Selnote - Horror of the Shade

Item #: SCP-XXXX

Object Class: Euclid

Special Containment Procedures: Given the nature of SCP-XXXX, all containment measures are to be taken towards its infected victims designated SCP-XXXX-1 hereafter. All instances of SCP-XXXX-1 are to be kept in a standard containment cell with four by four polycarbonate glass windows. Living amenities are to be basic and meet safety requirements inline with high risk psychiatric ward facilities. The outside of the cell will contain seating with room for at least forty-eight SCP personnel. Every sixteen hours, assigned staff will assemble to view SCP-XXXX-1 for approximately one hour before dispersing.

All instances of SCP-XXXX-1 that are past Stage 1 must be given fabricated identifiers, histories and generally identifying information before SCP personnel interact with them.

Description: SCP-XXXX describes a cognitohazardous metaphysical virus that erases its victims from this known reality over a series of stages. Infected victims of SCP-XXXX range in age, gender, background and even species, though all victims have been catalogued as humanoid. Various testing via the fixty-six documented victims have provided various physical descriptions of SCP-XXXX. All recorded descriptors have been destroyed following Incident-X-4322.

Symptoms of SCP-XXXX appear to manifest in three separate stages, as noted below. Any descriptors of SCP-XXXX will result in immediate infection and must be reported. Failure to do so will result in termination.

+ __**’Dahlia’-04/03/19XX**__

Subject: Nickname ‘Dahlia’ - Stage 1 of infection
Procedure: Staff requested descriptor of SCP-XXXX.
Results: Subject described SCP-XXXX as [DATA EXPUNGED]. All staff present during test showed signs of infection days later. Immediate termination order issued. Subject returned to containment.
Analysis: Symptoms manifest as paranoia that the infected subject is being forgotten by those around them as well as general anxiety that something is watching them. Further testing needed.

__**’Olan’ Test - 11/15/19XX**__

Subject: Nickname ‘Olan’ - Stage 1 of infection
Procedure: Subject brought in for simple observation without being alerted to staff presence.
Results: Subject displayed general neuroses. Was noted to argue with themselves, self-harm and make repeated demands that someone acknowledge them. When Dr. X sneezed, subject became fixated on the wall where staff were observing. After further demands for acknowledgement were ignored, subject proceeded to severe an optical nerve with their fingernails. Subject terminated. No noted signs of infection in witnessing staff.
Analysis: Infected individuals appear to be willing to go to any lengths in a bid of self-preservation against SCP-XXXX. Submitting approval for further testing. Further testing approved.

+__**’Ansell’ Test - 08/24/19XX**__

Subject: Nickname ‘Ansell’ - Stage 2 of infection
Procedure: Subject brought in for controlled observation. Hands and feet were bound, straightjacket provided.
Results: Despite restraints, subject showed increased irrational behavior and attempts to garner attention were escalated much faster than Test ‘Olan’ case. After fifteen minutes of no acknowledgment, subject stuck their tongue between their teeth and fell belly-first, severing the appendage instantly. Subject then rolled on their back and attempted to drown in their own blood before medical staff intervened.
Analysis: Medical staff noted that subject should have expired in the ten minutes it’s brain was without oxygen due to asphyxiation. However, subject remained alive until eventual dematerialization. Dr. X noted that victims of SCP-XXXX will, almost paradoxically, plead for death, though the dematerialization phase is hypothesized to be equivalent to death. Dr. X stated: “SCP-XXXX is predatory and certainly removes its victims not just from existence but from the memories of all that had known them beforehand. The measures here seem to indicate that death is the better alternative.”

+__**’Raj’ Test - 08/24/20XX**__

Subject: Nickname ‘Raj’ - Stage 3 of infection
Procedure: Subject brought in for controlled observation. Hands and feet were bound, straight-jacket and muzzle provided.
Results: Subject was exceptionally weak during observation. Approximately two hours passed with the subject lying on their bed without movement. Medical staff were asked to check for a pulse. Subject moved when touched but showed no resistance when medical staff removed its upper garments. Upon removal of the subject’s shirt, staff showed signs of immense distress. As dematerialization has since happened, records have largely become skewed due to SCP-XXXX’s anti-memetic effects, though reports commonly complain of trypophobia and seeing holes in the subject.
Analysis: Six staff were infected with SCP-XXXX. No further testing is to be allowed at this time. Current subjects are to be contained and given routine acknowledgement to prevent further destabilization.