Act 1: And Thus Darkness Descends [ written ]

[madpuppeteer]

[ After exploring some of the wonders and splendors of Luceti, the scientist known as the “Puppeteer” decides to write a bit about about them. He's eager to jot down his notes but just as eager to share them with others. Hence his reason for using this enchanted journal for all to behold. ]

My, my...

Have I finally arrived to the paradise were angels sleep? While I doubt there is truly be a “Heaven”, I must confess that this realm comes alarmingly close to one, at least in reference to the natives here. It's quite difficult for one such as I not to notice the “wings” upon the people's backs. Especially since these wings look quite out of place in standard humanoid anatomy. Nevertheless, I see plenty of patrons sporting such appendages despite how useless such tiny wings might be.

I could understand if these wings proved to have some form of practicality, but it seems that they do not. This, however, begs the question regarding if these wings are just for aesthetics. Judging by sheering pain I felt when I plucked out a single feather, I've come to the conclusion that these abnormal appendages are very much so real and vital. Although, as of why that is has yet to reveal itself. I'm certain that in due time that I'll unlock the mysterious revolving this glorious paradise and all it's splendors.

Until then, I shall patiently observe from the sidelines and learn what I can from the actions of others. This is perhaps my best approach to this rather fascinating matter.

[ His pen stops suddenly, but only for a mere moment before he begins writing again. ]


…


With this entry concluded, are there anyone willing to volunteer themselves for the sake of science? I'm just asking for one or two volunteers for a hypothesis I desire to test. It won't be painful, not at first.


[ There's something quite ominous about his request... ]

Comments

[Written]

[moezama]

[However ominous the request may seem, something about the handwriting seem familiar to Kazuma]

They aren't just for aesthetics. If they are removed, you'll die. [...he knows he's seen this handwriting once before] And the place you are currently in is called Luceti. A group of scientist known as the Malnosso watch over this place.

[Written]

[madpuppeteer]

[ It doesn't take Relius too long to write this anonymous poster back after he managed to disengage himself from the pointless chatter. It seems that some of Luceti's inhabitants aren't very fond of him already since he keeps poking and prodding the wings of nearby pedestrians. ]

You mean to say that tease ridiculous appendages actually hold such a grave value for us? Quite absurd but I wish not to test this theory out on myself. Therefore, I shall take your word here.

Now, if we can move on to other topics; who exactly are the Malnosso? I'm not very fond of the idea of being a "test subject".

[Written]

[moezama]

You can ask anyone, they'll tell you the same thing.

And we don't have a lot of information on them unfortunately. I've only seen one of them talk to us and that was to announce when the draft was. They protect us from the Third Party, despite the experiments. [...]

There was something I wanted to ask. I hope this doesn't come off rude, but may I ask who is writing?

[ voice ]

[touchofrogue]

[Creeptastic.]

Ya know, some people might wanna establish a practice before they go lookin' for volunteers. Establish a reputation. Set out a shingle. Attempt ta convince the general populace that they don't wear a cape an' go by the name of Dr. Doom...

[ voice ]

[madpuppeteer]

[ What's this? These journals can record the user's voice as well? How interesting...]

"Doctor Doom?"

[ He chuckled lightly. ]

Well, isn't that quite an outlandish nickname. However, I suppose you're right. I have yet to introduce myself. It seems that in all my glee I've forgotten the key element of social interaction.

A shame, really.

[ voice ]

[touchofrogue]

"Glee" ain't the usual element ya hear from a New Feather. Unless you like the thought of bein' a rat in a cage.

[This is Rogue, deliberately not rising to the bait to point out that he STILL hasn't introduced himself. Frankly, she's more concerned with where he rates on her Insane-O-Meter, and she hopes blunt statement of their purpose in Luceti will give her a clue.]

[Voice]

[not_meatbuns]

[That voice alone is setting her nerves on the edge, but everything he's just said is making Litchi bristle. She's terrified and furious and he may have her in something of a metaphorical chokehold back in Kagutsuchi, but she refuses to let him hurt anyone here. Not like Carl. Never like that.]

No. I don't care if anyone volunteers for your experiments, but I will not let you hurt anyone here.

[Voice]

[madpuppeteer]

Ah, what a familiar tone!

[ A low chuckle escapes him. Who would've guessed that he has "friends" here. ]

Goodness, Litchi. You're as dramatic as ever. Tell me, where is Kokonoe? I know she must've played a hand in this if you're here.

[Voice]

[not_meatbuns]

[Relius how do you manage to make her so angry while being so calm?]

The professor has nothing to do with any of this. The only scientists working behind bringing people here are the Malnosso, not Sector Seven.

[Voice]

[mountain_sage]

I believe you will find that this world is anything but a paradise. The beauty does hide its dark secrets.

[Voice]

[madpuppeteer]

Very much true, however I will admit that I'm more interested in the "dark" than in the beauty of this world.

[Voice]

[rageface]

[Volunteer for science? That brings up a few bad memories to Ragna, enough to actually make him chip in on this. Normally, he'd avoid it.]

Not going to lie, just reading your handwriting pisses me off. And I'm pretty damn sure that only a dumbass would volunteer for your... whatever the hell you're calling it.

[Voice]

[madpuppeteer]

[ Damn, talk about some bitter hate. It takes Relius a moment to two before he finally recognized the voice, but even then he doesn't go out of his way to sound alarmed. In fact, he must've seemed a tad too "friendly" now. ]

Not willing to become an eager participant of my research? Well, that's rather disappointing but I suppose I should catch a new specimen.

[Voice]

[roboredom]

HUMANS ARE AWFUL AT EXECUTING SCIENCE! [He's already assuming this person is human by their handwriting, mostly because he thinks it's flawed. Robo-Ky is a dick like that.] YOU'RE JUST WASTING YOUR TIME!

[He also meant anyone who volunteered, too.]

[Voice]

[madpuppeteer]

Disagreed. [ Well two can play the massive dick card, old boy! ] The only time wasted here is the time I've spent speaking with you, naysayer.

[magentarific]

I came from an afterlife, but I don't know that I would call it "heaven" either.

[ written? ]

[madpuppeteer]

The Afterlife? Surely you jest.

[ Really now, just who is this girl? If she's from the Afterlife, then doesn't that mean she was dead prior to this experiment? The puppeteer is intrigued now. ]

Care to further elaborate?

[written]

[frost_jewel]

I am afraid your request for "volunteers" is well out of line, sir. We go through enough already at the hands of our captors.

[written]

[madpuppeteer]

"Out of line?" Now what makes you say that? I'm merely trying to pipe a curiosity of mine regarding these wings. Nothing more and nothing less.

written; cries ok finally made a decent response

[catbro]

[Yeah the tone seems familiar, but he can't put his finger on it. Best to tread with caution. So he picks up a pen, though he hates writing, and obscures the camera so it won't show who he is.]

At first? That does not sound very safe.

written; haha

[madpuppeteer]

[ Well, well, Relius is rather popular today, isn't he? ]

Ah, it seems another curious reader has found my advertisement! I can assure you that my experiments won't be too lethal.

written;

[silpheed]

[Wow this way of talking does seem bizarrely familiar... IN A BAD WAY TBH clearly the way to investigate is to respond.]

You do enjoy seeing your own handwriting, it seems. [Welp she can't say she loves the sound of his own voice like this CLOSE ENOUGH.] However, you cannot honestly expect others to respond so well to that request after such a statement.

written;

[madpuppeteer]

I certainly admit to be being rather fond of my penmanship, but that is besides the point.

I'm merely requesting for one ambitious soul to join me down this road of scientific research. Their "martyrdom" might spark a new beginning for us all.

[Voice]

[doubleppk]

What kind of dumbass masochist would even say yes to that?

[Voice]

[madpuppeteer]

My, my...

Look at all the ruckus I've caused in just a mere hour or so. In all truth, I highly doubt the individual who agrees to my terms to be an "masochist". Perhaps a tad reckless and ambitious, but certainly not that.

[ He chuckles lightly. ]

No matter, I take it that you won't be assisting me.