8bitbreadbox
Check out my author page
Item#: 9215
Level4
Containment Class:
esoteric
Secondary Class:
argus
Disruption Class:
vlam
Risk Class:
notice
Special Containment Procedures: The city of Applewood, New Mexico, has been granted jurisdiction over SCP-9215. The Foundation is to assist with maintaining secrecy by censoring online references to SCP-9215's anomalous properties.
Awareness of the anomaly is permitted only for residents of Applewood. Former residents are to be closely monitored and, if permitted by both project leads, may be amnesticized. The Foundation is otherwise not to interfere with SCP-9215 unless requested by the Applewood municipal government.
SCP-9215
Description: SCP-9215 is the Applewood Public Library, located in Applewood, New Mexico, United States. It consists of six stories and covers an area of 200,000 square feet. A number of anomalous phenomena have been incorporated into the library's operations; these phenomena are under the complete control of the library's chief librarian, and can be modified or suspended at their command. See Addendum 9215-2 for more information.
SCP-9215 is inhabited by 15 14 anomalous entities, designated SCP-9215-A-1 through -15. They resemble species of non-anomalous fauna, but possess exaggerated features and abnormal coloration, as well as other anomalous properties that vary between instances. Instances of SCP-9215-A have also been incorporated into the library's operations. See Addendum 9215-3 for more information.
Instances of SCP-9215-A are genetically similar to non-anomalous animals. However, analysis has been unable to determine any pre-ancestral linkage, indicating that they did not evolve from any known species.
SCP-9215-B is a 5-meter tall tree limb, located in the staff break room at SCP-9215. Despite being biologically dead, SCP-9215-B continuously bears fruit, producing one every 20 minutes. These fruits are described as having an extremely pleasant taste. In addition, they contain every essential nutrient in high amounts, possess anti-aging effects, and can be digested by any animal regardless of biology. They are the only form of sustenance consumed by instances of SCP-9215-A.
SCP-9215 is enveloped by a memetic filter, preventing certain individuals from perceiving its anomalous properties. These include non-local journalists and law enforcement, state and federal officials, individuals with a strong social media presence, and associates of certain groups of interest.
Discovery: SCP-9215 was discovered following an investigation into a number of social media posts referencing its anomalous properties. Three Foundation agents were sent to explore the library. Soon after entering SCP-9215, the agents were approached by the chief librarian, Martha Walsh. She explained that she was aware of the agents' affiliation, and requested to speak with a Foundation representative. An interview was then scheduled with the project lead, Dr. Matthews. A transcript of this interview is available in addendum 9215-1.
Addendum 9215-1: Interview Log 1
Interviewer: Dr. Anthony Matthews
Interviewed: Martha Walsh
<Begin Log>
Walsh: Hello. Are you in charge here?
Matthews: More or less. My name is Dr. Matthews. If you want to talk to someone from the Foundation, I'm the best you'll get.
Walsh: The Foundation? Is that the name of your organization?
Matthews: I thought you said you knew who we are.
Walsh: Lola only referred to you as "Jailers". She claimed that you were a group obsessed with keeping secrets and maintaining normalcy, who tend to lock up anything you can't explain. Is that a fair assessment?
Matthews: The language is a bit harsh, but you got the basic idea. Now, who is this Lola?
Walsh: One of my employees. She's what we call a "wonderbeast". I'm sure you know about them.
Matthews: We know of their existence, but that's about it. To be honest, we don't know much about the library's anomalous properties. We weren't even sure they were real until you confronted our agents. Before we continue, I'd appreciate it if you could shed some more light on that topic.
Walsh: Certainly. The library has been the subject of strange phenomena since before construction even began. It was originally going to be much smaller—just a single story, as that was all we had the budget for—but shortly after the project was announced, the city received quite a sizeable donation. The donor chose to remain anonymous, which is a shame. I'd very much like to thank them. But I digress. The magic truly began shortly after the building was completed: I was at my desk doing paperwork, when the entire staff suddenly fell asleep, myself included. When I woke up, I was face-to-face with a 30-foot snake. I won't lie, it gave me quite a shock at first, but Lola was quick to calm me down.
Matthews: Lola being the snake?
Walsh: That's right. She explained that the library had received a blessing of sorts. I was skeptical at first, as anyone would be given the situation, but after seeing the new features—the "anomalous properties" as you called them—I was won over. Lola gave me the choice to either accept the blessing or reject it, and after talking it over with the other city officials… well, you can guess what we decided.
Matthews: I'm surprised the city was so quick to agree to a deal from a literal talking snake.
Walsh: It does seem rather foolish in retrospect. Perhaps we should have given it more thought, but at the time, all we could see was the opportunity in front of us. From the very beginning, we had envisioned the library as a place where imagination comes to life. Now we had the chance to make that dream a reality in ways we never thought possible. It was too tempting an offer to turn down.
Matthews: I hope you realize how lucky you are. I've seen similar situations turn out much worse.
Walsh: Believe me, I would never take what we've been given for granted. And I won't just sit idly by if someone wants to take that gift away.
Matthews: Sorry. Our job is to contain anomalies, and your library is no exception. If you don't want things to get messy, the best thing you can do is cooperate.
Walsh: Even if I wanted to, I can assure you the library will not. Its purpose is to bring wonder to the town of Applewood. If you intend to oppose that goal, expect to encounter resistance.
Matthews: We always do. It comes with the territory.
Walsh: But wouldn't you rather avoid that outcome if at all possible? The library hasn't hurt anyone yet, and as long as you don't force its hand, it never will.
Matthews: Even if it is harmless, we can't just leave it alone. If knowledge of its anomalous properties reaches the general populace, the results could be catastrophic.
Walsh: I concur. That's exactly why the city of Applewood is committed to keeping the library a secret to those outside the city.
Matthews: Forgive my bluntness, but your efforts simply aren't enough. If the Foundation was able to learn about it, then it's only a matter of time before the dam breaks.
Pause.
Matthews: Do you understand?
Walsh: I do. In that case, consider this proposal: your Foundation will allow the library to remain open, and will assist the city of Applewood with maintaining secrecy. An organization as powerful as yours should be able to manage that, no?
Matthews: We could. But whether or not we should is a separate question, one that I'm not qualified to answer.
Walsh: Then could you take it to someone who is?
Pause.
Matthews: Fine. But don't expect much.
Walsh: Thank you.
<End Log>
Note: Walsh's proposal was later put to an O5 council vote, and after extensive deliberation, was approved with a final vote of 7/6. Martha Walsh was appointed project co-lead, and O5-13 was assigned as project overseer.
Addendum 9215-2: Abridged List of Anomalous Phenomena
Location
Description
All
Various unidentified species of flora can be found throughout SCP-9215. They often grow in unorthodox locations, such as windowsills, light fixtures, and the tops of bookshelves.
All
Books automatically translate into the language their reader is most fluent in. This includes braille.
All
Bookshelves in SCP-9215 exhibit non-euclidean geometry, allowing them to fit more books than what should be possible given their external dimensions. Additionally, books have been found in the library that do not match any known publication. These books cannot be checked out, and will turn to dust if removed from SCP-9215.
Art Gallery
Art pieces animate between the times of 15:00 and 18:00 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, interacting with guests and putting on performances. Details vary depending on the current exhibit, which rotates on a semi-monthly basis.
Elevators
If an individual approaches one of the building's elevators with the intent to use it, one will invariably arrive even if the call button is not pressed. This will occur even if all elevators are currently in use, and the elevator will function without difficulty.
Roof Garden
From the roof of SCP-9215, the surrounding area appears as a vast landscape filled with lush greenery, with two enormous trees visible to the east and west. This landscape is purely illusory, and does not match any known location on earth.
Coffee Shop
Items spontaneously appear on the menu, listed under "daily specials". If one of these items is requested, staff are instructed to prepare a cup of water, as any beverage will transform into the requested item before reaching the customer. Those who have tried these drinks describe their taste using abstract terms, such as "the last day of summer vacation" or "the sound of a child's laughter".
Addendum 9215-3: List of SCP-9215-A Instances
#
Name
Appearance
Staff Handbook Entry
1
Lola
Large female snake with green scales.
Lola's job is to guard the tree in the break room. We don't get a lot of intruders, so that mostly consists of hissing at staff who try to take more than one fruit a week. And don't try to pull a fast one on her—she has a keen eye and an even better memory. She's also the only wonderbeast who can talk, though she's not a great conversation partner (don't tell her I said that).
2, 3
Wisely and Gordon
SCP-9215-A-2 is a female brown owl, with an exaggerated head-to-body ratio and abnormally large eyes. SCP-9215-A-3 is a male warthog with dark blue skin. Its snout is covered in spots with prismatic coloration.
Meet our security duo. Between Wisely's eyes that can see the entire library at once, and Gordon's nose that can sniff out nefarious intent, it's nearly impossible for someone to cause trouble on library grounds.
4
Henry
Male lion with an exaggerated bright red mane.
If you've been to the library before, you've no doubt encountered the majestic lion that roams the second floor, but you might not know what his job is. Sure, most of it consists of being a big fluffy kitty (he likes it when you call him that), but he actually has one of the most important jobs of all: when either Wisely or Gordon notices something especially dangerous, they signal to Henry, and he makes sure everyone knows with a mighty roar. He has a few different roars to represent different emergencies, which you'll learn all about in orientation.
5
Nicholas
Male deer with white fur and silver antlers.
Not every wonderbeast has a specific duty. All Nicholas does is prance around looking pretty, and occasionally let children ride on his back. And honestly, that's good enough.
6, 7
Gem and Jewel
Nearly identical female wolves. Their fur is violet, with blue, green, and silver accents.
We hosted a poll among staff once to determine their favorite wonderbeasts, and Gem and Jewel came out on top. Not only are they beautiful, they're quite friendly as well, especially with children. You can pet them as much as you want, just make sure to share the love evenly. They'll get grouchy if they think you're playing favorites.
8
Tammy
Female fox with light blue fur.
If you ever find yourself lost, look for a blue fox. You won't have to look for long; we're pretty sure there's only one of her, but she somehow always manages to be nearby when she's needed. Just tell her where you need to go, and she'll lead you there. And make sure to say please and thank you!
9
Snori
Large male bear with chestnut fur.
Our biggest and sleepiest staff member. I'm not exaggerating when I say that he's never been seen awake. We even let children play on him, and no matter how rough they get, he's never so much as rolled over.
10-14
Joey, Justin, JC, Lance, and Chris
Male birds resembling eagles, but with more extravagant plumage. Colored red, purple, yellow, blue, and orange, respectively.
The bird brothers are a fan favorite. They're always together, and if you watch them for long enough, you'll notice that they sometimes move in perfect sync. Their job is to deliver food to the other wonderbeasts, but when they're not doing that, they're usually seeking attention.
15
Clyde
Small gecko with rainbow-colored scales.
Spends all his time in the art gallery, to the point where we've considered listing him as an art piece himself. He certainly seems to think of himself as one. If you're giving a tour of the gallery, make sure to offer a prize to anyone who can spot him.
Addendum 9215-4: Research Report
The following report was written by researcher David Chen, after spending 14 hours in SCP-9215.
The first thing I noticed upon entering SCP-9215, before any of its anomalous phenomena, was an enormous stained glass window on the east wall, stretching up through three of the building's six stories. It depicts a group of figures gathered around the base of an apple tree, an image apparently based on a tall tale about the city's founding. In the early morning, light pours in through the window, bathing the library in prismatic light. The sight of it made me stop in my tracks for several minutes, before remembering that I had a job to do.
I wasn't given very many instructions, only to try and experience as much of SCP-9215 as I could. I had skipped my morning caffeine, so I decided to start by sampling one of the coffee shop's daily specials. There were three listed, but the one that caught my eye was called "Ocean Breeze". I ordered it, and barely a minute later, it was brought to my table. It looked how I would expect a drink of that name to look: crystal-blue with rich foam, like an artist's depiction of the ocean. But nothing could have prepared me for the taste. To say it tasted like the ocean would be inaccurate; in fact, it didn't taste like anything I'd had before. And yet it was still familiar. It tasted like memories of the sea, like the sensation of standing on the beach, feeling the sand between my toes and the waves washing over my ankles. Needless to say, it was a unique experience.
After finishing my drink, I decided to test the translation effect. I found a copy of Ender's Game, one of my favorite novels, sat down, and started reading. Sure enough, the book was entirely in Chinese, and I must say I was quite impressed with the translation. I was so engrossed that by the time I stopped reading, it was already noon. At this point, I decided to stretch my legs and see what else the library had to offer. I was again amazed by the quality of the architecture, as well as how seamlessly it integrated the abundant foliage. I passed by a few instances of SCP-9215-A, but they all walked away if I dared to approach. I'll admit, it hurt my pride somewhat.
The only activity I had scheduled was at three o'clock: it was a Saturday, which meant that the art gallery would be coming to life. It seems many other guests had the same idea, as the gallery was awfully crowded by the time I got there. The exhibit on display was a series of mosaics, depicting various people that the plaques told me were local historical icons. Sure enough, they were chatting with guests, telling jokes, and posing for photos. One of them, a woman who had apparently been an important figure in the Pueblo tribe, spoke directly to me as I was wandering around. She asked what I was looking for, to which I answered, "nothing in particular". She responded "I hope you find it," and then turned to speak with another guest, leaving me perplexed. I still haven't figured out what she meant.
I spent the last two hours of my stay reading Ender's Game, until the announcement came on that the library will be closing soon. As I was leaving, I passed by the wolf twins. I was prepared to be avoided once more, but instead, one of them nuzzled against my leg. I took it as a request for affection, and obliged, giving her a scratch behind the ears. I quickly felt the other place her paws on my back, reminding me to share my attention between the two. They left after a while, and a staff member approached and congratulated me. I asked what I did, as the others seemed rather standoffish earlier. She explained that all you have to do to earn the wonderbeasts' respect is enjoy yourself, as that is what the library was built for. We said our goodbyes, and I left SCP-9215 with a smile on my face.
Addendum 9215-5: Note from O5-13
Over the past several months, the O5 council has received a number of proposals to revise SCP-9215's containment procedures. Many level 4 personnel seem to think that the Argus classification is inappropriate, and that SCP-9215 requires more robust containment measures than what is currently in place. Frankly, I'm growing tired of responding to these messages individually, so allow me to make the Council's position clear:
SCP-9215 is contained. It has been since before the Foundation even discovered it. It has not hurt a single soul, nor has it caused the chaos and upheaval commonly associated with disruption of the veil. The current classification of SCP-9215 reflects our final decision. This matter is not up for review, and it won't be until concrete, convincing evidence can be provided suggesting that the situation has changed or is different from what we were led to believe. If you still think that there is a problem with the current arrangement, please direct your grievances to the office of O5-13, so that I may promptly delete them from my inbox.
Addendum 9215-6: Interview Log 2
Interviewer: Dr. Anthony Matthews
Interviewed: SCP-9215-A-1
Note: as SCP-9215-A-1 refused to leave SCP-9215-B, the interview was conducted in the staff break room.
<Begin Log>
Matthews: Good evening, SCP-9215-A-1.
SCP-9215-A-1: You will call me Lola.
Matthews: Works for me. I didn't want to keep saying all that anyway. First of all, thank you for agreeing to this interview.
SCP-9215-A-1: It was Martha's request.
Matthews: Then I'll make sure to thank her as well. Speaking of which, what exactly is your relationship with the chief librarian?
SCP-9215-A-1: She is my master, though she prefers the word "employer". Hardly an accurate description, as she does not provide monetary compensation for my services.
Matthews: I see. And do the rest of the wonderbeasts feel the same way?
SCP-9215-A-1: They do. We entered into this compact together, in accordance with the will of our previous master.
Matthews: And who was your previous master?
SCP-9215-A-1: That I cannot tell you. I can only say that we followed them for many years, before they left us under Martha's care.
Matthews: Is your previous master also responsible for the library's other anomalous properties?
SCP-9215-A-1: I've told you all I can about that subject. Ask a different question.
Matthews: Has anyone ever told you you're a bad conversation partner?
SCP-9215-A-1: Not directly.
Matthews: Just making sure. Anyway, what can you tell me about that tree you're always guarding?
SCP-9215-A-1: Very little. You chose a poor change of subject.
Matthews: That's a shame. Just tell me what you can and we can move on.
SCP-9215-A-1: I assume you already know of the fruit's rejuvenating effects?
Matthews: We do. We've also noticed that you never eat them yourself. Why is that?
SCP-9215-A-1: I have no need to.
Matthews: Really? The other wonderbeasts sure seem to.
SCP-9215-A-1: I am not like my kin.
Matthews: Could you elaborate?
SCP-9215-A-1: No.
Matthews: Of course not. Now, before we conclude this interview, I'd just like you to confirm something: Martha says that, unless she commands it, the library's anomalous properties will not escalate beyond their current state. Is that true?
SCP-9215-A-1: Not entirely. If need be, the blessing will alter itself to protect the library and its inhabitants, even without Martha's blessing. The limits are largely unknown to me, but I can say for certain that it cannot extend outside the library's confines.
Matthews: That's good to hear. Thank you again, Lola.
SCP-9215-A-1: You are welcome.
<End Log>
Addendum 9215-7: Incident Report 9215-24
Date: 24/12/2011
Location: SCP-9215
Description: Four agents of the UNGOC conducted a raid on SCP-9215 while the library was closed for the holidays. The agents were equipped with Grey Suits and standard firearms. The following log was provided by the GOC after the incident, with the agent's names replaced for anonymity:
<Begin Log>
Alpha, Bravo, and Delta are next to a window on the third floor of the building, standing by while Charlie picks the lock.
Delta: You sure this is where they're hiding?
Charlie: Are you surprised that a Serpent's Hand member is hiding in a library?
Delta: I'm just saying, it's not exactly low-profile.
Bravo: I've heard that a common way to enter the Wanderer's Library is through another library. They might already be in the wind.
Alpha: We'll find out soon enough. Charlie, how's it coming along?
Charlie: Almost got it, and… done.
Alpha: Alright, let's get started. Remember, the target isn't expected to pose much of a threat, but that doesn't mean you should let your guard down. It's still a magician we're dealing with.
Delta: Yes, mom.
Charlie opens the window, and the agents enter the building. An extremely loud sound resembling a roar is heard, and all present civilians begin to evacuate.
Delta: What the fuck was that?
Bravo: Has our cover been blown?
Alpha: Don't think so. Proceed with the mission, but be careful.
The agents spread out and search the area.
Charlie: Do you think it was the KTE?
Alpha: Maybe. Can't be sure.
Bravo: At least the civilians are—
Bravo yells in surprise as he is lifted off the ground by an unseen entity. It drops him over the railing, and he falls to the ground floor.
Alpha: Bravo, report!
Bravo: I'm still alive, the suit absorbed most of the impact— Fuck! I think my leg's broken.
Charlie: Did you see what grabbed you?
Bravo: No. Did anyone else?
Delta: All I saw was Bravo flying through the air. It didn't look like anything was carrying him.
Alpha: Activate OCULUS scanners.
Charlie: Copy that.
Delta: On it.
Bravo: Copy.
All agents activate their suits' OCULUS imaging headsets.
Bravo: Oh, shit. Delta, look out!
Delta: What's— Jesus!
Delta is tackled to the ground by an avian entity, which begins pecking against his helmet.
Delta: Someone get this fucker off me!
Alpha: Hold still.
Alpha aims his sidearm at the entity and fires several shots, which the entity evades. It begins circling above the agents.
Charlie: I count five… no, six avian UTEs.
Charlie aims his rifle at the entities circling above. One remains perched on a window sill.
Charlie: Should I open fire?
Alpha: Negative, you'd just be wasting ammo. But if one of them gets to close, scare it off.
Charlie: Roger.
Bravo: Guys, there's something down here.
Delta: What kind of "something"?
Bravo: I think it's—
The entity in front of Bravo snarls.
Bravo: No, yeah, it's definitely a lion.
Alpha: Hold on, we're coming to help.
Bravo aims his rifle at the entity.
Bravo: I'm warning you, asshole.
The lion entity paces in front of Bravo, but does not approach. The rest of the team descend a staircase to the second floor.
Charlie: Shit, I lost sight of one of the UTEs.
Delta: I found it, don't worry.
Delta fires his sidearm at an avian entity approaching the back of Charlie's head. He hits the entity's wing, causing it to fall to the ground.
Delta: Bingo.
Charlie: Nice shot.
The agents descend another staircase to the ground floor. Alpha moves to Bravo's side, and aims his sidearm at the lion entity.
Bravo: My hero.
Alpha: Yeah, yeah. You can buy me a drink later.
The lion entity slowly backs away.
Alpha: Charlie, get over here. I need your help. Delta, you take over watching the birds.
Delta: Roger.
Charlie: On my way.
Charlie begins moving towards Alpha, but a canine entity emerges from behind a bookshelf, blocking his path.
Charlie: God damn it.
The entity growls and prepares to leap forward. Charlie aims his rifle, but before he can fire, a second canine entity leaps at him from the side and tackles him to the ground. It attempts to bite the agent's neck, but he blocks it with his gun.
Charlie: Delta!
Delta: Give me just a second.
Delta takes cover behind the staircase, before switching his aim from the avian entities to the canine entity on top of Charlie. He fires, hitting the entity in the neck.
Delta: Hah! Two for two.
Charlie is able to push the canine entity off of him, and continues toward the team Alpha. The other canine entity moves to the injured one, and appears to examine its wound. It then howls at an estimated volume of 120 dB.
Delta: Jesus Christ. Dramatic much?
Charlie: Delta, behind you!
Delta: What?
Delta turns around to see a massive ursine entity rise to its feet, having been woken from sleep by the canine entity's howl.
Delta: Oh, you wanna go?
Delta aims his gun at the ursine entity. It growls, before charging forward.
Delta: You asked for it, you piece of—
Delta fires several shots at the entity. They connect, but do not appear to have any effect. The entity strikes Delta with its paw, knocking him to the ground and causing him to drop his rifle.
Delta: Gah!
Alpha: Delta, do you need backup?
Delta begins crawling towards his rifle.
Delta: I swear, I'm gonna burn this place to the—
The ursine entity places its front paw on Delta's head, and crushes it beneath its weight.
Charlie: Shit, we lost Delta!
Alpha: Alright, we're aborting the mission. Charlie, help me carry Bravo.
Charlie: Copy that.
The two agents carry Bravo out through the building's main entrance. The ursine entity growls as they do so, but does not pursue them.
<End Log>
Foundation personnel arrived 20 minutes later. SCP-9215-A-12 was found injured, but was predicted to make a full recovery. SCP-9215-A-9 had gone back to sleep in its usual location. SCP-9215-A-7 was found deceased, having died of blood loss from the wound to its neck. SCP-9215-A-6 continued to lick SCP-9215-A-7's wound until personnel collected its body for examination.
The GOC was later contacted about the incident. They explained that they had tracked member of the Serpent's Hand to SCP-9215 without knowing of its anomalous properties or of the Foundation's involvement. Martha Walsh confirmed that she had granted the Serpent's Hand member refuge at SCP-9215, but claimed to have no knowledge of their affiliation. After extensive negotiation, the GOC agreed not to interfere with SCP-9215 in the future, in exchange for the sharing of all information about the anomaly, as well as a sample of SCP-9215-B. Attempts to obtain this sample were met with extreme resistance from SCP-9215-A-1, but were eventually successful.
▼ CREDENTIALS ACCEPTED
Addendum 9215-8: Interview Log 3
Interviewer: O5-13
Interviewed: SCP-9215-A-1
<Begin Log>
O5-13 enters the staff break room. SCP-9215-A-1 is resting in the branches of SCP-9215-B, as usual. SCP-9215-A-6 is asleep at the base of the tree. It has not left the break room since incident 9215-24.
O5-13: Hello, Lola. Could I have a minute of your time?
SCP-9215-A-1: Who are you?
O5-13: I am O5-13, an overseer of the SCP Foundation.
SCP-9215-A-1: An overseer?
SCP-9215-A-1's head emerges from the branches of SCP-9215-B.
SCP-9215-A-1: What do you want from me?
O5-13: Information. About your previous master.
SCP-9215-A-1: Don't waste your time. I will not tell you anything more than I already have.
SCP-9215-A-1 retreats back into the branches.
O5-13: That's a shame.
O5-13 looks down at SCP-9215-A-6.
O5-13: I'm very sorry for your loss. From what I've heard, you and the other wonderbeasts have been together for centuries. Losing one of your own must have been devastating.
No response.
O5-13: I can't guarantee the library won't be attacked again. If you want, I can help you find some place safer to stay.
SCP-9215-A-1: Martha made a similar offer. I will tell you what I told her: this is the home our master left for us. It is their legacy, and if we are to die, we will die defending it.
O5-13: I understand.
Pause.
O5-13: Why a library?
SCP-9215-A-1: What?
O5-13: The home your master left for you. Why did they choose a library?
Pause.
SCP-9215-A-1: That is not the question you really want me to answer.
O5-13: Apologies, I'll be more direct: are you familiar with the Serpent's Hand?
No response.
O5-13: How about the Wanderer's Library?
SCP-9215-A-1: You said you would be more direct.
O5-13: Very well. What is your relationship with the entity known as the Serpent?
Pause.
SCP-9215-A-1: I am not like my kin. I was born human, like you. And like you, I craved knowledge. I longed for that which I was not meant know, and to sate my desire, I sought out the Serpent. After a lifetime of searching, I was granted an audience through an ancient ritual. I asked it question after question, each answer only deepening my thirst. But knowledge is never given freely.
SCP-9215-A-1 uncoils fully, meeting O5-13 at eye level.
SCP-9215-A-1: This form is the price I paid for my greed. I cannot eat, sleep, or grow old. I cannot feel love. I cannot have children. I am forever trapped in this cursed state.
O5-13: I'm so sorry.
SCP-9215-A-1 retreats back into the branches.
SCP-9215-A-1: It was after I was reduced to this form that my master found me. They saw me as a kindred spirit, for they also carried a lust for knowledge. The wonderbeasts had already been following them for centuries, but they welcomed me as one of their own without hesitation. There were 40 in total back then, though their numbers had already dwindled. Unlike myself and our master, the others were not immortal. They relied on fruit from the tree to prolong their lives.
Pause.
SCP-9215-A-1: The tree was carried with us on the back of a great ox named Rufel. He was wise and stoic, and disliked conflict. Many of us looked up to him, myself included. When we lost him…
Pause.
SCP-9215-A-1: That was when we realized we could not continue this existence forever. The others could carry the tree, but they, too, would not last. All things end in time, and we had outlived ours a hundredfold. We had experienced nearly all that the many worlds had to offer. All that remained was death.
Pause.
SCP-9215-A-1: We would have happily stayed by our master's side until the end. But they were far too kind; they believed that the final resting place of any soul should be a place they call home. They prepared this library for us, made us promise to keep it safe, and to share the wonder we had experienced over those countless years with the people of this city. And once we had given them our word, they departed.
O5-13: Have you heard from your master since?
SCP-9215-A-1: No. I don't even know if she is alive.
Pause.
O5-13: After the attack on the library, we heard that the agents who survived lost the ability to read or write.
SCP-9215-A-1 raises its head slightly.
O5-13: It seems to be the result of some sort of curse, and a very powerful one at that. They might never recover. You assured us that the library's magic can't affect the outside world; if that's wrong, we may need to reconsider our arrangement.
SCP-9215-A-1 hisses.
SCP-9215-A-1: You would betray your vow?
O5-13: Of course not, if I can help it. I just need you to promise me that the curse didn't come from the library.
Pause.
SCP-9215-A-1: It did not. That is all I can say for certain.
O5-13: That's good to hear. Thank you.
SCP-9215-A-1: You are welcome.
<End Log>