forgottentales | Entry 2

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Entry 2

Sender: Edmond Dantes (Count of Monte Cristo) | Luca Balsa

Recipient: Everyone

~~Good afternoon everyon~~
~~To my fellow aspe~~
~~help~~

[ How does he say this? There's a lot of emotion rattling around in his head and he feels like his body's about to implode. Should he even be writing anything here?

… Might as well just do it. Who knows how much time he has left. ]

To whom this may concern,

As some of you might know, my memory is nothing like it once was. While this journal has been useful for keeping records of the present and other important notes, I don't remember too much of my past outside of a series of unfortunate events I will not disclose to the public for personal reasons. I do know I wanted to invent something wonderful to benefit my world and make something of myself, but the accident that caused my memory to fail also made that dream impossible in my world.

Here, I have a second chance. As strange and perilous as this world can be, I'm grateful that the Storyteller reached out to ask me for help. Hopefully, I can eventually remember enough to finish my invention in the Index or make something new out of what I can recall of it, but even if that never happens I'm still able to contribute something beneficial by helping to restore the stories.

Which brings me to the situation at hand. I'm not sure what exactly caused it, but the current state of the story and how it’s affected people has me fearing for my life. Since I don't know if I even have any family or friends back home, I may as well write an open letter to you all. Thank you for giving me a chance to redeem myself, and I hope my contributions thus far were helpful in the long run.

Signed, Luca Balsa

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[When Holmes reads this message the first time, he doesn't quite know what to make of it or how to reply. So he reads it again. And again. Then, finally, he manages to jot down some words.]

Missing memories truly do make for some frustrating situations, don't they? I'm sorry to hear about your original invention.

You're correct, though. One can be helpful in many different ways, from grand heroics to the smallest of gestures. Even when you can no longer remember instances where you brought a smile to someone's face, that other person will surely keep those memories and treasure them. Therefore, I have no doubt that every single one of your contributions would have made some sort of difference.

I'd like to hear more about your inventions if when we get through this.

[ Luca's surprised to see the man who thinks he's Holmes here, but... The response is a comfort. ]

I'm sure you will, sir. My inventions are very important to me, and I plan to go back to working on them as soon as possible.

I appreciate your kind words.

It's no trouble. Words are only words, after all. No more than sentiment. Actions are what truly define a person, which is precisely why we must work hard at rebuilding this tale.

Have you been safe within this story thus far?

Yes, thankfully. There have been a few inexplicable complications, but I'm still alive and well. And yourself?

Oh yes, quite well indeed. This world's technology is fascinating. It's very similar to what I've grown accustomed to in my own world, and so, I've been taking a close look at the local developments. The dear old doctor's animate plant is a whole other matter, of course. I've never seen anything quite like that.

Isn't it? Why, it only feels like yesterday that I was walking these streets with wonder in my eyes. This place felt so much like what I can remember of home, right down to the exhibition!

Don't know where Victor Frankenstein having a carnivorous plant came from. Or any of this current madness for that matter. I understand this is meant to be two novels combined into one story, but still.

Perhaps the plant originated from a third story that's unknown to us. Or perhaps the Storyteller created it, with its purpose being a suitable character for plot advancement. Regardless, I do hope to recreate it when we return to the Index.

[Because Holmes absolutely took a cutting from the plant when he was in a scene with it, and has planted it in a small metal tin in hopes it'll take proper root there.]

[ Uh..... ]

With all due respect, Mr. Holmes, I must ask why on Earth you would want to bring such a dangerous specimen to the Index.

No no no, it's not a dangerous specimen at all! It's merely misunderstood. And perhaps a bit too big to allow for a diet of more common meats. If it were contained to a smaller size, it would be quite capable of surviving on a butcher's leftover scraps. Isn't that ideal?

I'm no expert, but I don't understand how the specimen is supposed to benefit us in the long run. Even if you somehow managed to keep it to a smaller size (and I don't think that's how plants work) what would you even do with a carnivorous singing plant thing?

[Wow Luca, he's disappointed in you. Where's your pioneering spirit?]

It's for science, of course. SCIENCE! How will we learn more about sentient flora if we do not grow it?

[ Living in the machinery, away from whatever this is... ]

Well, if you insist... Just try to be careful with that thing.

No need! Audrey II and I have already bonded during one of the scenes we were meant to perform. Surely, it'll remember its daddy and we'll get along swimmingly!

[Yes, he named the plant back then.]

[ This man named the plant... Luca's even more convinced this man might be some sort of lunatic. ]

Are you sure you'll be able to handle such a beast?

It's not a beast, it's just a darling little plant. I've dealt with far worse in my time, being the genius detective and hunter of criminals that I am.

You have an interesting perception of carnivorous plants, sir. Do you have any experience in gardening?

[...]

I don't quite recall. Though, I do know for certain that Watson grows some very fine herbs and tea leaves back home. If she has such a strong hand in gardening, then surely I must've taught her a thing or two.

[ Doubtful... ]

Watson is a woman? I wasn't aware.

She's a young lady, to be precise. A mere ten years old, and already her genius is growing to a point where it may one day rival my own. Perhaps. Probably not. Still though... She could.

[That he would even consider she might one day rival him means he's really quite proud of her.]

[ This seems a lot different than the Watson described in the books... Though he can't remember the details of his description. Maybe he'll look it up when they get back to the Index.

If they get back in one piece. ]

I'm sure she has a bright future ahead of her, Mr. Holmes.

She absolutely does! I often find myself wishing she could be here with me. However, it's best that she holds down the fort back home. This place is entirely too dangerous on occasion.

[He is absolutely not thinking about man-eating plants, though! Gosh no, those are harmless.]

EXCUSE ME, DID I JUST READ THAT RIGHT?
THAT'S A LOT OF FANCY SHMANCY WORDS THAT ARE PROBABLY VERY SENTIMENTAL AND MEANINGFUL, BUT WE CAN GET BACK TO THAT WHEN WE AREN'T IN LOONEYBLOCK MURDER RUMPUS TOWN.
CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG, BUT I WOULD SAY THIS READS LIKE A GODDAMN EULOGY IN ADVANCED.
ARE YOU PLANNING TO DIE HERE?
YOU BETTER NOT!
WE NEED AS MANY SANE PEOPLE AS WE CAN, AND RIGHT NOW THE CRAZIES ARE OUTNUMBERING THE SANE ONES!

[His writing is a little more frantic than normal, indicating Karkat's own nervous state.]

[ Oh no. He's scared someone to death. Oh dear lord, no. ]

I assure you Mr. Vantias, I have absolutely no intention of dying here! I also seem to be of sound mind at the moment, but I can't help but fear for my life.

I'm just leaving this message here in case something goes horribly wrong.

OH SURE, BECAUSE THAT'S SUPPOSED TO MAKE ME FEEL SO MUCH BETTER.
OF COURSE THIS IS TERRIFYING! I DON'T THINK A SINGLE ONE OF US WHO HASN'T LOST THEIR MINDS YES ISN'T TERRIFIED OF GOING CRAZY OR GETTING KILLED.
BUT LISTEN, JUST BECAUSE YOU'RE PANICKING DOESN'T MEAN YOU SHOULD JUST FUCKING ROLL OVER AND ACCEPT DEATH!
YOU HAVE TO AT LEAST TRY SURVIVING THIS SHIT!
YOU DON'T THINK I'M PANICKING OVER WHAT'S GOING ON?
HELL, I'M PANICKING AS I WRITE THIS!!

Whatever made you think I was going to do anything of the sort?! I swear, I'm doing my best to survive! It's just I'm worried something might happen and I won't get the chance to say goodbye!

Does that make any sense?

NO NO NO NO NO.
DO NOT DO THAT!
LISTEN TO ME, YOU'RE NOT GOING TO DIE OKAY?
EVEN IF I HAVE TO
I
FUCK I DON'T EVEN KNOW BUT I AM NOT SEEING MORE FRIENDS DIE OKAY?!

Karkat Vantias, I wholeheartedly assure you I have no intention of dying here!

OKAY.
OKAY.
GOOD. REAL GOOD!
THAT'S GOOD TO HEAR.
NOT LIKE I WAS PANICKING OVER THE INEVITABLE DEATH AND DISMEMBERMENT WE'RE ALL DESPERATELY TRYING TO FIGHT.

[He was 100% panicking. He still is panicking.]

[ Sure looks like you're still panicking, friend. ]

Are you alright?

I'M PERFECTLY FINE.
LOOK AT ME AND ALL MY FINE-NESS.
I AM SECRETING SO MUCH FINE ENERGY THAT I AM LITERALLY CREATING A FOUL-SMELLING MIASMA AROUND MY PERSON, EMANATING HOW FINE I REALLY AM.

LOOK, I KNOW SHIT'S HITTING THE WHIRLING DEVICE HERE, BUT WE
I
WE'LL BE OKAY IF WE DON'T DO STUPID STUFF AND STICK TOGETHER, OKAY?
I KNOW FROM EXPERIENCE THAT WHEN PEOPLE DECIDE TO GO FULL SHITHIVE MAGGOTS AND GO ON MURDEROUS RAMPAGES, THE LITERAL WORST THING YOU CAN DO IS YOUR OWN THING.
WELL ACTUALLY THAT'S THE SECOND WORST THING YOU CAN DO, THE FIRST WORST THING IS FACE THEM HEAD-ON IN COMBAT LIKE SOME SORT OF GODDAMN WANNABE HERO.
SO JUST. DON'T DO ANYTHING STUPID, OKAY?
THEN YOU'LL BE FINE.
THEORETICALLY.

Are you wanting me to come check on you?

ARE YOUR GLANCE NUGGETS PREVENTING YOU FROM READING, I SAID I'M FINE!
I MAY BE PANICKING BUT I CAN HANDLE MYSELF!

[Debatable, honestly.]

BUT, MAYBE YOU HAVE A POINT.
KEEPING TRACK OF WHO'S STILL SANE IS A GOOD IDEA.
IF YOU WANT I CAN... I DUNNO, CHECK IN ON YOU EVERY SO OFTEN.
WE CAN KEEP TABS ON EACH OTHER.
MAKE SURE WE'RE BOTH STILL ALIVE AND NOT IN DANGER OR MAKING SURE NEITHER OF US ARE DOING ANYTHING STUPID.

[ Let's... Ignore whatever Karkat said about his reading ability. ]

Where are you right now? Specifically?

ME RIGHT NOW?
I'M HOLED UP IN THE COMMUNAL HIVE STEM THAT THEY TOLD US TO LIVE IN WHILE WE FIX THIS STORY.
SOMEHOW IT'S MANAGED TO STILL REMAIN STANDING DESPITE EVERYONE'S ATTEMPTS AT TRASHING EVERY BUILDING IN SIGHT.

You're in the apartments, then? Which room?

UH
BLOCK 612.
OR ROOM 612 AS YOU HUMANS CALL IT.

Got it. On my way.

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Entry 2

Sherlock Holmes | The Pied Piper

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Karkat Vantas || Sun Wukong

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and then Luca went to go comfort Karkat