Vio had always been entranced by the idea of the supernatural, those curious oddities and secretive forces hidden away just out of reach. From the smallest, most insignificant tidbit to the grandiose conspiracies centuries in the making - all of it interested them, without fail. They, after all, had an eventful upbringing by parents who used to be just as obsessed by the topic, if not even more so: growing up, Vio would commonly be seen pilfering discarded newspaper clippings and reading through the half-done theory writeups commonly found throughout their house. They would spectate - and sometimes assist with - their parents' experiments, they would play roleplaying games with their friends, they would go on field trips and various meetings not at all centered around the mundane things in life, and, by the end of each lively day, they would lay in bed daydreaming of more magic, myths and secrets.

The supernatural was something special that bound their family together. Such a shame that it didn't last.

It was while Vio was still in middle school when disaster so suddenly struck: their father disappeared without a trace during yet another excursion. The only thing that was ever found were a few of his packed supplies near a mountain trail. With nothing else - no footprints, no blood, not even a phone signal - the police could only shrug and close the case. Blaming herself for encouraging her husband's habits far too much, Vio's mother banned all talk of the supernatural soon after. But Vio... Their appetite for knowledge of that sort was simply inexhaustible. The idea of just 'stopping' was anathema to them.

It's been years since that yelling-filled night, and Vio's relationship with their mother had long since crumbled. Despite the ban, they continued going behind her back to indulge in their special interest, and they continued getting caught when they weren't careful. Things didn't stop worsening until everything came to a head when Vio applied for a job at Prometheus Ventures, and Vio's mother gave them an ultimatum: withdraw the application or leave.

Vio glanced at the clock on the wall. It ticked as it always did. Vio then returned to their work, throwing past memories by the wayside. They were no stranger to hardship, but things were looking up for once - they had a home of their own nowadays, and a car, and an enjoyable job. Assistant though they may be, it was still enough to satisfy that craving for the occult, and there was that non-zero chance of getting more insight into whatever took their father. They simply had to be patient, and, with luck, something would turn up at long last.

The clock kept ticking.

All would come in time.