∞ 35: Reminiscence [written/action]

[chikaidestroyer]

Twenty more days.

That is what Faeren has told me. When Luceti was still at its most unknown and the time of day was the least of my concerns, she observed. October 27, by the calculations based off my calendar. As I think of it now, I imagine it will be a depressing day when it arrives. But the reality will likely be less stunning. Unless, of course, the Malnosso have set the day aside for an anniversary experiment.

Because that is what it will be: an anniversary.

There were 20 of us, in the beginning. Ironic how I write that on this day. Of those 20, there are only 3 of us who remain. The houses were occupied by one or two at most, and the only community housing building was largely empty. That first day was the only time I could reliably record the population of the Luceti for several months.

Then came the floods. Not the experiment, but the droves of people. Luceti fell into chaos; a cacophony of confused souls who couldn't wrap their minds around the situation. As quickly as the chaos settled in, the Malnosso made themselves known by sending the rains and stealing away individual test subjects.

It hasn't ceased since then. The kidnappings, the experiments. But the Malnosso have changed their tactics, ever so slightly. They do not speak or taunt anymore, as they did before every experiment in the past. They have developed a system for introducing new test subjects, which has since then been dubbed the New Feather cycle. They have been seen, and yet have not, by several inhabitants.

Some call Luceti home now. Some cannot imagine ever leaving it. Some live in a daze, comfortable in this peaceful anarchy. Some have given up entirely.

Twenty more days.

[action]

[Albert sits on a bench in the fountain plaza, his expression closed. He looks pale from his time spent indoors nowadays. In fact, he looks rather numb, just sitting there with his journal.]

Comments

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

[Fail, fail fail. :| He's free to notice that she looks tired, though. But when doesn't she.]

I suppose. At least it's getting something done.

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

Is that a fact, or an underlying hope?

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

If I had taken the steps to focus on this months ago, we'd have a lot more to work with.

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

One person can only do so much, especially when no one else shows interest in progress.

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

I'm not complaining.

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[There's a sound not unlike a cynical laugh.]

Maybe I am.

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

Staying cooped up like that isn't going to do much for your mental health, you realize.

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

Socializing does tend to keep mental issues from developing. ...I'll admit I haven't been okay for quite awhile, Professor.

[He glances at her. Perhaps he should invite her to sit down. Hm.]

Working harder makes the monotony that much more unbearable, yes?

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

No, you haven't, though I suppose it's understandable.

[the second comment gets a slight raised eyebrow]

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[The raised brow seems to be a good segue into action. Albert gestures to the bench, which still has an ample amount of room for others to down.]

Please, Professor. Have a seat.

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

[she nods, and walks over to join him after a moment]

... Very well.

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[He's silent as he waits for Raine to sit down.]

A single year has never felt so long, so perilous.

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

... indeed. Sometimes it's strange to think that I haven't been here for quite so long, myself.

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

And yet we don't know how long we will be here. How the worlds beyond Luceti truly are doing. We're left with so many questions, and no way to answer any of them.

Formal tactics have not effect on Luceti's morale. Even now, there are efforts being made to raise an army, in some sort of hope that we will have a chance to fight the Malnosso on equal grounds.

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

[She's quiet for a few moments] Mm. It's something being done, at least.

The Malnosso situation aside, we've still threats to deal with of our own number. Some more organization would do much for it.

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

...I do not mean to affect my cynicism on you, Professor. I have little left beyond it, most days. I'm afraid I have fallen into the same stupor most of the populace is in nowadays.

Our internal conflicts are so petty and self-destructive. And likely entirely intentional on the Malnosso's part. If we take down the threat, the Malnosso restore it upon us.

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

... Don't worry about it. I tend to be quite cynical, in normal circumstances, but my efforts now come first, regardless of that.

It all works very well to their advantage, without them having to do much else.

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

Quite the opposite of myself. I blame my experiences here in Luceti for my cynicism. Caesar's optimism was oftentimes the only catalyst that allowed me to work.

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

You did seem to have more drive for things before he was taken. And without him here, you've found yourself ... stagnating. It's understandable.

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

It's aggravating. The very idea that I've grown dependent on Caesar is annoying; he's the one burdened with emotional issues and complexes that he had to "find himself" through. He shouldn't be this important.

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

And yet here you are.

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

... ...

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

Mn.

The fact that you've identified the issue should mean something, at least.

[Action]

[chikaidestroyer]

Indeed.

We are each other's weakness.

[Action]

[wise_maiden]

You're still here. How long do you intend to wait before something motivates you?