Puzzle 002 - A Bad Idea

[tapshoetomove]

[Dictated.]

You know, I think I've had enough of this place's nonsense already. I got sick, started acting ridiculous for no reason, got my map stolen, and...I think I may have made a wild lion very angry with me.

The point is, I'm leaving! I'm uh, not sure where yet, but that's what I'm going to do! If the Professor's not around, then there's no reason for me to stay here.

...I'm taking the magic talking journal with me though.

[Action.]

[And sure enough, Luke will be wandering through the castle - mostly to areas like the kitchen, to find supplies for his trip. It's been a pretty rough week for this kid, getting thrown into the middle of things before having time to get adjusted. But it's a big world outside the castle, and Luke doesn't see any problem with wandering off to find the Professor.]

Comments

[Dictated]

[rockinout]

Yeah, there's a good idea.

Dictated

[cyan_maid]

[Oh dear, it's the little boy she infected. It might be a good idea to talk to him.]

I'm afraid there's no way to return home, at least none that doesn't involve being sent back by the castle.

/dictated for the moment

[theabjectauthor]

Paradisa seems to enjoy trials by fire. You weren't hurt terribly, were you?

If you are pursued by a lion, the best thing to do is carry steak tartare with you, or perhaps large quantities of catnip.

Dictated forever

[whichwayyoulean]

[Oh hey, it's that kid]

Uh...kid? It's pretty dangerous out there. We're talking roaming beasts and crazy people with rocket guns. You probably don't ant to go wandering around out there.

I think I still have your map here.

...Sorry about stealing it. And giving you a magical infection.

[Dictated]

[tapshoetomove]

It's a better idea then just waiting around here! I mean, what if the Professor's in the city? I can't find him by staying here.

Dictated

[tapshoetomove]

But it doesn't look like there's anything keeping us in, so why can't I leave?

/dictated for the moment

[tapshoetomove]

[Oh, right. It's that man he was talking to when he first arrived.]

N-no, I wasn't hurt. I'm just not sure what happened to all of us...

Does catnip really work on a lion? I don't want to get eaten.

Dictated forever

[tapshoetomove]

[Luke huffs in response, but he can't get too angry about it. Everyone was acting out of sorts, weren't they?]

I don't need it, 'cause I'm going to make a new one. When I start my investigation outside of the castle.

[He pauses. Wait what.]

...Roaming beasts and rocket guns?

[whichwayyoulean]

I'm pretty sure there are already maps of outside the castle too.

[Oh good, that got his attention]

Last time we went out there, we were attacked by giant birds. Oh and brought that whole sickness thing back with us. So I think it's safe to say outside: bad.

[Dictated]

[rockinout]

What makes you think your Professor is here at all?

[tapshoetomove]

[Oh well, that...doesn't sound good at all. He doesn't want to make people sick again, or get attacked by giant birds.

What kind of world did he end up in exactly?]

So I really can't get back to Monte d'Or? There's no way to leave at all?

[Dictated]

[tapshoetomove]

Because I'm always with the Professor, that's why! I'm his apprentice after all!

[is_mafia]

As far as I understand, there is nothing out there beyond the castle that we would recognize from our own worlds. Only emptiness and very dangerous monsters. [Guess who's been reading the journal.]

And I...ah, doubt the lion is actually angry with you.

[Dictated]

[rockinout]

I don't think this place cares.

[tapshoetomove]

So the only thing that's out there is emptiness and monsters? But...there's gotta be something out there, isn't there?

He seemed pretty angry.

[is_mafia]

Ruins, from what I understand. People go on expeditions out there to explore. But they always come back to the castle, because it is dangerous, and powers and technology do not work away from the castle.

He was also infected. I highly doubt he is still angry with you. [Mufasa, why is he cleaning up your messes.]

Dictated

[cyan_maid]

Oh gosh! You can leave if you want, but it's very dangerous and strange out there, and it's not like you can walk back home from here.

[whichwayyoulean]

Nope. Not until the castle decides to send you back. And people can only guess at when that'll be for them. Could be tomorrow, could be years from now.

[tapshoetomove]

I wish I could see the Ruins. So there's really no way out, is there?

...So is he a nice lion most of the time?

[tapshoetomove]

Y-years?!

[If that's the case, that means he could be trapped here without being able to see the Professor or his family for a very long time. What is he gonna do?]

...I see. Thank you, sir.

Re: Dictated

[tapshoetomove]

I can handle strange, but what's so dangerous about it?

[Dictated]

[tapshoetomove]

I-I got to find the Professor. I've at least got to try and look for him.

[Dictated]

[rockinout]

Why does he matter so much, anyway?

Dictated

[cyan_maid]

Well, the virus came from outside the castle for one! And I've seen terrible monster birds there, too!

[whichwayyoulean]

Yeah, I know some people who've been here for over five years.

You're welcome. [There's a pause. He should probably confirm to social conventions here] I'm the Once-ler.