Event Log - Level One

[lucetimods]

Who: Everybody
What: Lucetians reverted back to level one!
When: Well. Now. Right away. It ends on the 25th, so chop chop.
Where: In Luceti. You think you guys are getting out of here after that stunt you just pulled?
Summary: Well. So sometimes the Malnosso actually do legitimate experiments that aren't heaped in heavy plot. This is one of those times. Look, just go read the mod post, would you?
Rating: P for Prologue-licious.

Remember to tag with your character like so: [canon] character name

ALSO, all the journals will be completely wiped clean for the duration of this event. Nothing prior to this log will appear on the journals until after the 25th. So good luck figuring things out!

Comments

[semper_cogitans]

I could never be afraid of you. [Oh, that he could hold Don's hands and tell him everything was alright... but realistically that gesture would just be confusing right now.]

[i_speak_softly]

Tell me why those letters are important.

[Since your first answer was not really an answer.]

[semper_cogitans]

[As you wish, Don.]

The letters "TCRI" are an a-abbreviation of the name "Techno-Cosmic R-Research Institute". This... institute is the producer of the substance that... l-led to your alteration...

You told me yourself about its p-properties. [He can still remember that conversation quite vividly.]

[i_speak_softly]

[In one second, Don has vanished into the shadows. In the next, he's grabbed Robert's collar and shoved him against the wall, leaning up into the taller man's face.]

[He wants this human to be afraid of him. At least then he'll have a frame of reference he can understand.]

I've spent my whole life researching those letters, and I've never been able to find out what they meant. Who are you, really, and how do you know about my past?

[semper_cogitans]

[Pain blooms through Robert's back as his wings are slammed against the wall along with his body. The power in Don's grip is unmistakable - despite the hunger in his body, he's strong, possibly even stronger than the much-older Don he knows. The thought is somewhat chilling, and Robert's expression falters as the Turtle pulls him up, enough for his feet to actually leave the ground. He takes a deep, shaky breath to calm himself but he can feel his heart hammering intensely anyway.]

... I p-previously informed you that I have been here... for s-several years. The only reason I know anything is... b-because you told me.

[He stares earnestly into Don's face even as part of him anticipates further pain to come. Please, believe him. Or at least, believe him enough so he won't be harmed.]

[i_speak_softly]

[Don narrows his eyes, studying the astrobiologist's face as with his free hand he frisks the strange human. As he recovers objects, he studies them and tucks them into his own belt. His search doesn't turn up any weapons.]

I couldn't have told you that. I didn't know.

[semper_cogitans]

Because this e-experiment has forced you to forget everything. In fact... [- and this is easy to tell now that Robert's being pinned by Don...] ... you are not even ph-physically the same. You are... younger than the D-Donatello I know...

[But you're not a different one. The experiment doesn't seem to be bringing in totally-different people... just younger versions of the people that already exist...]

[i_speak_softly]

[He didn't tell you his name, either.]

[Don drops Robert, and backs up a pace.]

Tell me, then, if you "remember" and I don't: Where's my family?

[semper_cogitans]

[He hates to say this, but lying would be awful.]

They... u-used to be here... there are still signs of their p-presence at our home. But... as is typical for this place, they have been taken back to their own w-worlds, now. It... happens frequently... and for no discernible reason. And as I said, the... Malnosso s-study us, to try to find out why.

... I have lost many f-friends in the same way. But it is... n-not the same, not so great as y-yours is.

[In a small voice:] If... if I could b-bring them back here, I would...

[i_speak_softly]

[Finally, Don is beginning to believe, and something in him is moved at this human's understanding of what his family means to him. He studies the professor head to toe, while sifting through his words. One thing stands out from the rest; it doesn't fit with the story.]

"Our" home?

[semper_cogitans]

Yes. I... have been living in the h-house that your family once lived in. At the time, it was... to p-protect me.

[He falters a little. This enemy is someone Don probably hasn't heard of yet.]

... Most of the i-individuals in Luceti are... kind, and accepting... but s-sometimes, dangerous people also are taken here, from the many multiverses that exist. In this case... it was a d-dangerous person from your own w-world...

... And... I b-became that person's target, in lieu of your family.

[i_speak_softly]

[At this point, Don assumes everyone from his world is dangerous, so he sets that aside for now.]

Is that the house I woke up in, half a quarter ago?

[semper_cogitans]

Yes, it is... [Faltering slightly again, at least internally. How can he explain the fact he was cuddled up to Don without explicitly describing their relationship?]

[i_speak_softly]

[Don is not even going to go there. He steps backwards, melting into the darkness.]

You should go now.

[semper_cogitans]

[Even knowing Don realizes nothing about their relationship, it still hurts not to tell him. It's like Robert is withholding something important...

Regardless, he nods once.]

... I... will return later, to... provide further food...

... Unless... you do not want for me to...? [His tone is more sad than he wanted it to sound.]

[i_speak_softly]

Don't bother.

[He already sounds further away. This conversation is clearly over.]

[semper_cogitans]

[There's nothing else to say. Robert bites back any further words, and turns to take his leave.

Be safe, Don.]