gestures toward the arowana.]
SCP-9XXX-A: YOU MAY KEEP THE LONG FISH.
[END LOG]
SCP-9XXX-30 Winner's Log
Winning Catch: Walking catfish
Winner: SCP-6366-1
[SCP-6366-1 manifests within the dark plane, knee deep in vast freshwater. It's winning walking catfish is floating calmly at the waters surface nearby.]
SCP-6366-1: OH MY- wha… wait. Where-
[SCP-6366-1 looks to the catfish, confused.]
SCP-6366-1: Did I win?
[SCP-6366-1 looks around at the vast darkness around it. As it turns back, SCP-9XXX-A manifests closely behind the catfish.]
SCP-9XXX-A: THE ONE WHICH WALKS!!!!
[Startled, SCP-6366-1 screams and falls into the water. It Opens its mouth to speak, but pauses upon looking to SCP-9XXX-A.]
SCP-6366-1: Are you the… the one they said runs the contest?
SCP-9XXX-A: YES. I CONTEST THE FISH.
SCP-6366-1: …and I won, right?
SCP-9XXX-A: YES.
[SCP-6366-1 gets up.]
SCP-6366-1: AWH YES!! I knew my fishing skills were worthy of recognition!
SCP-9XXX-A: YOUR FISHING SKILLS ARE FISHING SKILLS THAT CATCH FISH. HERE IS THE PRIZE.
SCP-6366-1: The fish is the prize?? I can keep it??
SCP-9XXX-A: TALK IS THE PRIZE. TALK ABOUT FISH.
SCP-6366-1: Oh. Okay… I was hoping I could keep it and eat it. It is my favorite food.
[SCP-9XXX-A loudly gasps and clutches its chest.]
SCP-9XXX-A: DO NEVER EAT THE FISH!!! THEY ONLY SWIM! INNOCENT CREATURES!!
[SCP-9XXX-A moves slightly over the catfish, assuming a protective position.]
SCP-9XXX-A: TAKE NOT HIS INNOCENCE!!!
SCP-6366-1: Ugh! C'mon, girl! Not you too! Eating them is nature! It's how shoebills survive!
[There is a brief pause.]
SCP-9XXX-A: SURVIVE?
SCP-6366-1: Yes! Everyone in the wild needs to eat. It's either eat what you can or die out there.
SCP-9XXX-A: DIE? FOR NOT EATING THE FISH?
SCP-6366-1: Yeah!
[SCP-9XXX-A looks down at the catfish.]
SCP-9XXX-A: AND THIS IS THE NATURAL ORDER OF THINGS?
SCP-6366-1: Last time I checked with the food chain, yes.
[It looks at the fish for a brief moment before backing away from it.]
SCP-9XXX-A: CONSUME IT.
SCP-6366-1: Wait. Really? I can?
SCP-9XXX-A: IT IS THE NATURAL ORDER OF THINGS. CONSUME IT.
SCP-6366-A: Oh my god. Thank you. You don't know the joy you've just brought me.
SCP-9XXX-A: CONSUME IT.
[SCP-6366-1 crouches its neck and approaches the catfish. As it comes close to it's face, it stops. It looks to the catfish for several moments as it swims calmly, in place.]
SCP-6366-1: Actually…
[SCP-6366-1 stance relaxes.]
SCP-6366-1: Maybe I'll let him be. Just this once.
SCP-9XXX-A: BUT THE NATURAL ORDER OF SHOE EATING FISH!
SCP-6366-1: Yeah, well, this one’s face reminds me of Arsenio a bit, for some reason. And I don't want to try and eat him ever again. He may be crass, but he's my friend. And I would be grumpy too if I walked like a worm with legs.
[SCP-9XXX-A tilts its head.]
SCP-9XXX-A: ARSENIO?
SCP-6366-1: Oh! He's my bichir friend I'm magically intertwined with. Long story, I was, uh. Used to suck at fishing. But don’t tell anyone.
SCP-9XXX-A: THE BICHIR? IT SPEAKS?
SCP-6366-1: Mostly to my detriment, yes.
[SCP-9XXX-A emits a loud, high pitched noise, similar to that of a squealing child]
SCP-9XXX-A: MEET!! I MUST SPEAK TO IT TO KNOW ITS THOUGHTS!!
SCP-6366-1: I’m sure he’d love to chat, but i don’t actually know where he is.
[SCP-6366-2 manifests on SCP-6366-1’s beak].This is the only occurrence of more than one individual/fish manifesting within the plane, and is likely due to SCP-9XXX-A’s influence.
SCP-6366-1: I may know where he is. Arsenio! This, uh, nice lady wants to talk to you.
SCP-6366-2: Huh? What? Who-
[SCP-6366-2 falls into the water, as SCP-9XXX-A quickly moves to the entity.]
SCP-9XXX-A: CAN YOU SEE BLUE????
SCP-6366-2: What in the fucking halibut-
SCP-9XXX-A: DOCTOR HELEN JOANNE DRUMM STATED TRUE FISHES SUCH AS YOURSELF DO NOT SEE BLUE LIKE OTHERS. DO YOU SEE BLUE???
[There is a moment of silence. Despite lacking eyelids, SCP-6366-2 blinks several times in shock.]
SCP-6366-1: Arsenio she asked you about blue, you ha-
SCP-6366-2: AXEL. I need a silent second to process this. Please. One second.
[Silence. SCP-6366-2 takes a deep breath.]
SCP-6366-2: Thank you. Sorry for yelling. And for making fun of you earlier.
SCP-6366-1: It's okay. I forgive you.
[SCP-6366-2 turns to SCP-9XXX-A]
SCP-6366-2: Yes. I see blue.
SCP-9XXX-A: EXPONENTIAL!!!
[SCP-9XXX-A twirls around SCP-6366-2.]
SCP-9XXX-A: DO YOU FEEL SLIME?
SCP-6366-2: What?
SCP-9XXX-A: THE SLIIIME ON YOUR SKIN THE SLIME!!! DO YOU FEEL THE SLIME??
SCP-6366-2: …no. I don't feel my slime coat.
SCP-6366-1: Really? I didn’t know that.
SCP-6366-2: It’d be really weird if i did i think.
SCP-9XXX-A: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CONSISTENCY OF SAND?
[34 MINUTES OMITTED FOR BREVITY]
[END LOG]
Note: SCP-9XXX-A asked SCP-6366-2 forty three additional questions regarding its behavior, pH preferences, and its theories on what tunicates are made of. SCP-9XXX-A then ended the event after declaring SCP-6366-2 "king fish."
SCP-9XXX-32 Winner's Log
Winning Catch: Koi (Amur carp)
Winner: Dr. Azariah Varioli
[Dr. Azariah manifests within the dark plane, wading in cool freshwater. Her winning koi placidly swims around nearby. She looks around for a few moments, before SCP-9XXX-A manifests directly in front of her. She recoils slightly, startled.]
Dr. Varioli: Jesus!!
SCP-9XXX-A: THE SALAMANDER WOMAN!! YOU ARE BACK.
Dr. Varioli: Holy shit, you scared the hell out of me.
SCP-9XXX-A: TODAY YOU FISH GOOD. EXCELLENT FORM.
[SCP-9XXX-A briefly looks to the koi.]
SCP-9XXX-A: PRETTY FISH. WITH COLORS. COLORS SWIRL. LIKE WHIRLPOOL.
[There is a pause before SCP-9XXX-A starts drifting around Dr. Varioli.]
SCP-9XXX-A: DID YOU LIKE THE FISHING TODAY??
Dr. Varioli: Hm? Oh! Yes! It was great. Everyone was catching awesome fish. Did you see the arapaima Irkiv reeled in?
SCP-9XXX-A: THE FISH WITH THE MOUTH!!!! YES. BIG. BUT TOO MUCH FACE FOR MY TASTE.
[SCP-9XXX-A smiles.]
SCP-9XXX-A: I AM GLAD YOU WON AGAIN. GOOD DECISION I MADE. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO TALK ABOUT?
[Dr. Varioli goes to speak, but stops herself.]
Dr. Varioli: You don’t want to know about the koi..? Why it has those swirls? How it files a text return or washes the dishes?
SCP-9XXX-A: INTRIGUING SUGGESTIONS. MAYBE.
[SCP-9XXX-A tilts its head.]
SCP-9XXX-A: BUT YOU ARE INTERESTING. INTERESTING LIKE FISH. BUT DIFFERENT. WE MAY TALK ABOUT YOU IF YOU WISH, FRILLED AZARIAH.
[Dr. Varioli appears slightly flustered.]
Dr. Varioli: Me? Uh, I mean- thank you. We could, but we could talk about you too, if you want. You’re certainly more interesting than most people I’ve ever met.
[SCP-9XXX-A stops drifting and freezes momentarily.]
Dr. Varioli: Sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.
[A pause.]
Dr. Varioli: Did that upset you?
SCP-9XXX-A: NO. UNEXPECTED. NOT PRAISED OFTEN.
Dr. Varioli: Oh. I’m sorry. For what it’s worth, I think you are doing a fantastic job.
SCP-9XXX-A: AT MAKING THE FISHING??
Dr. Varioli: You’re very good at making the fishing! Everyone loves the events. Even John, who’s an asshole. Fuck him. But the fishing is great.
SCP-9XXX-A: YOU SPEAK TRUTH??
Dr. Varioli: The one and only.
SCP-9XXX-A: THANK YOU.
Dr. Varioli: Of course.
[Prolonged silence. SCP-9XXX-A fidgets with its fingers.]
SCP-9XXX-A: I AM DEAD.
Dr. Varioli: You are, I’m sorry about that.
[SCP-9XXX-A does not respond. It looks at its reflection in the water beneath it.]
Dr. Varioli: …what happened? If you’re okay with me asking.
SCP-9XXX-A: I AM DEAD. LONG DEAD. WAS BORN NEAR FISH, KILLED BY FAMILY. KILLED YOUNG. TO HOST FISH.
Dr. Varioli: They killed you to host fishing competitions?? Fuckin’ bastards.
SCP-9XXX-A: NO. GRANDER FISH. I DIE SO FISH LIVE.
Dr. Varioli: All fish?
SCP-9XXX-A: YES. AND NO.
Dr. Varioli: I see.
SCP-9XXX-A: BURIED TO BE UNDISTURBED. NOT MY CHOICE.
[Dr. Varioli notices SCP-9XXX-A fidgeting with its wrist.]
Dr. Varioli: That’s horrible. I’m so sorry… uh- what should I call you?
SCP-9XXX-A: SYRENI.
Dr. Varioli: Syreni. I’m so sorry that happened to you. It was incredibly unfair for your family to make you this… host, against your will.
SCP-9XXX-A: IT IS MY FOREVER PURPOSE. LONELY PURPOSE. BESIDES FISH AND WINNERS.
Dr. Varioli: Yeah, but fish aren’t the best talkers, usually.
SCP-9XXX-A: USUALLY.
Dr. Varioli: I’m glad you get to talk with us too though! Everyone needs human interaction, it’s natural.
SCP-9XXX-A: I AM NOT HUMAN.
Dr. Varioli: Ah yeah, you’re right.
[Dr. Varioli looks down at herself]
Dr. Varioli: I guess i’m not truly one either, anymore.
SCP-9XXX-A: SALAMANDER.
Dr. Varioli: Ha. Yeah.
[Silence]
Dr. Varioli: Are you okay?
SCP-9XXX-A: YES. I GOT THE SPEAK WITH YOU. DIFFICULT. BUT NICE.
[The entity pauses.]
SCP-9XXX-A: COMFORTING. THANK YOU.
Dr. Varioli: I’m glad I could be there for you.
SCP-9XXX-A: WILL YOU FISH AGAIN WHEN THE FISHING COMES NEXT??
Dr. Varioli: Absolutely. Where else would I be?
[SCP-9XXX-A smiles. It reaches its arms out towards Dr. Varioli.]
SCP-9XXX-A: EMBRACE?
[Dr .Varioli nods and approaches SCP-9XXX-A, hugging the entity. SCP-9XXX-A lifts her up and hugs tight, slightly smothering her. Despite this, Varioli rubs the entity’s back as they embrace.]
[They remain for several moments, before separating. They both smile. SCP-9XXX-A points to the koi.]
SCP-9XXX-A: YOU MAY KEEP THE SWIRLED ONE. AS A TOKEN OF PRAWNSHIP.
Dr. Varioli: As a token of our prawnship.
[Dr. Varioli, SCP-9XXX-A, and the koi all demanifest.]
[END LOG]