"what if" is a dangerous question. we need answers

test subjects are all clones, under no circumstances should an original character be harmed in the facility. any original characters are to be cloned, and have their memories of being kidnapped copied, wiped, and passed on to a clone. all personnel work outside the facility's reality, to insure no harm comes to employees. all staff inside the building are lifeless husks, used for hands on experimentation.

[the-what-if-project]

Welcome to the "What If? Project" also known as the "WI?P"

We specialize in answering questions through experimentation on beloved or beloathed characters. The darkest corners of your mind will have their answers shortly.

No matter the question, we will do our best to answer. To the best of our abilities.

Go to @ask-underfazverse for rules, the pinned post there has the same rules for all my blogs.

Send some questions and characters, and don't forget to have fun!

[endstar]

It was a normal day in the multiverse, until it wasn't

A portal opened up, and then another, and another, and another-

All of them without symbols, all of them the wrong color, and out of all of them came strange people in coats. Their attacks are swift, overwhelming, knocking AUs out, before taking them, while more head through the AUs' portal.

It's some sort of ambush!

@the-what-if-project

People screech, and attack with confusion, teying to fight back.. and well.. failing.

The only one who doesnt is prophecy Bierce… sitting there and letting it happen…

She knew. She knew she’d be fine…

At least this her.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

When they wake up, they find themselves in glass cells, numbers tattooed on them like animals, wearing hospital gowns. Some of them are muzzled, and they all have collars around their necks.

Wails and sobs come down the other halls from a distance they can't tell. Whatever this place is, it's bad news...

[endstar]

Most… of tjem freak out, huddling into corners yelling .. various curses- void is particularly bad…

“WHO DARES?!!!”

He snarls with fear and anger stumbling up, pulling at the coller with hate.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

The collar shocks him immediately when he tries to remove it. Not a simple zap either, it HURTS.

They're shock collars.

[endstar]

He yelps with pain and flails onto the ground, before scrambling up again. He immediately try’s using magic to break the barrier

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

Nothing happens... The barrier doesn't budge.

A voice from another cell shouts. "AYE- Noobie! Forget about it! Ain't no escape!"

When they look across they see... A doug. With patches of malak's skin sewn into his body.

He has one arm on his shoulder and another at his side, all four pressed against the glass.

[endstar]

Voids ears pin, with disgust and confusion, slowly going backward a bit.

↓“What.. in the HELLS are YOU?!”↓

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Your future. Ain't I handsome?"

He scoffs. "People around here call us Fourway-Two. You uh... can guess why-"

[endstar]

He looks… disgusted, his ears flick.

"…. Where am I, strange AU? Who did this ambush!"

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Welcome to The What If? Project. TWI?P. This place is the stuff of nightmares, and where said nightmares get their bad dreams. Take it from us pal, you're NEVER getting out. Go with everything you're told, and maybe... You'll get lucky with the questions they have."

[endstar]

"Hah! A nightmare? I MAKE them! I don’t know who they are but they DARED to lay a hand on me, and now they will PAY!”

He looks around the room, pacing a bit with a hiss.

What.. is this place? And what kind of magic nullifiers to they have

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Thaaaaaaaaat's what they all say. That's what my Malak said. Now? Now he's a voice in my head... rarely talks anymore, too scared to.

[endstar]

He glares… mildy fearful.. that is a really disturbing prospect… but the rather large Malak variant makes a loud huff like an angry bull… stubborn.

They all are.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

Foot steps are heard down the hall, and the Doug's demeanor changes. "Corner. Now. Hide. Don't say anything. Don't do anything. By whatever twisted god that's out there, do NOT threaten them. Check up crew. You'll thank me later..."

[endstar]

He demon hisses… it’s.. no use. He just stepped back away from the glass, but he only just puffs up, clenching his fist

[the-what-if-project]

The doug hides in the corner per his own instructions, and the scientists that kidnapped them come to their cells. Clipboards in hand, glasses obscuring their faces. "DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Doug?"

The numbers on their arms... They're probably a form of identification. The scientist looks at void doug. "DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Doug? Step forward for evaluation."

She... Looks human, but in that sort of way you know it's someone pretending to be human...

[endstar]

Void Doug trembles a bit.

“I- what— who are-“

He steps forward he hesitantly, his hand, not pulling, but gently held onto his collar

[the-what-if-project]

They roughly grab his shoulders, and start to drag him off. The older experiments in the halls silently watch, sad, but they at least don't look worried. The worst hasn't started yet...

[endstar]

He yelps and wails CONFUSED.

"What’s- what’s happening?!? Who are you?!”

[the-what-if-project]

"Just routine, you will be returned to your cell shortly after we collect baseline data on your vitals."

They don't bother answering his second question. It's not fun that way :)

[endstar]

He just squeaks as he’s dragged off, shaking heavily as they go.

[the-what-if-project]

Its... very invasive when they get there. Strapping him down to forcefully do blood work, forcing his eyes wide open to check them, prying his mouth open, x-rays and whatnot.

This place is DEFINITELY not ethical.

[endstar]

Void Doug…. Fawns. Terrified and confused…. He doesn’t know what’s going on, but he doesn’t have the power or confidence to do anything about it… to attack or scream… all he does is stand there fearfully.

[the-what-if-project]

Once the very invasive procedure is complete, he's dragged back, and tossed into his cell. The next AU is then grabbed.

[endstar]

This goes on for… awhile. Some struggle, some are too confused too- mainly the Malak’s struggle a lot.

[the-what-if-project]

All who struggle learn quickly that the collars shock them until they submit, not just quick zaps either. If they struggle too long, the collars will zap them for solid minutes until they've seized too much to fight. If they try to attack? They're zapped over and over again, till they're in tears.

Examples.

They saved coming for void Malak last...

[endstar]

Void malak had..

Started to get particularly bad. Smacking his ram like horns agaisnt the glass, and stamping his hooves.. once they make it to his cell, he backs off, and makes a heavy heave of air like once again.. a really pisses off bull.

“You… WILL let me out of this cell!” He snarls.

[the-what-if-project]

"We are letting you out, DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Malak. but you will have to behave, otherwise we will have to neutralize you. You have seen the consequences of action, we trust you will be well behaved for us?

She bows her head slightly, mockingly.

[endstar]

He snorts.

"I am not a SEQUENCE of NUMBERS you fowl insolent thing!!” He snaps “the most of a diffrent name I’ve had to lord Malak is void! That.. stupid name that the foul “seer” gave me….”

[the-what-if-project]

"You are the 3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 malak we have brought in from study from a Dark Deception timeline. That is the only reason why we are addressing you by your identification number. I hope you understand DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Malak!

[endstar]

He snarls with anger.

“What in the HELLS DO YOU MEAN?!”

His hoof drags along the ground, stomping

[the-what-if-project]

"It means we have a growing number of Malaks in the facility. With infinite test subjects. You are merely another malak."

Her smile does NOT waver. She... Enjoys this job way too much-

[endstar]

“WHY YOU LITTLE—“

[the-what-if-project]

"We have trillions."

She dumbs down. "...of you."

[endstar]

He pales a bit, confusion setting in, and.. fear… trillions of HIM? Why him? His stomach dropping. He lets out a more fearful hiss.

“WHY?! WH-WHO.. ARE YOU?!”

[the-what-if-project]

"We are The What If? Project! We specialize in answering questions most people don't want to ask!"

She gently points to the cell with the Doug who's sewn together with Malak. Despite the slow movement, the cocky experiment flinches, and covers his head with his fists. Praying, begging in very quiet mumbles. "What if Doug and Malak were forced to share a body? This question has been asked and answered a thousand times, but we decided to spin it in another direction. There has been fusion, possession, but never assimilation. It's one of our favorite experiments actually! Isn't that right, DD-83742394792223338 Doug-malak?"

He just hiccups and scoots closer to his corner...

[endstar]

“…wh.. why would you…?”

He looks on with horror, smoke coming from his mouth defensively.. and well… fearfully.

“What’s- THE POINT?! To torture-“

[the-what-if-project]

"Simple. Questions are asked? It's our job to deliver the answers!"

She giggles. She. Giggles.

These scientists have absolutely no morals... She looks like a mortal, but this is bad, even for the worst of humanity.

[endstar]

He stares at her with horror, before snarling and punching glass where her head jt.

“I- I WILL GET OUT!”

[the-what-if-project]

She doesn't flinch. "My life only has value in the facility. That would be counterproductive on your part."

She presses a button on a device, and his collar starts to go off.

[endstar]

He wails, and immediately falls to the floor shaking, and pulling on the collar, hissing, and screeching.

[the-what-if-project]

She starts snapping her fingers as he's shocked, sounds instinctive yelps of pain come from every cell who heard it. The voltage gets higher and higher upon each snap, but all the other collars aren't going off, despite everyone else, except for the new AUs, reacting in pain...

It's conditioning...

[endstar]

The other aus slowly back up in their cells or cover their ears at the screaming, void Malak’s sounds more and more like a cat in.. a lot of pain. Screeching, and trying and failing to cry for mercy.

[the-what-if-project]

He has his punishment lasts for a solid 10 minutes, the longest out of them. The whole time, she loudly snaps. The only other stimulation he has, outside of the shocking.

When it finally stops, she opens his cell door, standing over where he lays in pain. "...Are we feeling more compliant?"

Her voice is ever so cheerful.

[endstar]

Malak wheezes, making empty gagging sound, somehow managing to not throw up, his limbs twitching and shaking… he does not reply.

[the-what-if-project]

She snaps her finger again, no shock though.

[endstar]

He makes a panicked wail, expecting a shock that didn’t come, curling up into a ball fearfully.

[the-what-if-project]

"...Get up."

She orders, finally showing some coldness. It's... odd how relieving that is.

[endstar]

He growls underneath his breath but, reluctantly obeys, scared of more pain… slowly, nearly falling over quite a few times, standing.

[the-what-if-project]

The other scientists grab his arms, and drag him off to be evaluated.

[endstar]

He lets them… squinting his eyes shut to help himself ignore the stares the aus give him.

[the-what-if-project]

And so he's lead off... to be poked, prodded, and treated as nothing more than a lab rat.

[endstar]

He growls, and huffs like a chained animal, but.. he doesn’t squirm, or say anything.. he just stands there… hoping it’s over quickly

[the-what-if-project]

Once it's over, he's dragged back to his cell and roughly tossed in. "You're some of our most behaved test subjects yet! We can't wait to answer the question our employers have for you! We will be loading our data in our systems shortly!"

With that, the cell is locked back up, and the scientists leave.

The Doug, Fourway-two, finally comes out of hiding. Wiping his tears away. His breath shakes, but he still nods in their direction. "...First day, and only 10 minutes being your longest shock outta ya... Call that lucky round here... You okay over there, beefy?"

[endstar]

He makes a stubborn, angry growl, just laying on the floor, before shakily getting up.

“F..fine…”

He says, clearing his throat, and forcing fear out of it.

"Just… fine..”

[the-what-if-project]

"...Don't pretend noobie... You're not helping anyone, being all tough like that. Doesn't help yourself here... Longer you say you're fine, the less and less you're going to mean it. We are in worse than hell now. You don't gotta be "fine" ever again..."

His voice wavers a bit, before switching to something softer... timid. HIS voice. "I-I... Didn't last... a week... N-no... No one judges... strength here... we... learn better... by at least... a week..."

[endstar]

He stumbles off to a corner weakly, grumbling underneath his breath, his ego cracked, but… somehow.. not broken. Probably not new here… Theyre stubborn. 

He glances at fourway, with disgust, hate… and… well…. Mild fear that he covers desperately.

"…s..shut it.. I said I was FINE.”

He says, looking disturbed at his own voice but not deterred. I normal malak would probably freak out at there being another him… one so “lowly”… but void is used to it… the multiverse and all…

[the-what-if-project]

"...j-just... trying... to save you the pain... Strength... saves n-no one here... i-it will be worse... they break us... e-easier to let... yourself... fall... than... suffer..."

He bows their shared head in resignation.

[endstar]

“…. I won’t.”

He growls, going to the corner and sitting down.

[the-what-if-project]

Doug switches back over, almost forcefully. Their body jolting as he snaps. "Well FIIIIIIINE, don't take an ancient experiment's advice! The evaluation is the easy bit, and no one is going to sugarcoat it, beefcake! You will either break or die, and you're going to learn VERY quickly why we all would rather die. Experiments that end in death, no matter how awful, are the KIND ones..."

He walks back to his corner, and plops down.

[endstar]

“ … I didn’t ask for advice did I?” He growls heavily, annoyed… but.. it’s tainted by his own fear. He IS scared

[the-what-if-project]

"Didn't ask to be here either, now did ya? It's etiquette around here. You always warn the noobies, in hopes they get easier experiments. More you act out, the more interesting it becomes to toy with you. Stronger your will, more torture you endure. If you ignore MY warning, and everyone else that's going to warn you, then it's on you if you get lobotomized and flayed."

[endstar]

He shivers, but snarls,

“YOU EXPECT ME TO JUST- JUST ACCEPT THIS?! I… this will NOT be my fate!”

[the-what-if-project]

"...That's what everyone says..."

[endstar]

… void doesn’t respond after that. Remaining in his corner.

Prophecy Bierce… has one of the calmest reactions anyone has probably ever seen since being stuck in here- she sits with her back to the wall, with her eyes closed, just not responding… staying SILENT. Her Doug immediately started having panic attacks and freaking out…. And of course her malak started flipping out and trying to break free every chance he got, but stopped as soon as he was told to out of fear… strong till there was someone as strong as him facing him down…. just- a WHOLE LOT.

[the-what-if-project]

Strange clicks are heard from the other end of the hall after some hours. Fourway-two lights up a little. "Wait... Clicky!"

He gets up, and presses his hands against the glass, trying to see down the hall. A lengthy creature, with bones that are far too long, twisted, and obviously broken. Her skin is like Fourway-two's, patchy, mixed with someone else's. She rasps, unable to speak, but, she doesn't need to. Her long black hair already shows who she is.

Fourway-two heads over to the to a small door, as the creature crawls over, dragging an oxygen tank and IV behind her. With fingers that are far too long, spliced with familiar claws, she grabs the other experiment's hand. "...There's our girls... surprised you're still fighting... W-were you good for the doctors...?"

Malak's voice sounds a little stronger talking to this... THING. Clicky waves her head around, her bones rubbing and making snapping noises that, as disgusting as they sound, seem happy. She pats the ground, jumping in a... familiar way.

Fourway-two smiles. "Pain meds! Alright, atta girls! That must make roaming the halls easier, eh?"

Her body twists, making more happy bone noises, and she gurgles animalistically. "Good to hear it, Clicky... W-we hate seeing both of you in pain."

[endstar]

…. Void malak pales, horror clouding pride and self image as he realizes who it is… it stirs up the stubborn, angry pot of confusion, and causes one singular question to spark…

Where is Agatha?

He doesn’t interrupt fourway-two, and clickys conversation… he only gets up, and begins to pace at the front of the glass, looking for Agatha, who… he can’t see from his glass cage. He doesn’t make a sound.

The nearby Doug’s and Malak’s have similar reactions, hiding away as they realize to the fullest extent WHAT is happening and what IS happening…

[the-what-if-project]

"Clicky" notices them, and starts making destressed clicks with her bones, groaning sadly. "N-no! Nononono, shhh shhh shhhhh, no... No they're not scared of you... W-why don't you girls help them...? Look for their daughters, they're scared too... You know how the doctors like to keep us separated..."

She snaps her neck upside down, and starts to crawl up to higher cells, looking for the other Tammys and Agathas, calling out to them with a distorted wail, that sounds like both girls sobbing...

"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah...."

[endstar]

This… makes the Malak’s and Doug’s overall mental state and temperament WORSE- getting more desperate, and pacing a bit.

Agatha’s are scratching at their doors crying heavily, wailing for their daddy’s, and the Tammy’s just remained curled in corners, not responding to much, covering their ears.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky finds them eventually, and attempts to wave to them. Trying not to be scary, even though... That's impossible.

[endstar]

Void Agatha immediately screams with terror as she appears, scrambling away.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky groans, and cowers at the screaming a bit. She doesn't like being THIS scary...

[endstar]

“Wh- WHAT ARE YOU-???”

Agatha cries, going to the corner

[the-what-if-project]

She points to her, then a Tammy, then herself, before clicking sadly. Making a wail that sounds like THEM. "Waaaaaaaaah...."

[endstar]

She whimpers.

“Your— what?? Your me- and- and- whoever that is-?! I-“

He trembles, holding her long hands to her chest:

[the-what-if-project]

She clicks, nodding.

[endstar]

“Wh- wha? How- but your—“

She looks on with horror

[the-what-if-project]

She makes a horn sign with one of her hands, and points downward. Trying to explain her daddy is in a ground cell.

[endstar]

… she doesn’t understand she just looks at her confused, and starts crying again.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky taps the glass, and points down again, trying to get her to listen.

[endstar]

“I- I don’t know what you meeaaaannn!”

She crys.

[the-what-if-project]

She looks around, before climbing down back to ground level. She taps on the glass void malak is in, and points upward, clicking erratically.

[endstar]

…he softens his tone a bit… for her. Like how he’d talk to Agatha.

“…hm..? What are you trying to tell me..?”

He looks up at the ceiling.

[the-what-if-project]

She points to herself, then him, then up. Trying to tell him that his daughter is in a cell above him.

[endstar]

“…is…”

He thinks.

"Is Agatha up there? My Agatha?”

He asks calmly but urgently

[the-what-if-project]

She nods clicking, but then sadly moves her long arms to demonstrate her fingers not being able to touch. His Agatha, along with the others, are just out of reach for them to properly comfort each other...

[endstar]

“…o..oh… I.. can.. can.. you tell her it will be okay..? That I’m okay..?”

He says softly.

[the-what-if-project]

She bows her head, and taps her throat, shaking her head. She can't speak due to what was done to her. "...Clicky was one of the prototype experiments before us. They ruined their vocal chords... Can't speak, can only scream, cry, or groan..."

"...M-maybe give her your tie...? Through the food door...?"

[endstar]

He nods, carefully taking it off and giving it to clicky.

[the-what-if-project]

She very carefully takes it, and climbs back up. lifting void Agatha's food door, and slipping the tie inside.

[endstar]

Agatha looks up, looking at it, and quickly runs over.

“D-daddy’s tie! He- he’s okay???”

[the-what-if-project]

She nods, and points down. Letting her know where he is.

[endstar]

She sighs with relief, wiping away her tears carefully.

“I.. I hope I’ll get to see him soon..”

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky clicks her bones together, snapping in sympathy.

[endstar]

She just sighs and, sits down with her knees at her chest by the door sadly…

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky eventually climbs down, and leaves them behind. Giving her dads one last hand hold before going down the halls, presumably to her own cell.

Over the next several hours, they're left alone. Scientists bring them the most disgusting looking slop they have ever seen to eat, leaving them with only that. "...Warning you all now, it's drugged. No joke, actually full of drugs. Don't know what half of em do, which ones they put in for each person, but... yeah. You're never not having non-laced food again."

Nevertheless, Fourway-two starts eating his own slop. "...I think it might be to keep us from leaving? Make us more scared? Maybe knock us out easier? I've been here for decades, still don't know..."

[endstar]

Prophecy, from the next cell over, speaks.

★"… starving is preferable. I’d give it to you if I could.”★

She doesn’t move from the wall… void pins his ears with disgust.

↓“For once, I agree with the witch… I didn’t even know YOU were here…"↓

★"everybody is, void… the whole of the meeting room…"★

Void hisses

↓"…grr… I told you to stop calling me that, you snake…”↓

★"Well I refused. Simple as that.”★

He groans.

[the-what-if-project]

"You'll eventually eat... Everyone says they won't, till they do... Starving is hard here... They don't let you die, if it's not in an experiment.

[endstar]

★"…I will not last long anyway dear. I’m going to die quickly… or.. be close to dead."★

[the-what-if-project]

"You sound... pretty certain. You're also kinda chill, for a test subject... what, you gonna try ending it? That isn't gonna fly, we're under surveillance 24/7-"

[endstar]

★"No. I see the future, and that line of future I can see ends soon… so either A… I die. Or B they beat me in mentally to the point where I can’t see anything, or can’t think.”★

[the-what-if-project]

He sharply inhales, and covers his mouth in mild horror and sympathy.

....Well THAT'S a comforting reaction-

[endstar]

"Oh yay, I’m doomed.”

She says, apathetically- not reacting much.

[the-what-if-project]

"...Yeah... You're taking it a lot better than most seers in this place... I-I... I hope the procedure doesn't hurt you too much... How long will we all get to know you... as you..? Got a time before it goes black?"

His voice is very gentle now, a little less cocky and callused. Like... He's talking to someone about to die.

[endstar]

She remains apathetic… casual, like it’s talking about ★"maybe a few days, depending… I’ve seen enough horrors… it’s… refreshing to know the end is near.” ★

[the-what-if-project]

He nods, then looks at void malak. With zero cockiness, he begs. "...Get to know her. Every damn thing you can. You're not gonna get another chance, and you're gonna regret it for the rest of your life here... Once they know what she is, her designated experiment will rip her from you... And you're not gonna like it."

[endstar]

He sneers.

↓"…why would I want to get to know HER? That fowl, creature of a woman! I hate her… she’s not even MY Bierce!↓

Beirce sighs, and lays down on her back.

[the-what-if-project]

"Not just you, all of you. I... We're gonna get to know her too. She isn't gonna die like that. We're not gonna let her die like that... She's a seer, and... they don't last the week. She will be gone in the worst way a person to be gone... it's... a benevolent fate, compared to most things... She... she won't outwardly suffer, but she's gonna be here, reminding all of you, that you never knew her...

[endstar]

"…why should I care? She’s a copy of one of the most annoying, insufferable mortal I’ve had the misfortune of meeting! In no way will I ever care for her fate”

Prophecy sighs, slightly annoyed.

★"it’s no use, Honey. He’s as stubborn as a mule… I don’t care, nor want fake kindness. I’ve known, and seen hundreds of my deaths in millions of timelines… rarely does anyone, especially him mourn me…”★

[the-what-if-project]

"...it's different here. This place MAKES you care... not because it suddenly makes you a Saint, no one deserves to be here. No one has earned the Fates they get... they will mourn. Everyone says they won't, or no one will mourn em, till they're all crying to a God that's probably chained down the hall... you got a decent hell ahead of you, but it's not going to be easy on everyone else..."

[endstar]

★"… I suppose I’m just hoping for the best fate for everybody else… but I cannot even see that or the probability of that .. it’s fogged.”★

She sighs, looking at her nails then at her shaking Doug in the corner, frowning.

[the-what-if-project]

He just looks at her sadly. "...that's very noble of you to think... we'll keep an eye on em for you, miss... Make sure they're not at each other's throats after you're gone."

He forces a laugh after his joke, then abruptly stops. Malak taking over. "...W-we have time to kill... before we're dragged off for the day... mind... mind telling us about yourself...? Memories you... y-you don't want forgotten...?

[endstar]

★"…can’t say I have much I want to be remembered… very little actually … I can’t say I spent my life wisely… I was born with this… curse. I didn’t need malak for fame, I just pawned it off of peoples desperate desires to know their fate.. conned them. I guess I was extremely nihilistic back then… knowing how my life would end at such a young age, wasn’t very healthy for a young mind… hah… the only way I ended up in the ballroom was because I was stealing so many souls from too many demons… especially malak… telling them of their fate if they go down the demonic path… Malak hunted me down, and I knew the only way I would survive is if I got the ring … and went into the ballroom…. Huh. Now I’m here … maybe I should’ve just accepted it back then, but I was … rather stubborn. I wanted to bend fate to my hands… and I could as best I can.”★

She looks at fourway-two with her bright purple eyes.

[the-what-if-project]

"Sounds like a lot of seers here... b-but... hey, you made the most of it, technically saved people, e-even if it was for cons, and... you tried. That says something about you. Like any Bierce, you... you are strong willed, determined, but... but unlike them, you still actively did some good, even if it was for the wrong reasons. That... th-that should mean something."

[endstar]

"Huh… perhaps. I still hate that… that’s all I really did with my life… and well.. piss off malak. But that was more entertaining than anything…. Respectfully.”

[the-what-if-project]

"...I-I... can understand that... we're not... exactly pleasant..."

Malak bows Fourway-two's head. He's... extremely humble, for a malak.

[endstar]

She smiles a bit.

“… sure. But it’s more funny to me now…”

[the-what-if-project]

That makes him shyly smile a bit.

They gently pressure her for more stuff. Favorite colors, food, places, time of day, flowers, cons she was fond of, everything they can ask, until the scientists come back to drag them away.

They struggle at first, more out of instinct than actual resistance, but inevitably obey at the THREAT of one of the doctors snapping their fingers. They didn't even need to hear it in order for it to break their fleeting will...

[endstar]

Prophecy watches sadly.. gently waving them off with a sad smile… kindly… she is very nice for a beirve… especially to a Malak’s face.. once they are gone, she lays down, and has her Doug cuddle up with her quietly.

[the-what-if-project]

An hour later, they hear his distant scream, but... none of the older experiments react much... Like it's nothing out of the ordinary.

[endstar]

Prophecy sighs, and covers her ears sadly.

The other aus whince, and get more and more anxious… the screaming wasn’t it was scaring them but everyone acted like this was normal… torture was normal here… and most of them came to the conclusion that they would follow suit soon.

[the-what-if-project]

He's eventually dragged back after several hours, looking really beat up. His flesh burned, soul shards sticking out of him like tumors. He's roughly tossed into his cell, and locked back up.

He coughs up blood, that has some purple sparkly bits in it, like there are soul shards in his lungs.

[endstar]

Prophecy just frowns, and sighs quietly. Void is… a lot more disturbed. He shivers, but.. doesn’t know what really to say other than giving a disturbed look…

[the-what-if-project]

He starts yanking the shards out of his body, with pained grunts. "...magic testing sucks... my mortal bits don't mix well with the demon bits-"

"I-I'm sorry..."

"Don't be... even if I was mad at you, we share nerves now. Not like I'm suffering alone..."

"Y-you don't deserve this..."

Doug scoffs. "You do?"

Malak doesn't answer, so Doug just focuses back on popping shards out of their body. Occasionally stopping to rub his patches of red skin comfortingly.

[endstar]

The aus… judge silently. Not saying anything or doing anything noticeable.. just… why are they so friendly with each other? Why aren’t they ripping out each other skin — some stare for a bit- especially void cause he’s a weirdo.

[the-what-if-project]

The Doug glances at them, and decides to make a joke, to lower the tensions. "What...? Never seen an unholy abomination pull out soul tumors before?"

[endstar]

Void snorts, with a huff-

"Huh… let me think— NO- I havent!”

[the-what-if-project]

He snorts. "Good, I'd be wondering about the scientific ethics of your timeline if you did-"

[endstar]

He huffs, and just starts pacing around, bored- his hooves clomping around-

[the-what-if-project]

After a bit, he calls out. "Ay, you okay in there, beefcake?"

He pops out another shard like a cyst.

[endstar]

“I’m bored, and- would you STOP calling me that!”

He huffs

[the-what-if-project]

"It's a compliment, but okay-"

He shrugs. "Not that much to do here, but talk and suffer. Some experiments have puzzles, games, but watch out for those. Cognitive puzzles mean they're gonna mess with your brain."

[endstar]

“Grreeeaaattt….”

He hisses deeply, stomping his hooves like an angry horse-

[the-what-if-project]

He sighs, and starts putting the soul shards he has in a pile. "...You could try talking to your cell mates a bit? Get to know the other noobies before the inevitable? Everyone's biggest regret her is, like we said, not knowing people. You can get on top of the game and entertain yourself, talking to em?"

This is what? The second or third time he mentioned getting to know people? He seems... very insistent.

[endstar]

He groans

↓"you are awfully determined… I can already feel a headache from communicating with such annoyinh creatures..”↓

[the-what-if-project]

"...Just don't want you repeating the same mistakes everyone else does... After the seers gone...? You'll probably understand..."

[endstar]

He scoffs

"… yeah, right…”

[the-what-if-project]

He... deflates a little, giving up for now. Still... kinda creepy how insistent he is.

A week passes, and they're put through simpler tests. Familiar mazes, puzzles, and their food is always drugged. But Prophecy Bierce has a lot more cognitive puzzles than the other new AUs... As the end of the week approaches, he becomes more insistent on them knowing her, till the final day.

The scientists come, not smiling blankly... They're grinning. Mouths just a tad too wide, as they drag her out of her cell... Fourway-two weeps silently, just... unable to take his eyes off her as they take her down the hall.

[endstar]

The other aus watch quietly… not seeming to care very much other than her Doug that shakes, and try’s to pull her away from the doctors… prophecy gently, shoving him away, to prevent him from getting in trouble… staying silent…. She doesn’t struggle, nor hiss, not cry. She just lets it happen.

She knows it’s the end of the line for her… mostly.

[the-what-if-project]

As she disappears down the hall, Fourway-two shakes his head. "Well... that's it for her... when she comes back...? Don't say I didn't warn all of you..."

[endstar]

Void rolls his eyes.

↓“None of us really liked her anyway.”↓

… the othet aus just look down or shrug.. not caring too much..

Accept her Doug, the ting one with the mask… he cries in the corner sadly. Wheeping with choked sobs.

[the-what-if-project]

"...after today... you're gonna change your mind..."

With her, the scientists strap her down on the table, and force a bit in her mouth, as they proceed with the procedure. Their grins grow wider and wider, with sadistic glee.

[endstar]

she makes an uncomfortable grunt, but doesn’t try anything, wincing as she looks up at them… she knows there is no feasible way out of this situation… so hopefully she just seems depressed enough that they… will be somewhat gentle.

[the-what-if-project]

They're not. They're actively rough, just TRYING to get a reaction out of her, and when they finally electrocute her and shove the pick in her eye? They end up causing even more brain damage than intended. Leading to an even more detrimental lobotomy.

Once lobotomized, they have her do cognitive puzzles, to compare the data they already collected...

[endstar]

She stares aimlessly at it for a long few minutes, eyes hazed over, struggling to understand that there’s a problem they want her to solve to begin with… slowly, she weakly try’s… her hand struggling to grip it at all… and her mind struggling to force in self into comprehending what was happening, loosing focus quickly.

[the-what-if-project]

They're satisfied after she fails yet another puzzle, and they send her back to the cells. Only staying long enough to record the reactions of the other new AUs when she returns.

Fourway-two looks away, unable to look at her now. Before the AUs can comprehend what happened to Prophecy Bierce? He already knows what has been done...

[endstar]

Prophecy Doug quickly runs up to her hugging her… but unlike when he first started crying… she doesn’t comfort him or rub his back gently or care… she just stares blankly ahead of her, glancing down at him quietly as he crys into her, making desperate sign language that goes unanswered… making him cry heavier.

Nothing.

Not a thing is left of her.

↓"..what they do to you, lady?”↓

Just a blank stare comes from here, Malak’s ears pin, as he looks just.. confused, and unnerved.

[the-what-if-project]

"A lobotomy!"

The scientist grins. "Tests showed she could see the future, couldn't let her warn you of our experiments! That would ruin our data!"

[endstar]

↓"I- you.. mushed up her brain, and made her BRAIN dead??”"↓

He says, disturbed.

[the-what-if-project]

"Oh of course! Why wouldn't we? Lobotomies are one of our employer's favorite procedures!"

She laughs, and her team joins her. "Aw, don't tell us you CARED about her? You barely know her, or even spoke to her based on security footage. Actively didn't even want to know her, now all of the sudden you're upset by what happened? Or are you worried you're next? Well don't worry, she's our only lobotomy planned for your test group!"

[endstar]

"I did NOT! I just want to know what in the sweet rings is HAPPENING! Of course I’m going to be upset at the prospect of you giving a LOBOTOMY to SOMEONE!”

He snarls, flicking his tail

[the-what-if-project]

The scientists laugh. "Oh, we already told you. Questions have been asked, and we have been employed to answer them. We were always going to lobotomize her, we just had to compare the results! Brain scans showed her having an impressive sight over time, and fast deductions over probability, as impressive as our seer test subjects directly related to gods of knowledge and madness despite her not having connections to a deity of madness or knowledge. Though there certainly were divine connections. Now? HA! Now she can't even retain memories at all! Let alone see the future. Even if she still can, she can't comprehend it. We may have gone a little overboard, when she didn't show the desired reaction, so the damage to her frontal lobe is more severe than we initially intended. She's not a person anymore. Just a thing. That occasionally has electricity moving her limbs and make noises. Like a broken toy!"

[endstar]

Void looks at the scientists with horror… along with the othet aus, especially the beirces… looking sick, and pale now.

Void can’t even speak. Even with his cruelty, he has been gagged with the pure cockiness and, sadism from this what seems to be a mortal.

[the-what-if-project]

With a giggle, they leave em alone to process the fact that... Prophecy bierce is gone in the worst possible way a person can leave. The scientist waves giddily. "We start your Luckys' testing tomorrow, and we can't waaaaaaait! Your collective mental stabilities will be fascinating!"

[endstar]

Prophecy’s Doug and malak just.. stare at her. Silently… prophecy’s Doug just crying heavily… her Malak’s ears drooped… his face going through a whirlwind of emotions… but mainly fear.. disgust… they just ripped her away entire sentience… and mind…

He hated her. A lot…

But.. she didn’t deserve this did she?

Not like that. He can’t get the bearings to make a sound or move…. He just trembles in the corner, looking at the empty shell of a woman… that isn’t anyone now.

Prophecy Doug gently gets her to sit down.

[the-what-if-project]

"...W-we... told you to get to know her for a reason..."

Fourway-two holds their hand over their mouth, both sides distraught.

[endstar]

Prophecy malak snaps at him.

★"SHUT IT!”★

He snarls

[the-what-if-project]

They flinch away, and a bunch more experiments cower away in their cells. They can't see most of them, but there is a collective THUMP of them all going to their corners.

[endstar]

Malak doesnt feel bad… he just sits there… pulling on his ears with way too many complicated emotions he wanted to feel…

The rest of the aus stay silent… it’s just quiet now.

Well.. not including the screaming of experiments

[the-what-if-project]

Hours pass, Another experiment is dragged away for testing. A bierce who... is in tank. Gurgling, and not even solid. There are some other colors in there, suggesting she wasn't the only one in gelatinous form in this glass tank. Her "mouth" opens in an attempt to scream, but all it goes is make a malak colored bubble inflate and pop where her "lips" should be. There are only suggestions of a face where they can see her. A running eye near her head that looks like it's from doug. Something in it tries to form a hand, that quickly dissolves back into the living solution, based on the shape and colors? A gremlin probably, or maybe penny...

Dear god, it's actually EVERYONE in a tank, as a living solution, the bierce on top just hasn't mixed in yet fully.

...What sort of question could have prompted that fate...?

[endstar]

The aus gag immediately at the sight, some immediately bursting into tears… most of them out of distress stop looking outside entirely… staring at the walls, distressed.

[the-what-if-project]

There's a tiny voice just overhead, one cell just above one of them. "...bye daddy... and... guys..."

The gelatinous mass wails as much as it can as it's dragged away. Some familiar claws that are all chewed up stick out of the food door, in reach of an AU below...

...Not everyone is in that experiment... at least... yet.

[endstar]

The aus weep sadly at this.. awful fate. Fear and anxiety creeping in…

This is awful. This is all sinful, and awful… who would do this? Why would they? sure.. they know they are answering questions, but that doesn’t explain why they are… what the point would be

[the-what-if-project]

The Agatha just above them continues reaching, before dangling her fingers down pathetically in sorrow and resignation... she's probably going to join that tank of pain one day...

[endstar]

The aus just… mourn. Their lives… their situation… everything.. some of the more weak stomach throw up…

[the-what-if-project]

After more hours, the goop creature is dragged back, managing to sob somehow, bubbling in agony. The lights are dimmed, and tomorrow awaits the Luckys, who's with their gangs on the other side of the hall, their cells next to Fourway-two.

[endstar]

The luckys wheeze, and kick at the doors, making angry grunting… very desperate to get out since the scientist basically confirmed they were going to suffer soon

[the-what-if-project]

Doug eventually has enough in the Fourway-two fusion. "Hey! Doors are locked tight, it's no use. Get some rest while you're not in too much pain to sleep!"

[endstar]

“FUCK. OFF! IM NOT LETTING THIS HAPPEN!!”

Prophecy lucky yowls.

Hangry lays down in the corner hugging penny whos crying heavily.

[the-what-if-project]

"There's literally NO USE!"

Another experiment shouts. Another lucky on the other side of the hall, though it's... hard to see that. He looks like a real bunny- er... or like he's a Frankenstein made of bunnies. He scratches at a bleeding seam, sitting alone in his cell. "...so get it out of your head that you have a chance... Luck doesn't exist here, all you can do is lose or die. That's the only luck you got... getting a break through death..."

...he's alone in that cell...

[endstar]

Lucky wheezes, clenching his fists, looking at the version of him with his ears pinned… with a mix of stress, panic, and hate…

… he doesn’t think about how that lucky is alone. He doesn’t let himself.

He won’t think about that.

He won’t worry about it.

“I don’t care… I won’t be hopeless.. OR pethetic!”

He says, his voice filled with unfamiliar fear.

[the-what-if-project]

"Then at least be quiet about it, oh courageous rabbit! Some of us would like to sleep, and wallow in our helplessness and self-pity in peace."

He flops down, and curls up in the fetal position.

[endstar]

Lucky hisses and just pulls in his ears angerily.

[the-what-if-project]

The night is too long and too short at the same time...

But eventually morning comes, and the scientists come for the new Luckies. Smiling their demented smiles.

[endstar]

Each and every one of them fights… trying to run or trying to get their friends to run.. of course they do not run though… fear, fear clouding their determination, unlike luckys…

[the-what-if-project]

Unlike last time when they were evaluated and fought, they don't get shocked. Their Pennies and Hangries though...

Almost dangerous amounts of electricity fire through them, just barely enough to keep them from breaking. "Behave, and we'll stop."

The male scientist says. They're punishing their friends for the Luckies' behavior...

[endstar]

All the luckys pretty much immediately stop… all having the same panicked expression, mixed with anger, hate… and worrie…

“O-OKAY OKAY! JUST- LEAVE THEM ALL ALONE! THEY- THEY DIDNT DO ANYTHING BUCKO!”

[the-what-if-project]

They leave it running for a solid minute, before letting the shocks stop. "...Good. Remember that for next time."

[endstar]

The pennies and Hangry’s wheeze and pretty much immediately pass out or… shut down for a bit… not permanently of course. Luckys sneer, defeated, but still angry.

[the-what-if-project]

"Move."

The scientist drag them off to be tested in a large maze. Halfway through the trip, some scientists break off from the group and go down a different hallway... and they go back to the cells with the AUs. Walkie talkies at the ready.

With the Luckies, they're given their instructions. "You are going to run through this maze doing puzzles. The Lucky who completes the least amount of puzzles loses, but you will not know who the loser is until you return to your cells. You are also not allowed to tell each other how many puzzles you have all done. Otherwise you will all collectively lose around. You must complete at least 5 puzzles in order to win a round."

Three lights and a loud horn blares over the maze. "This will be your only indicator if one of you has lost. One light means one of you has lost one round. Two lights means one of you has two rounds. But three lights will always mean you have lost more than two rounds. Which could mean one of you has lost three rounds, or all ten rounds in a row. This will be a test of your lucks pitted against each other, and of how you handle the prospect of being the loser. Any questions before the timer starts?"

[endstar]

… fhey don’t ask any questions and go on…

… they run like they always have… ignoring how they’re competitors are just themselves… sometimes getting even more violent with each other. Trying to boost their odds of winning… some lose… some don’t. Some threaten one another or just ignore the others existence….

[the-what-if-project]

Little do they know the price of losing. Price of not reaching five per round. They're in for a nasty surprise when they return to their cells...

With each loss, the scientists call the ones by the AUs, and tell them a string of numbers. Depending on the number, they grab a Penny or a Hangry, and take them away... no rhyme or reason at the time, it feels random without the context of the competition.

Breaks between rounds feels random, some are long, others are short. The maze is never the same twice.

Some cells have both Hangry and Penny, some only have one or the other, some... some unlucky Luckies are going to come back and find no one.

[endstar]

… soon.. is time to go back…

Some are lucky and get back to none of their love ones beinb gone…

But some aren’t as lucky.

They come back to an empty glass cage… they scream out for their gang, begging.

"WHE-WHERE ARE THEY?! WHAT DID YOU DO! BRING THEM BACK!”

One lucky screeches, hands on the glass, trembling.

[the-what-if-project]

"Unfortunately, you lost the game. Congratulations to the other luckies. Their gangs are withheld from further testing today."

[endstar]

"N..no.. NO NO NO! THATS- THATS NOT FAIR! I.. I DONT LOSE! I DONT! I- ITS NOT FAIR! I SHOULD BE PUNISHED NOT THEM!”

He begins to cry.

[the-what-if-project]

"That is merely the consequences of the game. You will see the results of the procedures shortly. Some of the more consistent losers had earned quite a fate for their gangs. With every loss, we upped the chances of lethality."

A team of scientists finished up with one experiment for a particularly unlucky Lucky. A vibrating ingot of the exact same metal that he, Hangry, and Penny are made of are slipped into the unluckiest Lucky's cell. "The sapient ingot has been completed. See? Your friends are still alive. Isn't that reassuring? Can't assure you they're not in pain, though."

[endstar]

The lucky immediately screams… it being well.. cat lucky… poor guy was more equipped to dealing with cats, then puzzles…he drops to his knees and.. well.. wails, trembling… he would’ve thrown up there if.. well.. he wasn’t a robot.

He’s scared to touch it… both of them are already in unimaginable pain so he just sits there trembling, and sobbing heavily, wheezing… the luckys look on with horror… covering their mouths, or… staring with Shell shock.

[the-what-if-project]

The scientists write down some more data on their clipboards, most likely over his reaction, and they LEAVE. The other Luckies don't get their gangs back yet, so they are left with only their imaginations and this living block of metal that used to be a version of their friends as the base line of what could be happening to them.

[endstar]

… the luckys still without their gang’s immediately have nervous breakdowns, sobbing and trembling, pacing around their cells, struggling to even stay standing, but.. unable to bare the idea of sitting down as well…

The luckys who DO get to keep their gang…

Hold them close. Very close.

[the-what-if-project]

Some of the gangs are returned.

Some come back okay, just wounded from more dangerous puzzle experiments. Some are sewn together, like Fourway-two. A couple are given new bodies like the one Lucky on the other hall.

But there's one that's left to roam...

Made of a bunch of Hangries and Pennies, a large beast is dragged over to the cells, no longer able to fit inside a shared cell. Their eyes melded together, limbs jutting around their body as strange masses, their singular face twisted in agony.

Not as bad as the ingot, but definitely worse than everything else...

[endstar]

It was a normal day in the multiverse, until it wasn't

A portal opened up, and then another, and another, and another-

All of them without symbols, all of them the wrong color, and out of all of them came strange people in coats. Their attacks are swift, overwhelming, knocking AUs out, before taking them, while more head through the AUs' portal.

It's some sort of ambush!

@the-what-if-project

People screech, and attack with confusion, teying to fight back.. and well.. failing.

The only one who doesnt is prophecy Bierce… sitting there and letting it happen…

She knew. She knew she’d be fine…

At least this her.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

When they wake up, they find themselves in glass cells, numbers tattooed on them like animals, wearing hospital gowns. Some of them are muzzled, and they all have collars around their necks.

Wails and sobs come down the other halls from a distance they can't tell. Whatever this place is, it's bad news...

[endstar]

Most… of tjem freak out, huddling into corners yelling .. various curses- void is particularly bad…

“WHO DARES?!!!”

He snarls with fear and anger stumbling up, pulling at the coller with hate.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

The collar shocks him immediately when he tries to remove it. Not a simple zap either, it HURTS.

They're shock collars.

[endstar]

He yelps with pain and flails onto the ground, before scrambling up again. He immediately try’s using magic to break the barrier

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

Nothing happens... The barrier doesn't budge.

A voice from another cell shouts. "AYE- Noobie! Forget about it! Ain't no escape!"

When they look across they see... A doug. With patches of malak's skin sewn into his body.

He has one arm on his shoulder and another at his side, all four pressed against the glass.

[endstar]

Voids ears pin, with disgust and confusion, slowly going backward a bit.

↓“What.. in the HELLS are YOU?!”↓

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Your future. Ain't I handsome?"

He scoffs. "People around here call us Fourway-Two. You uh... can guess why-"

[endstar]

He looks… disgusted, his ears flick.

"…. Where am I, strange AU? Who did this ambush!"

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Welcome to The What If? Project. TWI?P. This place is the stuff of nightmares, and where said nightmares get their bad dreams. Take it from us pal, you're NEVER getting out. Go with everything you're told, and maybe... You'll get lucky with the questions they have."

[endstar]

"Hah! A nightmare? I MAKE them! I don’t know who they are but they DARED to lay a hand on me, and now they will PAY!”

He looks around the room, pacing a bit with a hiss.

What.. is this place? And what kind of magic nullifiers to they have

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Thaaaaaaaaat's what they all say. That's what my Malak said. Now? Now he's a voice in my head... rarely talks anymore, too scared to.

[endstar]

He glares… mildy fearful.. that is a really disturbing prospect… but the rather large Malak variant makes a loud huff like an angry bull… stubborn.

They all are.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

Foot steps are heard down the hall, and the Doug's demeanor changes. "Corner. Now. Hide. Don't say anything. Don't do anything. By whatever twisted god that's out there, do NOT threaten them. Check up crew. You'll thank me later..."

[endstar]

He demon hisses… it’s.. no use. He just stepped back away from the glass, but he only just puffs up, clenching his fist

[the-what-if-project]

The doug hides in the corner per his own instructions, and the scientists that kidnapped them come to their cells. Clipboards in hand, glasses obscuring their faces. "DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Doug?"

The numbers on their arms... They're probably a form of identification. The scientist looks at void doug. "DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Doug? Step forward for evaluation."

She... Looks human, but in that sort of way you know it's someone pretending to be human...

[endstar]

Void Doug trembles a bit.

“I- what— who are-“

He steps forward he hesitantly, his hand, not pulling, but gently held onto his collar

[the-what-if-project]

They roughly grab his shoulders, and start to drag him off. The older experiments in the halls silently watch, sad, but they at least don't look worried. The worst hasn't started yet...

[endstar]

He yelps and wails CONFUSED.

"What’s- what’s happening?!? Who are you?!”

[the-what-if-project]

"Just routine, you will be returned to your cell shortly after we collect baseline data on your vitals."

They don't bother answering his second question. It's not fun that way :)

[endstar]

He just squeaks as he’s dragged off, shaking heavily as they go.

[the-what-if-project]

Its... very invasive when they get there. Strapping him down to forcefully do blood work, forcing his eyes wide open to check them, prying his mouth open, x-rays and whatnot.

This place is DEFINITELY not ethical.

[endstar]

Void Doug…. Fawns. Terrified and confused…. He doesn’t know what’s going on, but he doesn’t have the power or confidence to do anything about it… to attack or scream… all he does is stand there fearfully.

[the-what-if-project]

Once the very invasive procedure is complete, he's dragged back, and tossed into his cell. The next AU is then grabbed.

[endstar]

This goes on for… awhile. Some struggle, some are too confused too- mainly the Malak’s struggle a lot.

[the-what-if-project]

All who struggle learn quickly that the collars shock them until they submit, not just quick zaps either. If they struggle too long, the collars will zap them for solid minutes until they've seized too much to fight. If they try to attack? They're zapped over and over again, till they're in tears.

Examples.

They saved coming for void Malak last...

[endstar]

Void malak had..

Started to get particularly bad. Smacking his ram like horns agaisnt the glass, and stamping his hooves.. once they make it to his cell, he backs off, and makes a heavy heave of air like once again.. a really pisses off bull.

“You… WILL let me out of this cell!” He snarls.

[the-what-if-project]

"We are letting you out, DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Malak. but you will have to behave, otherwise we will have to neutralize you. You have seen the consequences of action, we trust you will be well behaved for us?

She bows her head slightly, mockingly.

[endstar]

He snorts.

"I am not a SEQUENCE of NUMBERS you fowl insolent thing!!” He snaps “the most of a diffrent name I’ve had to lord Malak is void! That.. stupid name that the foul “seer” gave me….”

[the-what-if-project]

"You are the 3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 malak we have brought in from study from a Dark Deception timeline. That is the only reason why we are addressing you by your identification number. I hope you understand DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Malak!

[endstar]

He snarls with anger.

“What in the HELLS DO YOU MEAN?!”

His hoof drags along the ground, stomping

[the-what-if-project]

"It means we have a growing number of Malaks in the facility. With infinite test subjects. You are merely another malak."

Her smile does NOT waver. She... Enjoys this job way too much-

[endstar]

“WHY YOU LITTLE—“

[the-what-if-project]

"We have trillions."

She dumbs down. "...of you."

[endstar]

He pales a bit, confusion setting in, and.. fear… trillions of HIM? Why him? His stomach dropping. He lets out a more fearful hiss.

“WHY?! WH-WHO.. ARE YOU?!”

[the-what-if-project]

"We are The What If? Project! We specialize in answering questions most people don't want to ask!"

She gently points to the cell with the Doug who's sewn together with Malak. Despite the slow movement, the cocky experiment flinches, and covers his head with his fists. Praying, begging in very quiet mumbles. "What if Doug and Malak were forced to share a body? This question has been asked and answered a thousand times, but we decided to spin it in another direction. There has been fusion, possession, but never assimilation. It's one of our favorite experiments actually! Isn't that right, DD-83742394792223338 Doug-malak?"

He just hiccups and scoots closer to his corner...

[endstar]

“…wh.. why would you…?”

He looks on with horror, smoke coming from his mouth defensively.. and well… fearfully.

“What’s- THE POINT?! To torture-“

[the-what-if-project]

"Simple. Questions are asked? It's our job to deliver the answers!"

She giggles. She. Giggles.

These scientists have absolutely no morals... She looks like a mortal, but this is bad, even for the worst of humanity.

[endstar]

He stares at her with horror, before snarling and punching glass where her head jt.

“I- I WILL GET OUT!”

[the-what-if-project]

She doesn't flinch. "My life only has value in the facility. That would be counterproductive on your part."

She presses a button on a device, and his collar starts to go off.

[endstar]

He wails, and immediately falls to the floor shaking, and pulling on the collar, hissing, and screeching.

[the-what-if-project]

She starts snapping her fingers as he's shocked, sounds instinctive yelps of pain come from every cell who heard it. The voltage gets higher and higher upon each snap, but all the other collars aren't going off, despite everyone else, except for the new AUs, reacting in pain...

It's conditioning...

[endstar]

The other aus slowly back up in their cells or cover their ears at the screaming, void Malak’s sounds more and more like a cat in.. a lot of pain. Screeching, and trying and failing to cry for mercy.

[the-what-if-project]

He has his punishment lasts for a solid 10 minutes, the longest out of them. The whole time, she loudly snaps. The only other stimulation he has, outside of the shocking.

When it finally stops, she opens his cell door, standing over where he lays in pain. "...Are we feeling more compliant?"

Her voice is ever so cheerful.

[endstar]

Malak wheezes, making empty gagging sound, somehow managing to not throw up, his limbs twitching and shaking… he does not reply.

[the-what-if-project]

She snaps her finger again, no shock though.

[endstar]

He makes a panicked wail, expecting a shock that didn’t come, curling up into a ball fearfully.

[the-what-if-project]

"...Get up."

She orders, finally showing some coldness. It's... odd how relieving that is.

[endstar]

He growls underneath his breath but, reluctantly obeys, scared of more pain… slowly, nearly falling over quite a few times, standing.

[the-what-if-project]

The other scientists grab his arms, and drag him off to be evaluated.

[endstar]

He lets them… squinting his eyes shut to help himself ignore the stares the aus give him.

[the-what-if-project]

And so he's lead off... to be poked, prodded, and treated as nothing more than a lab rat.

[endstar]

He growls, and huffs like a chained animal, but.. he doesn’t squirm, or say anything.. he just stands there… hoping it’s over quickly

[the-what-if-project]

Once it's over, he's dragged back to his cell and roughly tossed in. "You're some of our most behaved test subjects yet! We can't wait to answer the question our employers have for you! We will be loading our data in our systems shortly!"

With that, the cell is locked back up, and the scientists leave.

The Doug, Fourway-two, finally comes out of hiding. Wiping his tears away. His breath shakes, but he still nods in their direction. "...First day, and only 10 minutes being your longest shock outta ya... Call that lucky round here... You okay over there, beefy?"

[endstar]

He makes a stubborn, angry growl, just laying on the floor, before shakily getting up.

“F..fine…”

He says, clearing his throat, and forcing fear out of it.

"Just… fine..”

[the-what-if-project]

"...Don't pretend noobie... You're not helping anyone, being all tough like that. Doesn't help yourself here... Longer you say you're fine, the less and less you're going to mean it. We are in worse than hell now. You don't gotta be "fine" ever again..."

His voice wavers a bit, before switching to something softer... timid. HIS voice. "I-I... Didn't last... a week... N-no... No one judges... strength here... we... learn better... by at least... a week..."

[endstar]

He stumbles off to a corner weakly, grumbling underneath his breath, his ego cracked, but… somehow.. not broken. Probably not new here… Theyre stubborn. 

He glances at fourway, with disgust, hate… and… well…. Mild fear that he covers desperately.

"…s..shut it.. I said I was FINE.”

He says, looking disturbed at his own voice but not deterred. I normal malak would probably freak out at there being another him… one so “lowly”… but void is used to it… the multiverse and all…

[the-what-if-project]

"...j-just... trying... to save you the pain... Strength... saves n-no one here... i-it will be worse... they break us... e-easier to let... yourself... fall... than... suffer..."

He bows their shared head in resignation.

[endstar]

“…. I won’t.”

He growls, going to the corner and sitting down.

[the-what-if-project]

Doug switches back over, almost forcefully. Their body jolting as he snaps. "Well FIIIIIIINE, don't take an ancient experiment's advice! The evaluation is the easy bit, and no one is going to sugarcoat it, beefcake! You will either break or die, and you're going to learn VERY quickly why we all would rather die. Experiments that end in death, no matter how awful, are the KIND ones..."

He walks back to his corner, and plops down.

[endstar]

“ … I didn’t ask for advice did I?” He growls heavily, annoyed… but.. it’s tainted by his own fear. He IS scared

[the-what-if-project]

"Didn't ask to be here either, now did ya? It's etiquette around here. You always warn the noobies, in hopes they get easier experiments. More you act out, the more interesting it becomes to toy with you. Stronger your will, more torture you endure. If you ignore MY warning, and everyone else that's going to warn you, then it's on you if you get lobotomized and flayed."

[endstar]

He shivers, but snarls,

“YOU EXPECT ME TO JUST- JUST ACCEPT THIS?! I… this will NOT be my fate!”

[the-what-if-project]

"...That's what everyone says..."

[endstar]

… void doesn’t respond after that. Remaining in his corner.

Prophecy Bierce… has one of the calmest reactions anyone has probably ever seen since being stuck in here- she sits with her back to the wall, with her eyes closed, just not responding… staying SILENT. Her Doug immediately started having panic attacks and freaking out…. And of course her malak started flipping out and trying to break free every chance he got, but stopped as soon as he was told to out of fear… strong till there was someone as strong as him facing him down…. just- a WHOLE LOT.

[the-what-if-project]

Strange clicks are heard from the other end of the hall after some hours. Fourway-two lights up a little. "Wait... Clicky!"

He gets up, and presses his hands against the glass, trying to see down the hall. A lengthy creature, with bones that are far too long, twisted, and obviously broken. Her skin is like Fourway-two's, patchy, mixed with someone else's. She rasps, unable to speak, but, she doesn't need to. Her long black hair already shows who she is.

Fourway-two heads over to the to a small door, as the creature crawls over, dragging an oxygen tank and IV behind her. With fingers that are far too long, spliced with familiar claws, she grabs the other experiment's hand. "...There's our girls... surprised you're still fighting... W-were you good for the doctors...?"

Malak's voice sounds a little stronger talking to this... THING. Clicky waves her head around, her bones rubbing and making snapping noises that, as disgusting as they sound, seem happy. She pats the ground, jumping in a... familiar way.

Fourway-two smiles. "Pain meds! Alright, atta girls! That must make roaming the halls easier, eh?"

Her body twists, making more happy bone noises, and she gurgles animalistically. "Good to hear it, Clicky... W-we hate seeing both of you in pain."

[endstar]

…. Void malak pales, horror clouding pride and self image as he realizes who it is… it stirs up the stubborn, angry pot of confusion, and causes one singular question to spark…

Where is Agatha?

He doesn’t interrupt fourway-two, and clickys conversation… he only gets up, and begins to pace at the front of the glass, looking for Agatha, who… he can’t see from his glass cage. He doesn’t make a sound.

The nearby Doug’s and Malak’s have similar reactions, hiding away as they realize to the fullest extent WHAT is happening and what IS happening…

[the-what-if-project]

"Clicky" notices them, and starts making destressed clicks with her bones, groaning sadly. "N-no! Nononono, shhh shhh shhhhh, no... No they're not scared of you... W-why don't you girls help them...? Look for their daughters, they're scared too... You know how the doctors like to keep us separated..."

She snaps her neck upside down, and starts to crawl up to higher cells, looking for the other Tammys and Agathas, calling out to them with a distorted wail, that sounds like both girls sobbing...

"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah...."

[endstar]

This… makes the Malak’s and Doug’s overall mental state and temperament WORSE- getting more desperate, and pacing a bit.

Agatha’s are scratching at their doors crying heavily, wailing for their daddy’s, and the Tammy’s just remained curled in corners, not responding to much, covering their ears.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky finds them eventually, and attempts to wave to them. Trying not to be scary, even though... That's impossible.

[endstar]

Void Agatha immediately screams with terror as she appears, scrambling away.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky groans, and cowers at the screaming a bit. She doesn't like being THIS scary...

[endstar]

“Wh- WHAT ARE YOU-???”

Agatha cries, going to the corner

[the-what-if-project]

She points to her, then a Tammy, then herself, before clicking sadly. Making a wail that sounds like THEM. "Waaaaaaaaah...."

[endstar]

She whimpers.

“Your— what?? Your me- and- and- whoever that is-?! I-“

He trembles, holding her long hands to her chest:

[the-what-if-project]

She clicks, nodding.

[endstar]

“Wh- wha? How- but your—“

She looks on with horror

[the-what-if-project]

She makes a horn sign with one of her hands, and points downward. Trying to explain her daddy is in a ground cell.

[endstar]

… she doesn’t understand she just looks at her confused, and starts crying again.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky taps the glass, and points down again, trying to get her to listen.

[endstar]

“I- I don’t know what you meeaaaannn!”

She crys.

[the-what-if-project]

She looks around, before climbing down back to ground level. She taps on the glass void malak is in, and points upward, clicking erratically.

[endstar]

…he softens his tone a bit… for her. Like how he’d talk to Agatha.

“…hm..? What are you trying to tell me..?”

He looks up at the ceiling.

[the-what-if-project]

She points to herself, then him, then up. Trying to tell him that his daughter is in a cell above him.

[endstar]

“…is…”

He thinks.

"Is Agatha up there? My Agatha?”

He asks calmly but urgently

[the-what-if-project]

She nods clicking, but then sadly moves her long arms to demonstrate her fingers not being able to touch. His Agatha, along with the others, are just out of reach for them to properly comfort each other...

[endstar]

“…o..oh… I.. can.. can.. you tell her it will be okay..? That I’m okay..?”

He says softly.

[the-what-if-project]

She bows her head, and taps her throat, shaking her head. She can't speak due to what was done to her. "...Clicky was one of the prototype experiments before us. They ruined their vocal chords... Can't speak, can only scream, cry, or groan..."

"...M-maybe give her your tie...? Through the food door...?"

[endstar]

He nods, carefully taking it off and giving it to clicky.

[the-what-if-project]

She very carefully takes it, and climbs back up. lifting void Agatha's food door, and slipping the tie inside.

[endstar]

Agatha looks up, looking at it, and quickly runs over.

“D-daddy’s tie! He- he’s okay???”

[the-what-if-project]

She nods, and points down. Letting her know where he is.

[endstar]

She sighs with relief, wiping away her tears carefully.

“I.. I hope I’ll get to see him soon..”

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky clicks her bones together, snapping in sympathy.

[endstar]

She just sighs and, sits down with her knees at her chest by the door sadly…

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky eventually climbs down, and leaves them behind. Giving her dads one last hand hold before going down the halls, presumably to her own cell.

Over the next several hours, they're left alone. Scientists bring them the most disgusting looking slop they have ever seen to eat, leaving them with only that. "...Warning you all now, it's drugged. No joke, actually full of drugs. Don't know what half of em do, which ones they put in for each person, but... yeah. You're never not having non-laced food again."

Nevertheless, Fourway-two starts eating his own slop. "...I think it might be to keep us from leaving? Make us more scared? Maybe knock us out easier? I've been here for decades, still don't know..."

[endstar]

Prophecy, from the next cell over, speaks.

★"… starving is preferable. I’d give it to you if I could.”★

She doesn’t move from the wall… void pins his ears with disgust.

↓“For once, I agree with the witch… I didn’t even know YOU were here…"↓

★"everybody is, void… the whole of the meeting room…"★

Void hisses

↓"…grr… I told you to stop calling me that, you snake…”↓

★"Well I refused. Simple as that.”★

He groans.

[the-what-if-project]

"You'll eventually eat... Everyone says they won't, till they do... Starving is hard here... They don't let you die, if it's not in an experiment.

[endstar]

★"…I will not last long anyway dear. I’m going to die quickly… or.. be close to dead."★

[the-what-if-project]

"You sound... pretty certain. You're also kinda chill, for a test subject... what, you gonna try ending it? That isn't gonna fly, we're under surveillance 24/7-"

[endstar]

★"No. I see the future, and that line of future I can see ends soon… so either A… I die. Or B they beat me in mentally to the point where I can’t see anything, or can’t think.”★

[the-what-if-project]

He sharply inhales, and covers his mouth in mild horror and sympathy.

....Well THAT'S a comforting reaction-

[endstar]

"Oh yay, I’m doomed.”

She says, apathetically- not reacting much.

[the-what-if-project]

"...Yeah... You're taking it a lot better than most seers in this place... I-I... I hope the procedure doesn't hurt you too much... How long will we all get to know you... as you..? Got a time before it goes black?"

His voice is very gentle now, a little less cocky and callused. Like... He's talking to someone about to die.

[endstar]

She remains apathetic… casual, like it’s talking about ★"maybe a few days, depending… I’ve seen enough horrors… it’s… refreshing to know the end is near.” ★

[the-what-if-project]

He nods, then looks at void malak. With zero cockiness, he begs. "...Get to know her. Every damn thing you can. You're not gonna get another chance, and you're gonna regret it for the rest of your life here... Once they know what she is, her designated experiment will rip her from you... And you're not gonna like it."

[endstar]

He sneers.

↓"…why would I want to get to know HER? That fowl, creature of a woman! I hate her… she’s not even MY Bierce!↓

Beirce sighs, and lays down on her back.

[the-what-if-project]

"Not just you, all of you. I... We're gonna get to know her too. She isn't gonna die like that. We're not gonna let her die like that... She's a seer, and... they don't last the week. She will be gone in the worst way a person to be gone... it's... a benevolent fate, compared to most things... She... she won't outwardly suffer, but she's gonna be here, reminding all of you, that you never knew her...

[endstar]

"…why should I care? She’s a copy of one of the most annoying, insufferable mortal I’ve had the misfortune of meeting! In no way will I ever care for her fate”

Prophecy sighs, slightly annoyed.

★"it’s no use, Honey. He’s as stubborn as a mule… I don’t care, nor want fake kindness. I’ve known, and seen hundreds of my deaths in millions of timelines… rarely does anyone, especially him mourn me…”★

[the-what-if-project]

"...it's different here. This place MAKES you care... not because it suddenly makes you a Saint, no one deserves to be here. No one has earned the Fates they get... they will mourn. Everyone says they won't, or no one will mourn em, till they're all crying to a God that's probably chained down the hall... you got a decent hell ahead of you, but it's not going to be easy on everyone else..."

[endstar]

★"… I suppose I’m just hoping for the best fate for everybody else… but I cannot even see that or the probability of that .. it’s fogged.”★

She sighs, looking at her nails then at her shaking Doug in the corner, frowning.

[the-what-if-project]

He just looks at her sadly. "...that's very noble of you to think... we'll keep an eye on em for you, miss... Make sure they're not at each other's throats after you're gone."

He forces a laugh after his joke, then abruptly stops. Malak taking over. "...W-we have time to kill... before we're dragged off for the day... mind... mind telling us about yourself...? Memories you... y-you don't want forgotten...?

[endstar]

★"…can’t say I have much I want to be remembered… very little actually … I can’t say I spent my life wisely… I was born with this… curse. I didn’t need malak for fame, I just pawned it off of peoples desperate desires to know their fate.. conned them. I guess I was extremely nihilistic back then… knowing how my life would end at such a young age, wasn’t very healthy for a young mind… hah… the only way I ended up in the ballroom was because I was stealing so many souls from too many demons… especially malak… telling them of their fate if they go down the demonic path… Malak hunted me down, and I knew the only way I would survive is if I got the ring … and went into the ballroom…. Huh. Now I’m here … maybe I should’ve just accepted it back then, but I was … rather stubborn. I wanted to bend fate to my hands… and I could as best I can.”★

She looks at fourway-two with her bright purple eyes.

[the-what-if-project]

"Sounds like a lot of seers here... b-but... hey, you made the most of it, technically saved people, e-even if it was for cons, and... you tried. That says something about you. Like any Bierce, you... you are strong willed, determined, but... but unlike them, you still actively did some good, even if it was for the wrong reasons. That... th-that should mean something."

[endstar]

"Huh… perhaps. I still hate that… that’s all I really did with my life… and well.. piss off malak. But that was more entertaining than anything…. Respectfully.”

[the-what-if-project]

"...I-I... can understand that... we're not... exactly pleasant..."

Malak bows Fourway-two's head. He's... extremely humble, for a malak.

[endstar]

She smiles a bit.

“… sure. But it’s more funny to me now…”

[the-what-if-project]

That makes him shyly smile a bit.

They gently pressure her for more stuff. Favorite colors, food, places, time of day, flowers, cons she was fond of, everything they can ask, until the scientists come back to drag them away.

They struggle at first, more out of instinct than actual resistance, but inevitably obey at the THREAT of one of the doctors snapping their fingers. They didn't even need to hear it in order for it to break their fleeting will...

[endstar]

Prophecy watches sadly.. gently waving them off with a sad smile… kindly… she is very nice for a beirve… especially to a Malak’s face.. once they are gone, she lays down, and has her Doug cuddle up with her quietly.

[the-what-if-project]

An hour later, they hear his distant scream, but... none of the older experiments react much... Like it's nothing out of the ordinary.

[endstar]

Prophecy sighs, and covers her ears sadly.

The other aus whince, and get more and more anxious… the screaming wasn’t it was scaring them but everyone acted like this was normal… torture was normal here… and most of them came to the conclusion that they would follow suit soon.

[the-what-if-project]

He's eventually dragged back after several hours, looking really beat up. His flesh burned, soul shards sticking out of him like tumors. He's roughly tossed into his cell, and locked back up.

He coughs up blood, that has some purple sparkly bits in it, like there are soul shards in his lungs.

[endstar]

Prophecy just frowns, and sighs quietly. Void is… a lot more disturbed. He shivers, but.. doesn’t know what really to say other than giving a disturbed look…

[the-what-if-project]

He starts yanking the shards out of his body, with pained grunts. "...magic testing sucks... my mortal bits don't mix well with the demon bits-"

"I-I'm sorry..."

"Don't be... even if I was mad at you, we share nerves now. Not like I'm suffering alone..."

"Y-you don't deserve this..."

Doug scoffs. "You do?"

Malak doesn't answer, so Doug just focuses back on popping shards out of their body. Occasionally stopping to rub his patches of red skin comfortingly.

[endstar]

The aus… judge silently. Not saying anything or doing anything noticeable.. just… why are they so friendly with each other? Why aren’t they ripping out each other skin — some stare for a bit- especially void cause he’s a weirdo.

[the-what-if-project]

The Doug glances at them, and decides to make a joke, to lower the tensions. "What...? Never seen an unholy abomination pull out soul tumors before?"

[endstar]

Void snorts, with a huff-

"Huh… let me think— NO- I havent!”

[the-what-if-project]

He snorts. "Good, I'd be wondering about the scientific ethics of your timeline if you did-"

[endstar]

He huffs, and just starts pacing around, bored- his hooves clomping around-

[the-what-if-project]

After a bit, he calls out. "Ay, you okay in there, beefcake?"

He pops out another shard like a cyst.

[endstar]

“I’m bored, and- would you STOP calling me that!”

He huffs

[the-what-if-project]

"It's a compliment, but okay-"

He shrugs. "Not that much to do here, but talk and suffer. Some experiments have puzzles, games, but watch out for those. Cognitive puzzles mean they're gonna mess with your brain."

[endstar]

“Grreeeaaattt….”

He hisses deeply, stomping his hooves like an angry horse-

[the-what-if-project]

He sighs, and starts putting the soul shards he has in a pile. "...You could try talking to your cell mates a bit? Get to know the other noobies before the inevitable? Everyone's biggest regret her is, like we said, not knowing people. You can get on top of the game and entertain yourself, talking to em?"

This is what? The second or third time he mentioned getting to know people? He seems... very insistent.

[endstar]

He groans

↓"you are awfully determined… I can already feel a headache from communicating with such annoyinh creatures..”↓

[the-what-if-project]

"...Just don't want you repeating the same mistakes everyone else does... After the seers gone...? You'll probably understand..."

[endstar]

He scoffs

"… yeah, right…”

[the-what-if-project]

He... deflates a little, giving up for now. Still... kinda creepy how insistent he is.

A week passes, and they're put through simpler tests. Familiar mazes, puzzles, and their food is always drugged. But Prophecy Bierce has a lot more cognitive puzzles than the other new AUs... As the end of the week approaches, he becomes more insistent on them knowing her, till the final day.

The scientists come, not smiling blankly... They're grinning. Mouths just a tad too wide, as they drag her out of her cell... Fourway-two weeps silently, just... unable to take his eyes off her as they take her down the hall.

[endstar]

The other aus watch quietly… not seeming to care very much other than her Doug that shakes, and try’s to pull her away from the doctors… prophecy gently, shoving him away, to prevent him from getting in trouble… staying silent…. She doesn’t struggle, nor hiss, not cry. She just lets it happen.

She knows it’s the end of the line for her… mostly.

[the-what-if-project]

As she disappears down the hall, Fourway-two shakes his head. "Well... that's it for her... when she comes back...? Don't say I didn't warn all of you..."

[endstar]

Void rolls his eyes.

↓“None of us really liked her anyway.”↓

… the othet aus just look down or shrug.. not caring too much..

Accept her Doug, the ting one with the mask… he cries in the corner sadly. Wheeping with choked sobs.

[the-what-if-project]

"...after today... you're gonna change your mind..."

With her, the scientists strap her down on the table, and force a bit in her mouth, as they proceed with the procedure. Their grins grow wider and wider, with sadistic glee.

[endstar]

she makes an uncomfortable grunt, but doesn’t try anything, wincing as she looks up at them… she knows there is no feasible way out of this situation… so hopefully she just seems depressed enough that they… will be somewhat gentle.

[the-what-if-project]

They're not. They're actively rough, just TRYING to get a reaction out of her, and when they finally electrocute her and shove the pick in her eye? They end up causing even more brain damage than intended. Leading to an even more detrimental lobotomy.

Once lobotomized, they have her do cognitive puzzles, to compare the data they already collected...

[endstar]

She stares aimlessly at it for a long few minutes, eyes hazed over, struggling to understand that there’s a problem they want her to solve to begin with… slowly, she weakly try’s… her hand struggling to grip it at all… and her mind struggling to force in self into comprehending what was happening, loosing focus quickly.

[the-what-if-project]

They're satisfied after she fails yet another puzzle, and they send her back to the cells. Only staying long enough to record the reactions of the other new AUs when she returns.

Fourway-two looks away, unable to look at her now. Before the AUs can comprehend what happened to Prophecy Bierce? He already knows what has been done...

[endstar]

Prophecy Doug quickly runs up to her hugging her… but unlike when he first started crying… she doesn’t comfort him or rub his back gently or care… she just stares blankly ahead of her, glancing down at him quietly as he crys into her, making desperate sign language that goes unanswered… making him cry heavier.

Nothing.

Not a thing is left of her.

↓"..what they do to you, lady?”↓

Just a blank stare comes from here, Malak’s ears pin, as he looks just.. confused, and unnerved.

[the-what-if-project]

"A lobotomy!"

The scientist grins. "Tests showed she could see the future, couldn't let her warn you of our experiments! That would ruin our data!"

[endstar]

↓"I- you.. mushed up her brain, and made her BRAIN dead??”"↓

He says, disturbed.

[the-what-if-project]

"Oh of course! Why wouldn't we? Lobotomies are one of our employer's favorite procedures!"

She laughs, and her team joins her. "Aw, don't tell us you CARED about her? You barely know her, or even spoke to her based on security footage. Actively didn't even want to know her, now all of the sudden you're upset by what happened? Or are you worried you're next? Well don't worry, she's our only lobotomy planned for your test group!"

[endstar]

"I did NOT! I just want to know what in the sweet rings is HAPPENING! Of course I’m going to be upset at the prospect of you giving a LOBOTOMY to SOMEONE!”

He snarls, flicking his tail

[the-what-if-project]

The scientists laugh. "Oh, we already told you. Questions have been asked, and we have been employed to answer them. We were always going to lobotomize her, we just had to compare the results! Brain scans showed her having an impressive sight over time, and fast deductions over probability, as impressive as our seer test subjects directly related to gods of knowledge and madness despite her not having connections to a deity of madness or knowledge. Though there certainly were divine connections. Now? HA! Now she can't even retain memories at all! Let alone see the future. Even if she still can, she can't comprehend it. We may have gone a little overboard, when she didn't show the desired reaction, so the damage to her frontal lobe is more severe than we initially intended. She's not a person anymore. Just a thing. That occasionally has electricity moving her limbs and make noises. Like a broken toy!"

[endstar]

Void looks at the scientists with horror… along with the othet aus, especially the beirces… looking sick, and pale now.

Void can’t even speak. Even with his cruelty, he has been gagged with the pure cockiness and, sadism from this what seems to be a mortal.

[the-what-if-project]

With a giggle, they leave em alone to process the fact that... Prophecy bierce is gone in the worst possible way a person can leave. The scientist waves giddily. "We start your Luckys' testing tomorrow, and we can't waaaaaaait! Your collective mental stabilities will be fascinating!"

[endstar]

Prophecy’s Doug and malak just.. stare at her. Silently… prophecy’s Doug just crying heavily… her Malak’s ears drooped… his face going through a whirlwind of emotions… but mainly fear.. disgust… they just ripped her away entire sentience… and mind…

He hated her. A lot…

But.. she didn’t deserve this did she?

Not like that. He can’t get the bearings to make a sound or move…. He just trembles in the corner, looking at the empty shell of a woman… that isn’t anyone now.

Prophecy Doug gently gets her to sit down.

[the-what-if-project]

"...W-we... told you to get to know her for a reason..."

Fourway-two holds their hand over their mouth, both sides distraught.

[endstar]

Prophecy malak snaps at him.

★"SHUT IT!”★

He snarls

[the-what-if-project]

They flinch away, and a bunch more experiments cower away in their cells. They can't see most of them, but there is a collective THUMP of them all going to their corners.

[endstar]

Malak doesnt feel bad… he just sits there… pulling on his ears with way too many complicated emotions he wanted to feel…

The rest of the aus stay silent… it’s just quiet now.

Well.. not including the screaming of experiments

[the-what-if-project]

Hours pass, Another experiment is dragged away for testing. A bierce who... is in tank. Gurgling, and not even solid. There are some other colors in there, suggesting she wasn't the only one in gelatinous form in this glass tank. Her "mouth" opens in an attempt to scream, but all it goes is make a malak colored bubble inflate and pop where her "lips" should be. There are only suggestions of a face where they can see her. A running eye near her head that looks like it's from doug. Something in it tries to form a hand, that quickly dissolves back into the living solution, based on the shape and colors? A gremlin probably, or maybe penny...

Dear god, it's actually EVERYONE in a tank, as a living solution, the bierce on top just hasn't mixed in yet fully.

...What sort of question could have prompted that fate...?

[endstar]

The aus gag immediately at the sight, some immediately bursting into tears… most of them out of distress stop looking outside entirely… staring at the walls, distressed.

[the-what-if-project]

There's a tiny voice just overhead, one cell just above one of them. "...bye daddy... and... guys..."

The gelatinous mass wails as much as it can as it's dragged away. Some familiar claws that are all chewed up stick out of the food door, in reach of an AU below...

...Not everyone is in that experiment... at least... yet.

[endstar]

The aus weep sadly at this.. awful fate. Fear and anxiety creeping in…

This is awful. This is all sinful, and awful… who would do this? Why would they? sure.. they know they are answering questions, but that doesn’t explain why they are… what the point would be

[the-what-if-project]

The Agatha just above them continues reaching, before dangling her fingers down pathetically in sorrow and resignation... she's probably going to join that tank of pain one day...

[endstar]

The aus just… mourn. Their lives… their situation… everything.. some of the more weak stomach throw up…

[the-what-if-project]

After more hours, the goop creature is dragged back, managing to sob somehow, bubbling in agony. The lights are dimmed, and tomorrow awaits the Luckys, who's with their gangs on the other side of the hall, their cells next to Fourway-two.

[endstar]

The luckys wheeze, and kick at the doors, making angry grunting… very desperate to get out since the scientist basically confirmed they were going to suffer soon

[the-what-if-project]

Doug eventually has enough in the Fourway-two fusion. "Hey! Doors are locked tight, it's no use. Get some rest while you're not in too much pain to sleep!"

[endstar]

“FUCK. OFF! IM NOT LETTING THIS HAPPEN!!”

Prophecy lucky yowls.

Hangry lays down in the corner hugging penny whos crying heavily.

[the-what-if-project]

"There's literally NO USE!"

Another experiment shouts. Another lucky on the other side of the hall, though it's... hard to see that. He looks like a real bunny- er... or like he's a Frankenstein made of bunnies. He scratches at a bleeding seam, sitting alone in his cell. "...so get it out of your head that you have a chance... Luck doesn't exist here, all you can do is lose or die. That's the only luck you got... getting a break through death..."

...he's alone in that cell...

[endstar]

Lucky wheezes, clenching his fists, looking at the version of him with his ears pinned… with a mix of stress, panic, and hate…

… he doesn’t think about how that lucky is alone. He doesn’t let himself.

He won’t think about that.

He won’t worry about it.

“I don’t care… I won’t be hopeless.. OR pethetic!”

He says, his voice filled with unfamiliar fear.

[the-what-if-project]

"Then at least be quiet about it, oh courageous rabbit! Some of us would like to sleep, and wallow in our helplessness and self-pity in peace."

He flops down, and curls up in the fetal position.

[endstar]

Lucky hisses and just pulls in his ears angerily.

[the-what-if-project]

The night is too long and too short at the same time...

But eventually morning comes, and the scientists come for the new Luckies. Smiling their demented smiles.

[endstar]

Each and every one of them fights… trying to run or trying to get their friends to run.. of course they do not run though… fear, fear clouding their determination, unlike luckys…

[the-what-if-project]

Unlike last time when they were evaluated and fought, they don't get shocked. Their Pennies and Hangries though...

Almost dangerous amounts of electricity fire through them, just barely enough to keep them from breaking. "Behave, and we'll stop."

The male scientist says. They're punishing their friends for the Luckies' behavior...

[endstar]

All the luckys pretty much immediately stop… all having the same panicked expression, mixed with anger, hate… and worrie…

“O-OKAY OKAY! JUST- LEAVE THEM ALL ALONE! THEY- THEY DIDNT DO ANYTHING BUCKO!”

[the-what-if-project]

They leave it running for a solid minute, before letting the shocks stop. "...Good. Remember that for next time."

[endstar]

The pennies and Hangry’s wheeze and pretty much immediately pass out or… shut down for a bit… not permanently of course. Luckys sneer, defeated, but still angry.

[the-what-if-project]

"Move."

The scientist drag them off to be tested in a large maze. Halfway through the trip, some scientists break off from the group and go down a different hallway... and they go back to the cells with the AUs. Walkie talkies at the ready.

With the Luckies, they're given their instructions. "You are going to run through this maze doing puzzles. The Lucky who completes the least amount of puzzles loses, but you will not know who the loser is until you return to your cells. You are also not allowed to tell each other how many puzzles you have all done. Otherwise you will all collectively lose around. You must complete at least 5 puzzles in order to win a round."

Three lights and a loud horn blares over the maze. "This will be your only indicator if one of you has lost. One light means one of you has lost one round. Two lights means one of you has two rounds. But three lights will always mean you have lost more than two rounds. Which could mean one of you has lost three rounds, or all ten rounds in a row. This will be a test of your lucks pitted against each other, and of how you handle the prospect of being the loser. Any questions before the timer starts?"

[endstar]

… fhey don’t ask any questions and go on…

… they run like they always have… ignoring how they’re competitors are just themselves… sometimes getting even more violent with each other. Trying to boost their odds of winning… some lose… some don’t. Some threaten one another or just ignore the others existence….

[the-what-if-project]

Little do they know the price of losing. Price of not reaching five per round. They're in for a nasty surprise when they return to their cells...

With each loss, the scientists call the ones by the AUs, and tell them a string of numbers. Depending on the number, they grab a Penny or a Hangry, and take them away... no rhyme or reason at the time, it feels random without the context of the competition.

Breaks between rounds feels random, some are long, others are short. The maze is never the same twice.

Some cells have both Hangry and Penny, some only have one or the other, some... some unlucky Luckies are going to come back and find no one.

[endstar]

… soon.. is time to go back…

Some are lucky and get back to none of their love ones beinb gone…

But some aren’t as lucky.

They come back to an empty glass cage… they scream out for their gang, begging.

"WHE-WHERE ARE THEY?! WHAT DID YOU DO! BRING THEM BACK!”

One lucky screeches, hands on the glass, trembling.

[the-what-if-project]

"Unfortunately, you lost the game. Congratulations to the other luckies. Their gangs are withheld from further testing today."

[endstar]

"N..no.. NO NO NO! THATS- THATS NOT FAIR! I.. I DONT LOSE! I DONT! I- ITS NOT FAIR! I SHOULD BE PUNISHED NOT THEM!”

He begins to cry.

[the-what-if-project]

"That is merely the consequences of the game. You will see the results of the procedures shortly. Some of the more consistent losers had earned quite a fate for their gangs. With every loss, we upped the chances of lethality."

A team of scientists finished up with one experiment for a particularly unlucky Lucky. A vibrating ingot of the exact same metal that he, Hangry, and Penny are made of are slipped into the unluckiest Lucky's cell. "The sapient ingot has been completed. See? Your friends are still alive. Isn't that reassuring? Can't assure you they're not in pain, though."

[endstar]

The lucky immediately screams… it being well.. cat lucky… poor guy was more equipped to dealing with cats, then puzzles…he drops to his knees and.. well.. wails, trembling… he would’ve thrown up there if.. well.. he wasn’t a robot.

He’s scared to touch it… both of them are already in unimaginable pain so he just sits there trembling, and sobbing heavily, wheezing… the luckys look on with horror… covering their mouths, or… staring with Shell shock.

[the-what-if-project]

The scientists write down some more data on their clipboards, most likely over his reaction, and they LEAVE. The other Luckies don't get their gangs back yet, so they are left with only their imaginations and this living block of metal that used to be a version of their friends as the base line of what could be happening to them.

[endstar]

It was a normal day in the multiverse, until it wasn't

A portal opened up, and then another, and another, and another-

All of them without symbols, all of them the wrong color, and out of all of them came strange people in coats. Their attacks are swift, overwhelming, knocking AUs out, before taking them, while more head through the AUs' portal.

It's some sort of ambush!

@the-what-if-project

People screech, and attack with confusion, teying to fight back.. and well.. failing.

The only one who doesnt is prophecy Bierce… sitting there and letting it happen…

She knew. She knew she’d be fine…

At least this her.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

When they wake up, they find themselves in glass cells, numbers tattooed on them like animals, wearing hospital gowns. Some of them are muzzled, and they all have collars around their necks.

Wails and sobs come down the other halls from a distance they can't tell. Whatever this place is, it's bad news...

[endstar]

Most… of tjem freak out, huddling into corners yelling .. various curses- void is particularly bad…

“WHO DARES?!!!”

He snarls with fear and anger stumbling up, pulling at the coller with hate.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

The collar shocks him immediately when he tries to remove it. Not a simple zap either, it HURTS.

They're shock collars.

[endstar]

He yelps with pain and flails onto the ground, before scrambling up again. He immediately try’s using magic to break the barrier

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

Nothing happens... The barrier doesn't budge.

A voice from another cell shouts. "AYE- Noobie! Forget about it! Ain't no escape!"

When they look across they see... A doug. With patches of malak's skin sewn into his body.

He has one arm on his shoulder and another at his side, all four pressed against the glass.

[endstar]

Voids ears pin, with disgust and confusion, slowly going backward a bit.

↓“What.. in the HELLS are YOU?!”↓

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Your future. Ain't I handsome?"

He scoffs. "People around here call us Fourway-Two. You uh... can guess why-"

[endstar]

He looks… disgusted, his ears flick.

"…. Where am I, strange AU? Who did this ambush!"

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Welcome to The What If? Project. TWI?P. This place is the stuff of nightmares, and where said nightmares get their bad dreams. Take it from us pal, you're NEVER getting out. Go with everything you're told, and maybe... You'll get lucky with the questions they have."

[endstar]

"Hah! A nightmare? I MAKE them! I don’t know who they are but they DARED to lay a hand on me, and now they will PAY!”

He looks around the room, pacing a bit with a hiss.

What.. is this place? And what kind of magic nullifiers to they have

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Thaaaaaaaaat's what they all say. That's what my Malak said. Now? Now he's a voice in my head... rarely talks anymore, too scared to.

[endstar]

He glares… mildy fearful.. that is a really disturbing prospect… but the rather large Malak variant makes a loud huff like an angry bull… stubborn.

They all are.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

Foot steps are heard down the hall, and the Doug's demeanor changes. "Corner. Now. Hide. Don't say anything. Don't do anything. By whatever twisted god that's out there, do NOT threaten them. Check up crew. You'll thank me later..."

[endstar]

He demon hisses… it’s.. no use. He just stepped back away from the glass, but he only just puffs up, clenching his fist

[the-what-if-project]

The doug hides in the corner per his own instructions, and the scientists that kidnapped them come to their cells. Clipboards in hand, glasses obscuring their faces. "DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Doug?"

The numbers on their arms... They're probably a form of identification. The scientist looks at void doug. "DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Doug? Step forward for evaluation."

She... Looks human, but in that sort of way you know it's someone pretending to be human...

[endstar]

Void Doug trembles a bit.

“I- what— who are-“

He steps forward he hesitantly, his hand, not pulling, but gently held onto his collar

[the-what-if-project]

They roughly grab his shoulders, and start to drag him off. The older experiments in the halls silently watch, sad, but they at least don't look worried. The worst hasn't started yet...

[endstar]

He yelps and wails CONFUSED.

"What’s- what’s happening?!? Who are you?!”

[the-what-if-project]

"Just routine, you will be returned to your cell shortly after we collect baseline data on your vitals."

They don't bother answering his second question. It's not fun that way :)

[endstar]

He just squeaks as he’s dragged off, shaking heavily as they go.

[the-what-if-project]

Its... very invasive when they get there. Strapping him down to forcefully do blood work, forcing his eyes wide open to check them, prying his mouth open, x-rays and whatnot.

This place is DEFINITELY not ethical.

[endstar]

Void Doug…. Fawns. Terrified and confused…. He doesn’t know what’s going on, but he doesn’t have the power or confidence to do anything about it… to attack or scream… all he does is stand there fearfully.

[the-what-if-project]

Once the very invasive procedure is complete, he's dragged back, and tossed into his cell. The next AU is then grabbed.

[endstar]

This goes on for… awhile. Some struggle, some are too confused too- mainly the Malak’s struggle a lot.

[the-what-if-project]

All who struggle learn quickly that the collars shock them until they submit, not just quick zaps either. If they struggle too long, the collars will zap them for solid minutes until they've seized too much to fight. If they try to attack? They're zapped over and over again, till they're in tears.

Examples.

They saved coming for void Malak last...

[endstar]

Void malak had..

Started to get particularly bad. Smacking his ram like horns agaisnt the glass, and stamping his hooves.. once they make it to his cell, he backs off, and makes a heavy heave of air like once again.. a really pisses off bull.

“You… WILL let me out of this cell!” He snarls.

[the-what-if-project]

"We are letting you out, DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Malak. but you will have to behave, otherwise we will have to neutralize you. You have seen the consequences of action, we trust you will be well behaved for us?

She bows her head slightly, mockingly.

[endstar]

He snorts.

"I am not a SEQUENCE of NUMBERS you fowl insolent thing!!” He snaps “the most of a diffrent name I’ve had to lord Malak is void! That.. stupid name that the foul “seer” gave me….”

[the-what-if-project]

"You are the 3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 malak we have brought in from study from a Dark Deception timeline. That is the only reason why we are addressing you by your identification number. I hope you understand DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Malak!

[endstar]

He snarls with anger.

“What in the HELLS DO YOU MEAN?!”

His hoof drags along the ground, stomping

[the-what-if-project]

"It means we have a growing number of Malaks in the facility. With infinite test subjects. You are merely another malak."

Her smile does NOT waver. She... Enjoys this job way too much-

[endstar]

“WHY YOU LITTLE—“

[the-what-if-project]

"We have trillions."

She dumbs down. "...of you."

[endstar]

He pales a bit, confusion setting in, and.. fear… trillions of HIM? Why him? His stomach dropping. He lets out a more fearful hiss.

“WHY?! WH-WHO.. ARE YOU?!”

[the-what-if-project]

"We are The What If? Project! We specialize in answering questions most people don't want to ask!"

She gently points to the cell with the Doug who's sewn together with Malak. Despite the slow movement, the cocky experiment flinches, and covers his head with his fists. Praying, begging in very quiet mumbles. "What if Doug and Malak were forced to share a body? This question has been asked and answered a thousand times, but we decided to spin it in another direction. There has been fusion, possession, but never assimilation. It's one of our favorite experiments actually! Isn't that right, DD-83742394792223338 Doug-malak?"

He just hiccups and scoots closer to his corner...

[endstar]

“…wh.. why would you…?”

He looks on with horror, smoke coming from his mouth defensively.. and well… fearfully.

“What’s- THE POINT?! To torture-“

[the-what-if-project]

"Simple. Questions are asked? It's our job to deliver the answers!"

She giggles. She. Giggles.

These scientists have absolutely no morals... She looks like a mortal, but this is bad, even for the worst of humanity.

[endstar]

He stares at her with horror, before snarling and punching glass where her head jt.

“I- I WILL GET OUT!”

[the-what-if-project]

She doesn't flinch. "My life only has value in the facility. That would be counterproductive on your part."

She presses a button on a device, and his collar starts to go off.

[endstar]

He wails, and immediately falls to the floor shaking, and pulling on the collar, hissing, and screeching.

[the-what-if-project]

She starts snapping her fingers as he's shocked, sounds instinctive yelps of pain come from every cell who heard it. The voltage gets higher and higher upon each snap, but all the other collars aren't going off, despite everyone else, except for the new AUs, reacting in pain...

It's conditioning...

[endstar]

The other aus slowly back up in their cells or cover their ears at the screaming, void Malak’s sounds more and more like a cat in.. a lot of pain. Screeching, and trying and failing to cry for mercy.

[the-what-if-project]

He has his punishment lasts for a solid 10 minutes, the longest out of them. The whole time, she loudly snaps. The only other stimulation he has, outside of the shocking.

When it finally stops, she opens his cell door, standing over where he lays in pain. "...Are we feeling more compliant?"

Her voice is ever so cheerful.

[endstar]

Malak wheezes, making empty gagging sound, somehow managing to not throw up, his limbs twitching and shaking… he does not reply.

[the-what-if-project]

She snaps her finger again, no shock though.

[endstar]

He makes a panicked wail, expecting a shock that didn’t come, curling up into a ball fearfully.

[the-what-if-project]

"...Get up."

She orders, finally showing some coldness. It's... odd how relieving that is.

[endstar]

He growls underneath his breath but, reluctantly obeys, scared of more pain… slowly, nearly falling over quite a few times, standing.

[the-what-if-project]

The other scientists grab his arms, and drag him off to be evaluated.

[endstar]

He lets them… squinting his eyes shut to help himself ignore the stares the aus give him.

[the-what-if-project]

And so he's lead off... to be poked, prodded, and treated as nothing more than a lab rat.

[endstar]

He growls, and huffs like a chained animal, but.. he doesn’t squirm, or say anything.. he just stands there… hoping it’s over quickly

[the-what-if-project]

Once it's over, he's dragged back to his cell and roughly tossed in. "You're some of our most behaved test subjects yet! We can't wait to answer the question our employers have for you! We will be loading our data in our systems shortly!"

With that, the cell is locked back up, and the scientists leave.

The Doug, Fourway-two, finally comes out of hiding. Wiping his tears away. His breath shakes, but he still nods in their direction. "...First day, and only 10 minutes being your longest shock outta ya... Call that lucky round here... You okay over there, beefy?"

[endstar]

He makes a stubborn, angry growl, just laying on the floor, before shakily getting up.

“F..fine…”

He says, clearing his throat, and forcing fear out of it.

"Just… fine..”

[the-what-if-project]

"...Don't pretend noobie... You're not helping anyone, being all tough like that. Doesn't help yourself here... Longer you say you're fine, the less and less you're going to mean it. We are in worse than hell now. You don't gotta be "fine" ever again..."

His voice wavers a bit, before switching to something softer... timid. HIS voice. "I-I... Didn't last... a week... N-no... No one judges... strength here... we... learn better... by at least... a week..."

[endstar]

He stumbles off to a corner weakly, grumbling underneath his breath, his ego cracked, but… somehow.. not broken. Probably not new here… Theyre stubborn. 

He glances at fourway, with disgust, hate… and… well…. Mild fear that he covers desperately.

"…s..shut it.. I said I was FINE.”

He says, looking disturbed at his own voice but not deterred. I normal malak would probably freak out at there being another him… one so “lowly”… but void is used to it… the multiverse and all…

[the-what-if-project]

"...j-just... trying... to save you the pain... Strength... saves n-no one here... i-it will be worse... they break us... e-easier to let... yourself... fall... than... suffer..."

He bows their shared head in resignation.

[endstar]

“…. I won’t.”

He growls, going to the corner and sitting down.

[the-what-if-project]

Doug switches back over, almost forcefully. Their body jolting as he snaps. "Well FIIIIIIINE, don't take an ancient experiment's advice! The evaluation is the easy bit, and no one is going to sugarcoat it, beefcake! You will either break or die, and you're going to learn VERY quickly why we all would rather die. Experiments that end in death, no matter how awful, are the KIND ones..."

He walks back to his corner, and plops down.

[endstar]

“ … I didn’t ask for advice did I?” He growls heavily, annoyed… but.. it’s tainted by his own fear. He IS scared

[the-what-if-project]

"Didn't ask to be here either, now did ya? It's etiquette around here. You always warn the noobies, in hopes they get easier experiments. More you act out, the more interesting it becomes to toy with you. Stronger your will, more torture you endure. If you ignore MY warning, and everyone else that's going to warn you, then it's on you if you get lobotomized and flayed."

[endstar]

He shivers, but snarls,

“YOU EXPECT ME TO JUST- JUST ACCEPT THIS?! I… this will NOT be my fate!”

[the-what-if-project]

"...That's what everyone says..."

[endstar]

… void doesn’t respond after that. Remaining in his corner.

Prophecy Bierce… has one of the calmest reactions anyone has probably ever seen since being stuck in here- she sits with her back to the wall, with her eyes closed, just not responding… staying SILENT. Her Doug immediately started having panic attacks and freaking out…. And of course her malak started flipping out and trying to break free every chance he got, but stopped as soon as he was told to out of fear… strong till there was someone as strong as him facing him down…. just- a WHOLE LOT.

[the-what-if-project]

Strange clicks are heard from the other end of the hall after some hours. Fourway-two lights up a little. "Wait... Clicky!"

He gets up, and presses his hands against the glass, trying to see down the hall. A lengthy creature, with bones that are far too long, twisted, and obviously broken. Her skin is like Fourway-two's, patchy, mixed with someone else's. She rasps, unable to speak, but, she doesn't need to. Her long black hair already shows who she is.

Fourway-two heads over to the to a small door, as the creature crawls over, dragging an oxygen tank and IV behind her. With fingers that are far too long, spliced with familiar claws, she grabs the other experiment's hand. "...There's our girls... surprised you're still fighting... W-were you good for the doctors...?"

Malak's voice sounds a little stronger talking to this... THING. Clicky waves her head around, her bones rubbing and making snapping noises that, as disgusting as they sound, seem happy. She pats the ground, jumping in a... familiar way.

Fourway-two smiles. "Pain meds! Alright, atta girls! That must make roaming the halls easier, eh?"

Her body twists, making more happy bone noises, and she gurgles animalistically. "Good to hear it, Clicky... W-we hate seeing both of you in pain."

[endstar]

…. Void malak pales, horror clouding pride and self image as he realizes who it is… it stirs up the stubborn, angry pot of confusion, and causes one singular question to spark…

Where is Agatha?

He doesn’t interrupt fourway-two, and clickys conversation… he only gets up, and begins to pace at the front of the glass, looking for Agatha, who… he can’t see from his glass cage. He doesn’t make a sound.

The nearby Doug’s and Malak’s have similar reactions, hiding away as they realize to the fullest extent WHAT is happening and what IS happening…

[the-what-if-project]

"Clicky" notices them, and starts making destressed clicks with her bones, groaning sadly. "N-no! Nononono, shhh shhh shhhhh, no... No they're not scared of you... W-why don't you girls help them...? Look for their daughters, they're scared too... You know how the doctors like to keep us separated..."

She snaps her neck upside down, and starts to crawl up to higher cells, looking for the other Tammys and Agathas, calling out to them with a distorted wail, that sounds like both girls sobbing...

"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah...."

[endstar]

This… makes the Malak’s and Doug’s overall mental state and temperament WORSE- getting more desperate, and pacing a bit.

Agatha’s are scratching at their doors crying heavily, wailing for their daddy’s, and the Tammy’s just remained curled in corners, not responding to much, covering their ears.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky finds them eventually, and attempts to wave to them. Trying not to be scary, even though... That's impossible.

[endstar]

Void Agatha immediately screams with terror as she appears, scrambling away.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky groans, and cowers at the screaming a bit. She doesn't like being THIS scary...

[endstar]

“Wh- WHAT ARE YOU-???”

Agatha cries, going to the corner

[the-what-if-project]

She points to her, then a Tammy, then herself, before clicking sadly. Making a wail that sounds like THEM. "Waaaaaaaaah...."

[endstar]

She whimpers.

“Your— what?? Your me- and- and- whoever that is-?! I-“

He trembles, holding her long hands to her chest:

[the-what-if-project]

She clicks, nodding.

[endstar]

“Wh- wha? How- but your—“

She looks on with horror

[the-what-if-project]

She makes a horn sign with one of her hands, and points downward. Trying to explain her daddy is in a ground cell.

[endstar]

… she doesn’t understand she just looks at her confused, and starts crying again.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky taps the glass, and points down again, trying to get her to listen.

[endstar]

“I- I don’t know what you meeaaaannn!”

She crys.

[the-what-if-project]

She looks around, before climbing down back to ground level. She taps on the glass void malak is in, and points upward, clicking erratically.

[endstar]

…he softens his tone a bit… for her. Like how he’d talk to Agatha.

“…hm..? What are you trying to tell me..?”

He looks up at the ceiling.

[the-what-if-project]

She points to herself, then him, then up. Trying to tell him that his daughter is in a cell above him.

[endstar]

“…is…”

He thinks.

"Is Agatha up there? My Agatha?”

He asks calmly but urgently

[the-what-if-project]

She nods clicking, but then sadly moves her long arms to demonstrate her fingers not being able to touch. His Agatha, along with the others, are just out of reach for them to properly comfort each other...

[endstar]

“…o..oh… I.. can.. can.. you tell her it will be okay..? That I’m okay..?”

He says softly.

[the-what-if-project]

She bows her head, and taps her throat, shaking her head. She can't speak due to what was done to her. "...Clicky was one of the prototype experiments before us. They ruined their vocal chords... Can't speak, can only scream, cry, or groan..."

"...M-maybe give her your tie...? Through the food door...?"

[endstar]

He nods, carefully taking it off and giving it to clicky.

[the-what-if-project]

She very carefully takes it, and climbs back up. lifting void Agatha's food door, and slipping the tie inside.

[endstar]

Agatha looks up, looking at it, and quickly runs over.

“D-daddy’s tie! He- he’s okay???”

[the-what-if-project]

She nods, and points down. Letting her know where he is.

[endstar]

She sighs with relief, wiping away her tears carefully.

“I.. I hope I’ll get to see him soon..”

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky clicks her bones together, snapping in sympathy.

[endstar]

She just sighs and, sits down with her knees at her chest by the door sadly…

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky eventually climbs down, and leaves them behind. Giving her dads one last hand hold before going down the halls, presumably to her own cell.

Over the next several hours, they're left alone. Scientists bring them the most disgusting looking slop they have ever seen to eat, leaving them with only that. "...Warning you all now, it's drugged. No joke, actually full of drugs. Don't know what half of em do, which ones they put in for each person, but... yeah. You're never not having non-laced food again."

Nevertheless, Fourway-two starts eating his own slop. "...I think it might be to keep us from leaving? Make us more scared? Maybe knock us out easier? I've been here for decades, still don't know..."

[endstar]

Prophecy, from the next cell over, speaks.

★"… starving is preferable. I’d give it to you if I could.”★

She doesn’t move from the wall… void pins his ears with disgust.

↓“For once, I agree with the witch… I didn’t even know YOU were here…"↓

★"everybody is, void… the whole of the meeting room…"★

Void hisses

↓"…grr… I told you to stop calling me that, you snake…”↓

★"Well I refused. Simple as that.”★

He groans.

[the-what-if-project]

"You'll eventually eat... Everyone says they won't, till they do... Starving is hard here... They don't let you die, if it's not in an experiment.

[endstar]

★"…I will not last long anyway dear. I’m going to die quickly… or.. be close to dead."★

[the-what-if-project]

"You sound... pretty certain. You're also kinda chill, for a test subject... what, you gonna try ending it? That isn't gonna fly, we're under surveillance 24/7-"

[endstar]

★"No. I see the future, and that line of future I can see ends soon… so either A… I die. Or B they beat me in mentally to the point where I can’t see anything, or can’t think.”★

[the-what-if-project]

He sharply inhales, and covers his mouth in mild horror and sympathy.

....Well THAT'S a comforting reaction-

[endstar]

"Oh yay, I’m doomed.”

She says, apathetically- not reacting much.

[the-what-if-project]

"...Yeah... You're taking it a lot better than most seers in this place... I-I... I hope the procedure doesn't hurt you too much... How long will we all get to know you... as you..? Got a time before it goes black?"

His voice is very gentle now, a little less cocky and callused. Like... He's talking to someone about to die.

[endstar]

She remains apathetic… casual, like it’s talking about ★"maybe a few days, depending… I’ve seen enough horrors… it’s… refreshing to know the end is near.” ★

[the-what-if-project]

He nods, then looks at void malak. With zero cockiness, he begs. "...Get to know her. Every damn thing you can. You're not gonna get another chance, and you're gonna regret it for the rest of your life here... Once they know what she is, her designated experiment will rip her from you... And you're not gonna like it."

[endstar]

He sneers.

↓"…why would I want to get to know HER? That fowl, creature of a woman! I hate her… she’s not even MY Bierce!↓

Beirce sighs, and lays down on her back.

[the-what-if-project]

"Not just you, all of you. I... We're gonna get to know her too. She isn't gonna die like that. We're not gonna let her die like that... She's a seer, and... they don't last the week. She will be gone in the worst way a person to be gone... it's... a benevolent fate, compared to most things... She... she won't outwardly suffer, but she's gonna be here, reminding all of you, that you never knew her...

[endstar]

"…why should I care? She’s a copy of one of the most annoying, insufferable mortal I’ve had the misfortune of meeting! In no way will I ever care for her fate”

Prophecy sighs, slightly annoyed.

★"it’s no use, Honey. He’s as stubborn as a mule… I don’t care, nor want fake kindness. I’ve known, and seen hundreds of my deaths in millions of timelines… rarely does anyone, especially him mourn me…”★

[the-what-if-project]

"...it's different here. This place MAKES you care... not because it suddenly makes you a Saint, no one deserves to be here. No one has earned the Fates they get... they will mourn. Everyone says they won't, or no one will mourn em, till they're all crying to a God that's probably chained down the hall... you got a decent hell ahead of you, but it's not going to be easy on everyone else..."

[endstar]

★"… I suppose I’m just hoping for the best fate for everybody else… but I cannot even see that or the probability of that .. it’s fogged.”★

She sighs, looking at her nails then at her shaking Doug in the corner, frowning.

[the-what-if-project]

He just looks at her sadly. "...that's very noble of you to think... we'll keep an eye on em for you, miss... Make sure they're not at each other's throats after you're gone."

He forces a laugh after his joke, then abruptly stops. Malak taking over. "...W-we have time to kill... before we're dragged off for the day... mind... mind telling us about yourself...? Memories you... y-you don't want forgotten...?

[endstar]

★"…can’t say I have much I want to be remembered… very little actually … I can’t say I spent my life wisely… I was born with this… curse. I didn’t need malak for fame, I just pawned it off of peoples desperate desires to know their fate.. conned them. I guess I was extremely nihilistic back then… knowing how my life would end at such a young age, wasn’t very healthy for a young mind… hah… the only way I ended up in the ballroom was because I was stealing so many souls from too many demons… especially malak… telling them of their fate if they go down the demonic path… Malak hunted me down, and I knew the only way I would survive is if I got the ring … and went into the ballroom…. Huh. Now I’m here … maybe I should’ve just accepted it back then, but I was … rather stubborn. I wanted to bend fate to my hands… and I could as best I can.”★

She looks at fourway-two with her bright purple eyes.

[the-what-if-project]

"Sounds like a lot of seers here... b-but... hey, you made the most of it, technically saved people, e-even if it was for cons, and... you tried. That says something about you. Like any Bierce, you... you are strong willed, determined, but... but unlike them, you still actively did some good, even if it was for the wrong reasons. That... th-that should mean something."

[endstar]

"Huh… perhaps. I still hate that… that’s all I really did with my life… and well.. piss off malak. But that was more entertaining than anything…. Respectfully.”

[the-what-if-project]

"...I-I... can understand that... we're not... exactly pleasant..."

Malak bows Fourway-two's head. He's... extremely humble, for a malak.

[endstar]

She smiles a bit.

“… sure. But it’s more funny to me now…”

[the-what-if-project]

That makes him shyly smile a bit.

They gently pressure her for more stuff. Favorite colors, food, places, time of day, flowers, cons she was fond of, everything they can ask, until the scientists come back to drag them away.

They struggle at first, more out of instinct than actual resistance, but inevitably obey at the THREAT of one of the doctors snapping their fingers. They didn't even need to hear it in order for it to break their fleeting will...

[endstar]

Prophecy watches sadly.. gently waving them off with a sad smile… kindly… she is very nice for a beirve… especially to a Malak’s face.. once they are gone, she lays down, and has her Doug cuddle up with her quietly.

[the-what-if-project]

An hour later, they hear his distant scream, but... none of the older experiments react much... Like it's nothing out of the ordinary.

[endstar]

Prophecy sighs, and covers her ears sadly.

The other aus whince, and get more and more anxious… the screaming wasn’t it was scaring them but everyone acted like this was normal… torture was normal here… and most of them came to the conclusion that they would follow suit soon.

[the-what-if-project]

He's eventually dragged back after several hours, looking really beat up. His flesh burned, soul shards sticking out of him like tumors. He's roughly tossed into his cell, and locked back up.

He coughs up blood, that has some purple sparkly bits in it, like there are soul shards in his lungs.

[endstar]

Prophecy just frowns, and sighs quietly. Void is… a lot more disturbed. He shivers, but.. doesn’t know what really to say other than giving a disturbed look…

[the-what-if-project]

He starts yanking the shards out of his body, with pained grunts. "...magic testing sucks... my mortal bits don't mix well with the demon bits-"

"I-I'm sorry..."

"Don't be... even if I was mad at you, we share nerves now. Not like I'm suffering alone..."

"Y-you don't deserve this..."

Doug scoffs. "You do?"

Malak doesn't answer, so Doug just focuses back on popping shards out of their body. Occasionally stopping to rub his patches of red skin comfortingly.

[endstar]

The aus… judge silently. Not saying anything or doing anything noticeable.. just… why are they so friendly with each other? Why aren’t they ripping out each other skin — some stare for a bit- especially void cause he’s a weirdo.

[the-what-if-project]

The Doug glances at them, and decides to make a joke, to lower the tensions. "What...? Never seen an unholy abomination pull out soul tumors before?"

[endstar]

Void snorts, with a huff-

"Huh… let me think— NO- I havent!”

[the-what-if-project]

He snorts. "Good, I'd be wondering about the scientific ethics of your timeline if you did-"

[endstar]

He huffs, and just starts pacing around, bored- his hooves clomping around-

[the-what-if-project]

After a bit, he calls out. "Ay, you okay in there, beefcake?"

He pops out another shard like a cyst.

[endstar]

“I’m bored, and- would you STOP calling me that!”

He huffs

[the-what-if-project]

"It's a compliment, but okay-"

He shrugs. "Not that much to do here, but talk and suffer. Some experiments have puzzles, games, but watch out for those. Cognitive puzzles mean they're gonna mess with your brain."

[endstar]

“Grreeeaaattt….”

He hisses deeply, stomping his hooves like an angry horse-

[the-what-if-project]

He sighs, and starts putting the soul shards he has in a pile. "...You could try talking to your cell mates a bit? Get to know the other noobies before the inevitable? Everyone's biggest regret her is, like we said, not knowing people. You can get on top of the game and entertain yourself, talking to em?"

This is what? The second or third time he mentioned getting to know people? He seems... very insistent.

[endstar]

He groans

↓"you are awfully determined… I can already feel a headache from communicating with such annoyinh creatures..”↓

[the-what-if-project]

"...Just don't want you repeating the same mistakes everyone else does... After the seers gone...? You'll probably understand..."

[endstar]

He scoffs

"… yeah, right…”

[the-what-if-project]

He... deflates a little, giving up for now. Still... kinda creepy how insistent he is.

A week passes, and they're put through simpler tests. Familiar mazes, puzzles, and their food is always drugged. But Prophecy Bierce has a lot more cognitive puzzles than the other new AUs... As the end of the week approaches, he becomes more insistent on them knowing her, till the final day.

The scientists come, not smiling blankly... They're grinning. Mouths just a tad too wide, as they drag her out of her cell... Fourway-two weeps silently, just... unable to take his eyes off her as they take her down the hall.

[endstar]

The other aus watch quietly… not seeming to care very much other than her Doug that shakes, and try’s to pull her away from the doctors… prophecy gently, shoving him away, to prevent him from getting in trouble… staying silent…. She doesn’t struggle, nor hiss, not cry. She just lets it happen.

She knows it’s the end of the line for her… mostly.

[the-what-if-project]

As she disappears down the hall, Fourway-two shakes his head. "Well... that's it for her... when she comes back...? Don't say I didn't warn all of you..."

[endstar]

Void rolls his eyes.

↓“None of us really liked her anyway.”↓

… the othet aus just look down or shrug.. not caring too much..

Accept her Doug, the ting one with the mask… he cries in the corner sadly. Wheeping with choked sobs.

[the-what-if-project]

"...after today... you're gonna change your mind..."

With her, the scientists strap her down on the table, and force a bit in her mouth, as they proceed with the procedure. Their grins grow wider and wider, with sadistic glee.

[endstar]

she makes an uncomfortable grunt, but doesn’t try anything, wincing as she looks up at them… she knows there is no feasible way out of this situation… so hopefully she just seems depressed enough that they… will be somewhat gentle.

[the-what-if-project]

They're not. They're actively rough, just TRYING to get a reaction out of her, and when they finally electrocute her and shove the pick in her eye? They end up causing even more brain damage than intended. Leading to an even more detrimental lobotomy.

Once lobotomized, they have her do cognitive puzzles, to compare the data they already collected...

[endstar]

She stares aimlessly at it for a long few minutes, eyes hazed over, struggling to understand that there’s a problem they want her to solve to begin with… slowly, she weakly try’s… her hand struggling to grip it at all… and her mind struggling to force in self into comprehending what was happening, loosing focus quickly.

[the-what-if-project]

They're satisfied after she fails yet another puzzle, and they send her back to the cells. Only staying long enough to record the reactions of the other new AUs when she returns.

Fourway-two looks away, unable to look at her now. Before the AUs can comprehend what happened to Prophecy Bierce? He already knows what has been done...

[endstar]

Prophecy Doug quickly runs up to her hugging her… but unlike when he first started crying… she doesn’t comfort him or rub his back gently or care… she just stares blankly ahead of her, glancing down at him quietly as he crys into her, making desperate sign language that goes unanswered… making him cry heavier.

Nothing.

Not a thing is left of her.

↓"..what they do to you, lady?”↓

Just a blank stare comes from here, Malak’s ears pin, as he looks just.. confused, and unnerved.

[the-what-if-project]

"A lobotomy!"

The scientist grins. "Tests showed she could see the future, couldn't let her warn you of our experiments! That would ruin our data!"

[endstar]

↓"I- you.. mushed up her brain, and made her BRAIN dead??”"↓

He says, disturbed.

[the-what-if-project]

"Oh of course! Why wouldn't we? Lobotomies are one of our employer's favorite procedures!"

She laughs, and her team joins her. "Aw, don't tell us you CARED about her? You barely know her, or even spoke to her based on security footage. Actively didn't even want to know her, now all of the sudden you're upset by what happened? Or are you worried you're next? Well don't worry, she's our only lobotomy planned for your test group!"

[endstar]

"I did NOT! I just want to know what in the sweet rings is HAPPENING! Of course I’m going to be upset at the prospect of you giving a LOBOTOMY to SOMEONE!”

He snarls, flicking his tail

[the-what-if-project]

The scientists laugh. "Oh, we already told you. Questions have been asked, and we have been employed to answer them. We were always going to lobotomize her, we just had to compare the results! Brain scans showed her having an impressive sight over time, and fast deductions over probability, as impressive as our seer test subjects directly related to gods of knowledge and madness despite her not having connections to a deity of madness or knowledge. Though there certainly were divine connections. Now? HA! Now she can't even retain memories at all! Let alone see the future. Even if she still can, she can't comprehend it. We may have gone a little overboard, when she didn't show the desired reaction, so the damage to her frontal lobe is more severe than we initially intended. She's not a person anymore. Just a thing. That occasionally has electricity moving her limbs and make noises. Like a broken toy!"

[endstar]

Void looks at the scientists with horror… along with the othet aus, especially the beirces… looking sick, and pale now.

Void can’t even speak. Even with his cruelty, he has been gagged with the pure cockiness and, sadism from this what seems to be a mortal.

[the-what-if-project]

With a giggle, they leave em alone to process the fact that... Prophecy bierce is gone in the worst possible way a person can leave. The scientist waves giddily. "We start your Luckys' testing tomorrow, and we can't waaaaaaait! Your collective mental stabilities will be fascinating!"

[endstar]

Prophecy’s Doug and malak just.. stare at her. Silently… prophecy’s Doug just crying heavily… her Malak’s ears drooped… his face going through a whirlwind of emotions… but mainly fear.. disgust… they just ripped her away entire sentience… and mind…

He hated her. A lot…

But.. she didn’t deserve this did she?

Not like that. He can’t get the bearings to make a sound or move…. He just trembles in the corner, looking at the empty shell of a woman… that isn’t anyone now.

Prophecy Doug gently gets her to sit down.

[the-what-if-project]

"...W-we... told you to get to know her for a reason..."

Fourway-two holds their hand over their mouth, both sides distraught.

[endstar]

Prophecy malak snaps at him.

★"SHUT IT!”★

He snarls

[the-what-if-project]

They flinch away, and a bunch more experiments cower away in their cells. They can't see most of them, but there is a collective THUMP of them all going to their corners.

[endstar]

Malak doesnt feel bad… he just sits there… pulling on his ears with way too many complicated emotions he wanted to feel…

The rest of the aus stay silent… it’s just quiet now.

Well.. not including the screaming of experiments

[the-what-if-project]

Hours pass, Another experiment is dragged away for testing. A bierce who... is in tank. Gurgling, and not even solid. There are some other colors in there, suggesting she wasn't the only one in gelatinous form in this glass tank. Her "mouth" opens in an attempt to scream, but all it goes is make a malak colored bubble inflate and pop where her "lips" should be. There are only suggestions of a face where they can see her. A running eye near her head that looks like it's from doug. Something in it tries to form a hand, that quickly dissolves back into the living solution, based on the shape and colors? A gremlin probably, or maybe penny...

Dear god, it's actually EVERYONE in a tank, as a living solution, the bierce on top just hasn't mixed in yet fully.

...What sort of question could have prompted that fate...?

[endstar]

The aus gag immediately at the sight, some immediately bursting into tears… most of them out of distress stop looking outside entirely… staring at the walls, distressed.

[the-what-if-project]

There's a tiny voice just overhead, one cell just above one of them. "...bye daddy... and... guys..."

The gelatinous mass wails as much as it can as it's dragged away. Some familiar claws that are all chewed up stick out of the food door, in reach of an AU below...

...Not everyone is in that experiment... at least... yet.

[endstar]

The aus weep sadly at this.. awful fate. Fear and anxiety creeping in…

This is awful. This is all sinful, and awful… who would do this? Why would they? sure.. they know they are answering questions, but that doesn’t explain why they are… what the point would be

[the-what-if-project]

The Agatha just above them continues reaching, before dangling her fingers down pathetically in sorrow and resignation... she's probably going to join that tank of pain one day...

[endstar]

The aus just… mourn. Their lives… their situation… everything.. some of the more weak stomach throw up…

[the-what-if-project]

After more hours, the goop creature is dragged back, managing to sob somehow, bubbling in agony. The lights are dimmed, and tomorrow awaits the Luckys, who's with their gangs on the other side of the hall, their cells next to Fourway-two.

[endstar]

The luckys wheeze, and kick at the doors, making angry grunting… very desperate to get out since the scientist basically confirmed they were going to suffer soon

[the-what-if-project]

Doug eventually has enough in the Fourway-two fusion. "Hey! Doors are locked tight, it's no use. Get some rest while you're not in too much pain to sleep!"

[endstar]

“FUCK. OFF! IM NOT LETTING THIS HAPPEN!!”

Prophecy lucky yowls.

Hangry lays down in the corner hugging penny whos crying heavily.

[the-what-if-project]

"There's literally NO USE!"

Another experiment shouts. Another lucky on the other side of the hall, though it's... hard to see that. He looks like a real bunny- er... or like he's a Frankenstein made of bunnies. He scratches at a bleeding seam, sitting alone in his cell. "...so get it out of your head that you have a chance... Luck doesn't exist here, all you can do is lose or die. That's the only luck you got... getting a break through death..."

...he's alone in that cell...

[endstar]

Lucky wheezes, clenching his fists, looking at the version of him with his ears pinned… with a mix of stress, panic, and hate…

… he doesn’t think about how that lucky is alone. He doesn’t let himself.

He won’t think about that.

He won’t worry about it.

“I don’t care… I won’t be hopeless.. OR pethetic!”

He says, his voice filled with unfamiliar fear.

[the-what-if-project]

"Then at least be quiet about it, oh courageous rabbit! Some of us would like to sleep, and wallow in our helplessness and self-pity in peace."

He flops down, and curls up in the fetal position.

[endstar]

Lucky hisses and just pulls in his ears angerily.

[the-what-if-project]

The night is too long and too short at the same time...

But eventually morning comes, and the scientists come for the new Luckies. Smiling their demented smiles.

[endstar]

Each and every one of them fights… trying to run or trying to get their friends to run.. of course they do not run though… fear, fear clouding their determination, unlike luckys…

[the-what-if-project]

Unlike last time when they were evaluated and fought, they don't get shocked. Their Pennies and Hangries though...

Almost dangerous amounts of electricity fire through them, just barely enough to keep them from breaking. "Behave, and we'll stop."

The male scientist says. They're punishing their friends for the Luckies' behavior...

[endstar]

All the luckys pretty much immediately stop… all having the same panicked expression, mixed with anger, hate… and worrie…

“O-OKAY OKAY! JUST- LEAVE THEM ALL ALONE! THEY- THEY DIDNT DO ANYTHING BUCKO!”

[the-what-if-project]

They leave it running for a solid minute, before letting the shocks stop. "...Good. Remember that for next time."

[endstar]

The pennies and Hangry’s wheeze and pretty much immediately pass out or… shut down for a bit… not permanently of course. Luckys sneer, defeated, but still angry.

[the-what-if-project]

"Move."

The scientist drag them off to be tested in a large maze. Halfway through the trip, some scientists break off from the group and go down a different hallway... and they go back to the cells with the AUs. Walkie talkies at the ready.

With the Luckies, they're given their instructions. "You are going to run through this maze doing puzzles. The Lucky who completes the least amount of puzzles loses, but you will not know who the loser is until you return to your cells. You are also not allowed to tell each other how many puzzles you have all done. Otherwise you will all collectively lose around. You must complete at least 5 puzzles in order to win a round."

Three lights and a loud horn blares over the maze. "This will be your only indicator if one of you has lost. One light means one of you has lost one round. Two lights means one of you has two rounds. But three lights will always mean you have lost more than two rounds. Which could mean one of you has lost three rounds, or all ten rounds in a row. This will be a test of your lucks pitted against each other, and of how you handle the prospect of being the loser. Any questions before the timer starts?"

[endstar]

… fhey don’t ask any questions and go on…

… they run like they always have… ignoring how they’re competitors are just themselves… sometimes getting even more violent with each other. Trying to boost their odds of winning… some lose… some don’t. Some threaten one another or just ignore the others existence….

[the-what-if-project]

Little do they know the price of losing. Price of not reaching five per round. They're in for a nasty surprise when they return to their cells...

With each loss, the scientists call the ones by the AUs, and tell them a string of numbers. Depending on the number, they grab a Penny or a Hangry, and take them away... no rhyme or reason at the time, it feels random without the context of the competition.

Breaks between rounds feels random, some are long, others are short. The maze is never the same twice.

Some cells have both Hangry and Penny, some only have one or the other, some... some unlucky Luckies are going to come back and find no one.

[endstar]

… soon.. is time to go back…

Some are lucky and get back to none of their love ones beinb gone…

But some aren’t as lucky.

They come back to an empty glass cage… they scream out for their gang, begging.

"WHE-WHERE ARE THEY?! WHAT DID YOU DO! BRING THEM BACK!”

One lucky screeches, hands on the glass, trembling.

[the-what-if-project]

"Unfortunately, you lost the game. Congratulations to the other luckies. Their gangs are withheld from further testing today."

[endstar]

"N..no.. NO NO NO! THATS- THATS NOT FAIR! I.. I DONT LOSE! I DONT! I- ITS NOT FAIR! I SHOULD BE PUNISHED NOT THEM!”

He begins to cry.

[the-what-if-project]

"That is merely the consequences of the game. You will see the results of the procedures shortly. Some of the more consistent losers had earned quite a fate for their gangs. With every loss, we upped the chances of lethality."

A team of scientists finished up with one experiment for a particularly unlucky Lucky. A vibrating ingot of the exact same metal that he, Hangry, and Penny are made of are slipped into the unluckiest Lucky's cell. "The sapient ingot has been completed. See? Your friends are still alive. Isn't that reassuring? Can't assure you they're not in pain, though."

[endstar]

It was a normal day in the multiverse, until it wasn't

A portal opened up, and then another, and another, and another-

All of them without symbols, all of them the wrong color, and out of all of them came strange people in coats. Their attacks are swift, overwhelming, knocking AUs out, before taking them, while more head through the AUs' portal.

It's some sort of ambush!

@the-what-if-project

People screech, and attack with confusion, teying to fight back.. and well.. failing.

The only one who doesnt is prophecy Bierce… sitting there and letting it happen…

She knew. She knew she’d be fine…

At least this her.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

When they wake up, they find themselves in glass cells, numbers tattooed on them like animals, wearing hospital gowns. Some of them are muzzled, and they all have collars around their necks.

Wails and sobs come down the other halls from a distance they can't tell. Whatever this place is, it's bad news...

[endstar]

Most… of tjem freak out, huddling into corners yelling .. various curses- void is particularly bad…

“WHO DARES?!!!”

He snarls with fear and anger stumbling up, pulling at the coller with hate.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

The collar shocks him immediately when he tries to remove it. Not a simple zap either, it HURTS.

They're shock collars.

[endstar]

He yelps with pain and flails onto the ground, before scrambling up again. He immediately try’s using magic to break the barrier

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

Nothing happens... The barrier doesn't budge.

A voice from another cell shouts. "AYE- Noobie! Forget about it! Ain't no escape!"

When they look across they see... A doug. With patches of malak's skin sewn into his body.

He has one arm on his shoulder and another at his side, all four pressed against the glass.

[endstar]

Voids ears pin, with disgust and confusion, slowly going backward a bit.

↓“What.. in the HELLS are YOU?!”↓

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Your future. Ain't I handsome?"

He scoffs. "People around here call us Fourway-Two. You uh... can guess why-"

[endstar]

He looks… disgusted, his ears flick.

"…. Where am I, strange AU? Who did this ambush!"

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Welcome to The What If? Project. TWI?P. This place is the stuff of nightmares, and where said nightmares get their bad dreams. Take it from us pal, you're NEVER getting out. Go with everything you're told, and maybe... You'll get lucky with the questions they have."

[endstar]

"Hah! A nightmare? I MAKE them! I don’t know who they are but they DARED to lay a hand on me, and now they will PAY!”

He looks around the room, pacing a bit with a hiss.

What.. is this place? And what kind of magic nullifiers to they have

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Thaaaaaaaaat's what they all say. That's what my Malak said. Now? Now he's a voice in my head... rarely talks anymore, too scared to.

[endstar]

He glares… mildy fearful.. that is a really disturbing prospect… but the rather large Malak variant makes a loud huff like an angry bull… stubborn.

They all are.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

Foot steps are heard down the hall, and the Doug's demeanor changes. "Corner. Now. Hide. Don't say anything. Don't do anything. By whatever twisted god that's out there, do NOT threaten them. Check up crew. You'll thank me later..."

[endstar]

He demon hisses… it’s.. no use. He just stepped back away from the glass, but he only just puffs up, clenching his fist

[the-what-if-project]

The doug hides in the corner per his own instructions, and the scientists that kidnapped them come to their cells. Clipboards in hand, glasses obscuring their faces. "DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Doug?"

The numbers on their arms... They're probably a form of identification. The scientist looks at void doug. "DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Doug? Step forward for evaluation."

She... Looks human, but in that sort of way you know it's someone pretending to be human...

[endstar]

Void Doug trembles a bit.

“I- what— who are-“

He steps forward he hesitantly, his hand, not pulling, but gently held onto his collar

[the-what-if-project]

They roughly grab his shoulders, and start to drag him off. The older experiments in the halls silently watch, sad, but they at least don't look worried. The worst hasn't started yet...

[endstar]

He yelps and wails CONFUSED.

"What’s- what’s happening?!? Who are you?!”

[the-what-if-project]

"Just routine, you will be returned to your cell shortly after we collect baseline data on your vitals."

They don't bother answering his second question. It's not fun that way :)

[endstar]

He just squeaks as he’s dragged off, shaking heavily as they go.

[the-what-if-project]

Its... very invasive when they get there. Strapping him down to forcefully do blood work, forcing his eyes wide open to check them, prying his mouth open, x-rays and whatnot.

This place is DEFINITELY not ethical.

[endstar]

Void Doug…. Fawns. Terrified and confused…. He doesn’t know what’s going on, but he doesn’t have the power or confidence to do anything about it… to attack or scream… all he does is stand there fearfully.

[the-what-if-project]

Once the very invasive procedure is complete, he's dragged back, and tossed into his cell. The next AU is then grabbed.

[endstar]

This goes on for… awhile. Some struggle, some are too confused too- mainly the Malak’s struggle a lot.

[the-what-if-project]

All who struggle learn quickly that the collars shock them until they submit, not just quick zaps either. If they struggle too long, the collars will zap them for solid minutes until they've seized too much to fight. If they try to attack? They're zapped over and over again, till they're in tears.

Examples.

They saved coming for void Malak last...

[endstar]

Void malak had..

Started to get particularly bad. Smacking his ram like horns agaisnt the glass, and stamping his hooves.. once they make it to his cell, he backs off, and makes a heavy heave of air like once again.. a really pisses off bull.

“You… WILL let me out of this cell!” He snarls.

[the-what-if-project]

"We are letting you out, DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Malak. but you will have to behave, otherwise we will have to neutralize you. You have seen the consequences of action, we trust you will be well behaved for us?

She bows her head slightly, mockingly.

[endstar]

He snorts.

"I am not a SEQUENCE of NUMBERS you fowl insolent thing!!” He snaps “the most of a diffrent name I’ve had to lord Malak is void! That.. stupid name that the foul “seer” gave me….”

[the-what-if-project]

"You are the 3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 malak we have brought in from study from a Dark Deception timeline. That is the only reason why we are addressing you by your identification number. I hope you understand DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Malak!

[endstar]

He snarls with anger.

“What in the HELLS DO YOU MEAN?!”

His hoof drags along the ground, stomping

[the-what-if-project]

"It means we have a growing number of Malaks in the facility. With infinite test subjects. You are merely another malak."

Her smile does NOT waver. She... Enjoys this job way too much-

[endstar]

“WHY YOU LITTLE—“

[the-what-if-project]

"We have trillions."

She dumbs down. "...of you."

[endstar]

He pales a bit, confusion setting in, and.. fear… trillions of HIM? Why him? His stomach dropping. He lets out a more fearful hiss.

“WHY?! WH-WHO.. ARE YOU?!”

[the-what-if-project]

"We are The What If? Project! We specialize in answering questions most people don't want to ask!"

She gently points to the cell with the Doug who's sewn together with Malak. Despite the slow movement, the cocky experiment flinches, and covers his head with his fists. Praying, begging in very quiet mumbles. "What if Doug and Malak were forced to share a body? This question has been asked and answered a thousand times, but we decided to spin it in another direction. There has been fusion, possession, but never assimilation. It's one of our favorite experiments actually! Isn't that right, DD-83742394792223338 Doug-malak?"

He just hiccups and scoots closer to his corner...

[endstar]

“…wh.. why would you…?”

He looks on with horror, smoke coming from his mouth defensively.. and well… fearfully.

“What’s- THE POINT?! To torture-“

[the-what-if-project]

"Simple. Questions are asked? It's our job to deliver the answers!"

She giggles. She. Giggles.

These scientists have absolutely no morals... She looks like a mortal, but this is bad, even for the worst of humanity.

[endstar]

He stares at her with horror, before snarling and punching glass where her head jt.

“I- I WILL GET OUT!”

[the-what-if-project]

She doesn't flinch. "My life only has value in the facility. That would be counterproductive on your part."

She presses a button on a device, and his collar starts to go off.

[endstar]

He wails, and immediately falls to the floor shaking, and pulling on the collar, hissing, and screeching.

[the-what-if-project]

She starts snapping her fingers as he's shocked, sounds instinctive yelps of pain come from every cell who heard it. The voltage gets higher and higher upon each snap, but all the other collars aren't going off, despite everyone else, except for the new AUs, reacting in pain...

It's conditioning...

[endstar]

The other aus slowly back up in their cells or cover their ears at the screaming, void Malak’s sounds more and more like a cat in.. a lot of pain. Screeching, and trying and failing to cry for mercy.

[the-what-if-project]

He has his punishment lasts for a solid 10 minutes, the longest out of them. The whole time, she loudly snaps. The only other stimulation he has, outside of the shocking.

When it finally stops, she opens his cell door, standing over where he lays in pain. "...Are we feeling more compliant?"

Her voice is ever so cheerful.

[endstar]

Malak wheezes, making empty gagging sound, somehow managing to not throw up, his limbs twitching and shaking… he does not reply.

[the-what-if-project]

She snaps her finger again, no shock though.

[endstar]

He makes a panicked wail, expecting a shock that didn’t come, curling up into a ball fearfully.

[the-what-if-project]

"...Get up."

She orders, finally showing some coldness. It's... odd how relieving that is.

[endstar]

He growls underneath his breath but, reluctantly obeys, scared of more pain… slowly, nearly falling over quite a few times, standing.

[the-what-if-project]

The other scientists grab his arms, and drag him off to be evaluated.

[endstar]

He lets them… squinting his eyes shut to help himself ignore the stares the aus give him.

[the-what-if-project]

And so he's lead off... to be poked, prodded, and treated as nothing more than a lab rat.

[endstar]

He growls, and huffs like a chained animal, but.. he doesn’t squirm, or say anything.. he just stands there… hoping it’s over quickly

[the-what-if-project]

Once it's over, he's dragged back to his cell and roughly tossed in. "You're some of our most behaved test subjects yet! We can't wait to answer the question our employers have for you! We will be loading our data in our systems shortly!"

With that, the cell is locked back up, and the scientists leave.

The Doug, Fourway-two, finally comes out of hiding. Wiping his tears away. His breath shakes, but he still nods in their direction. "...First day, and only 10 minutes being your longest shock outta ya... Call that lucky round here... You okay over there, beefy?"

[endstar]

He makes a stubborn, angry growl, just laying on the floor, before shakily getting up.

“F..fine…”

He says, clearing his throat, and forcing fear out of it.

"Just… fine..”

[the-what-if-project]

"...Don't pretend noobie... You're not helping anyone, being all tough like that. Doesn't help yourself here... Longer you say you're fine, the less and less you're going to mean it. We are in worse than hell now. You don't gotta be "fine" ever again..."

His voice wavers a bit, before switching to something softer... timid. HIS voice. "I-I... Didn't last... a week... N-no... No one judges... strength here... we... learn better... by at least... a week..."

[endstar]

He stumbles off to a corner weakly, grumbling underneath his breath, his ego cracked, but… somehow.. not broken. Probably not new here… Theyre stubborn. 

He glances at fourway, with disgust, hate… and… well…. Mild fear that he covers desperately.

"…s..shut it.. I said I was FINE.”

He says, looking disturbed at his own voice but not deterred. I normal malak would probably freak out at there being another him… one so “lowly”… but void is used to it… the multiverse and all…

[the-what-if-project]

"...j-just... trying... to save you the pain... Strength... saves n-no one here... i-it will be worse... they break us... e-easier to let... yourself... fall... than... suffer..."

He bows their shared head in resignation.

[endstar]

“…. I won’t.”

He growls, going to the corner and sitting down.

[the-what-if-project]

Doug switches back over, almost forcefully. Their body jolting as he snaps. "Well FIIIIIIINE, don't take an ancient experiment's advice! The evaluation is the easy bit, and no one is going to sugarcoat it, beefcake! You will either break or die, and you're going to learn VERY quickly why we all would rather die. Experiments that end in death, no matter how awful, are the KIND ones..."

He walks back to his corner, and plops down.

[endstar]

“ … I didn’t ask for advice did I?” He growls heavily, annoyed… but.. it’s tainted by his own fear. He IS scared

[the-what-if-project]

"Didn't ask to be here either, now did ya? It's etiquette around here. You always warn the noobies, in hopes they get easier experiments. More you act out, the more interesting it becomes to toy with you. Stronger your will, more torture you endure. If you ignore MY warning, and everyone else that's going to warn you, then it's on you if you get lobotomized and flayed."

[endstar]

He shivers, but snarls,

“YOU EXPECT ME TO JUST- JUST ACCEPT THIS?! I… this will NOT be my fate!”

[the-what-if-project]

"...That's what everyone says..."

[endstar]

… void doesn’t respond after that. Remaining in his corner.

Prophecy Bierce… has one of the calmest reactions anyone has probably ever seen since being stuck in here- she sits with her back to the wall, with her eyes closed, just not responding… staying SILENT. Her Doug immediately started having panic attacks and freaking out…. And of course her malak started flipping out and trying to break free every chance he got, but stopped as soon as he was told to out of fear… strong till there was someone as strong as him facing him down…. just- a WHOLE LOT.

[the-what-if-project]

Strange clicks are heard from the other end of the hall after some hours. Fourway-two lights up a little. "Wait... Clicky!"

He gets up, and presses his hands against the glass, trying to see down the hall. A lengthy creature, with bones that are far too long, twisted, and obviously broken. Her skin is like Fourway-two's, patchy, mixed with someone else's. She rasps, unable to speak, but, she doesn't need to. Her long black hair already shows who she is.

Fourway-two heads over to the to a small door, as the creature crawls over, dragging an oxygen tank and IV behind her. With fingers that are far too long, spliced with familiar claws, she grabs the other experiment's hand. "...There's our girls... surprised you're still fighting... W-were you good for the doctors...?"

Malak's voice sounds a little stronger talking to this... THING. Clicky waves her head around, her bones rubbing and making snapping noises that, as disgusting as they sound, seem happy. She pats the ground, jumping in a... familiar way.

Fourway-two smiles. "Pain meds! Alright, atta girls! That must make roaming the halls easier, eh?"

Her body twists, making more happy bone noises, and she gurgles animalistically. "Good to hear it, Clicky... W-we hate seeing both of you in pain."

[endstar]

…. Void malak pales, horror clouding pride and self image as he realizes who it is… it stirs up the stubborn, angry pot of confusion, and causes one singular question to spark…

Where is Agatha?

He doesn’t interrupt fourway-two, and clickys conversation… he only gets up, and begins to pace at the front of the glass, looking for Agatha, who… he can’t see from his glass cage. He doesn’t make a sound.

The nearby Doug’s and Malak’s have similar reactions, hiding away as they realize to the fullest extent WHAT is happening and what IS happening…

[the-what-if-project]

"Clicky" notices them, and starts making destressed clicks with her bones, groaning sadly. "N-no! Nononono, shhh shhh shhhhh, no... No they're not scared of you... W-why don't you girls help them...? Look for their daughters, they're scared too... You know how the doctors like to keep us separated..."

She snaps her neck upside down, and starts to crawl up to higher cells, looking for the other Tammys and Agathas, calling out to them with a distorted wail, that sounds like both girls sobbing...

"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah...."

[endstar]

This… makes the Malak’s and Doug’s overall mental state and temperament WORSE- getting more desperate, and pacing a bit.

Agatha’s are scratching at their doors crying heavily, wailing for their daddy’s, and the Tammy’s just remained curled in corners, not responding to much, covering their ears.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky finds them eventually, and attempts to wave to them. Trying not to be scary, even though... That's impossible.

[endstar]

Void Agatha immediately screams with terror as she appears, scrambling away.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky groans, and cowers at the screaming a bit. She doesn't like being THIS scary...

[endstar]

“Wh- WHAT ARE YOU-???”

Agatha cries, going to the corner

[the-what-if-project]

She points to her, then a Tammy, then herself, before clicking sadly. Making a wail that sounds like THEM. "Waaaaaaaaah...."

[endstar]

She whimpers.

“Your— what?? Your me- and- and- whoever that is-?! I-“

He trembles, holding her long hands to her chest:

[the-what-if-project]

She clicks, nodding.

[endstar]

“Wh- wha? How- but your—“

She looks on with horror

[the-what-if-project]

She makes a horn sign with one of her hands, and points downward. Trying to explain her daddy is in a ground cell.

[endstar]

… she doesn’t understand she just looks at her confused, and starts crying again.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky taps the glass, and points down again, trying to get her to listen.

[endstar]

“I- I don’t know what you meeaaaannn!”

She crys.

[the-what-if-project]

She looks around, before climbing down back to ground level. She taps on the glass void malak is in, and points upward, clicking erratically.

[endstar]

…he softens his tone a bit… for her. Like how he’d talk to Agatha.

“…hm..? What are you trying to tell me..?”

He looks up at the ceiling.

[the-what-if-project]

She points to herself, then him, then up. Trying to tell him that his daughter is in a cell above him.

[endstar]

“…is…”

He thinks.

"Is Agatha up there? My Agatha?”

He asks calmly but urgently

[the-what-if-project]

She nods clicking, but then sadly moves her long arms to demonstrate her fingers not being able to touch. His Agatha, along with the others, are just out of reach for them to properly comfort each other...

[endstar]

“…o..oh… I.. can.. can.. you tell her it will be okay..? That I’m okay..?”

He says softly.

[the-what-if-project]

She bows her head, and taps her throat, shaking her head. She can't speak due to what was done to her. "...Clicky was one of the prototype experiments before us. They ruined their vocal chords... Can't speak, can only scream, cry, or groan..."

"...M-maybe give her your tie...? Through the food door...?"

[endstar]

He nods, carefully taking it off and giving it to clicky.

[the-what-if-project]

She very carefully takes it, and climbs back up. lifting void Agatha's food door, and slipping the tie inside.

[endstar]

Agatha looks up, looking at it, and quickly runs over.

“D-daddy’s tie! He- he’s okay???”

[the-what-if-project]

She nods, and points down. Letting her know where he is.

[endstar]

She sighs with relief, wiping away her tears carefully.

“I.. I hope I’ll get to see him soon..”

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky clicks her bones together, snapping in sympathy.

[endstar]

She just sighs and, sits down with her knees at her chest by the door sadly…

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky eventually climbs down, and leaves them behind. Giving her dads one last hand hold before going down the halls, presumably to her own cell.

Over the next several hours, they're left alone. Scientists bring them the most disgusting looking slop they have ever seen to eat, leaving them with only that. "...Warning you all now, it's drugged. No joke, actually full of drugs. Don't know what half of em do, which ones they put in for each person, but... yeah. You're never not having non-laced food again."

Nevertheless, Fourway-two starts eating his own slop. "...I think it might be to keep us from leaving? Make us more scared? Maybe knock us out easier? I've been here for decades, still don't know..."

[endstar]

Prophecy, from the next cell over, speaks.

★"… starving is preferable. I’d give it to you if I could.”★

She doesn’t move from the wall… void pins his ears with disgust.

↓“For once, I agree with the witch… I didn’t even know YOU were here…"↓

★"everybody is, void… the whole of the meeting room…"★

Void hisses

↓"…grr… I told you to stop calling me that, you snake…”↓

★"Well I refused. Simple as that.”★

He groans.

[the-what-if-project]

"You'll eventually eat... Everyone says they won't, till they do... Starving is hard here... They don't let you die, if it's not in an experiment.

[endstar]

★"…I will not last long anyway dear. I’m going to die quickly… or.. be close to dead."★

[the-what-if-project]

"You sound... pretty certain. You're also kinda chill, for a test subject... what, you gonna try ending it? That isn't gonna fly, we're under surveillance 24/7-"

[endstar]

★"No. I see the future, and that line of future I can see ends soon… so either A… I die. Or B they beat me in mentally to the point where I can’t see anything, or can’t think.”★

[the-what-if-project]

He sharply inhales, and covers his mouth in mild horror and sympathy.

....Well THAT'S a comforting reaction-

[endstar]

"Oh yay, I’m doomed.”

She says, apathetically- not reacting much.

[the-what-if-project]

"...Yeah... You're taking it a lot better than most seers in this place... I-I... I hope the procedure doesn't hurt you too much... How long will we all get to know you... as you..? Got a time before it goes black?"

His voice is very gentle now, a little less cocky and callused. Like... He's talking to someone about to die.

[endstar]

She remains apathetic… casual, like it’s talking about ★"maybe a few days, depending… I’ve seen enough horrors… it’s… refreshing to know the end is near.” ★

[the-what-if-project]

He nods, then looks at void malak. With zero cockiness, he begs. "...Get to know her. Every damn thing you can. You're not gonna get another chance, and you're gonna regret it for the rest of your life here... Once they know what she is, her designated experiment will rip her from you... And you're not gonna like it."

[endstar]

He sneers.

↓"…why would I want to get to know HER? That fowl, creature of a woman! I hate her… she’s not even MY Bierce!↓

Beirce sighs, and lays down on her back.

[the-what-if-project]

"Not just you, all of you. I... We're gonna get to know her too. She isn't gonna die like that. We're not gonna let her die like that... She's a seer, and... they don't last the week. She will be gone in the worst way a person to be gone... it's... a benevolent fate, compared to most things... She... she won't outwardly suffer, but she's gonna be here, reminding all of you, that you never knew her...

[endstar]

"…why should I care? She’s a copy of one of the most annoying, insufferable mortal I’ve had the misfortune of meeting! In no way will I ever care for her fate”

Prophecy sighs, slightly annoyed.

★"it’s no use, Honey. He’s as stubborn as a mule… I don’t care, nor want fake kindness. I’ve known, and seen hundreds of my deaths in millions of timelines… rarely does anyone, especially him mourn me…”★

[the-what-if-project]

"...it's different here. This place MAKES you care... not because it suddenly makes you a Saint, no one deserves to be here. No one has earned the Fates they get... they will mourn. Everyone says they won't, or no one will mourn em, till they're all crying to a God that's probably chained down the hall... you got a decent hell ahead of you, but it's not going to be easy on everyone else..."

[endstar]

★"… I suppose I’m just hoping for the best fate for everybody else… but I cannot even see that or the probability of that .. it’s fogged.”★

She sighs, looking at her nails then at her shaking Doug in the corner, frowning.

[the-what-if-project]

He just looks at her sadly. "...that's very noble of you to think... we'll keep an eye on em for you, miss... Make sure they're not at each other's throats after you're gone."

He forces a laugh after his joke, then abruptly stops. Malak taking over. "...W-we have time to kill... before we're dragged off for the day... mind... mind telling us about yourself...? Memories you... y-you don't want forgotten...?

[endstar]

★"…can’t say I have much I want to be remembered… very little actually … I can’t say I spent my life wisely… I was born with this… curse. I didn’t need malak for fame, I just pawned it off of peoples desperate desires to know their fate.. conned them. I guess I was extremely nihilistic back then… knowing how my life would end at such a young age, wasn’t very healthy for a young mind… hah… the only way I ended up in the ballroom was because I was stealing so many souls from too many demons… especially malak… telling them of their fate if they go down the demonic path… Malak hunted me down, and I knew the only way I would survive is if I got the ring … and went into the ballroom…. Huh. Now I’m here … maybe I should’ve just accepted it back then, but I was … rather stubborn. I wanted to bend fate to my hands… and I could as best I can.”★

She looks at fourway-two with her bright purple eyes.

[the-what-if-project]

"Sounds like a lot of seers here... b-but... hey, you made the most of it, technically saved people, e-even if it was for cons, and... you tried. That says something about you. Like any Bierce, you... you are strong willed, determined, but... but unlike them, you still actively did some good, even if it was for the wrong reasons. That... th-that should mean something."

[endstar]

"Huh… perhaps. I still hate that… that’s all I really did with my life… and well.. piss off malak. But that was more entertaining than anything…. Respectfully.”

[the-what-if-project]

"...I-I... can understand that... we're not... exactly pleasant..."

Malak bows Fourway-two's head. He's... extremely humble, for a malak.

[endstar]

She smiles a bit.

“… sure. But it’s more funny to me now…”

[the-what-if-project]

That makes him shyly smile a bit.

They gently pressure her for more stuff. Favorite colors, food, places, time of day, flowers, cons she was fond of, everything they can ask, until the scientists come back to drag them away.

They struggle at first, more out of instinct than actual resistance, but inevitably obey at the THREAT of one of the doctors snapping their fingers. They didn't even need to hear it in order for it to break their fleeting will...

[endstar]

Prophecy watches sadly.. gently waving them off with a sad smile… kindly… she is very nice for a beirve… especially to a Malak’s face.. once they are gone, she lays down, and has her Doug cuddle up with her quietly.

[the-what-if-project]

An hour later, they hear his distant scream, but... none of the older experiments react much... Like it's nothing out of the ordinary.

[endstar]

Prophecy sighs, and covers her ears sadly.

The other aus whince, and get more and more anxious… the screaming wasn’t it was scaring them but everyone acted like this was normal… torture was normal here… and most of them came to the conclusion that they would follow suit soon.

[the-what-if-project]

He's eventually dragged back after several hours, looking really beat up. His flesh burned, soul shards sticking out of him like tumors. He's roughly tossed into his cell, and locked back up.

He coughs up blood, that has some purple sparkly bits in it, like there are soul shards in his lungs.

[endstar]

Prophecy just frowns, and sighs quietly. Void is… a lot more disturbed. He shivers, but.. doesn’t know what really to say other than giving a disturbed look…

[the-what-if-project]

He starts yanking the shards out of his body, with pained grunts. "...magic testing sucks... my mortal bits don't mix well with the demon bits-"

"I-I'm sorry..."

"Don't be... even if I was mad at you, we share nerves now. Not like I'm suffering alone..."

"Y-you don't deserve this..."

Doug scoffs. "You do?"

Malak doesn't answer, so Doug just focuses back on popping shards out of their body. Occasionally stopping to rub his patches of red skin comfortingly.

[endstar]

The aus… judge silently. Not saying anything or doing anything noticeable.. just… why are they so friendly with each other? Why aren’t they ripping out each other skin — some stare for a bit- especially void cause he’s a weirdo.

[the-what-if-project]

The Doug glances at them, and decides to make a joke, to lower the tensions. "What...? Never seen an unholy abomination pull out soul tumors before?"

[endstar]

Void snorts, with a huff-

"Huh… let me think— NO- I havent!”

[the-what-if-project]

He snorts. "Good, I'd be wondering about the scientific ethics of your timeline if you did-"

[endstar]

He huffs, and just starts pacing around, bored- his hooves clomping around-

[the-what-if-project]

After a bit, he calls out. "Ay, you okay in there, beefcake?"

He pops out another shard like a cyst.

[endstar]

“I’m bored, and- would you STOP calling me that!”

He huffs

[the-what-if-project]

"It's a compliment, but okay-"

He shrugs. "Not that much to do here, but talk and suffer. Some experiments have puzzles, games, but watch out for those. Cognitive puzzles mean they're gonna mess with your brain."

[endstar]

“Grreeeaaattt….”

He hisses deeply, stomping his hooves like an angry horse-

[the-what-if-project]

He sighs, and starts putting the soul shards he has in a pile. "...You could try talking to your cell mates a bit? Get to know the other noobies before the inevitable? Everyone's biggest regret her is, like we said, not knowing people. You can get on top of the game and entertain yourself, talking to em?"

This is what? The second or third time he mentioned getting to know people? He seems... very insistent.

[endstar]

He groans

↓"you are awfully determined… I can already feel a headache from communicating with such annoyinh creatures..”↓

[the-what-if-project]

"...Just don't want you repeating the same mistakes everyone else does... After the seers gone...? You'll probably understand..."

[endstar]

He scoffs

"… yeah, right…”

[the-what-if-project]

He... deflates a little, giving up for now. Still... kinda creepy how insistent he is.

A week passes, and they're put through simpler tests. Familiar mazes, puzzles, and their food is always drugged. But Prophecy Bierce has a lot more cognitive puzzles than the other new AUs... As the end of the week approaches, he becomes more insistent on them knowing her, till the final day.

The scientists come, not smiling blankly... They're grinning. Mouths just a tad too wide, as they drag her out of her cell... Fourway-two weeps silently, just... unable to take his eyes off her as they take her down the hall.

[endstar]

The other aus watch quietly… not seeming to care very much other than her Doug that shakes, and try’s to pull her away from the doctors… prophecy gently, shoving him away, to prevent him from getting in trouble… staying silent…. She doesn’t struggle, nor hiss, not cry. She just lets it happen.

She knows it’s the end of the line for her… mostly.

[the-what-if-project]

As she disappears down the hall, Fourway-two shakes his head. "Well... that's it for her... when she comes back...? Don't say I didn't warn all of you..."

[endstar]

Void rolls his eyes.

↓“None of us really liked her anyway.”↓

… the othet aus just look down or shrug.. not caring too much..

Accept her Doug, the ting one with the mask… he cries in the corner sadly. Wheeping with choked sobs.

[the-what-if-project]

"...after today... you're gonna change your mind..."

With her, the scientists strap her down on the table, and force a bit in her mouth, as they proceed with the procedure. Their grins grow wider and wider, with sadistic glee.

[endstar]

she makes an uncomfortable grunt, but doesn’t try anything, wincing as she looks up at them… she knows there is no feasible way out of this situation… so hopefully she just seems depressed enough that they… will be somewhat gentle.

[the-what-if-project]

They're not. They're actively rough, just TRYING to get a reaction out of her, and when they finally electrocute her and shove the pick in her eye? They end up causing even more brain damage than intended. Leading to an even more detrimental lobotomy.

Once lobotomized, they have her do cognitive puzzles, to compare the data they already collected...

[endstar]

She stares aimlessly at it for a long few minutes, eyes hazed over, struggling to understand that there’s a problem they want her to solve to begin with… slowly, she weakly try’s… her hand struggling to grip it at all… and her mind struggling to force in self into comprehending what was happening, loosing focus quickly.

[the-what-if-project]

They're satisfied after she fails yet another puzzle, and they send her back to the cells. Only staying long enough to record the reactions of the other new AUs when she returns.

Fourway-two looks away, unable to look at her now. Before the AUs can comprehend what happened to Prophecy Bierce? He already knows what has been done...

[endstar]

Prophecy Doug quickly runs up to her hugging her… but unlike when he first started crying… she doesn’t comfort him or rub his back gently or care… she just stares blankly ahead of her, glancing down at him quietly as he crys into her, making desperate sign language that goes unanswered… making him cry heavier.

Nothing.

Not a thing is left of her.

↓"..what they do to you, lady?”↓

Just a blank stare comes from here, Malak’s ears pin, as he looks just.. confused, and unnerved.

[the-what-if-project]

"A lobotomy!"

The scientist grins. "Tests showed she could see the future, couldn't let her warn you of our experiments! That would ruin our data!"

[endstar]

↓"I- you.. mushed up her brain, and made her BRAIN dead??”"↓

He says, disturbed.

[the-what-if-project]

"Oh of course! Why wouldn't we? Lobotomies are one of our employer's favorite procedures!"

She laughs, and her team joins her. "Aw, don't tell us you CARED about her? You barely know her, or even spoke to her based on security footage. Actively didn't even want to know her, now all of the sudden you're upset by what happened? Or are you worried you're next? Well don't worry, she's our only lobotomy planned for your test group!"

[endstar]

"I did NOT! I just want to know what in the sweet rings is HAPPENING! Of course I’m going to be upset at the prospect of you giving a LOBOTOMY to SOMEONE!”

He snarls, flicking his tail

[the-what-if-project]

The scientists laugh. "Oh, we already told you. Questions have been asked, and we have been employed to answer them. We were always going to lobotomize her, we just had to compare the results! Brain scans showed her having an impressive sight over time, and fast deductions over probability, as impressive as our seer test subjects directly related to gods of knowledge and madness despite her not having connections to a deity of madness or knowledge. Though there certainly were divine connections. Now? HA! Now she can't even retain memories at all! Let alone see the future. Even if she still can, she can't comprehend it. We may have gone a little overboard, when she didn't show the desired reaction, so the damage to her frontal lobe is more severe than we initially intended. She's not a person anymore. Just a thing. That occasionally has electricity moving her limbs and make noises. Like a broken toy!"

[endstar]

Void looks at the scientists with horror… along with the othet aus, especially the beirces… looking sick, and pale now.

Void can’t even speak. Even with his cruelty, he has been gagged with the pure cockiness and, sadism from this what seems to be a mortal.

[the-what-if-project]

With a giggle, they leave em alone to process the fact that... Prophecy bierce is gone in the worst possible way a person can leave. The scientist waves giddily. "We start your Luckys' testing tomorrow, and we can't waaaaaaait! Your collective mental stabilities will be fascinating!"

[endstar]

Prophecy’s Doug and malak just.. stare at her. Silently… prophecy’s Doug just crying heavily… her Malak’s ears drooped… his face going through a whirlwind of emotions… but mainly fear.. disgust… they just ripped her away entire sentience… and mind…

He hated her. A lot…

But.. she didn’t deserve this did she?

Not like that. He can’t get the bearings to make a sound or move…. He just trembles in the corner, looking at the empty shell of a woman… that isn’t anyone now.

Prophecy Doug gently gets her to sit down.

[the-what-if-project]

"...W-we... told you to get to know her for a reason..."

Fourway-two holds their hand over their mouth, both sides distraught.

[endstar]

Prophecy malak snaps at him.

★"SHUT IT!”★

He snarls

[the-what-if-project]

They flinch away, and a bunch more experiments cower away in their cells. They can't see most of them, but there is a collective THUMP of them all going to their corners.

[endstar]

Malak doesnt feel bad… he just sits there… pulling on his ears with way too many complicated emotions he wanted to feel…

The rest of the aus stay silent… it’s just quiet now.

Well.. not including the screaming of experiments

[the-what-if-project]

Hours pass, Another experiment is dragged away for testing. A bierce who... is in tank. Gurgling, and not even solid. There are some other colors in there, suggesting she wasn't the only one in gelatinous form in this glass tank. Her "mouth" opens in an attempt to scream, but all it goes is make a malak colored bubble inflate and pop where her "lips" should be. There are only suggestions of a face where they can see her. A running eye near her head that looks like it's from doug. Something in it tries to form a hand, that quickly dissolves back into the living solution, based on the shape and colors? A gremlin probably, or maybe penny...

Dear god, it's actually EVERYONE in a tank, as a living solution, the bierce on top just hasn't mixed in yet fully.

...What sort of question could have prompted that fate...?

[endstar]

The aus gag immediately at the sight, some immediately bursting into tears… most of them out of distress stop looking outside entirely… staring at the walls, distressed.

[the-what-if-project]

There's a tiny voice just overhead, one cell just above one of them. "...bye daddy... and... guys..."

The gelatinous mass wails as much as it can as it's dragged away. Some familiar claws that are all chewed up stick out of the food door, in reach of an AU below...

...Not everyone is in that experiment... at least... yet.

[endstar]

The aus weep sadly at this.. awful fate. Fear and anxiety creeping in…

This is awful. This is all sinful, and awful… who would do this? Why would they? sure.. they know they are answering questions, but that doesn’t explain why they are… what the point would be

[the-what-if-project]

The Agatha just above them continues reaching, before dangling her fingers down pathetically in sorrow and resignation... she's probably going to join that tank of pain one day...

[endstar]

The aus just… mourn. Their lives… their situation… everything.. some of the more weak stomach throw up…

[the-what-if-project]

After more hours, the goop creature is dragged back, managing to sob somehow, bubbling in agony. The lights are dimmed, and tomorrow awaits the Luckys, who's with their gangs on the other side of the hall, their cells next to Fourway-two.

[endstar]

The luckys wheeze, and kick at the doors, making angry grunting… very desperate to get out since the scientist basically confirmed they were going to suffer soon

[the-what-if-project]

Doug eventually has enough in the Fourway-two fusion. "Hey! Doors are locked tight, it's no use. Get some rest while you're not in too much pain to sleep!"

[endstar]

“FUCK. OFF! IM NOT LETTING THIS HAPPEN!!”

Prophecy lucky yowls.

Hangry lays down in the corner hugging penny whos crying heavily.

[the-what-if-project]

"There's literally NO USE!"

Another experiment shouts. Another lucky on the other side of the hall, though it's... hard to see that. He looks like a real bunny- er... or like he's a Frankenstein made of bunnies. He scratches at a bleeding seam, sitting alone in his cell. "...so get it out of your head that you have a chance... Luck doesn't exist here, all you can do is lose or die. That's the only luck you got... getting a break through death..."

...he's alone in that cell...

[endstar]

Lucky wheezes, clenching his fists, looking at the version of him with his ears pinned… with a mix of stress, panic, and hate…

… he doesn’t think about how that lucky is alone. He doesn’t let himself.

He won’t think about that.

He won’t worry about it.

“I don’t care… I won’t be hopeless.. OR pethetic!”

He says, his voice filled with unfamiliar fear.

[the-what-if-project]

"Then at least be quiet about it, oh courageous rabbit! Some of us would like to sleep, and wallow in our helplessness and self-pity in peace."

He flops down, and curls up in the fetal position.

[endstar]

Lucky hisses and just pulls in his ears angerily.

[the-what-if-project]

The night is too long and too short at the same time...

But eventually morning comes, and the scientists come for the new Luckies. Smiling their demented smiles.

[endstar]

Each and every one of them fights… trying to run or trying to get their friends to run.. of course they do not run though… fear, fear clouding their determination, unlike luckys…

[the-what-if-project]

Unlike last time when they were evaluated and fought, they don't get shocked. Their Pennies and Hangries though...

Almost dangerous amounts of electricity fire through them, just barely enough to keep them from breaking. "Behave, and we'll stop."

The male scientist says. They're punishing their friends for the Luckies' behavior...

[endstar]

All the luckys pretty much immediately stop… all having the same panicked expression, mixed with anger, hate… and worrie…

“O-OKAY OKAY! JUST- LEAVE THEM ALL ALONE! THEY- THEY DIDNT DO ANYTHING BUCKO!”

[the-what-if-project]

They leave it running for a solid minute, before letting the shocks stop. "...Good. Remember that for next time."

[endstar]

The pennies and Hangry’s wheeze and pretty much immediately pass out or… shut down for a bit… not permanently of course. Luckys sneer, defeated, but still angry.

[the-what-if-project]

"Move."

The scientist drag them off to be tested in a large maze. Halfway through the trip, some scientists break off from the group and go down a different hallway... and they go back to the cells with the AUs. Walkie talkies at the ready.

With the Luckies, they're given their instructions. "You are going to run through this maze doing puzzles. The Lucky who completes the least amount of puzzles loses, but you will not know who the loser is until you return to your cells. You are also not allowed to tell each other how many puzzles you have all done. Otherwise you will all collectively lose around. You must complete at least 5 puzzles in order to win a round."

Three lights and a loud horn blares over the maze. "This will be your only indicator if one of you has lost. One light means one of you has lost one round. Two lights means one of you has two rounds. But three lights will always mean you have lost more than two rounds. Which could mean one of you has lost three rounds, or all ten rounds in a row. This will be a test of your lucks pitted against each other, and of how you handle the prospect of being the loser. Any questions before the timer starts?"

[endstar]

… fhey don’t ask any questions and go on…

… they run like they always have… ignoring how they’re competitors are just themselves… sometimes getting even more violent with each other. Trying to boost their odds of winning… some lose… some don’t. Some threaten one another or just ignore the others existence….

[the-what-if-project]

Little do they know the price of losing. Price of not reaching five per round. They're in for a nasty surprise when they return to their cells...

With each loss, the scientists call the ones by the AUs, and tell them a string of numbers. Depending on the number, they grab a Penny or a Hangry, and take them away... no rhyme or reason at the time, it feels random without the context of the competition.

Breaks between rounds feels random, some are long, others are short. The maze is never the same twice.

Some cells have both Hangry and Penny, some only have one or the other, some... some unlucky Luckies are going to come back and find no one.

[endstar]

… soon.. is time to go back…

Some are lucky and get back to none of their love ones beinb gone…

But some aren’t as lucky.

They come back to an empty glass cage… they scream out for their gang, begging.

"WHE-WHERE ARE THEY?! WHAT DID YOU DO! BRING THEM BACK!”

One lucky screeches, hands on the glass, trembling.

[the-what-if-project]

"Unfortunately, you lost the game. Congratulations to the other luckies. Their gangs are withheld from further testing today."

[endstar]

It was a normal day in the multiverse, until it wasn't

A portal opened up, and then another, and another, and another-

All of them without symbols, all of them the wrong color, and out of all of them came strange people in coats. Their attacks are swift, overwhelming, knocking AUs out, before taking them, while more head through the AUs' portal.

It's some sort of ambush!

@the-what-if-project

People screech, and attack with confusion, teying to fight back.. and well.. failing.

The only one who doesnt is prophecy Bierce… sitting there and letting it happen…

She knew. She knew she’d be fine…

At least this her.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

When they wake up, they find themselves in glass cells, numbers tattooed on them like animals, wearing hospital gowns. Some of them are muzzled, and they all have collars around their necks.

Wails and sobs come down the other halls from a distance they can't tell. Whatever this place is, it's bad news...

[endstar]

Most… of tjem freak out, huddling into corners yelling .. various curses- void is particularly bad…

“WHO DARES?!!!”

He snarls with fear and anger stumbling up, pulling at the coller with hate.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

The collar shocks him immediately when he tries to remove it. Not a simple zap either, it HURTS.

They're shock collars.

[endstar]

He yelps with pain and flails onto the ground, before scrambling up again. He immediately try’s using magic to break the barrier

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

Nothing happens... The barrier doesn't budge.

A voice from another cell shouts. "AYE- Noobie! Forget about it! Ain't no escape!"

When they look across they see... A doug. With patches of malak's skin sewn into his body.

He has one arm on his shoulder and another at his side, all four pressed against the glass.

[endstar]

Voids ears pin, with disgust and confusion, slowly going backward a bit.

↓“What.. in the HELLS are YOU?!”↓

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Your future. Ain't I handsome?"

He scoffs. "People around here call us Fourway-Two. You uh... can guess why-"

[endstar]

He looks… disgusted, his ears flick.

"…. Where am I, strange AU? Who did this ambush!"

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Welcome to The What If? Project. TWI?P. This place is the stuff of nightmares, and where said nightmares get their bad dreams. Take it from us pal, you're NEVER getting out. Go with everything you're told, and maybe... You'll get lucky with the questions they have."

[endstar]

"Hah! A nightmare? I MAKE them! I don’t know who they are but they DARED to lay a hand on me, and now they will PAY!”

He looks around the room, pacing a bit with a hiss.

What.. is this place? And what kind of magic nullifiers to they have

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Thaaaaaaaaat's what they all say. That's what my Malak said. Now? Now he's a voice in my head... rarely talks anymore, too scared to.

[endstar]

He glares… mildy fearful.. that is a really disturbing prospect… but the rather large Malak variant makes a loud huff like an angry bull… stubborn.

They all are.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

Foot steps are heard down the hall, and the Doug's demeanor changes. "Corner. Now. Hide. Don't say anything. Don't do anything. By whatever twisted god that's out there, do NOT threaten them. Check up crew. You'll thank me later..."

[endstar]

He demon hisses… it’s.. no use. He just stepped back away from the glass, but he only just puffs up, clenching his fist

[the-what-if-project]

The doug hides in the corner per his own instructions, and the scientists that kidnapped them come to their cells. Clipboards in hand, glasses obscuring their faces. "DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Doug?"

The numbers on their arms... They're probably a form of identification. The scientist looks at void doug. "DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Doug? Step forward for evaluation."

She... Looks human, but in that sort of way you know it's someone pretending to be human...

[endstar]

Void Doug trembles a bit.

“I- what— who are-“

He steps forward he hesitantly, his hand, not pulling, but gently held onto his collar

[the-what-if-project]

They roughly grab his shoulders, and start to drag him off. The older experiments in the halls silently watch, sad, but they at least don't look worried. The worst hasn't started yet...

[endstar]

He yelps and wails CONFUSED.

"What’s- what’s happening?!? Who are you?!”

[the-what-if-project]

"Just routine, you will be returned to your cell shortly after we collect baseline data on your vitals."

They don't bother answering his second question. It's not fun that way :)

[endstar]

He just squeaks as he’s dragged off, shaking heavily as they go.

[the-what-if-project]

Its... very invasive when they get there. Strapping him down to forcefully do blood work, forcing his eyes wide open to check them, prying his mouth open, x-rays and whatnot.

This place is DEFINITELY not ethical.

[endstar]

Void Doug…. Fawns. Terrified and confused…. He doesn’t know what’s going on, but he doesn’t have the power or confidence to do anything about it… to attack or scream… all he does is stand there fearfully.

[the-what-if-project]

Once the very invasive procedure is complete, he's dragged back, and tossed into his cell. The next AU is then grabbed.

[endstar]

This goes on for… awhile. Some struggle, some are too confused too- mainly the Malak’s struggle a lot.

[the-what-if-project]

All who struggle learn quickly that the collars shock them until they submit, not just quick zaps either. If they struggle too long, the collars will zap them for solid minutes until they've seized too much to fight. If they try to attack? They're zapped over and over again, till they're in tears.

Examples.

They saved coming for void Malak last...

[endstar]

Void malak had..

Started to get particularly bad. Smacking his ram like horns agaisnt the glass, and stamping his hooves.. once they make it to his cell, he backs off, and makes a heavy heave of air like once again.. a really pisses off bull.

“You… WILL let me out of this cell!” He snarls.

[the-what-if-project]

"We are letting you out, DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Malak. but you will have to behave, otherwise we will have to neutralize you. You have seen the consequences of action, we trust you will be well behaved for us?

She bows her head slightly, mockingly.

[endstar]

He snorts.

"I am not a SEQUENCE of NUMBERS you fowl insolent thing!!” He snaps “the most of a diffrent name I’ve had to lord Malak is void! That.. stupid name that the foul “seer” gave me….”

[the-what-if-project]

"You are the 3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 malak we have brought in from study from a Dark Deception timeline. That is the only reason why we are addressing you by your identification number. I hope you understand DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Malak!

[endstar]

He snarls with anger.

“What in the HELLS DO YOU MEAN?!”

His hoof drags along the ground, stomping

[the-what-if-project]

"It means we have a growing number of Malaks in the facility. With infinite test subjects. You are merely another malak."

Her smile does NOT waver. She... Enjoys this job way too much-

[endstar]

“WHY YOU LITTLE—“

[the-what-if-project]

"We have trillions."

She dumbs down. "...of you."

[endstar]

He pales a bit, confusion setting in, and.. fear… trillions of HIM? Why him? His stomach dropping. He lets out a more fearful hiss.

“WHY?! WH-WHO.. ARE YOU?!”

[the-what-if-project]

"We are The What If? Project! We specialize in answering questions most people don't want to ask!"

She gently points to the cell with the Doug who's sewn together with Malak. Despite the slow movement, the cocky experiment flinches, and covers his head with his fists. Praying, begging in very quiet mumbles. "What if Doug and Malak were forced to share a body? This question has been asked and answered a thousand times, but we decided to spin it in another direction. There has been fusion, possession, but never assimilation. It's one of our favorite experiments actually! Isn't that right, DD-83742394792223338 Doug-malak?"

He just hiccups and scoots closer to his corner...

[endstar]

“…wh.. why would you…?”

He looks on with horror, smoke coming from his mouth defensively.. and well… fearfully.

“What’s- THE POINT?! To torture-“

[the-what-if-project]

"Simple. Questions are asked? It's our job to deliver the answers!"

She giggles. She. Giggles.

These scientists have absolutely no morals... She looks like a mortal, but this is bad, even for the worst of humanity.

[endstar]

He stares at her with horror, before snarling and punching glass where her head jt.

“I- I WILL GET OUT!”

[the-what-if-project]

She doesn't flinch. "My life only has value in the facility. That would be counterproductive on your part."

She presses a button on a device, and his collar starts to go off.

[endstar]

He wails, and immediately falls to the floor shaking, and pulling on the collar, hissing, and screeching.

[the-what-if-project]

She starts snapping her fingers as he's shocked, sounds instinctive yelps of pain come from every cell who heard it. The voltage gets higher and higher upon each snap, but all the other collars aren't going off, despite everyone else, except for the new AUs, reacting in pain...

It's conditioning...

[endstar]

The other aus slowly back up in their cells or cover their ears at the screaming, void Malak’s sounds more and more like a cat in.. a lot of pain. Screeching, and trying and failing to cry for mercy.

[the-what-if-project]

He has his punishment lasts for a solid 10 minutes, the longest out of them. The whole time, she loudly snaps. The only other stimulation he has, outside of the shocking.

When it finally stops, she opens his cell door, standing over where he lays in pain. "...Are we feeling more compliant?"

Her voice is ever so cheerful.

[endstar]

Malak wheezes, making empty gagging sound, somehow managing to not throw up, his limbs twitching and shaking… he does not reply.

[the-what-if-project]

She snaps her finger again, no shock though.

[endstar]

He makes a panicked wail, expecting a shock that didn’t come, curling up into a ball fearfully.

[the-what-if-project]

"...Get up."

She orders, finally showing some coldness. It's... odd how relieving that is.

[endstar]

He growls underneath his breath but, reluctantly obeys, scared of more pain… slowly, nearly falling over quite a few times, standing.

[the-what-if-project]

The other scientists grab his arms, and drag him off to be evaluated.

[endstar]

He lets them… squinting his eyes shut to help himself ignore the stares the aus give him.

[the-what-if-project]

And so he's lead off... to be poked, prodded, and treated as nothing more than a lab rat.

[endstar]

He growls, and huffs like a chained animal, but.. he doesn’t squirm, or say anything.. he just stands there… hoping it’s over quickly

[the-what-if-project]

Once it's over, he's dragged back to his cell and roughly tossed in. "You're some of our most behaved test subjects yet! We can't wait to answer the question our employers have for you! We will be loading our data in our systems shortly!"

With that, the cell is locked back up, and the scientists leave.

The Doug, Fourway-two, finally comes out of hiding. Wiping his tears away. His breath shakes, but he still nods in their direction. "...First day, and only 10 minutes being your longest shock outta ya... Call that lucky round here... You okay over there, beefy?"

[endstar]

He makes a stubborn, angry growl, just laying on the floor, before shakily getting up.

“F..fine…”

He says, clearing his throat, and forcing fear out of it.

"Just… fine..”

[the-what-if-project]

"...Don't pretend noobie... You're not helping anyone, being all tough like that. Doesn't help yourself here... Longer you say you're fine, the less and less you're going to mean it. We are in worse than hell now. You don't gotta be "fine" ever again..."

His voice wavers a bit, before switching to something softer... timid. HIS voice. "I-I... Didn't last... a week... N-no... No one judges... strength here... we... learn better... by at least... a week..."

[endstar]

He stumbles off to a corner weakly, grumbling underneath his breath, his ego cracked, but… somehow.. not broken. Probably not new here… Theyre stubborn. 

He glances at fourway, with disgust, hate… and… well…. Mild fear that he covers desperately.

"…s..shut it.. I said I was FINE.”

He says, looking disturbed at his own voice but not deterred. I normal malak would probably freak out at there being another him… one so “lowly”… but void is used to it… the multiverse and all…

[the-what-if-project]

"...j-just... trying... to save you the pain... Strength... saves n-no one here... i-it will be worse... they break us... e-easier to let... yourself... fall... than... suffer..."

He bows their shared head in resignation.

[endstar]

“…. I won’t.”

He growls, going to the corner and sitting down.

[the-what-if-project]

Doug switches back over, almost forcefully. Their body jolting as he snaps. "Well FIIIIIIINE, don't take an ancient experiment's advice! The evaluation is the easy bit, and no one is going to sugarcoat it, beefcake! You will either break or die, and you're going to learn VERY quickly why we all would rather die. Experiments that end in death, no matter how awful, are the KIND ones..."

He walks back to his corner, and plops down.

[endstar]

“ … I didn’t ask for advice did I?” He growls heavily, annoyed… but.. it’s tainted by his own fear. He IS scared

[the-what-if-project]

"Didn't ask to be here either, now did ya? It's etiquette around here. You always warn the noobies, in hopes they get easier experiments. More you act out, the more interesting it becomes to toy with you. Stronger your will, more torture you endure. If you ignore MY warning, and everyone else that's going to warn you, then it's on you if you get lobotomized and flayed."

[endstar]

He shivers, but snarls,

“YOU EXPECT ME TO JUST- JUST ACCEPT THIS?! I… this will NOT be my fate!”

[the-what-if-project]

"...That's what everyone says..."

[endstar]

… void doesn’t respond after that. Remaining in his corner.

Prophecy Bierce… has one of the calmest reactions anyone has probably ever seen since being stuck in here- she sits with her back to the wall, with her eyes closed, just not responding… staying SILENT. Her Doug immediately started having panic attacks and freaking out…. And of course her malak started flipping out and trying to break free every chance he got, but stopped as soon as he was told to out of fear… strong till there was someone as strong as him facing him down…. just- a WHOLE LOT.

[the-what-if-project]

Strange clicks are heard from the other end of the hall after some hours. Fourway-two lights up a little. "Wait... Clicky!"

He gets up, and presses his hands against the glass, trying to see down the hall. A lengthy creature, with bones that are far too long, twisted, and obviously broken. Her skin is like Fourway-two's, patchy, mixed with someone else's. She rasps, unable to speak, but, she doesn't need to. Her long black hair already shows who she is.

Fourway-two heads over to the to a small door, as the creature crawls over, dragging an oxygen tank and IV behind her. With fingers that are far too long, spliced with familiar claws, she grabs the other experiment's hand. "...There's our girls... surprised you're still fighting... W-were you good for the doctors...?"

Malak's voice sounds a little stronger talking to this... THING. Clicky waves her head around, her bones rubbing and making snapping noises that, as disgusting as they sound, seem happy. She pats the ground, jumping in a... familiar way.

Fourway-two smiles. "Pain meds! Alright, atta girls! That must make roaming the halls easier, eh?"

Her body twists, making more happy bone noises, and she gurgles animalistically. "Good to hear it, Clicky... W-we hate seeing both of you in pain."

[endstar]

…. Void malak pales, horror clouding pride and self image as he realizes who it is… it stirs up the stubborn, angry pot of confusion, and causes one singular question to spark…

Where is Agatha?

He doesn’t interrupt fourway-two, and clickys conversation… he only gets up, and begins to pace at the front of the glass, looking for Agatha, who… he can’t see from his glass cage. He doesn’t make a sound.

The nearby Doug’s and Malak’s have similar reactions, hiding away as they realize to the fullest extent WHAT is happening and what IS happening…

[the-what-if-project]

"Clicky" notices them, and starts making destressed clicks with her bones, groaning sadly. "N-no! Nononono, shhh shhh shhhhh, no... No they're not scared of you... W-why don't you girls help them...? Look for their daughters, they're scared too... You know how the doctors like to keep us separated..."

She snaps her neck upside down, and starts to crawl up to higher cells, looking for the other Tammys and Agathas, calling out to them with a distorted wail, that sounds like both girls sobbing...

"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah...."

[endstar]

This… makes the Malak’s and Doug’s overall mental state and temperament WORSE- getting more desperate, and pacing a bit.

Agatha’s are scratching at their doors crying heavily, wailing for their daddy’s, and the Tammy’s just remained curled in corners, not responding to much, covering their ears.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky finds them eventually, and attempts to wave to them. Trying not to be scary, even though... That's impossible.

[endstar]

Void Agatha immediately screams with terror as she appears, scrambling away.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky groans, and cowers at the screaming a bit. She doesn't like being THIS scary...

[endstar]

“Wh- WHAT ARE YOU-???”

Agatha cries, going to the corner

[the-what-if-project]

She points to her, then a Tammy, then herself, before clicking sadly. Making a wail that sounds like THEM. "Waaaaaaaaah...."

[endstar]

She whimpers.

“Your— what?? Your me- and- and- whoever that is-?! I-“

He trembles, holding her long hands to her chest:

[the-what-if-project]

She clicks, nodding.

[endstar]

“Wh- wha? How- but your—“

She looks on with horror

[the-what-if-project]

She makes a horn sign with one of her hands, and points downward. Trying to explain her daddy is in a ground cell.

[endstar]

… she doesn’t understand she just looks at her confused, and starts crying again.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky taps the glass, and points down again, trying to get her to listen.

[endstar]

“I- I don’t know what you meeaaaannn!”

She crys.

[the-what-if-project]

She looks around, before climbing down back to ground level. She taps on the glass void malak is in, and points upward, clicking erratically.

[endstar]

…he softens his tone a bit… for her. Like how he’d talk to Agatha.

“…hm..? What are you trying to tell me..?”

He looks up at the ceiling.

[the-what-if-project]

She points to herself, then him, then up. Trying to tell him that his daughter is in a cell above him.

[endstar]

“…is…”

He thinks.

"Is Agatha up there? My Agatha?”

He asks calmly but urgently

[the-what-if-project]

She nods clicking, but then sadly moves her long arms to demonstrate her fingers not being able to touch. His Agatha, along with the others, are just out of reach for them to properly comfort each other...

[endstar]

“…o..oh… I.. can.. can.. you tell her it will be okay..? That I’m okay..?”

He says softly.

[the-what-if-project]

She bows her head, and taps her throat, shaking her head. She can't speak due to what was done to her. "...Clicky was one of the prototype experiments before us. They ruined their vocal chords... Can't speak, can only scream, cry, or groan..."

"...M-maybe give her your tie...? Through the food door...?"

[endstar]

He nods, carefully taking it off and giving it to clicky.

[the-what-if-project]

She very carefully takes it, and climbs back up. lifting void Agatha's food door, and slipping the tie inside.

[endstar]

Agatha looks up, looking at it, and quickly runs over.

“D-daddy’s tie! He- he’s okay???”

[the-what-if-project]

She nods, and points down. Letting her know where he is.

[endstar]

She sighs with relief, wiping away her tears carefully.

“I.. I hope I’ll get to see him soon..”

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky clicks her bones together, snapping in sympathy.

[endstar]

She just sighs and, sits down with her knees at her chest by the door sadly…

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky eventually climbs down, and leaves them behind. Giving her dads one last hand hold before going down the halls, presumably to her own cell.

Over the next several hours, they're left alone. Scientists bring them the most disgusting looking slop they have ever seen to eat, leaving them with only that. "...Warning you all now, it's drugged. No joke, actually full of drugs. Don't know what half of em do, which ones they put in for each person, but... yeah. You're never not having non-laced food again."

Nevertheless, Fourway-two starts eating his own slop. "...I think it might be to keep us from leaving? Make us more scared? Maybe knock us out easier? I've been here for decades, still don't know..."

[endstar]

Prophecy, from the next cell over, speaks.

★"… starving is preferable. I’d give it to you if I could.”★

She doesn’t move from the wall… void pins his ears with disgust.

↓“For once, I agree with the witch… I didn’t even know YOU were here…"↓

★"everybody is, void… the whole of the meeting room…"★

Void hisses

↓"…grr… I told you to stop calling me that, you snake…”↓

★"Well I refused. Simple as that.”★

He groans.

[the-what-if-project]

"You'll eventually eat... Everyone says they won't, till they do... Starving is hard here... They don't let you die, if it's not in an experiment.

[endstar]

★"…I will not last long anyway dear. I’m going to die quickly… or.. be close to dead."★

[the-what-if-project]

"You sound... pretty certain. You're also kinda chill, for a test subject... what, you gonna try ending it? That isn't gonna fly, we're under surveillance 24/7-"

[endstar]

★"No. I see the future, and that line of future I can see ends soon… so either A… I die. Or B they beat me in mentally to the point where I can’t see anything, or can’t think.”★

[the-what-if-project]

He sharply inhales, and covers his mouth in mild horror and sympathy.

....Well THAT'S a comforting reaction-

[endstar]

"Oh yay, I’m doomed.”

She says, apathetically- not reacting much.

[the-what-if-project]

"...Yeah... You're taking it a lot better than most seers in this place... I-I... I hope the procedure doesn't hurt you too much... How long will we all get to know you... as you..? Got a time before it goes black?"

His voice is very gentle now, a little less cocky and callused. Like... He's talking to someone about to die.

[endstar]

She remains apathetic… casual, like it’s talking about ★"maybe a few days, depending… I’ve seen enough horrors… it’s… refreshing to know the end is near.” ★

[the-what-if-project]

He nods, then looks at void malak. With zero cockiness, he begs. "...Get to know her. Every damn thing you can. You're not gonna get another chance, and you're gonna regret it for the rest of your life here... Once they know what she is, her designated experiment will rip her from you... And you're not gonna like it."

[endstar]

He sneers.

↓"…why would I want to get to know HER? That fowl, creature of a woman! I hate her… she’s not even MY Bierce!↓

Beirce sighs, and lays down on her back.

[the-what-if-project]

"Not just you, all of you. I... We're gonna get to know her too. She isn't gonna die like that. We're not gonna let her die like that... She's a seer, and... they don't last the week. She will be gone in the worst way a person to be gone... it's... a benevolent fate, compared to most things... She... she won't outwardly suffer, but she's gonna be here, reminding all of you, that you never knew her...

[endstar]

"…why should I care? She’s a copy of one of the most annoying, insufferable mortal I’ve had the misfortune of meeting! In no way will I ever care for her fate”

Prophecy sighs, slightly annoyed.

★"it’s no use, Honey. He’s as stubborn as a mule… I don’t care, nor want fake kindness. I’ve known, and seen hundreds of my deaths in millions of timelines… rarely does anyone, especially him mourn me…”★

[the-what-if-project]

"...it's different here. This place MAKES you care... not because it suddenly makes you a Saint, no one deserves to be here. No one has earned the Fates they get... they will mourn. Everyone says they won't, or no one will mourn em, till they're all crying to a God that's probably chained down the hall... you got a decent hell ahead of you, but it's not going to be easy on everyone else..."

[endstar]

★"… I suppose I’m just hoping for the best fate for everybody else… but I cannot even see that or the probability of that .. it’s fogged.”★

She sighs, looking at her nails then at her shaking Doug in the corner, frowning.

[the-what-if-project]

He just looks at her sadly. "...that's very noble of you to think... we'll keep an eye on em for you, miss... Make sure they're not at each other's throats after you're gone."

He forces a laugh after his joke, then abruptly stops. Malak taking over. "...W-we have time to kill... before we're dragged off for the day... mind... mind telling us about yourself...? Memories you... y-you don't want forgotten...?

[endstar]

★"…can’t say I have much I want to be remembered… very little actually … I can’t say I spent my life wisely… I was born with this… curse. I didn’t need malak for fame, I just pawned it off of peoples desperate desires to know their fate.. conned them. I guess I was extremely nihilistic back then… knowing how my life would end at such a young age, wasn’t very healthy for a young mind… hah… the only way I ended up in the ballroom was because I was stealing so many souls from too many demons… especially malak… telling them of their fate if they go down the demonic path… Malak hunted me down, and I knew the only way I would survive is if I got the ring … and went into the ballroom…. Huh. Now I’m here … maybe I should’ve just accepted it back then, but I was … rather stubborn. I wanted to bend fate to my hands… and I could as best I can.”★

She looks at fourway-two with her bright purple eyes.

[the-what-if-project]

"Sounds like a lot of seers here... b-but... hey, you made the most of it, technically saved people, e-even if it was for cons, and... you tried. That says something about you. Like any Bierce, you... you are strong willed, determined, but... but unlike them, you still actively did some good, even if it was for the wrong reasons. That... th-that should mean something."

[endstar]

"Huh… perhaps. I still hate that… that’s all I really did with my life… and well.. piss off malak. But that was more entertaining than anything…. Respectfully.”

[the-what-if-project]

"...I-I... can understand that... we're not... exactly pleasant..."

Malak bows Fourway-two's head. He's... extremely humble, for a malak.

[endstar]

She smiles a bit.

“… sure. But it’s more funny to me now…”

[the-what-if-project]

That makes him shyly smile a bit.

They gently pressure her for more stuff. Favorite colors, food, places, time of day, flowers, cons she was fond of, everything they can ask, until the scientists come back to drag them away.

They struggle at first, more out of instinct than actual resistance, but inevitably obey at the THREAT of one of the doctors snapping their fingers. They didn't even need to hear it in order for it to break their fleeting will...

[endstar]

Prophecy watches sadly.. gently waving them off with a sad smile… kindly… she is very nice for a beirve… especially to a Malak’s face.. once they are gone, she lays down, and has her Doug cuddle up with her quietly.

[the-what-if-project]

An hour later, they hear his distant scream, but... none of the older experiments react much... Like it's nothing out of the ordinary.

[endstar]

Prophecy sighs, and covers her ears sadly.

The other aus whince, and get more and more anxious… the screaming wasn’t it was scaring them but everyone acted like this was normal… torture was normal here… and most of them came to the conclusion that they would follow suit soon.

[the-what-if-project]

He's eventually dragged back after several hours, looking really beat up. His flesh burned, soul shards sticking out of him like tumors. He's roughly tossed into his cell, and locked back up.

He coughs up blood, that has some purple sparkly bits in it, like there are soul shards in his lungs.

[endstar]

Prophecy just frowns, and sighs quietly. Void is… a lot more disturbed. He shivers, but.. doesn’t know what really to say other than giving a disturbed look…

[the-what-if-project]

He starts yanking the shards out of his body, with pained grunts. "...magic testing sucks... my mortal bits don't mix well with the demon bits-"

"I-I'm sorry..."

"Don't be... even if I was mad at you, we share nerves now. Not like I'm suffering alone..."

"Y-you don't deserve this..."

Doug scoffs. "You do?"

Malak doesn't answer, so Doug just focuses back on popping shards out of their body. Occasionally stopping to rub his patches of red skin comfortingly.

[endstar]

The aus… judge silently. Not saying anything or doing anything noticeable.. just… why are they so friendly with each other? Why aren’t they ripping out each other skin — some stare for a bit- especially void cause he’s a weirdo.

[the-what-if-project]

The Doug glances at them, and decides to make a joke, to lower the tensions. "What...? Never seen an unholy abomination pull out soul tumors before?"

[endstar]

Void snorts, with a huff-

"Huh… let me think— NO- I havent!”

[the-what-if-project]

He snorts. "Good, I'd be wondering about the scientific ethics of your timeline if you did-"

[endstar]

He huffs, and just starts pacing around, bored- his hooves clomping around-

[the-what-if-project]

After a bit, he calls out. "Ay, you okay in there, beefcake?"

He pops out another shard like a cyst.

[endstar]

“I’m bored, and- would you STOP calling me that!”

He huffs

[the-what-if-project]

"It's a compliment, but okay-"

He shrugs. "Not that much to do here, but talk and suffer. Some experiments have puzzles, games, but watch out for those. Cognitive puzzles mean they're gonna mess with your brain."

[endstar]

“Grreeeaaattt….”

He hisses deeply, stomping his hooves like an angry horse-

[the-what-if-project]

He sighs, and starts putting the soul shards he has in a pile. "...You could try talking to your cell mates a bit? Get to know the other noobies before the inevitable? Everyone's biggest regret her is, like we said, not knowing people. You can get on top of the game and entertain yourself, talking to em?"

This is what? The second or third time he mentioned getting to know people? He seems... very insistent.

[endstar]

He groans

↓"you are awfully determined… I can already feel a headache from communicating with such annoyinh creatures..”↓

[the-what-if-project]

"...Just don't want you repeating the same mistakes everyone else does... After the seers gone...? You'll probably understand..."

[endstar]

He scoffs

"… yeah, right…”

[the-what-if-project]

He... deflates a little, giving up for now. Still... kinda creepy how insistent he is.

A week passes, and they're put through simpler tests. Familiar mazes, puzzles, and their food is always drugged. But Prophecy Bierce has a lot more cognitive puzzles than the other new AUs... As the end of the week approaches, he becomes more insistent on them knowing her, till the final day.

The scientists come, not smiling blankly... They're grinning. Mouths just a tad too wide, as they drag her out of her cell... Fourway-two weeps silently, just... unable to take his eyes off her as they take her down the hall.

[endstar]

The other aus watch quietly… not seeming to care very much other than her Doug that shakes, and try’s to pull her away from the doctors… prophecy gently, shoving him away, to prevent him from getting in trouble… staying silent…. She doesn’t struggle, nor hiss, not cry. She just lets it happen.

She knows it’s the end of the line for her… mostly.

[the-what-if-project]

As she disappears down the hall, Fourway-two shakes his head. "Well... that's it for her... when she comes back...? Don't say I didn't warn all of you..."

[endstar]

Void rolls his eyes.

↓“None of us really liked her anyway.”↓

… the othet aus just look down or shrug.. not caring too much..

Accept her Doug, the ting one with the mask… he cries in the corner sadly. Wheeping with choked sobs.

[the-what-if-project]

"...after today... you're gonna change your mind..."

With her, the scientists strap her down on the table, and force a bit in her mouth, as they proceed with the procedure. Their grins grow wider and wider, with sadistic glee.

[endstar]

she makes an uncomfortable grunt, but doesn’t try anything, wincing as she looks up at them… she knows there is no feasible way out of this situation… so hopefully she just seems depressed enough that they… will be somewhat gentle.

[the-what-if-project]

They're not. They're actively rough, just TRYING to get a reaction out of her, and when they finally electrocute her and shove the pick in her eye? They end up causing even more brain damage than intended. Leading to an even more detrimental lobotomy.

Once lobotomized, they have her do cognitive puzzles, to compare the data they already collected...

[endstar]

She stares aimlessly at it for a long few minutes, eyes hazed over, struggling to understand that there’s a problem they want her to solve to begin with… slowly, she weakly try’s… her hand struggling to grip it at all… and her mind struggling to force in self into comprehending what was happening, loosing focus quickly.

[the-what-if-project]

They're satisfied after she fails yet another puzzle, and they send her back to the cells. Only staying long enough to record the reactions of the other new AUs when she returns.

Fourway-two looks away, unable to look at her now. Before the AUs can comprehend what happened to Prophecy Bierce? He already knows what has been done...

[endstar]

Prophecy Doug quickly runs up to her hugging her… but unlike when he first started crying… she doesn’t comfort him or rub his back gently or care… she just stares blankly ahead of her, glancing down at him quietly as he crys into her, making desperate sign language that goes unanswered… making him cry heavier.

Nothing.

Not a thing is left of her.

↓"..what they do to you, lady?”↓

Just a blank stare comes from here, Malak’s ears pin, as he looks just.. confused, and unnerved.

[the-what-if-project]

"A lobotomy!"

The scientist grins. "Tests showed she could see the future, couldn't let her warn you of our experiments! That would ruin our data!"

[endstar]

↓"I- you.. mushed up her brain, and made her BRAIN dead??”"↓

He says, disturbed.

[the-what-if-project]

"Oh of course! Why wouldn't we? Lobotomies are one of our employer's favorite procedures!"

She laughs, and her team joins her. "Aw, don't tell us you CARED about her? You barely know her, or even spoke to her based on security footage. Actively didn't even want to know her, now all of the sudden you're upset by what happened? Or are you worried you're next? Well don't worry, she's our only lobotomy planned for your test group!"

[endstar]

"I did NOT! I just want to know what in the sweet rings is HAPPENING! Of course I’m going to be upset at the prospect of you giving a LOBOTOMY to SOMEONE!”

He snarls, flicking his tail

[the-what-if-project]

The scientists laugh. "Oh, we already told you. Questions have been asked, and we have been employed to answer them. We were always going to lobotomize her, we just had to compare the results! Brain scans showed her having an impressive sight over time, and fast deductions over probability, as impressive as our seer test subjects directly related to gods of knowledge and madness despite her not having connections to a deity of madness or knowledge. Though there certainly were divine connections. Now? HA! Now she can't even retain memories at all! Let alone see the future. Even if she still can, she can't comprehend it. We may have gone a little overboard, when she didn't show the desired reaction, so the damage to her frontal lobe is more severe than we initially intended. She's not a person anymore. Just a thing. That occasionally has electricity moving her limbs and make noises. Like a broken toy!"

[endstar]

Void looks at the scientists with horror… along with the othet aus, especially the beirces… looking sick, and pale now.

Void can’t even speak. Even with his cruelty, he has been gagged with the pure cockiness and, sadism from this what seems to be a mortal.

[the-what-if-project]

With a giggle, they leave em alone to process the fact that... Prophecy bierce is gone in the worst possible way a person can leave. The scientist waves giddily. "We start your Luckys' testing tomorrow, and we can't waaaaaaait! Your collective mental stabilities will be fascinating!"

[endstar]

Prophecy’s Doug and malak just.. stare at her. Silently… prophecy’s Doug just crying heavily… her Malak’s ears drooped… his face going through a whirlwind of emotions… but mainly fear.. disgust… they just ripped her away entire sentience… and mind…

He hated her. A lot…

But.. she didn’t deserve this did she?

Not like that. He can’t get the bearings to make a sound or move…. He just trembles in the corner, looking at the empty shell of a woman… that isn’t anyone now.

Prophecy Doug gently gets her to sit down.

[the-what-if-project]

"...W-we... told you to get to know her for a reason..."

Fourway-two holds their hand over their mouth, both sides distraught.

[endstar]

Prophecy malak snaps at him.

★"SHUT IT!”★

He snarls

[the-what-if-project]

They flinch away, and a bunch more experiments cower away in their cells. They can't see most of them, but there is a collective THUMP of them all going to their corners.

[endstar]

Malak doesnt feel bad… he just sits there… pulling on his ears with way too many complicated emotions he wanted to feel…

The rest of the aus stay silent… it’s just quiet now.

Well.. not including the screaming of experiments

[the-what-if-project]

Hours pass, Another experiment is dragged away for testing. A bierce who... is in tank. Gurgling, and not even solid. There are some other colors in there, suggesting she wasn't the only one in gelatinous form in this glass tank. Her "mouth" opens in an attempt to scream, but all it goes is make a malak colored bubble inflate and pop where her "lips" should be. There are only suggestions of a face where they can see her. A running eye near her head that looks like it's from doug. Something in it tries to form a hand, that quickly dissolves back into the living solution, based on the shape and colors? A gremlin probably, or maybe penny...

Dear god, it's actually EVERYONE in a tank, as a living solution, the bierce on top just hasn't mixed in yet fully.

...What sort of question could have prompted that fate...?

[endstar]

The aus gag immediately at the sight, some immediately bursting into tears… most of them out of distress stop looking outside entirely… staring at the walls, distressed.

[the-what-if-project]

There's a tiny voice just overhead, one cell just above one of them. "...bye daddy... and... guys..."

The gelatinous mass wails as much as it can as it's dragged away. Some familiar claws that are all chewed up stick out of the food door, in reach of an AU below...

...Not everyone is in that experiment... at least... yet.

[endstar]

The aus weep sadly at this.. awful fate. Fear and anxiety creeping in…

This is awful. This is all sinful, and awful… who would do this? Why would they? sure.. they know they are answering questions, but that doesn’t explain why they are… what the point would be

[the-what-if-project]

The Agatha just above them continues reaching, before dangling her fingers down pathetically in sorrow and resignation... she's probably going to join that tank of pain one day...

[endstar]

The aus just… mourn. Their lives… their situation… everything.. some of the more weak stomach throw up…

[the-what-if-project]

After more hours, the goop creature is dragged back, managing to sob somehow, bubbling in agony. The lights are dimmed, and tomorrow awaits the Luckys, who's with their gangs on the other side of the hall, their cells next to Fourway-two.

[endstar]

The luckys wheeze, and kick at the doors, making angry grunting… very desperate to get out since the scientist basically confirmed they were going to suffer soon

[the-what-if-project]

Doug eventually has enough in the Fourway-two fusion. "Hey! Doors are locked tight, it's no use. Get some rest while you're not in too much pain to sleep!"

[endstar]

“FUCK. OFF! IM NOT LETTING THIS HAPPEN!!”

Prophecy lucky yowls.

Hangry lays down in the corner hugging penny whos crying heavily.

[the-what-if-project]

"There's literally NO USE!"

Another experiment shouts. Another lucky on the other side of the hall, though it's... hard to see that. He looks like a real bunny- er... or like he's a Frankenstein made of bunnies. He scratches at a bleeding seam, sitting alone in his cell. "...so get it out of your head that you have a chance... Luck doesn't exist here, all you can do is lose or die. That's the only luck you got... getting a break through death..."

...he's alone in that cell...

[endstar]

Lucky wheezes, clenching his fists, looking at the version of him with his ears pinned… with a mix of stress, panic, and hate…

… he doesn’t think about how that lucky is alone. He doesn’t let himself.

He won’t think about that.

He won’t worry about it.

“I don’t care… I won’t be hopeless.. OR pethetic!”

He says, his voice filled with unfamiliar fear.

[the-what-if-project]

"Then at least be quiet about it, oh courageous rabbit! Some of us would like to sleep, and wallow in our helplessness and self-pity in peace."

He flops down, and curls up in the fetal position.

[endstar]

Lucky hisses and just pulls in his ears angerily.

[the-what-if-project]

The night is too long and too short at the same time...

But eventually morning comes, and the scientists come for the new Luckies. Smiling their demented smiles.

[endstar]

Each and every one of them fights… trying to run or trying to get their friends to run.. of course they do not run though… fear, fear clouding their determination, unlike luckys…

[the-what-if-project]

Unlike last time when they were evaluated and fought, they don't get shocked. Their Pennies and Hangries though...

Almost dangerous amounts of electricity fire through them, just barely enough to keep them from breaking. "Behave, and we'll stop."

The male scientist says. They're punishing their friends for the Luckies' behavior...

[endstar]

All the luckys pretty much immediately stop… all having the same panicked expression, mixed with anger, hate… and worrie…

“O-OKAY OKAY! JUST- LEAVE THEM ALL ALONE! THEY- THEY DIDNT DO ANYTHING BUCKO!”

[the-what-if-project]

They leave it running for a solid minute, before letting the shocks stop. "...Good. Remember that for next time."

[endstar]

The pennies and Hangry’s wheeze and pretty much immediately pass out or… shut down for a bit… not permanently of course. Luckys sneer, defeated, but still angry.

[the-what-if-project]

"Move."

The scientist drag them off to be tested in a large maze. Halfway through the trip, some scientists break off from the group and go down a different hallway... and they go back to the cells with the AUs. Walkie talkies at the ready.

With the Luckies, they're given their instructions. "You are going to run through this maze doing puzzles. The Lucky who completes the least amount of puzzles loses, but you will not know who the loser is until you return to your cells. You are also not allowed to tell each other how many puzzles you have all done. Otherwise you will all collectively lose around. You must complete at least 5 puzzles in order to win a round."

Three lights and a loud horn blares over the maze. "This will be your only indicator if one of you has lost. One light means one of you has lost one round. Two lights means one of you has two rounds. But three lights will always mean you have lost more than two rounds. Which could mean one of you has lost three rounds, or all ten rounds in a row. This will be a test of your lucks pitted against each other, and of how you handle the prospect of being the loser. Any questions before the timer starts?"

[endstar]

… fhey don’t ask any questions and go on…

… they run like they always have… ignoring how they’re competitors are just themselves… sometimes getting even more violent with each other. Trying to boost their odds of winning… some lose… some don’t. Some threaten one another or just ignore the others existence….

[the-what-if-project]

Little do they know the price of losing. Price of not reaching five per round. They're in for a nasty surprise when they return to their cells...

With each loss, the scientists call the ones by the AUs, and tell them a string of numbers. Depending on the number, they grab a Penny or a Hangry, and take them away... no rhyme or reason at the time, it feels random without the context of the competition.

Breaks between rounds feels random, some are long, others are short. The maze is never the same twice.

Some cells have both Hangry and Penny, some only have one or the other, some... some unlucky Luckies are going to come back and find no one.

[endstar]

It was a normal day in the multiverse, until it wasn't

A portal opened up, and then another, and another, and another-

All of them without symbols, all of them the wrong color, and out of all of them came strange people in coats. Their attacks are swift, overwhelming, knocking AUs out, before taking them, while more head through the AUs' portal.

It's some sort of ambush!

@the-what-if-project

People screech, and attack with confusion, teying to fight back.. and well.. failing.

The only one who doesnt is prophecy Bierce… sitting there and letting it happen…

She knew. She knew she’d be fine…

At least this her.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

When they wake up, they find themselves in glass cells, numbers tattooed on them like animals, wearing hospital gowns. Some of them are muzzled, and they all have collars around their necks.

Wails and sobs come down the other halls from a distance they can't tell. Whatever this place is, it's bad news...

[endstar]

Most… of tjem freak out, huddling into corners yelling .. various curses- void is particularly bad…

“WHO DARES?!!!”

He snarls with fear and anger stumbling up, pulling at the coller with hate.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

The collar shocks him immediately when he tries to remove it. Not a simple zap either, it HURTS.

They're shock collars.

[endstar]

He yelps with pain and flails onto the ground, before scrambling up again. He immediately try’s using magic to break the barrier

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

Nothing happens... The barrier doesn't budge.

A voice from another cell shouts. "AYE- Noobie! Forget about it! Ain't no escape!"

When they look across they see... A doug. With patches of malak's skin sewn into his body.

He has one arm on his shoulder and another at his side, all four pressed against the glass.

[endstar]

Voids ears pin, with disgust and confusion, slowly going backward a bit.

↓“What.. in the HELLS are YOU?!”↓

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Your future. Ain't I handsome?"

He scoffs. "People around here call us Fourway-Two. You uh... can guess why-"

[endstar]

He looks… disgusted, his ears flick.

"…. Where am I, strange AU? Who did this ambush!"

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Welcome to The What If? Project. TWI?P. This place is the stuff of nightmares, and where said nightmares get their bad dreams. Take it from us pal, you're NEVER getting out. Go with everything you're told, and maybe... You'll get lucky with the questions they have."

[endstar]

"Hah! A nightmare? I MAKE them! I don’t know who they are but they DARED to lay a hand on me, and now they will PAY!”

He looks around the room, pacing a bit with a hiss.

What.. is this place? And what kind of magic nullifiers to they have

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Thaaaaaaaaat's what they all say. That's what my Malak said. Now? Now he's a voice in my head... rarely talks anymore, too scared to.

[endstar]

He glares… mildy fearful.. that is a really disturbing prospect… but the rather large Malak variant makes a loud huff like an angry bull… stubborn.

They all are.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

Foot steps are heard down the hall, and the Doug's demeanor changes. "Corner. Now. Hide. Don't say anything. Don't do anything. By whatever twisted god that's out there, do NOT threaten them. Check up crew. You'll thank me later..."

[endstar]

He demon hisses… it’s.. no use. He just stepped back away from the glass, but he only just puffs up, clenching his fist

[the-what-if-project]

The doug hides in the corner per his own instructions, and the scientists that kidnapped them come to their cells. Clipboards in hand, glasses obscuring their faces. "DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Doug?"

The numbers on their arms... They're probably a form of identification. The scientist looks at void doug. "DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Doug? Step forward for evaluation."

She... Looks human, but in that sort of way you know it's someone pretending to be human...

[endstar]

Void Doug trembles a bit.

“I- what— who are-“

He steps forward he hesitantly, his hand, not pulling, but gently held onto his collar

[the-what-if-project]

They roughly grab his shoulders, and start to drag him off. The older experiments in the halls silently watch, sad, but they at least don't look worried. The worst hasn't started yet...

[endstar]

He yelps and wails CONFUSED.

"What’s- what’s happening?!? Who are you?!”

[the-what-if-project]

"Just routine, you will be returned to your cell shortly after we collect baseline data on your vitals."

They don't bother answering his second question. It's not fun that way :)

[endstar]

He just squeaks as he’s dragged off, shaking heavily as they go.

[the-what-if-project]

Its... very invasive when they get there. Strapping him down to forcefully do blood work, forcing his eyes wide open to check them, prying his mouth open, x-rays and whatnot.

This place is DEFINITELY not ethical.

[endstar]

Void Doug…. Fawns. Terrified and confused…. He doesn’t know what’s going on, but he doesn’t have the power or confidence to do anything about it… to attack or scream… all he does is stand there fearfully.

[the-what-if-project]

Once the very invasive procedure is complete, he's dragged back, and tossed into his cell. The next AU is then grabbed.

[endstar]

This goes on for… awhile. Some struggle, some are too confused too- mainly the Malak’s struggle a lot.

[the-what-if-project]

All who struggle learn quickly that the collars shock them until they submit, not just quick zaps either. If they struggle too long, the collars will zap them for solid minutes until they've seized too much to fight. If they try to attack? They're zapped over and over again, till they're in tears.

Examples.

They saved coming for void Malak last...

[endstar]

Void malak had..

Started to get particularly bad. Smacking his ram like horns agaisnt the glass, and stamping his hooves.. once they make it to his cell, he backs off, and makes a heavy heave of air like once again.. a really pisses off bull.

“You… WILL let me out of this cell!” He snarls.

[the-what-if-project]

"We are letting you out, DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Malak. but you will have to behave, otherwise we will have to neutralize you. You have seen the consequences of action, we trust you will be well behaved for us?

She bows her head slightly, mockingly.

[endstar]

He snorts.

"I am not a SEQUENCE of NUMBERS you fowl insolent thing!!” He snaps “the most of a diffrent name I’ve had to lord Malak is void! That.. stupid name that the foul “seer” gave me….”

[the-what-if-project]

"You are the 3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 malak we have brought in from study from a Dark Deception timeline. That is the only reason why we are addressing you by your identification number. I hope you understand DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Malak!

[endstar]

He snarls with anger.

“What in the HELLS DO YOU MEAN?!”

His hoof drags along the ground, stomping

[the-what-if-project]

"It means we have a growing number of Malaks in the facility. With infinite test subjects. You are merely another malak."

Her smile does NOT waver. She... Enjoys this job way too much-

[endstar]

“WHY YOU LITTLE—“

[the-what-if-project]

"We have trillions."

She dumbs down. "...of you."

[endstar]

He pales a bit, confusion setting in, and.. fear… trillions of HIM? Why him? His stomach dropping. He lets out a more fearful hiss.

“WHY?! WH-WHO.. ARE YOU?!”

[the-what-if-project]

"We are The What If? Project! We specialize in answering questions most people don't want to ask!"

She gently points to the cell with the Doug who's sewn together with Malak. Despite the slow movement, the cocky experiment flinches, and covers his head with his fists. Praying, begging in very quiet mumbles. "What if Doug and Malak were forced to share a body? This question has been asked and answered a thousand times, but we decided to spin it in another direction. There has been fusion, possession, but never assimilation. It's one of our favorite experiments actually! Isn't that right, DD-83742394792223338 Doug-malak?"

He just hiccups and scoots closer to his corner...

[endstar]

“…wh.. why would you…?”

He looks on with horror, smoke coming from his mouth defensively.. and well… fearfully.

“What’s- THE POINT?! To torture-“

[the-what-if-project]

"Simple. Questions are asked? It's our job to deliver the answers!"

She giggles. She. Giggles.

These scientists have absolutely no morals... She looks like a mortal, but this is bad, even for the worst of humanity.

[endstar]

He stares at her with horror, before snarling and punching glass where her head jt.

“I- I WILL GET OUT!”

[the-what-if-project]

She doesn't flinch. "My life only has value in the facility. That would be counterproductive on your part."

She presses a button on a device, and his collar starts to go off.

[endstar]

He wails, and immediately falls to the floor shaking, and pulling on the collar, hissing, and screeching.

[the-what-if-project]

She starts snapping her fingers as he's shocked, sounds instinctive yelps of pain come from every cell who heard it. The voltage gets higher and higher upon each snap, but all the other collars aren't going off, despite everyone else, except for the new AUs, reacting in pain...

It's conditioning...

[endstar]

The other aus slowly back up in their cells or cover their ears at the screaming, void Malak’s sounds more and more like a cat in.. a lot of pain. Screeching, and trying and failing to cry for mercy.

[the-what-if-project]

He has his punishment lasts for a solid 10 minutes, the longest out of them. The whole time, she loudly snaps. The only other stimulation he has, outside of the shocking.

When it finally stops, she opens his cell door, standing over where he lays in pain. "...Are we feeling more compliant?"

Her voice is ever so cheerful.

[endstar]

Malak wheezes, making empty gagging sound, somehow managing to not throw up, his limbs twitching and shaking… he does not reply.

[the-what-if-project]

She snaps her finger again, no shock though.

[endstar]

He makes a panicked wail, expecting a shock that didn’t come, curling up into a ball fearfully.

[the-what-if-project]

"...Get up."

She orders, finally showing some coldness. It's... odd how relieving that is.

[endstar]

He growls underneath his breath but, reluctantly obeys, scared of more pain… slowly, nearly falling over quite a few times, standing.

[the-what-if-project]

The other scientists grab his arms, and drag him off to be evaluated.

[endstar]

He lets them… squinting his eyes shut to help himself ignore the stares the aus give him.

[the-what-if-project]

And so he's lead off... to be poked, prodded, and treated as nothing more than a lab rat.

[endstar]

He growls, and huffs like a chained animal, but.. he doesn’t squirm, or say anything.. he just stands there… hoping it’s over quickly

[the-what-if-project]

Once it's over, he's dragged back to his cell and roughly tossed in. "You're some of our most behaved test subjects yet! We can't wait to answer the question our employers have for you! We will be loading our data in our systems shortly!"

With that, the cell is locked back up, and the scientists leave.

The Doug, Fourway-two, finally comes out of hiding. Wiping his tears away. His breath shakes, but he still nods in their direction. "...First day, and only 10 minutes being your longest shock outta ya... Call that lucky round here... You okay over there, beefy?"

[endstar]

He makes a stubborn, angry growl, just laying on the floor, before shakily getting up.

“F..fine…”

He says, clearing his throat, and forcing fear out of it.

"Just… fine..”

[the-what-if-project]

"...Don't pretend noobie... You're not helping anyone, being all tough like that. Doesn't help yourself here... Longer you say you're fine, the less and less you're going to mean it. We are in worse than hell now. You don't gotta be "fine" ever again..."

His voice wavers a bit, before switching to something softer... timid. HIS voice. "I-I... Didn't last... a week... N-no... No one judges... strength here... we... learn better... by at least... a week..."

[endstar]

He stumbles off to a corner weakly, grumbling underneath his breath, his ego cracked, but… somehow.. not broken. Probably not new here… Theyre stubborn. 

He glances at fourway, with disgust, hate… and… well…. Mild fear that he covers desperately.

"…s..shut it.. I said I was FINE.”

He says, looking disturbed at his own voice but not deterred. I normal malak would probably freak out at there being another him… one so “lowly”… but void is used to it… the multiverse and all…

[the-what-if-project]

"...j-just... trying... to save you the pain... Strength... saves n-no one here... i-it will be worse... they break us... e-easier to let... yourself... fall... than... suffer..."

He bows their shared head in resignation.

[endstar]

“…. I won’t.”

He growls, going to the corner and sitting down.

[the-what-if-project]

Doug switches back over, almost forcefully. Their body jolting as he snaps. "Well FIIIIIIINE, don't take an ancient experiment's advice! The evaluation is the easy bit, and no one is going to sugarcoat it, beefcake! You will either break or die, and you're going to learn VERY quickly why we all would rather die. Experiments that end in death, no matter how awful, are the KIND ones..."

He walks back to his corner, and plops down.

[endstar]

“ … I didn’t ask for advice did I?” He growls heavily, annoyed… but.. it’s tainted by his own fear. He IS scared

[the-what-if-project]

"Didn't ask to be here either, now did ya? It's etiquette around here. You always warn the noobies, in hopes they get easier experiments. More you act out, the more interesting it becomes to toy with you. Stronger your will, more torture you endure. If you ignore MY warning, and everyone else that's going to warn you, then it's on you if you get lobotomized and flayed."

[endstar]

He shivers, but snarls,

“YOU EXPECT ME TO JUST- JUST ACCEPT THIS?! I… this will NOT be my fate!”

[the-what-if-project]

"...That's what everyone says..."

[endstar]

… void doesn’t respond after that. Remaining in his corner.

Prophecy Bierce… has one of the calmest reactions anyone has probably ever seen since being stuck in here- she sits with her back to the wall, with her eyes closed, just not responding… staying SILENT. Her Doug immediately started having panic attacks and freaking out…. And of course her malak started flipping out and trying to break free every chance he got, but stopped as soon as he was told to out of fear… strong till there was someone as strong as him facing him down…. just- a WHOLE LOT.

[the-what-if-project]

Strange clicks are heard from the other end of the hall after some hours. Fourway-two lights up a little. "Wait... Clicky!"

He gets up, and presses his hands against the glass, trying to see down the hall. A lengthy creature, with bones that are far too long, twisted, and obviously broken. Her skin is like Fourway-two's, patchy, mixed with someone else's. She rasps, unable to speak, but, she doesn't need to. Her long black hair already shows who she is.

Fourway-two heads over to the to a small door, as the creature crawls over, dragging an oxygen tank and IV behind her. With fingers that are far too long, spliced with familiar claws, she grabs the other experiment's hand. "...There's our girls... surprised you're still fighting... W-were you good for the doctors...?"

Malak's voice sounds a little stronger talking to this... THING. Clicky waves her head around, her bones rubbing and making snapping noises that, as disgusting as they sound, seem happy. She pats the ground, jumping in a... familiar way.

Fourway-two smiles. "Pain meds! Alright, atta girls! That must make roaming the halls easier, eh?"

Her body twists, making more happy bone noises, and she gurgles animalistically. "Good to hear it, Clicky... W-we hate seeing both of you in pain."

[endstar]

…. Void malak pales, horror clouding pride and self image as he realizes who it is… it stirs up the stubborn, angry pot of confusion, and causes one singular question to spark…

Where is Agatha?

He doesn’t interrupt fourway-two, and clickys conversation… he only gets up, and begins to pace at the front of the glass, looking for Agatha, who… he can’t see from his glass cage. He doesn’t make a sound.

The nearby Doug’s and Malak’s have similar reactions, hiding away as they realize to the fullest extent WHAT is happening and what IS happening…

[the-what-if-project]

"Clicky" notices them, and starts making destressed clicks with her bones, groaning sadly. "N-no! Nononono, shhh shhh shhhhh, no... No they're not scared of you... W-why don't you girls help them...? Look for their daughters, they're scared too... You know how the doctors like to keep us separated..."

She snaps her neck upside down, and starts to crawl up to higher cells, looking for the other Tammys and Agathas, calling out to them with a distorted wail, that sounds like both girls sobbing...

"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah...."

[endstar]

This… makes the Malak’s and Doug’s overall mental state and temperament WORSE- getting more desperate, and pacing a bit.

Agatha’s are scratching at their doors crying heavily, wailing for their daddy’s, and the Tammy’s just remained curled in corners, not responding to much, covering their ears.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky finds them eventually, and attempts to wave to them. Trying not to be scary, even though... That's impossible.

[endstar]

Void Agatha immediately screams with terror as she appears, scrambling away.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky groans, and cowers at the screaming a bit. She doesn't like being THIS scary...

[endstar]

“Wh- WHAT ARE YOU-???”

Agatha cries, going to the corner

[the-what-if-project]

She points to her, then a Tammy, then herself, before clicking sadly. Making a wail that sounds like THEM. "Waaaaaaaaah...."

[endstar]

She whimpers.

“Your— what?? Your me- and- and- whoever that is-?! I-“

He trembles, holding her long hands to her chest:

[the-what-if-project]

She clicks, nodding.

[endstar]

“Wh- wha? How- but your—“

She looks on with horror

[the-what-if-project]

She makes a horn sign with one of her hands, and points downward. Trying to explain her daddy is in a ground cell.

[endstar]

… she doesn’t understand she just looks at her confused, and starts crying again.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky taps the glass, and points down again, trying to get her to listen.

[endstar]

“I- I don’t know what you meeaaaannn!”

She crys.

[the-what-if-project]

She looks around, before climbing down back to ground level. She taps on the glass void malak is in, and points upward, clicking erratically.

[endstar]

…he softens his tone a bit… for her. Like how he’d talk to Agatha.

“…hm..? What are you trying to tell me..?”

He looks up at the ceiling.

[the-what-if-project]

She points to herself, then him, then up. Trying to tell him that his daughter is in a cell above him.

[endstar]

“…is…”

He thinks.

"Is Agatha up there? My Agatha?”

He asks calmly but urgently

[the-what-if-project]

She nods clicking, but then sadly moves her long arms to demonstrate her fingers not being able to touch. His Agatha, along with the others, are just out of reach for them to properly comfort each other...

[endstar]

“…o..oh… I.. can.. can.. you tell her it will be okay..? That I’m okay..?”

He says softly.

[the-what-if-project]

She bows her head, and taps her throat, shaking her head. She can't speak due to what was done to her. "...Clicky was one of the prototype experiments before us. They ruined their vocal chords... Can't speak, can only scream, cry, or groan..."

"...M-maybe give her your tie...? Through the food door...?"

[endstar]

He nods, carefully taking it off and giving it to clicky.

[the-what-if-project]

She very carefully takes it, and climbs back up. lifting void Agatha's food door, and slipping the tie inside.

[endstar]

Agatha looks up, looking at it, and quickly runs over.

“D-daddy’s tie! He- he’s okay???”

[the-what-if-project]

She nods, and points down. Letting her know where he is.

[endstar]

She sighs with relief, wiping away her tears carefully.

“I.. I hope I’ll get to see him soon..”

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky clicks her bones together, snapping in sympathy.

[endstar]

She just sighs and, sits down with her knees at her chest by the door sadly…

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky eventually climbs down, and leaves them behind. Giving her dads one last hand hold before going down the halls, presumably to her own cell.

Over the next several hours, they're left alone. Scientists bring them the most disgusting looking slop they have ever seen to eat, leaving them with only that. "...Warning you all now, it's drugged. No joke, actually full of drugs. Don't know what half of em do, which ones they put in for each person, but... yeah. You're never not having non-laced food again."

Nevertheless, Fourway-two starts eating his own slop. "...I think it might be to keep us from leaving? Make us more scared? Maybe knock us out easier? I've been here for decades, still don't know..."

[endstar]

Prophecy, from the next cell over, speaks.

★"… starving is preferable. I’d give it to you if I could.”★

She doesn’t move from the wall… void pins his ears with disgust.

↓“For once, I agree with the witch… I didn’t even know YOU were here…"↓

★"everybody is, void… the whole of the meeting room…"★

Void hisses

↓"…grr… I told you to stop calling me that, you snake…”↓

★"Well I refused. Simple as that.”★

He groans.

[the-what-if-project]

"You'll eventually eat... Everyone says they won't, till they do... Starving is hard here... They don't let you die, if it's not in an experiment.

[endstar]

★"…I will not last long anyway dear. I’m going to die quickly… or.. be close to dead."★

[the-what-if-project]

"You sound... pretty certain. You're also kinda chill, for a test subject... what, you gonna try ending it? That isn't gonna fly, we're under surveillance 24/7-"

[endstar]

★"No. I see the future, and that line of future I can see ends soon… so either A… I die. Or B they beat me in mentally to the point where I can’t see anything, or can’t think.”★

[the-what-if-project]

He sharply inhales, and covers his mouth in mild horror and sympathy.

....Well THAT'S a comforting reaction-

[endstar]

"Oh yay, I’m doomed.”

She says, apathetically- not reacting much.

[the-what-if-project]

"...Yeah... You're taking it a lot better than most seers in this place... I-I... I hope the procedure doesn't hurt you too much... How long will we all get to know you... as you..? Got a time before it goes black?"

His voice is very gentle now, a little less cocky and callused. Like... He's talking to someone about to die.

[endstar]

She remains apathetic… casual, like it’s talking about ★"maybe a few days, depending… I’ve seen enough horrors… it’s… refreshing to know the end is near.” ★

[the-what-if-project]

He nods, then looks at void malak. With zero cockiness, he begs. "...Get to know her. Every damn thing you can. You're not gonna get another chance, and you're gonna regret it for the rest of your life here... Once they know what she is, her designated experiment will rip her from you... And you're not gonna like it."

[endstar]

He sneers.

↓"…why would I want to get to know HER? That fowl, creature of a woman! I hate her… she’s not even MY Bierce!↓

Beirce sighs, and lays down on her back.

[the-what-if-project]

"Not just you, all of you. I... We're gonna get to know her too. She isn't gonna die like that. We're not gonna let her die like that... She's a seer, and... they don't last the week. She will be gone in the worst way a person to be gone... it's... a benevolent fate, compared to most things... She... she won't outwardly suffer, but she's gonna be here, reminding all of you, that you never knew her...

[endstar]

"…why should I care? She’s a copy of one of the most annoying, insufferable mortal I’ve had the misfortune of meeting! In no way will I ever care for her fate”

Prophecy sighs, slightly annoyed.

★"it’s no use, Honey. He’s as stubborn as a mule… I don’t care, nor want fake kindness. I’ve known, and seen hundreds of my deaths in millions of timelines… rarely does anyone, especially him mourn me…”★

[the-what-if-project]

"...it's different here. This place MAKES you care... not because it suddenly makes you a Saint, no one deserves to be here. No one has earned the Fates they get... they will mourn. Everyone says they won't, or no one will mourn em, till they're all crying to a God that's probably chained down the hall... you got a decent hell ahead of you, but it's not going to be easy on everyone else..."

[endstar]

★"… I suppose I’m just hoping for the best fate for everybody else… but I cannot even see that or the probability of that .. it’s fogged.”★

She sighs, looking at her nails then at her shaking Doug in the corner, frowning.

[the-what-if-project]

He just looks at her sadly. "...that's very noble of you to think... we'll keep an eye on em for you, miss... Make sure they're not at each other's throats after you're gone."

He forces a laugh after his joke, then abruptly stops. Malak taking over. "...W-we have time to kill... before we're dragged off for the day... mind... mind telling us about yourself...? Memories you... y-you don't want forgotten...?

[endstar]

★"…can’t say I have much I want to be remembered… very little actually … I can’t say I spent my life wisely… I was born with this… curse. I didn’t need malak for fame, I just pawned it off of peoples desperate desires to know their fate.. conned them. I guess I was extremely nihilistic back then… knowing how my life would end at such a young age, wasn’t very healthy for a young mind… hah… the only way I ended up in the ballroom was because I was stealing so many souls from too many demons… especially malak… telling them of their fate if they go down the demonic path… Malak hunted me down, and I knew the only way I would survive is if I got the ring … and went into the ballroom…. Huh. Now I’m here … maybe I should’ve just accepted it back then, but I was … rather stubborn. I wanted to bend fate to my hands… and I could as best I can.”★

She looks at fourway-two with her bright purple eyes.

[the-what-if-project]

"Sounds like a lot of seers here... b-but... hey, you made the most of it, technically saved people, e-even if it was for cons, and... you tried. That says something about you. Like any Bierce, you... you are strong willed, determined, but... but unlike them, you still actively did some good, even if it was for the wrong reasons. That... th-that should mean something."

[endstar]

"Huh… perhaps. I still hate that… that’s all I really did with my life… and well.. piss off malak. But that was more entertaining than anything…. Respectfully.”

[the-what-if-project]

"...I-I... can understand that... we're not... exactly pleasant..."

Malak bows Fourway-two's head. He's... extremely humble, for a malak.

[endstar]

She smiles a bit.

“… sure. But it’s more funny to me now…”

[the-what-if-project]

That makes him shyly smile a bit.

They gently pressure her for more stuff. Favorite colors, food, places, time of day, flowers, cons she was fond of, everything they can ask, until the scientists come back to drag them away.

They struggle at first, more out of instinct than actual resistance, but inevitably obey at the THREAT of one of the doctors snapping their fingers. They didn't even need to hear it in order for it to break their fleeting will...

[endstar]

Prophecy watches sadly.. gently waving them off with a sad smile… kindly… she is very nice for a beirve… especially to a Malak’s face.. once they are gone, she lays down, and has her Doug cuddle up with her quietly.

[the-what-if-project]

An hour later, they hear his distant scream, but... none of the older experiments react much... Like it's nothing out of the ordinary.

[endstar]

Prophecy sighs, and covers her ears sadly.

The other aus whince, and get more and more anxious… the screaming wasn’t it was scaring them but everyone acted like this was normal… torture was normal here… and most of them came to the conclusion that they would follow suit soon.

[the-what-if-project]

He's eventually dragged back after several hours, looking really beat up. His flesh burned, soul shards sticking out of him like tumors. He's roughly tossed into his cell, and locked back up.

He coughs up blood, that has some purple sparkly bits in it, like there are soul shards in his lungs.

[endstar]

Prophecy just frowns, and sighs quietly. Void is… a lot more disturbed. He shivers, but.. doesn’t know what really to say other than giving a disturbed look…

[the-what-if-project]

He starts yanking the shards out of his body, with pained grunts. "...magic testing sucks... my mortal bits don't mix well with the demon bits-"

"I-I'm sorry..."

"Don't be... even if I was mad at you, we share nerves now. Not like I'm suffering alone..."

"Y-you don't deserve this..."

Doug scoffs. "You do?"

Malak doesn't answer, so Doug just focuses back on popping shards out of their body. Occasionally stopping to rub his patches of red skin comfortingly.

[endstar]

The aus… judge silently. Not saying anything or doing anything noticeable.. just… why are they so friendly with each other? Why aren’t they ripping out each other skin — some stare for a bit- especially void cause he’s a weirdo.

[the-what-if-project]

The Doug glances at them, and decides to make a joke, to lower the tensions. "What...? Never seen an unholy abomination pull out soul tumors before?"

[endstar]

Void snorts, with a huff-

"Huh… let me think— NO- I havent!”

[the-what-if-project]

He snorts. "Good, I'd be wondering about the scientific ethics of your timeline if you did-"

[endstar]

He huffs, and just starts pacing around, bored- his hooves clomping around-

[the-what-if-project]

After a bit, he calls out. "Ay, you okay in there, beefcake?"

He pops out another shard like a cyst.

[endstar]

“I’m bored, and- would you STOP calling me that!”

He huffs

[the-what-if-project]

"It's a compliment, but okay-"

He shrugs. "Not that much to do here, but talk and suffer. Some experiments have puzzles, games, but watch out for those. Cognitive puzzles mean they're gonna mess with your brain."

[endstar]

“Grreeeaaattt….”

He hisses deeply, stomping his hooves like an angry horse-

[the-what-if-project]

He sighs, and starts putting the soul shards he has in a pile. "...You could try talking to your cell mates a bit? Get to know the other noobies before the inevitable? Everyone's biggest regret her is, like we said, not knowing people. You can get on top of the game and entertain yourself, talking to em?"

This is what? The second or third time he mentioned getting to know people? He seems... very insistent.

[endstar]

He groans

↓"you are awfully determined… I can already feel a headache from communicating with such annoyinh creatures..”↓

[the-what-if-project]

"...Just don't want you repeating the same mistakes everyone else does... After the seers gone...? You'll probably understand..."

[endstar]

He scoffs

"… yeah, right…”

[the-what-if-project]

He... deflates a little, giving up for now. Still... kinda creepy how insistent he is.

A week passes, and they're put through simpler tests. Familiar mazes, puzzles, and their food is always drugged. But Prophecy Bierce has a lot more cognitive puzzles than the other new AUs... As the end of the week approaches, he becomes more insistent on them knowing her, till the final day.

The scientists come, not smiling blankly... They're grinning. Mouths just a tad too wide, as they drag her out of her cell... Fourway-two weeps silently, just... unable to take his eyes off her as they take her down the hall.

[endstar]

The other aus watch quietly… not seeming to care very much other than her Doug that shakes, and try’s to pull her away from the doctors… prophecy gently, shoving him away, to prevent him from getting in trouble… staying silent…. She doesn’t struggle, nor hiss, not cry. She just lets it happen.

She knows it’s the end of the line for her… mostly.

[the-what-if-project]

As she disappears down the hall, Fourway-two shakes his head. "Well... that's it for her... when she comes back...? Don't say I didn't warn all of you..."

[endstar]

Void rolls his eyes.

↓“None of us really liked her anyway.”↓

… the othet aus just look down or shrug.. not caring too much..

Accept her Doug, the ting one with the mask… he cries in the corner sadly. Wheeping with choked sobs.

[the-what-if-project]

"...after today... you're gonna change your mind..."

With her, the scientists strap her down on the table, and force a bit in her mouth, as they proceed with the procedure. Their grins grow wider and wider, with sadistic glee.

[endstar]

she makes an uncomfortable grunt, but doesn’t try anything, wincing as she looks up at them… she knows there is no feasible way out of this situation… so hopefully she just seems depressed enough that they… will be somewhat gentle.

[the-what-if-project]

They're not. They're actively rough, just TRYING to get a reaction out of her, and when they finally electrocute her and shove the pick in her eye? They end up causing even more brain damage than intended. Leading to an even more detrimental lobotomy.

Once lobotomized, they have her do cognitive puzzles, to compare the data they already collected...

[endstar]

She stares aimlessly at it for a long few minutes, eyes hazed over, struggling to understand that there’s a problem they want her to solve to begin with… slowly, she weakly try’s… her hand struggling to grip it at all… and her mind struggling to force in self into comprehending what was happening, loosing focus quickly.

[the-what-if-project]

They're satisfied after she fails yet another puzzle, and they send her back to the cells. Only staying long enough to record the reactions of the other new AUs when she returns.

Fourway-two looks away, unable to look at her now. Before the AUs can comprehend what happened to Prophecy Bierce? He already knows what has been done...

[endstar]

Prophecy Doug quickly runs up to her hugging her… but unlike when he first started crying… she doesn’t comfort him or rub his back gently or care… she just stares blankly ahead of her, glancing down at him quietly as he crys into her, making desperate sign language that goes unanswered… making him cry heavier.

Nothing.

Not a thing is left of her.

↓"..what they do to you, lady?”↓

Just a blank stare comes from here, Malak’s ears pin, as he looks just.. confused, and unnerved.

[the-what-if-project]

"A lobotomy!"

The scientist grins. "Tests showed she could see the future, couldn't let her warn you of our experiments! That would ruin our data!"

[endstar]

↓"I- you.. mushed up her brain, and made her BRAIN dead??”"↓

He says, disturbed.

[the-what-if-project]

"Oh of course! Why wouldn't we? Lobotomies are one of our employer's favorite procedures!"

She laughs, and her team joins her. "Aw, don't tell us you CARED about her? You barely know her, or even spoke to her based on security footage. Actively didn't even want to know her, now all of the sudden you're upset by what happened? Or are you worried you're next? Well don't worry, she's our only lobotomy planned for your test group!"

[endstar]

"I did NOT! I just want to know what in the sweet rings is HAPPENING! Of course I’m going to be upset at the prospect of you giving a LOBOTOMY to SOMEONE!”

He snarls, flicking his tail

[the-what-if-project]

The scientists laugh. "Oh, we already told you. Questions have been asked, and we have been employed to answer them. We were always going to lobotomize her, we just had to compare the results! Brain scans showed her having an impressive sight over time, and fast deductions over probability, as impressive as our seer test subjects directly related to gods of knowledge and madness despite her not having connections to a deity of madness or knowledge. Though there certainly were divine connections. Now? HA! Now she can't even retain memories at all! Let alone see the future. Even if she still can, she can't comprehend it. We may have gone a little overboard, when she didn't show the desired reaction, so the damage to her frontal lobe is more severe than we initially intended. She's not a person anymore. Just a thing. That occasionally has electricity moving her limbs and make noises. Like a broken toy!"

[endstar]

Void looks at the scientists with horror… along with the othet aus, especially the beirces… looking sick, and pale now.

Void can’t even speak. Even with his cruelty, he has been gagged with the pure cockiness and, sadism from this what seems to be a mortal.

[the-what-if-project]

With a giggle, they leave em alone to process the fact that... Prophecy bierce is gone in the worst possible way a person can leave. The scientist waves giddily. "We start your Luckys' testing tomorrow, and we can't waaaaaaait! Your collective mental stabilities will be fascinating!"

[endstar]

Prophecy’s Doug and malak just.. stare at her. Silently… prophecy’s Doug just crying heavily… her Malak’s ears drooped… his face going through a whirlwind of emotions… but mainly fear.. disgust… they just ripped her away entire sentience… and mind…

He hated her. A lot…

But.. she didn’t deserve this did she?

Not like that. He can’t get the bearings to make a sound or move…. He just trembles in the corner, looking at the empty shell of a woman… that isn’t anyone now.

Prophecy Doug gently gets her to sit down.

[the-what-if-project]

"...W-we... told you to get to know her for a reason..."

Fourway-two holds their hand over their mouth, both sides distraught.

[endstar]

Prophecy malak snaps at him.

★"SHUT IT!”★

He snarls

[the-what-if-project]

They flinch away, and a bunch more experiments cower away in their cells. They can't see most of them, but there is a collective THUMP of them all going to their corners.

[endstar]

Malak doesnt feel bad… he just sits there… pulling on his ears with way too many complicated emotions he wanted to feel…

The rest of the aus stay silent… it’s just quiet now.

Well.. not including the screaming of experiments

[the-what-if-project]

Hours pass, Another experiment is dragged away for testing. A bierce who... is in tank. Gurgling, and not even solid. There are some other colors in there, suggesting she wasn't the only one in gelatinous form in this glass tank. Her "mouth" opens in an attempt to scream, but all it goes is make a malak colored bubble inflate and pop where her "lips" should be. There are only suggestions of a face where they can see her. A running eye near her head that looks like it's from doug. Something in it tries to form a hand, that quickly dissolves back into the living solution, based on the shape and colors? A gremlin probably, or maybe penny...

Dear god, it's actually EVERYONE in a tank, as a living solution, the bierce on top just hasn't mixed in yet fully.

...What sort of question could have prompted that fate...?

[endstar]

The aus gag immediately at the sight, some immediately bursting into tears… most of them out of distress stop looking outside entirely… staring at the walls, distressed.

[the-what-if-project]

There's a tiny voice just overhead, one cell just above one of them. "...bye daddy... and... guys..."

The gelatinous mass wails as much as it can as it's dragged away. Some familiar claws that are all chewed up stick out of the food door, in reach of an AU below...

...Not everyone is in that experiment... at least... yet.

[endstar]

The aus weep sadly at this.. awful fate. Fear and anxiety creeping in…

This is awful. This is all sinful, and awful… who would do this? Why would they? sure.. they know they are answering questions, but that doesn’t explain why they are… what the point would be

[the-what-if-project]

The Agatha just above them continues reaching, before dangling her fingers down pathetically in sorrow and resignation... she's probably going to join that tank of pain one day...

[endstar]

The aus just… mourn. Their lives… their situation… everything.. some of the more weak stomach throw up…

[the-what-if-project]

After more hours, the goop creature is dragged back, managing to sob somehow, bubbling in agony. The lights are dimmed, and tomorrow awaits the Luckys, who's with their gangs on the other side of the hall, their cells next to Fourway-two.

[endstar]

The luckys wheeze, and kick at the doors, making angry grunting… very desperate to get out since the scientist basically confirmed they were going to suffer soon

[the-what-if-project]

Doug eventually has enough in the Fourway-two fusion. "Hey! Doors are locked tight, it's no use. Get some rest while you're not in too much pain to sleep!"

[endstar]

“FUCK. OFF! IM NOT LETTING THIS HAPPEN!!”

Prophecy lucky yowls.

Hangry lays down in the corner hugging penny whos crying heavily.

[the-what-if-project]

"There's literally NO USE!"

Another experiment shouts. Another lucky on the other side of the hall, though it's... hard to see that. He looks like a real bunny- er... or like he's a Frankenstein made of bunnies. He scratches at a bleeding seam, sitting alone in his cell. "...so get it out of your head that you have a chance... Luck doesn't exist here, all you can do is lose or die. That's the only luck you got... getting a break through death..."

...he's alone in that cell...

[endstar]

Lucky wheezes, clenching his fists, looking at the version of him with his ears pinned… with a mix of stress, panic, and hate…

… he doesn’t think about how that lucky is alone. He doesn’t let himself.

He won’t think about that.

He won’t worry about it.

“I don’t care… I won’t be hopeless.. OR pethetic!”

He says, his voice filled with unfamiliar fear.

[the-what-if-project]

"Then at least be quiet about it, oh courageous rabbit! Some of us would like to sleep, and wallow in our helplessness and self-pity in peace."

He flops down, and curls up in the fetal position.

[endstar]

Lucky hisses and just pulls in his ears angerily.

[the-what-if-project]

The night is too long and too short at the same time...

But eventually morning comes, and the scientists come for the new Luckies. Smiling their demented smiles.

[endstar]

Each and every one of them fights… trying to run or trying to get their friends to run.. of course they do not run though… fear, fear clouding their determination, unlike luckys…

[the-what-if-project]

Unlike last time when they were evaluated and fought, they don't get shocked. Their Pennies and Hangries though...

Almost dangerous amounts of electricity fire through them, just barely enough to keep them from breaking. "Behave, and we'll stop."

The male scientist says. They're punishing their friends for the Luckies' behavior...

[endstar]

All the luckys pretty much immediately stop… all having the same panicked expression, mixed with anger, hate… and worrie…

“O-OKAY OKAY! JUST- LEAVE THEM ALL ALONE! THEY- THEY DIDNT DO ANYTHING BUCKO!”

[the-what-if-project]

They leave it running for a solid minute, before letting the shocks stop. "...Good. Remember that for next time."

[endstar]

The pennies and Hangry’s wheeze and pretty much immediately pass out or… shut down for a bit… not permanently of course. Luckys sneer, defeated, but still angry.

[the-what-if-project]

"Move."

The scientist drag them off to be tested in a large maze. Halfway through the trip, some scientists break off from the group and go down a different hallway... and they go back to the cells with the AUs. Walkie talkies at the ready.

With the Luckies, they're given their instructions. "You are going to run through this maze doing puzzles. The Lucky who completes the least amount of puzzles loses, but you will not know who the loser is until you return to your cells. You are also not allowed to tell each other how many puzzles you have all done. Otherwise you will all collectively lose around. You must complete at least 5 puzzles in order to win a round."

Three lights and a loud horn blares over the maze. "This will be your only indicator if one of you has lost. One light means one of you has lost one round. Two lights means one of you has two rounds. But three lights will always mean you have lost more than two rounds. Which could mean one of you has lost three rounds, or all ten rounds in a row. This will be a test of your lucks pitted against each other, and of how you handle the prospect of being the loser. Any questions before the timer starts?"

[endstar]

It was a normal day in the multiverse, until it wasn't

A portal opened up, and then another, and another, and another-

All of them without symbols, all of them the wrong color, and out of all of them came strange people in coats. Their attacks are swift, overwhelming, knocking AUs out, before taking them, while more head through the AUs' portal.

It's some sort of ambush!

@the-what-if-project

People screech, and attack with confusion, teying to fight back.. and well.. failing.

The only one who doesnt is prophecy Bierce… sitting there and letting it happen…

She knew. She knew she’d be fine…

At least this her.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

When they wake up, they find themselves in glass cells, numbers tattooed on them like animals, wearing hospital gowns. Some of them are muzzled, and they all have collars around their necks.

Wails and sobs come down the other halls from a distance they can't tell. Whatever this place is, it's bad news...

[endstar]

Most… of tjem freak out, huddling into corners yelling .. various curses- void is particularly bad…

“WHO DARES?!!!”

He snarls with fear and anger stumbling up, pulling at the coller with hate.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

The collar shocks him immediately when he tries to remove it. Not a simple zap either, it HURTS.

They're shock collars.

[endstar]

He yelps with pain and flails onto the ground, before scrambling up again. He immediately try’s using magic to break the barrier

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

Nothing happens... The barrier doesn't budge.

A voice from another cell shouts. "AYE- Noobie! Forget about it! Ain't no escape!"

When they look across they see... A doug. With patches of malak's skin sewn into his body.

He has one arm on his shoulder and another at his side, all four pressed against the glass.

[endstar]

Voids ears pin, with disgust and confusion, slowly going backward a bit.

↓“What.. in the HELLS are YOU?!”↓

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Your future. Ain't I handsome?"

He scoffs. "People around here call us Fourway-Two. You uh... can guess why-"

[endstar]

He looks… disgusted, his ears flick.

"…. Where am I, strange AU? Who did this ambush!"

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Welcome to The What If? Project. TWI?P. This place is the stuff of nightmares, and where said nightmares get their bad dreams. Take it from us pal, you're NEVER getting out. Go with everything you're told, and maybe... You'll get lucky with the questions they have."

[endstar]

"Hah! A nightmare? I MAKE them! I don’t know who they are but they DARED to lay a hand on me, and now they will PAY!”

He looks around the room, pacing a bit with a hiss.

What.. is this place? And what kind of magic nullifiers to they have

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Thaaaaaaaaat's what they all say. That's what my Malak said. Now? Now he's a voice in my head... rarely talks anymore, too scared to.

[endstar]

He glares… mildy fearful.. that is a really disturbing prospect… but the rather large Malak variant makes a loud huff like an angry bull… stubborn.

They all are.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

Foot steps are heard down the hall, and the Doug's demeanor changes. "Corner. Now. Hide. Don't say anything. Don't do anything. By whatever twisted god that's out there, do NOT threaten them. Check up crew. You'll thank me later..."

[endstar]

He demon hisses… it’s.. no use. He just stepped back away from the glass, but he only just puffs up, clenching his fist

[the-what-if-project]

The doug hides in the corner per his own instructions, and the scientists that kidnapped them come to their cells. Clipboards in hand, glasses obscuring their faces. "DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Doug?"

The numbers on their arms... They're probably a form of identification. The scientist looks at void doug. "DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Doug? Step forward for evaluation."

She... Looks human, but in that sort of way you know it's someone pretending to be human...

[endstar]

Void Doug trembles a bit.

“I- what— who are-“

He steps forward he hesitantly, his hand, not pulling, but gently held onto his collar

[the-what-if-project]

They roughly grab his shoulders, and start to drag him off. The older experiments in the halls silently watch, sad, but they at least don't look worried. The worst hasn't started yet...

[endstar]

He yelps and wails CONFUSED.

"What’s- what’s happening?!? Who are you?!”

[the-what-if-project]

"Just routine, you will be returned to your cell shortly after we collect baseline data on your vitals."

They don't bother answering his second question. It's not fun that way :)

[endstar]

He just squeaks as he’s dragged off, shaking heavily as they go.

[the-what-if-project]

Its... very invasive when they get there. Strapping him down to forcefully do blood work, forcing his eyes wide open to check them, prying his mouth open, x-rays and whatnot.

This place is DEFINITELY not ethical.

[endstar]

Void Doug…. Fawns. Terrified and confused…. He doesn’t know what’s going on, but he doesn’t have the power or confidence to do anything about it… to attack or scream… all he does is stand there fearfully.

[the-what-if-project]

Once the very invasive procedure is complete, he's dragged back, and tossed into his cell. The next AU is then grabbed.

[endstar]

This goes on for… awhile. Some struggle, some are too confused too- mainly the Malak’s struggle a lot.

[the-what-if-project]

All who struggle learn quickly that the collars shock them until they submit, not just quick zaps either. If they struggle too long, the collars will zap them for solid minutes until they've seized too much to fight. If they try to attack? They're zapped over and over again, till they're in tears.

Examples.

They saved coming for void Malak last...

[endstar]

Void malak had..

Started to get particularly bad. Smacking his ram like horns agaisnt the glass, and stamping his hooves.. once they make it to his cell, he backs off, and makes a heavy heave of air like once again.. a really pisses off bull.

“You… WILL let me out of this cell!” He snarls.

[the-what-if-project]

"We are letting you out, DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Malak. but you will have to behave, otherwise we will have to neutralize you. You have seen the consequences of action, we trust you will be well behaved for us?

She bows her head slightly, mockingly.

[endstar]

He snorts.

"I am not a SEQUENCE of NUMBERS you fowl insolent thing!!” He snaps “the most of a diffrent name I’ve had to lord Malak is void! That.. stupid name that the foul “seer” gave me….”

[the-what-if-project]

"You are the 3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 malak we have brought in from study from a Dark Deception timeline. That is the only reason why we are addressing you by your identification number. I hope you understand DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Malak!

[endstar]

He snarls with anger.

“What in the HELLS DO YOU MEAN?!”

His hoof drags along the ground, stomping

[the-what-if-project]

"It means we have a growing number of Malaks in the facility. With infinite test subjects. You are merely another malak."

Her smile does NOT waver. She... Enjoys this job way too much-

[endstar]

“WHY YOU LITTLE—“

[the-what-if-project]

"We have trillions."

She dumbs down. "...of you."

[endstar]

He pales a bit, confusion setting in, and.. fear… trillions of HIM? Why him? His stomach dropping. He lets out a more fearful hiss.

“WHY?! WH-WHO.. ARE YOU?!”

[the-what-if-project]

"We are The What If? Project! We specialize in answering questions most people don't want to ask!"

She gently points to the cell with the Doug who's sewn together with Malak. Despite the slow movement, the cocky experiment flinches, and covers his head with his fists. Praying, begging in very quiet mumbles. "What if Doug and Malak were forced to share a body? This question has been asked and answered a thousand times, but we decided to spin it in another direction. There has been fusion, possession, but never assimilation. It's one of our favorite experiments actually! Isn't that right, DD-83742394792223338 Doug-malak?"

He just hiccups and scoots closer to his corner...

[endstar]

“…wh.. why would you…?”

He looks on with horror, smoke coming from his mouth defensively.. and well… fearfully.

“What’s- THE POINT?! To torture-“

[the-what-if-project]

"Simple. Questions are asked? It's our job to deliver the answers!"

She giggles. She. Giggles.

These scientists have absolutely no morals... She looks like a mortal, but this is bad, even for the worst of humanity.

[endstar]

He stares at her with horror, before snarling and punching glass where her head jt.

“I- I WILL GET OUT!”

[the-what-if-project]

She doesn't flinch. "My life only has value in the facility. That would be counterproductive on your part."

She presses a button on a device, and his collar starts to go off.

[endstar]

He wails, and immediately falls to the floor shaking, and pulling on the collar, hissing, and screeching.

[the-what-if-project]

She starts snapping her fingers as he's shocked, sounds instinctive yelps of pain come from every cell who heard it. The voltage gets higher and higher upon each snap, but all the other collars aren't going off, despite everyone else, except for the new AUs, reacting in pain...

It's conditioning...

[endstar]

The other aus slowly back up in their cells or cover their ears at the screaming, void Malak’s sounds more and more like a cat in.. a lot of pain. Screeching, and trying and failing to cry for mercy.

[the-what-if-project]

He has his punishment lasts for a solid 10 minutes, the longest out of them. The whole time, she loudly snaps. The only other stimulation he has, outside of the shocking.

When it finally stops, she opens his cell door, standing over where he lays in pain. "...Are we feeling more compliant?"

Her voice is ever so cheerful.

[endstar]

Malak wheezes, making empty gagging sound, somehow managing to not throw up, his limbs twitching and shaking… he does not reply.

[the-what-if-project]

She snaps her finger again, no shock though.

[endstar]

He makes a panicked wail, expecting a shock that didn’t come, curling up into a ball fearfully.

[the-what-if-project]

"...Get up."

She orders, finally showing some coldness. It's... odd how relieving that is.

[endstar]

He growls underneath his breath but, reluctantly obeys, scared of more pain… slowly, nearly falling over quite a few times, standing.

[the-what-if-project]

The other scientists grab his arms, and drag him off to be evaluated.

[endstar]

He lets them… squinting his eyes shut to help himself ignore the stares the aus give him.

[the-what-if-project]

And so he's lead off... to be poked, prodded, and treated as nothing more than a lab rat.

[endstar]

He growls, and huffs like a chained animal, but.. he doesn’t squirm, or say anything.. he just stands there… hoping it’s over quickly

[the-what-if-project]

Once it's over, he's dragged back to his cell and roughly tossed in. "You're some of our most behaved test subjects yet! We can't wait to answer the question our employers have for you! We will be loading our data in our systems shortly!"

With that, the cell is locked back up, and the scientists leave.

The Doug, Fourway-two, finally comes out of hiding. Wiping his tears away. His breath shakes, but he still nods in their direction. "...First day, and only 10 minutes being your longest shock outta ya... Call that lucky round here... You okay over there, beefy?"

[endstar]

He makes a stubborn, angry growl, just laying on the floor, before shakily getting up.

“F..fine…”

He says, clearing his throat, and forcing fear out of it.

"Just… fine..”

[the-what-if-project]

"...Don't pretend noobie... You're not helping anyone, being all tough like that. Doesn't help yourself here... Longer you say you're fine, the less and less you're going to mean it. We are in worse than hell now. You don't gotta be "fine" ever again..."

His voice wavers a bit, before switching to something softer... timid. HIS voice. "I-I... Didn't last... a week... N-no... No one judges... strength here... we... learn better... by at least... a week..."

[endstar]

He stumbles off to a corner weakly, grumbling underneath his breath, his ego cracked, but… somehow.. not broken. Probably not new here… Theyre stubborn. 

He glances at fourway, with disgust, hate… and… well…. Mild fear that he covers desperately.

"…s..shut it.. I said I was FINE.”

He says, looking disturbed at his own voice but not deterred. I normal malak would probably freak out at there being another him… one so “lowly”… but void is used to it… the multiverse and all…

[the-what-if-project]

"...j-just... trying... to save you the pain... Strength... saves n-no one here... i-it will be worse... they break us... e-easier to let... yourself... fall... than... suffer..."

He bows their shared head in resignation.

[endstar]

“…. I won’t.”

He growls, going to the corner and sitting down.

[the-what-if-project]

Doug switches back over, almost forcefully. Their body jolting as he snaps. "Well FIIIIIIINE, don't take an ancient experiment's advice! The evaluation is the easy bit, and no one is going to sugarcoat it, beefcake! You will either break or die, and you're going to learn VERY quickly why we all would rather die. Experiments that end in death, no matter how awful, are the KIND ones..."

He walks back to his corner, and plops down.

[endstar]

“ … I didn’t ask for advice did I?” He growls heavily, annoyed… but.. it’s tainted by his own fear. He IS scared

[the-what-if-project]

"Didn't ask to be here either, now did ya? It's etiquette around here. You always warn the noobies, in hopes they get easier experiments. More you act out, the more interesting it becomes to toy with you. Stronger your will, more torture you endure. If you ignore MY warning, and everyone else that's going to warn you, then it's on you if you get lobotomized and flayed."

[endstar]

He shivers, but snarls,

“YOU EXPECT ME TO JUST- JUST ACCEPT THIS?! I… this will NOT be my fate!”

[the-what-if-project]

"...That's what everyone says..."

[endstar]

… void doesn’t respond after that. Remaining in his corner.

Prophecy Bierce… has one of the calmest reactions anyone has probably ever seen since being stuck in here- she sits with her back to the wall, with her eyes closed, just not responding… staying SILENT. Her Doug immediately started having panic attacks and freaking out…. And of course her malak started flipping out and trying to break free every chance he got, but stopped as soon as he was told to out of fear… strong till there was someone as strong as him facing him down…. just- a WHOLE LOT.

[the-what-if-project]

Strange clicks are heard from the other end of the hall after some hours. Fourway-two lights up a little. "Wait... Clicky!"

He gets up, and presses his hands against the glass, trying to see down the hall. A lengthy creature, with bones that are far too long, twisted, and obviously broken. Her skin is like Fourway-two's, patchy, mixed with someone else's. She rasps, unable to speak, but, she doesn't need to. Her long black hair already shows who she is.

Fourway-two heads over to the to a small door, as the creature crawls over, dragging an oxygen tank and IV behind her. With fingers that are far too long, spliced with familiar claws, she grabs the other experiment's hand. "...There's our girls... surprised you're still fighting... W-were you good for the doctors...?"

Malak's voice sounds a little stronger talking to this... THING. Clicky waves her head around, her bones rubbing and making snapping noises that, as disgusting as they sound, seem happy. She pats the ground, jumping in a... familiar way.

Fourway-two smiles. "Pain meds! Alright, atta girls! That must make roaming the halls easier, eh?"

Her body twists, making more happy bone noises, and she gurgles animalistically. "Good to hear it, Clicky... W-we hate seeing both of you in pain."

[endstar]

…. Void malak pales, horror clouding pride and self image as he realizes who it is… it stirs up the stubborn, angry pot of confusion, and causes one singular question to spark…

Where is Agatha?

He doesn’t interrupt fourway-two, and clickys conversation… he only gets up, and begins to pace at the front of the glass, looking for Agatha, who… he can’t see from his glass cage. He doesn’t make a sound.

The nearby Doug’s and Malak’s have similar reactions, hiding away as they realize to the fullest extent WHAT is happening and what IS happening…

[the-what-if-project]

"Clicky" notices them, and starts making destressed clicks with her bones, groaning sadly. "N-no! Nononono, shhh shhh shhhhh, no... No they're not scared of you... W-why don't you girls help them...? Look for their daughters, they're scared too... You know how the doctors like to keep us separated..."

She snaps her neck upside down, and starts to crawl up to higher cells, looking for the other Tammys and Agathas, calling out to them with a distorted wail, that sounds like both girls sobbing...

"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah...."

[endstar]

This… makes the Malak’s and Doug’s overall mental state and temperament WORSE- getting more desperate, and pacing a bit.

Agatha’s are scratching at their doors crying heavily, wailing for their daddy’s, and the Tammy’s just remained curled in corners, not responding to much, covering their ears.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky finds them eventually, and attempts to wave to them. Trying not to be scary, even though... That's impossible.

[endstar]

Void Agatha immediately screams with terror as she appears, scrambling away.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky groans, and cowers at the screaming a bit. She doesn't like being THIS scary...

[endstar]

“Wh- WHAT ARE YOU-???”

Agatha cries, going to the corner

[the-what-if-project]

She points to her, then a Tammy, then herself, before clicking sadly. Making a wail that sounds like THEM. "Waaaaaaaaah...."

[endstar]

She whimpers.

“Your— what?? Your me- and- and- whoever that is-?! I-“

He trembles, holding her long hands to her chest:

[the-what-if-project]

She clicks, nodding.

[endstar]

“Wh- wha? How- but your—“

She looks on with horror

[the-what-if-project]

She makes a horn sign with one of her hands, and points downward. Trying to explain her daddy is in a ground cell.

[endstar]

… she doesn’t understand she just looks at her confused, and starts crying again.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky taps the glass, and points down again, trying to get her to listen.

[endstar]

“I- I don’t know what you meeaaaannn!”

She crys.

[the-what-if-project]

She looks around, before climbing down back to ground level. She taps on the glass void malak is in, and points upward, clicking erratically.

[endstar]

…he softens his tone a bit… for her. Like how he’d talk to Agatha.

“…hm..? What are you trying to tell me..?”

He looks up at the ceiling.

[the-what-if-project]

She points to herself, then him, then up. Trying to tell him that his daughter is in a cell above him.

[endstar]

“…is…”

He thinks.

"Is Agatha up there? My Agatha?”

He asks calmly but urgently

[the-what-if-project]

She nods clicking, but then sadly moves her long arms to demonstrate her fingers not being able to touch. His Agatha, along with the others, are just out of reach for them to properly comfort each other...

[endstar]

“…o..oh… I.. can.. can.. you tell her it will be okay..? That I’m okay..?”

He says softly.

[the-what-if-project]

She bows her head, and taps her throat, shaking her head. She can't speak due to what was done to her. "...Clicky was one of the prototype experiments before us. They ruined their vocal chords... Can't speak, can only scream, cry, or groan..."

"...M-maybe give her your tie...? Through the food door...?"

[endstar]

He nods, carefully taking it off and giving it to clicky.

[the-what-if-project]

She very carefully takes it, and climbs back up. lifting void Agatha's food door, and slipping the tie inside.

[endstar]

Agatha looks up, looking at it, and quickly runs over.

“D-daddy’s tie! He- he’s okay???”

[the-what-if-project]

She nods, and points down. Letting her know where he is.

[endstar]

She sighs with relief, wiping away her tears carefully.

“I.. I hope I’ll get to see him soon..”

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky clicks her bones together, snapping in sympathy.

[endstar]

She just sighs and, sits down with her knees at her chest by the door sadly…

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky eventually climbs down, and leaves them behind. Giving her dads one last hand hold before going down the halls, presumably to her own cell.

Over the next several hours, they're left alone. Scientists bring them the most disgusting looking slop they have ever seen to eat, leaving them with only that. "...Warning you all now, it's drugged. No joke, actually full of drugs. Don't know what half of em do, which ones they put in for each person, but... yeah. You're never not having non-laced food again."

Nevertheless, Fourway-two starts eating his own slop. "...I think it might be to keep us from leaving? Make us more scared? Maybe knock us out easier? I've been here for decades, still don't know..."

[endstar]

Prophecy, from the next cell over, speaks.

★"… starving is preferable. I’d give it to you if I could.”★

She doesn’t move from the wall… void pins his ears with disgust.

↓“For once, I agree with the witch… I didn’t even know YOU were here…"↓

★"everybody is, void… the whole of the meeting room…"★

Void hisses

↓"…grr… I told you to stop calling me that, you snake…”↓

★"Well I refused. Simple as that.”★

He groans.

[the-what-if-project]

"You'll eventually eat... Everyone says they won't, till they do... Starving is hard here... They don't let you die, if it's not in an experiment.

[endstar]

★"…I will not last long anyway dear. I’m going to die quickly… or.. be close to dead."★

[the-what-if-project]

"You sound... pretty certain. You're also kinda chill, for a test subject... what, you gonna try ending it? That isn't gonna fly, we're under surveillance 24/7-"

[endstar]

★"No. I see the future, and that line of future I can see ends soon… so either A… I die. Or B they beat me in mentally to the point where I can’t see anything, or can’t think.”★

[the-what-if-project]

He sharply inhales, and covers his mouth in mild horror and sympathy.

....Well THAT'S a comforting reaction-

[endstar]

"Oh yay, I’m doomed.”

She says, apathetically- not reacting much.

[the-what-if-project]

"...Yeah... You're taking it a lot better than most seers in this place... I-I... I hope the procedure doesn't hurt you too much... How long will we all get to know you... as you..? Got a time before it goes black?"

His voice is very gentle now, a little less cocky and callused. Like... He's talking to someone about to die.

[endstar]

She remains apathetic… casual, like it’s talking about ★"maybe a few days, depending… I’ve seen enough horrors… it’s… refreshing to know the end is near.” ★

[the-what-if-project]

He nods, then looks at void malak. With zero cockiness, he begs. "...Get to know her. Every damn thing you can. You're not gonna get another chance, and you're gonna regret it for the rest of your life here... Once they know what she is, her designated experiment will rip her from you... And you're not gonna like it."

[endstar]

He sneers.

↓"…why would I want to get to know HER? That fowl, creature of a woman! I hate her… she’s not even MY Bierce!↓

Beirce sighs, and lays down on her back.

[the-what-if-project]

"Not just you, all of you. I... We're gonna get to know her too. She isn't gonna die like that. We're not gonna let her die like that... She's a seer, and... they don't last the week. She will be gone in the worst way a person to be gone... it's... a benevolent fate, compared to most things... She... she won't outwardly suffer, but she's gonna be here, reminding all of you, that you never knew her...

[endstar]

"…why should I care? She’s a copy of one of the most annoying, insufferable mortal I’ve had the misfortune of meeting! In no way will I ever care for her fate”

Prophecy sighs, slightly annoyed.

★"it’s no use, Honey. He’s as stubborn as a mule… I don’t care, nor want fake kindness. I’ve known, and seen hundreds of my deaths in millions of timelines… rarely does anyone, especially him mourn me…”★

[the-what-if-project]

"...it's different here. This place MAKES you care... not because it suddenly makes you a Saint, no one deserves to be here. No one has earned the Fates they get... they will mourn. Everyone says they won't, or no one will mourn em, till they're all crying to a God that's probably chained down the hall... you got a decent hell ahead of you, but it's not going to be easy on everyone else..."

[endstar]

★"… I suppose I’m just hoping for the best fate for everybody else… but I cannot even see that or the probability of that .. it’s fogged.”★

She sighs, looking at her nails then at her shaking Doug in the corner, frowning.

[the-what-if-project]

He just looks at her sadly. "...that's very noble of you to think... we'll keep an eye on em for you, miss... Make sure they're not at each other's throats after you're gone."

He forces a laugh after his joke, then abruptly stops. Malak taking over. "...W-we have time to kill... before we're dragged off for the day... mind... mind telling us about yourself...? Memories you... y-you don't want forgotten...?

[endstar]

★"…can’t say I have much I want to be remembered… very little actually … I can’t say I spent my life wisely… I was born with this… curse. I didn’t need malak for fame, I just pawned it off of peoples desperate desires to know their fate.. conned them. I guess I was extremely nihilistic back then… knowing how my life would end at such a young age, wasn’t very healthy for a young mind… hah… the only way I ended up in the ballroom was because I was stealing so many souls from too many demons… especially malak… telling them of their fate if they go down the demonic path… Malak hunted me down, and I knew the only way I would survive is if I got the ring … and went into the ballroom…. Huh. Now I’m here … maybe I should’ve just accepted it back then, but I was … rather stubborn. I wanted to bend fate to my hands… and I could as best I can.”★

She looks at fourway-two with her bright purple eyes.

[the-what-if-project]

"Sounds like a lot of seers here... b-but... hey, you made the most of it, technically saved people, e-even if it was for cons, and... you tried. That says something about you. Like any Bierce, you... you are strong willed, determined, but... but unlike them, you still actively did some good, even if it was for the wrong reasons. That... th-that should mean something."

[endstar]

"Huh… perhaps. I still hate that… that’s all I really did with my life… and well.. piss off malak. But that was more entertaining than anything…. Respectfully.”

[the-what-if-project]

"...I-I... can understand that... we're not... exactly pleasant..."

Malak bows Fourway-two's head. He's... extremely humble, for a malak.

[endstar]

She smiles a bit.

“… sure. But it’s more funny to me now…”

[the-what-if-project]

That makes him shyly smile a bit.

They gently pressure her for more stuff. Favorite colors, food, places, time of day, flowers, cons she was fond of, everything they can ask, until the scientists come back to drag them away.

They struggle at first, more out of instinct than actual resistance, but inevitably obey at the THREAT of one of the doctors snapping their fingers. They didn't even need to hear it in order for it to break their fleeting will...

[endstar]

Prophecy watches sadly.. gently waving them off with a sad smile… kindly… she is very nice for a beirve… especially to a Malak’s face.. once they are gone, she lays down, and has her Doug cuddle up with her quietly.

[the-what-if-project]

An hour later, they hear his distant scream, but... none of the older experiments react much... Like it's nothing out of the ordinary.

[endstar]

Prophecy sighs, and covers her ears sadly.

The other aus whince, and get more and more anxious… the screaming wasn’t it was scaring them but everyone acted like this was normal… torture was normal here… and most of them came to the conclusion that they would follow suit soon.

[the-what-if-project]

He's eventually dragged back after several hours, looking really beat up. His flesh burned, soul shards sticking out of him like tumors. He's roughly tossed into his cell, and locked back up.

He coughs up blood, that has some purple sparkly bits in it, like there are soul shards in his lungs.

[endstar]

Prophecy just frowns, and sighs quietly. Void is… a lot more disturbed. He shivers, but.. doesn’t know what really to say other than giving a disturbed look…

[the-what-if-project]

He starts yanking the shards out of his body, with pained grunts. "...magic testing sucks... my mortal bits don't mix well with the demon bits-"

"I-I'm sorry..."

"Don't be... even if I was mad at you, we share nerves now. Not like I'm suffering alone..."

"Y-you don't deserve this..."

Doug scoffs. "You do?"

Malak doesn't answer, so Doug just focuses back on popping shards out of their body. Occasionally stopping to rub his patches of red skin comfortingly.

[endstar]

The aus… judge silently. Not saying anything or doing anything noticeable.. just… why are they so friendly with each other? Why aren’t they ripping out each other skin — some stare for a bit- especially void cause he’s a weirdo.

[the-what-if-project]

The Doug glances at them, and decides to make a joke, to lower the tensions. "What...? Never seen an unholy abomination pull out soul tumors before?"

[endstar]

Void snorts, with a huff-

"Huh… let me think— NO- I havent!”

[the-what-if-project]

He snorts. "Good, I'd be wondering about the scientific ethics of your timeline if you did-"

[endstar]

He huffs, and just starts pacing around, bored- his hooves clomping around-

[the-what-if-project]

After a bit, he calls out. "Ay, you okay in there, beefcake?"

He pops out another shard like a cyst.

[endstar]

“I’m bored, and- would you STOP calling me that!”

He huffs

[the-what-if-project]

"It's a compliment, but okay-"

He shrugs. "Not that much to do here, but talk and suffer. Some experiments have puzzles, games, but watch out for those. Cognitive puzzles mean they're gonna mess with your brain."

[endstar]

“Grreeeaaattt….”

He hisses deeply, stomping his hooves like an angry horse-

[the-what-if-project]

He sighs, and starts putting the soul shards he has in a pile. "...You could try talking to your cell mates a bit? Get to know the other noobies before the inevitable? Everyone's biggest regret her is, like we said, not knowing people. You can get on top of the game and entertain yourself, talking to em?"

This is what? The second or third time he mentioned getting to know people? He seems... very insistent.

[endstar]

He groans

↓"you are awfully determined… I can already feel a headache from communicating with such annoyinh creatures..”↓

[the-what-if-project]

"...Just don't want you repeating the same mistakes everyone else does... After the seers gone...? You'll probably understand..."

[endstar]

He scoffs

"… yeah, right…”

[the-what-if-project]

He... deflates a little, giving up for now. Still... kinda creepy how insistent he is.

A week passes, and they're put through simpler tests. Familiar mazes, puzzles, and their food is always drugged. But Prophecy Bierce has a lot more cognitive puzzles than the other new AUs... As the end of the week approaches, he becomes more insistent on them knowing her, till the final day.

The scientists come, not smiling blankly... They're grinning. Mouths just a tad too wide, as they drag her out of her cell... Fourway-two weeps silently, just... unable to take his eyes off her as they take her down the hall.

[endstar]

The other aus watch quietly… not seeming to care very much other than her Doug that shakes, and try’s to pull her away from the doctors… prophecy gently, shoving him away, to prevent him from getting in trouble… staying silent…. She doesn’t struggle, nor hiss, not cry. She just lets it happen.

She knows it’s the end of the line for her… mostly.

[the-what-if-project]

As she disappears down the hall, Fourway-two shakes his head. "Well... that's it for her... when she comes back...? Don't say I didn't warn all of you..."

[endstar]

Void rolls his eyes.

↓“None of us really liked her anyway.”↓

… the othet aus just look down or shrug.. not caring too much..

Accept her Doug, the ting one with the mask… he cries in the corner sadly. Wheeping with choked sobs.

[the-what-if-project]

"...after today... you're gonna change your mind..."

With her, the scientists strap her down on the table, and force a bit in her mouth, as they proceed with the procedure. Their grins grow wider and wider, with sadistic glee.

[endstar]

she makes an uncomfortable grunt, but doesn’t try anything, wincing as she looks up at them… she knows there is no feasible way out of this situation… so hopefully she just seems depressed enough that they… will be somewhat gentle.

[the-what-if-project]

They're not. They're actively rough, just TRYING to get a reaction out of her, and when they finally electrocute her and shove the pick in her eye? They end up causing even more brain damage than intended. Leading to an even more detrimental lobotomy.

Once lobotomized, they have her do cognitive puzzles, to compare the data they already collected...

[endstar]

She stares aimlessly at it for a long few minutes, eyes hazed over, struggling to understand that there’s a problem they want her to solve to begin with… slowly, she weakly try’s… her hand struggling to grip it at all… and her mind struggling to force in self into comprehending what was happening, loosing focus quickly.

[the-what-if-project]

They're satisfied after she fails yet another puzzle, and they send her back to the cells. Only staying long enough to record the reactions of the other new AUs when she returns.

Fourway-two looks away, unable to look at her now. Before the AUs can comprehend what happened to Prophecy Bierce? He already knows what has been done...

[endstar]

Prophecy Doug quickly runs up to her hugging her… but unlike when he first started crying… she doesn’t comfort him or rub his back gently or care… she just stares blankly ahead of her, glancing down at him quietly as he crys into her, making desperate sign language that goes unanswered… making him cry heavier.

Nothing.

Not a thing is left of her.

↓"..what they do to you, lady?”↓

Just a blank stare comes from here, Malak’s ears pin, as he looks just.. confused, and unnerved.

[the-what-if-project]

"A lobotomy!"

The scientist grins. "Tests showed she could see the future, couldn't let her warn you of our experiments! That would ruin our data!"

[endstar]

↓"I- you.. mushed up her brain, and made her BRAIN dead??”"↓

He says, disturbed.

[the-what-if-project]

"Oh of course! Why wouldn't we? Lobotomies are one of our employer's favorite procedures!"

She laughs, and her team joins her. "Aw, don't tell us you CARED about her? You barely know her, or even spoke to her based on security footage. Actively didn't even want to know her, now all of the sudden you're upset by what happened? Or are you worried you're next? Well don't worry, she's our only lobotomy planned for your test group!"

[endstar]

"I did NOT! I just want to know what in the sweet rings is HAPPENING! Of course I’m going to be upset at the prospect of you giving a LOBOTOMY to SOMEONE!”

He snarls, flicking his tail

[the-what-if-project]

The scientists laugh. "Oh, we already told you. Questions have been asked, and we have been employed to answer them. We were always going to lobotomize her, we just had to compare the results! Brain scans showed her having an impressive sight over time, and fast deductions over probability, as impressive as our seer test subjects directly related to gods of knowledge and madness despite her not having connections to a deity of madness or knowledge. Though there certainly were divine connections. Now? HA! Now she can't even retain memories at all! Let alone see the future. Even if she still can, she can't comprehend it. We may have gone a little overboard, when she didn't show the desired reaction, so the damage to her frontal lobe is more severe than we initially intended. She's not a person anymore. Just a thing. That occasionally has electricity moving her limbs and make noises. Like a broken toy!"

[endstar]

Void looks at the scientists with horror… along with the othet aus, especially the beirces… looking sick, and pale now.

Void can’t even speak. Even with his cruelty, he has been gagged with the pure cockiness and, sadism from this what seems to be a mortal.

[the-what-if-project]

With a giggle, they leave em alone to process the fact that... Prophecy bierce is gone in the worst possible way a person can leave. The scientist waves giddily. "We start your Luckys' testing tomorrow, and we can't waaaaaaait! Your collective mental stabilities will be fascinating!"

[endstar]

Prophecy’s Doug and malak just.. stare at her. Silently… prophecy’s Doug just crying heavily… her Malak’s ears drooped… his face going through a whirlwind of emotions… but mainly fear.. disgust… they just ripped her away entire sentience… and mind…

He hated her. A lot…

But.. she didn’t deserve this did she?

Not like that. He can’t get the bearings to make a sound or move…. He just trembles in the corner, looking at the empty shell of a woman… that isn’t anyone now.

Prophecy Doug gently gets her to sit down.

[the-what-if-project]

"...W-we... told you to get to know her for a reason..."

Fourway-two holds their hand over their mouth, both sides distraught.

[endstar]

Prophecy malak snaps at him.

★"SHUT IT!”★

He snarls

[the-what-if-project]

They flinch away, and a bunch more experiments cower away in their cells. They can't see most of them, but there is a collective THUMP of them all going to their corners.

[endstar]

Malak doesnt feel bad… he just sits there… pulling on his ears with way too many complicated emotions he wanted to feel…

The rest of the aus stay silent… it’s just quiet now.

Well.. not including the screaming of experiments

[the-what-if-project]

Hours pass, Another experiment is dragged away for testing. A bierce who... is in tank. Gurgling, and not even solid. There are some other colors in there, suggesting she wasn't the only one in gelatinous form in this glass tank. Her "mouth" opens in an attempt to scream, but all it goes is make a malak colored bubble inflate and pop where her "lips" should be. There are only suggestions of a face where they can see her. A running eye near her head that looks like it's from doug. Something in it tries to form a hand, that quickly dissolves back into the living solution, based on the shape and colors? A gremlin probably, or maybe penny...

Dear god, it's actually EVERYONE in a tank, as a living solution, the bierce on top just hasn't mixed in yet fully.

...What sort of question could have prompted that fate...?

[endstar]

The aus gag immediately at the sight, some immediately bursting into tears… most of them out of distress stop looking outside entirely… staring at the walls, distressed.

[the-what-if-project]

There's a tiny voice just overhead, one cell just above one of them. "...bye daddy... and... guys..."

The gelatinous mass wails as much as it can as it's dragged away. Some familiar claws that are all chewed up stick out of the food door, in reach of an AU below...

...Not everyone is in that experiment... at least... yet.

[endstar]

The aus weep sadly at this.. awful fate. Fear and anxiety creeping in…

This is awful. This is all sinful, and awful… who would do this? Why would they? sure.. they know they are answering questions, but that doesn’t explain why they are… what the point would be

[the-what-if-project]

The Agatha just above them continues reaching, before dangling her fingers down pathetically in sorrow and resignation... she's probably going to join that tank of pain one day...

[endstar]

The aus just… mourn. Their lives… their situation… everything.. some of the more weak stomach throw up…

[the-what-if-project]

After more hours, the goop creature is dragged back, managing to sob somehow, bubbling in agony. The lights are dimmed, and tomorrow awaits the Luckys, who's with their gangs on the other side of the hall, their cells next to Fourway-two.

[endstar]

The luckys wheeze, and kick at the doors, making angry grunting… very desperate to get out since the scientist basically confirmed they were going to suffer soon

[the-what-if-project]

Doug eventually has enough in the Fourway-two fusion. "Hey! Doors are locked tight, it's no use. Get some rest while you're not in too much pain to sleep!"

[endstar]

“FUCK. OFF! IM NOT LETTING THIS HAPPEN!!”

Prophecy lucky yowls.

Hangry lays down in the corner hugging penny whos crying heavily.

[the-what-if-project]

"There's literally NO USE!"

Another experiment shouts. Another lucky on the other side of the hall, though it's... hard to see that. He looks like a real bunny- er... or like he's a Frankenstein made of bunnies. He scratches at a bleeding seam, sitting alone in his cell. "...so get it out of your head that you have a chance... Luck doesn't exist here, all you can do is lose or die. That's the only luck you got... getting a break through death..."

...he's alone in that cell...

[endstar]

Lucky wheezes, clenching his fists, looking at the version of him with his ears pinned… with a mix of stress, panic, and hate…

… he doesn’t think about how that lucky is alone. He doesn’t let himself.

He won’t think about that.

He won’t worry about it.

“I don’t care… I won’t be hopeless.. OR pethetic!”

He says, his voice filled with unfamiliar fear.

[the-what-if-project]

"Then at least be quiet about it, oh courageous rabbit! Some of us would like to sleep, and wallow in our helplessness and self-pity in peace."

He flops down, and curls up in the fetal position.

[endstar]

Lucky hisses and just pulls in his ears angerily.

[the-what-if-project]

The night is too long and too short at the same time...

But eventually morning comes, and the scientists come for the new Luckies. Smiling their demented smiles.

[endstar]

Each and every one of them fights… trying to run or trying to get their friends to run.. of course they do not run though… fear, fear clouding their determination, unlike luckys…

[the-what-if-project]

Unlike last time when they were evaluated and fought, they don't get shocked. Their Pennies and Hangries though...

Almost dangerous amounts of electricity fire through them, just barely enough to keep them from breaking. "Behave, and we'll stop."

The male scientist says. They're punishing their friends for the Luckies' behavior...

[endstar]

All the luckys pretty much immediately stop… all having the same panicked expression, mixed with anger, hate… and worrie…

“O-OKAY OKAY! JUST- LEAVE THEM ALL ALONE! THEY- THEY DIDNT DO ANYTHING BUCKO!”

[the-what-if-project]

They leave it running for a solid minute, before letting the shocks stop. "...Good. Remember that for next time."

[endstar]

It was a normal day in the multiverse, until it wasn't

A portal opened up, and then another, and another, and another-

All of them without symbols, all of them the wrong color, and out of all of them came strange people in coats. Their attacks are swift, overwhelming, knocking AUs out, before taking them, while more head through the AUs' portal.

It's some sort of ambush!

@the-what-if-project

People screech, and attack with confusion, teying to fight back.. and well.. failing.

The only one who doesnt is prophecy Bierce… sitting there and letting it happen…

She knew. She knew she’d be fine…

At least this her.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

When they wake up, they find themselves in glass cells, numbers tattooed on them like animals, wearing hospital gowns. Some of them are muzzled, and they all have collars around their necks.

Wails and sobs come down the other halls from a distance they can't tell. Whatever this place is, it's bad news...

[endstar]

Most… of tjem freak out, huddling into corners yelling .. various curses- void is particularly bad…

“WHO DARES?!!!”

He snarls with fear and anger stumbling up, pulling at the coller with hate.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

The collar shocks him immediately when he tries to remove it. Not a simple zap either, it HURTS.

They're shock collars.

[endstar]

He yelps with pain and flails onto the ground, before scrambling up again. He immediately try’s using magic to break the barrier

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

Nothing happens... The barrier doesn't budge.

A voice from another cell shouts. "AYE- Noobie! Forget about it! Ain't no escape!"

When they look across they see... A doug. With patches of malak's skin sewn into his body.

He has one arm on his shoulder and another at his side, all four pressed against the glass.

[endstar]

Voids ears pin, with disgust and confusion, slowly going backward a bit.

↓“What.. in the HELLS are YOU?!”↓

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Your future. Ain't I handsome?"

He scoffs. "People around here call us Fourway-Two. You uh... can guess why-"

[endstar]

He looks… disgusted, his ears flick.

"…. Where am I, strange AU? Who did this ambush!"

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Welcome to The What If? Project. TWI?P. This place is the stuff of nightmares, and where said nightmares get their bad dreams. Take it from us pal, you're NEVER getting out. Go with everything you're told, and maybe... You'll get lucky with the questions they have."

[endstar]

"Hah! A nightmare? I MAKE them! I don’t know who they are but they DARED to lay a hand on me, and now they will PAY!”

He looks around the room, pacing a bit with a hiss.

What.. is this place? And what kind of magic nullifiers to they have

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Thaaaaaaaaat's what they all say. That's what my Malak said. Now? Now he's a voice in my head... rarely talks anymore, too scared to.

[endstar]

He glares… mildy fearful.. that is a really disturbing prospect… but the rather large Malak variant makes a loud huff like an angry bull… stubborn.

They all are.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

Foot steps are heard down the hall, and the Doug's demeanor changes. "Corner. Now. Hide. Don't say anything. Don't do anything. By whatever twisted god that's out there, do NOT threaten them. Check up crew. You'll thank me later..."

[endstar]

He demon hisses… it’s.. no use. He just stepped back away from the glass, but he only just puffs up, clenching his fist

[the-what-if-project]

The doug hides in the corner per his own instructions, and the scientists that kidnapped them come to their cells. Clipboards in hand, glasses obscuring their faces. "DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Doug?"

The numbers on their arms... They're probably a form of identification. The scientist looks at void doug. "DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Doug? Step forward for evaluation."

She... Looks human, but in that sort of way you know it's someone pretending to be human...

[endstar]

Void Doug trembles a bit.

“I- what— who are-“

He steps forward he hesitantly, his hand, not pulling, but gently held onto his collar

[the-what-if-project]

They roughly grab his shoulders, and start to drag him off. The older experiments in the halls silently watch, sad, but they at least don't look worried. The worst hasn't started yet...

[endstar]

He yelps and wails CONFUSED.

"What’s- what’s happening?!? Who are you?!”

[the-what-if-project]

"Just routine, you will be returned to your cell shortly after we collect baseline data on your vitals."

They don't bother answering his second question. It's not fun that way :)

[endstar]

He just squeaks as he’s dragged off, shaking heavily as they go.

[the-what-if-project]

Its... very invasive when they get there. Strapping him down to forcefully do blood work, forcing his eyes wide open to check them, prying his mouth open, x-rays and whatnot.

This place is DEFINITELY not ethical.

[endstar]

Void Doug…. Fawns. Terrified and confused…. He doesn’t know what’s going on, but he doesn’t have the power or confidence to do anything about it… to attack or scream… all he does is stand there fearfully.

[the-what-if-project]

Once the very invasive procedure is complete, he's dragged back, and tossed into his cell. The next AU is then grabbed.

[endstar]

This goes on for… awhile. Some struggle, some are too confused too- mainly the Malak’s struggle a lot.

[the-what-if-project]

All who struggle learn quickly that the collars shock them until they submit, not just quick zaps either. If they struggle too long, the collars will zap them for solid minutes until they've seized too much to fight. If they try to attack? They're zapped over and over again, till they're in tears.

Examples.

They saved coming for void Malak last...

[endstar]

Void malak had..

Started to get particularly bad. Smacking his ram like horns agaisnt the glass, and stamping his hooves.. once they make it to his cell, he backs off, and makes a heavy heave of air like once again.. a really pisses off bull.

“You… WILL let me out of this cell!” He snarls.

[the-what-if-project]

"We are letting you out, DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Malak. but you will have to behave, otherwise we will have to neutralize you. You have seen the consequences of action, we trust you will be well behaved for us?

She bows her head slightly, mockingly.

[endstar]

He snorts.

"I am not a SEQUENCE of NUMBERS you fowl insolent thing!!” He snaps “the most of a diffrent name I’ve had to lord Malak is void! That.. stupid name that the foul “seer” gave me….”

[the-what-if-project]

"You are the 3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 malak we have brought in from study from a Dark Deception timeline. That is the only reason why we are addressing you by your identification number. I hope you understand DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Malak!

[endstar]

He snarls with anger.

“What in the HELLS DO YOU MEAN?!”

His hoof drags along the ground, stomping

[the-what-if-project]

"It means we have a growing number of Malaks in the facility. With infinite test subjects. You are merely another malak."

Her smile does NOT waver. She... Enjoys this job way too much-

[endstar]

“WHY YOU LITTLE—“

[the-what-if-project]

"We have trillions."

She dumbs down. "...of you."

[endstar]

He pales a bit, confusion setting in, and.. fear… trillions of HIM? Why him? His stomach dropping. He lets out a more fearful hiss.

“WHY?! WH-WHO.. ARE YOU?!”

[the-what-if-project]

"We are The What If? Project! We specialize in answering questions most people don't want to ask!"

She gently points to the cell with the Doug who's sewn together with Malak. Despite the slow movement, the cocky experiment flinches, and covers his head with his fists. Praying, begging in very quiet mumbles. "What if Doug and Malak were forced to share a body? This question has been asked and answered a thousand times, but we decided to spin it in another direction. There has been fusion, possession, but never assimilation. It's one of our favorite experiments actually! Isn't that right, DD-83742394792223338 Doug-malak?"

He just hiccups and scoots closer to his corner...

[endstar]

“…wh.. why would you…?”

He looks on with horror, smoke coming from his mouth defensively.. and well… fearfully.

“What’s- THE POINT?! To torture-“

[the-what-if-project]

"Simple. Questions are asked? It's our job to deliver the answers!"

She giggles. She. Giggles.

These scientists have absolutely no morals... She looks like a mortal, but this is bad, even for the worst of humanity.

[endstar]

He stares at her with horror, before snarling and punching glass where her head jt.

“I- I WILL GET OUT!”

[the-what-if-project]

She doesn't flinch. "My life only has value in the facility. That would be counterproductive on your part."

She presses a button on a device, and his collar starts to go off.

[endstar]

He wails, and immediately falls to the floor shaking, and pulling on the collar, hissing, and screeching.

[the-what-if-project]

She starts snapping her fingers as he's shocked, sounds instinctive yelps of pain come from every cell who heard it. The voltage gets higher and higher upon each snap, but all the other collars aren't going off, despite everyone else, except for the new AUs, reacting in pain...

It's conditioning...

[endstar]

The other aus slowly back up in their cells or cover their ears at the screaming, void Malak’s sounds more and more like a cat in.. a lot of pain. Screeching, and trying and failing to cry for mercy.

[the-what-if-project]

He has his punishment lasts for a solid 10 minutes, the longest out of them. The whole time, she loudly snaps. The only other stimulation he has, outside of the shocking.

When it finally stops, she opens his cell door, standing over where he lays in pain. "...Are we feeling more compliant?"

Her voice is ever so cheerful.

[endstar]

Malak wheezes, making empty gagging sound, somehow managing to not throw up, his limbs twitching and shaking… he does not reply.

[the-what-if-project]

She snaps her finger again, no shock though.

[endstar]

He makes a panicked wail, expecting a shock that didn’t come, curling up into a ball fearfully.

[the-what-if-project]

"...Get up."

She orders, finally showing some coldness. It's... odd how relieving that is.

[endstar]

He growls underneath his breath but, reluctantly obeys, scared of more pain… slowly, nearly falling over quite a few times, standing.

[the-what-if-project]

The other scientists grab his arms, and drag him off to be evaluated.

[endstar]

He lets them… squinting his eyes shut to help himself ignore the stares the aus give him.

[the-what-if-project]

And so he's lead off... to be poked, prodded, and treated as nothing more than a lab rat.

[endstar]

He growls, and huffs like a chained animal, but.. he doesn’t squirm, or say anything.. he just stands there… hoping it’s over quickly

[the-what-if-project]

Once it's over, he's dragged back to his cell and roughly tossed in. "You're some of our most behaved test subjects yet! We can't wait to answer the question our employers have for you! We will be loading our data in our systems shortly!"

With that, the cell is locked back up, and the scientists leave.

The Doug, Fourway-two, finally comes out of hiding. Wiping his tears away. His breath shakes, but he still nods in their direction. "...First day, and only 10 minutes being your longest shock outta ya... Call that lucky round here... You okay over there, beefy?"

[endstar]

He makes a stubborn, angry growl, just laying on the floor, before shakily getting up.

“F..fine…”

He says, clearing his throat, and forcing fear out of it.

"Just… fine..”

[the-what-if-project]

"...Don't pretend noobie... You're not helping anyone, being all tough like that. Doesn't help yourself here... Longer you say you're fine, the less and less you're going to mean it. We are in worse than hell now. You don't gotta be "fine" ever again..."

His voice wavers a bit, before switching to something softer... timid. HIS voice. "I-I... Didn't last... a week... N-no... No one judges... strength here... we... learn better... by at least... a week..."

[endstar]

He stumbles off to a corner weakly, grumbling underneath his breath, his ego cracked, but… somehow.. not broken. Probably not new here… Theyre stubborn. 

He glances at fourway, with disgust, hate… and… well…. Mild fear that he covers desperately.

"…s..shut it.. I said I was FINE.”

He says, looking disturbed at his own voice but not deterred. I normal malak would probably freak out at there being another him… one so “lowly”… but void is used to it… the multiverse and all…

[the-what-if-project]

"...j-just... trying... to save you the pain... Strength... saves n-no one here... i-it will be worse... they break us... e-easier to let... yourself... fall... than... suffer..."

He bows their shared head in resignation.

[endstar]

“…. I won’t.”

He growls, going to the corner and sitting down.

[the-what-if-project]

Doug switches back over, almost forcefully. Their body jolting as he snaps. "Well FIIIIIIINE, don't take an ancient experiment's advice! The evaluation is the easy bit, and no one is going to sugarcoat it, beefcake! You will either break or die, and you're going to learn VERY quickly why we all would rather die. Experiments that end in death, no matter how awful, are the KIND ones..."

He walks back to his corner, and plops down.

[endstar]

“ … I didn’t ask for advice did I?” He growls heavily, annoyed… but.. it’s tainted by his own fear. He IS scared

[the-what-if-project]

"Didn't ask to be here either, now did ya? It's etiquette around here. You always warn the noobies, in hopes they get easier experiments. More you act out, the more interesting it becomes to toy with you. Stronger your will, more torture you endure. If you ignore MY warning, and everyone else that's going to warn you, then it's on you if you get lobotomized and flayed."

[endstar]

He shivers, but snarls,

“YOU EXPECT ME TO JUST- JUST ACCEPT THIS?! I… this will NOT be my fate!”

[the-what-if-project]

"...That's what everyone says..."

[endstar]

… void doesn’t respond after that. Remaining in his corner.

Prophecy Bierce… has one of the calmest reactions anyone has probably ever seen since being stuck in here- she sits with her back to the wall, with her eyes closed, just not responding… staying SILENT. Her Doug immediately started having panic attacks and freaking out…. And of course her malak started flipping out and trying to break free every chance he got, but stopped as soon as he was told to out of fear… strong till there was someone as strong as him facing him down…. just- a WHOLE LOT.

[the-what-if-project]

Strange clicks are heard from the other end of the hall after some hours. Fourway-two lights up a little. "Wait... Clicky!"

He gets up, and presses his hands against the glass, trying to see down the hall. A lengthy creature, with bones that are far too long, twisted, and obviously broken. Her skin is like Fourway-two's, patchy, mixed with someone else's. She rasps, unable to speak, but, she doesn't need to. Her long black hair already shows who she is.

Fourway-two heads over to the to a small door, as the creature crawls over, dragging an oxygen tank and IV behind her. With fingers that are far too long, spliced with familiar claws, she grabs the other experiment's hand. "...There's our girls... surprised you're still fighting... W-were you good for the doctors...?"

Malak's voice sounds a little stronger talking to this... THING. Clicky waves her head around, her bones rubbing and making snapping noises that, as disgusting as they sound, seem happy. She pats the ground, jumping in a... familiar way.

Fourway-two smiles. "Pain meds! Alright, atta girls! That must make roaming the halls easier, eh?"

Her body twists, making more happy bone noises, and she gurgles animalistically. "Good to hear it, Clicky... W-we hate seeing both of you in pain."

[endstar]

…. Void malak pales, horror clouding pride and self image as he realizes who it is… it stirs up the stubborn, angry pot of confusion, and causes one singular question to spark…

Where is Agatha?

He doesn’t interrupt fourway-two, and clickys conversation… he only gets up, and begins to pace at the front of the glass, looking for Agatha, who… he can’t see from his glass cage. He doesn’t make a sound.

The nearby Doug’s and Malak’s have similar reactions, hiding away as they realize to the fullest extent WHAT is happening and what IS happening…

[the-what-if-project]

"Clicky" notices them, and starts making destressed clicks with her bones, groaning sadly. "N-no! Nononono, shhh shhh shhhhh, no... No they're not scared of you... W-why don't you girls help them...? Look for their daughters, they're scared too... You know how the doctors like to keep us separated..."

She snaps her neck upside down, and starts to crawl up to higher cells, looking for the other Tammys and Agathas, calling out to them with a distorted wail, that sounds like both girls sobbing...

"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah...."

[endstar]

This… makes the Malak’s and Doug’s overall mental state and temperament WORSE- getting more desperate, and pacing a bit.

Agatha’s are scratching at their doors crying heavily, wailing for their daddy’s, and the Tammy’s just remained curled in corners, not responding to much, covering their ears.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky finds them eventually, and attempts to wave to them. Trying not to be scary, even though... That's impossible.

[endstar]

Void Agatha immediately screams with terror as she appears, scrambling away.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky groans, and cowers at the screaming a bit. She doesn't like being THIS scary...

[endstar]

“Wh- WHAT ARE YOU-???”

Agatha cries, going to the corner

[the-what-if-project]

She points to her, then a Tammy, then herself, before clicking sadly. Making a wail that sounds like THEM. "Waaaaaaaaah...."

[endstar]

She whimpers.

“Your— what?? Your me- and- and- whoever that is-?! I-“

He trembles, holding her long hands to her chest:

[the-what-if-project]

She clicks, nodding.

[endstar]

“Wh- wha? How- but your—“

She looks on with horror

[the-what-if-project]

She makes a horn sign with one of her hands, and points downward. Trying to explain her daddy is in a ground cell.

[endstar]

… she doesn’t understand she just looks at her confused, and starts crying again.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky taps the glass, and points down again, trying to get her to listen.

[endstar]

“I- I don’t know what you meeaaaannn!”

She crys.

[the-what-if-project]

She looks around, before climbing down back to ground level. She taps on the glass void malak is in, and points upward, clicking erratically.

[endstar]

…he softens his tone a bit… for her. Like how he’d talk to Agatha.

“…hm..? What are you trying to tell me..?”

He looks up at the ceiling.

[the-what-if-project]

She points to herself, then him, then up. Trying to tell him that his daughter is in a cell above him.

[endstar]

“…is…”

He thinks.

"Is Agatha up there? My Agatha?”

He asks calmly but urgently

[the-what-if-project]

She nods clicking, but then sadly moves her long arms to demonstrate her fingers not being able to touch. His Agatha, along with the others, are just out of reach for them to properly comfort each other...

[endstar]

“…o..oh… I.. can.. can.. you tell her it will be okay..? That I’m okay..?”

He says softly.

[the-what-if-project]

She bows her head, and taps her throat, shaking her head. She can't speak due to what was done to her. "...Clicky was one of the prototype experiments before us. They ruined their vocal chords... Can't speak, can only scream, cry, or groan..."

"...M-maybe give her your tie...? Through the food door...?"

[endstar]

He nods, carefully taking it off and giving it to clicky.

[the-what-if-project]

She very carefully takes it, and climbs back up. lifting void Agatha's food door, and slipping the tie inside.

[endstar]

Agatha looks up, looking at it, and quickly runs over.

“D-daddy’s tie! He- he’s okay???”

[the-what-if-project]

She nods, and points down. Letting her know where he is.

[endstar]

She sighs with relief, wiping away her tears carefully.

“I.. I hope I’ll get to see him soon..”

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky clicks her bones together, snapping in sympathy.

[endstar]

She just sighs and, sits down with her knees at her chest by the door sadly…

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky eventually climbs down, and leaves them behind. Giving her dads one last hand hold before going down the halls, presumably to her own cell.

Over the next several hours, they're left alone. Scientists bring them the most disgusting looking slop they have ever seen to eat, leaving them with only that. "...Warning you all now, it's drugged. No joke, actually full of drugs. Don't know what half of em do, which ones they put in for each person, but... yeah. You're never not having non-laced food again."

Nevertheless, Fourway-two starts eating his own slop. "...I think it might be to keep us from leaving? Make us more scared? Maybe knock us out easier? I've been here for decades, still don't know..."

[endstar]

Prophecy, from the next cell over, speaks.

★"… starving is preferable. I’d give it to you if I could.”★

She doesn’t move from the wall… void pins his ears with disgust.

↓“For once, I agree with the witch… I didn’t even know YOU were here…"↓

★"everybody is, void… the whole of the meeting room…"★

Void hisses

↓"…grr… I told you to stop calling me that, you snake…”↓

★"Well I refused. Simple as that.”★

He groans.

[the-what-if-project]

"You'll eventually eat... Everyone says they won't, till they do... Starving is hard here... They don't let you die, if it's not in an experiment.

[endstar]

★"…I will not last long anyway dear. I’m going to die quickly… or.. be close to dead."★

[the-what-if-project]

"You sound... pretty certain. You're also kinda chill, for a test subject... what, you gonna try ending it? That isn't gonna fly, we're under surveillance 24/7-"

[endstar]

★"No. I see the future, and that line of future I can see ends soon… so either A… I die. Or B they beat me in mentally to the point where I can’t see anything, or can’t think.”★

[the-what-if-project]

He sharply inhales, and covers his mouth in mild horror and sympathy.

....Well THAT'S a comforting reaction-

[endstar]

"Oh yay, I’m doomed.”

She says, apathetically- not reacting much.

[the-what-if-project]

"...Yeah... You're taking it a lot better than most seers in this place... I-I... I hope the procedure doesn't hurt you too much... How long will we all get to know you... as you..? Got a time before it goes black?"

His voice is very gentle now, a little less cocky and callused. Like... He's talking to someone about to die.

[endstar]

She remains apathetic… casual, like it’s talking about ★"maybe a few days, depending… I’ve seen enough horrors… it’s… refreshing to know the end is near.” ★

[the-what-if-project]

He nods, then looks at void malak. With zero cockiness, he begs. "...Get to know her. Every damn thing you can. You're not gonna get another chance, and you're gonna regret it for the rest of your life here... Once they know what she is, her designated experiment will rip her from you... And you're not gonna like it."

[endstar]

He sneers.

↓"…why would I want to get to know HER? That fowl, creature of a woman! I hate her… she’s not even MY Bierce!↓

Beirce sighs, and lays down on her back.

[the-what-if-project]

"Not just you, all of you. I... We're gonna get to know her too. She isn't gonna die like that. We're not gonna let her die like that... She's a seer, and... they don't last the week. She will be gone in the worst way a person to be gone... it's... a benevolent fate, compared to most things... She... she won't outwardly suffer, but she's gonna be here, reminding all of you, that you never knew her...

[endstar]

"…why should I care? She’s a copy of one of the most annoying, insufferable mortal I’ve had the misfortune of meeting! In no way will I ever care for her fate”

Prophecy sighs, slightly annoyed.

★"it’s no use, Honey. He’s as stubborn as a mule… I don’t care, nor want fake kindness. I’ve known, and seen hundreds of my deaths in millions of timelines… rarely does anyone, especially him mourn me…”★

[the-what-if-project]

"...it's different here. This place MAKES you care... not because it suddenly makes you a Saint, no one deserves to be here. No one has earned the Fates they get... they will mourn. Everyone says they won't, or no one will mourn em, till they're all crying to a God that's probably chained down the hall... you got a decent hell ahead of you, but it's not going to be easy on everyone else..."

[endstar]

★"… I suppose I’m just hoping for the best fate for everybody else… but I cannot even see that or the probability of that .. it’s fogged.”★

She sighs, looking at her nails then at her shaking Doug in the corner, frowning.

[the-what-if-project]

He just looks at her sadly. "...that's very noble of you to think... we'll keep an eye on em for you, miss... Make sure they're not at each other's throats after you're gone."

He forces a laugh after his joke, then abruptly stops. Malak taking over. "...W-we have time to kill... before we're dragged off for the day... mind... mind telling us about yourself...? Memories you... y-you don't want forgotten...?

[endstar]

★"…can’t say I have much I want to be remembered… very little actually … I can’t say I spent my life wisely… I was born with this… curse. I didn’t need malak for fame, I just pawned it off of peoples desperate desires to know their fate.. conned them. I guess I was extremely nihilistic back then… knowing how my life would end at such a young age, wasn’t very healthy for a young mind… hah… the only way I ended up in the ballroom was because I was stealing so many souls from too many demons… especially malak… telling them of their fate if they go down the demonic path… Malak hunted me down, and I knew the only way I would survive is if I got the ring … and went into the ballroom…. Huh. Now I’m here … maybe I should’ve just accepted it back then, but I was … rather stubborn. I wanted to bend fate to my hands… and I could as best I can.”★

She looks at fourway-two with her bright purple eyes.

[the-what-if-project]

"Sounds like a lot of seers here... b-but... hey, you made the most of it, technically saved people, e-even if it was for cons, and... you tried. That says something about you. Like any Bierce, you... you are strong willed, determined, but... but unlike them, you still actively did some good, even if it was for the wrong reasons. That... th-that should mean something."

[endstar]

"Huh… perhaps. I still hate that… that’s all I really did with my life… and well.. piss off malak. But that was more entertaining than anything…. Respectfully.”

[the-what-if-project]

"...I-I... can understand that... we're not... exactly pleasant..."

Malak bows Fourway-two's head. He's... extremely humble, for a malak.

[endstar]

She smiles a bit.

“… sure. But it’s more funny to me now…”

[the-what-if-project]

That makes him shyly smile a bit.

They gently pressure her for more stuff. Favorite colors, food, places, time of day, flowers, cons she was fond of, everything they can ask, until the scientists come back to drag them away.

They struggle at first, more out of instinct than actual resistance, but inevitably obey at the THREAT of one of the doctors snapping their fingers. They didn't even need to hear it in order for it to break their fleeting will...

[endstar]

Prophecy watches sadly.. gently waving them off with a sad smile… kindly… she is very nice for a beirve… especially to a Malak’s face.. once they are gone, she lays down, and has her Doug cuddle up with her quietly.

[the-what-if-project]

An hour later, they hear his distant scream, but... none of the older experiments react much... Like it's nothing out of the ordinary.

[endstar]

Prophecy sighs, and covers her ears sadly.

The other aus whince, and get more and more anxious… the screaming wasn’t it was scaring them but everyone acted like this was normal… torture was normal here… and most of them came to the conclusion that they would follow suit soon.

[the-what-if-project]

He's eventually dragged back after several hours, looking really beat up. His flesh burned, soul shards sticking out of him like tumors. He's roughly tossed into his cell, and locked back up.

He coughs up blood, that has some purple sparkly bits in it, like there are soul shards in his lungs.

[endstar]

Prophecy just frowns, and sighs quietly. Void is… a lot more disturbed. He shivers, but.. doesn’t know what really to say other than giving a disturbed look…

[the-what-if-project]

He starts yanking the shards out of his body, with pained grunts. "...magic testing sucks... my mortal bits don't mix well with the demon bits-"

"I-I'm sorry..."

"Don't be... even if I was mad at you, we share nerves now. Not like I'm suffering alone..."

"Y-you don't deserve this..."

Doug scoffs. "You do?"

Malak doesn't answer, so Doug just focuses back on popping shards out of their body. Occasionally stopping to rub his patches of red skin comfortingly.

[endstar]

The aus… judge silently. Not saying anything or doing anything noticeable.. just… why are they so friendly with each other? Why aren’t they ripping out each other skin — some stare for a bit- especially void cause he’s a weirdo.

[the-what-if-project]

The Doug glances at them, and decides to make a joke, to lower the tensions. "What...? Never seen an unholy abomination pull out soul tumors before?"

[endstar]

Void snorts, with a huff-

"Huh… let me think— NO- I havent!”

[the-what-if-project]

He snorts. "Good, I'd be wondering about the scientific ethics of your timeline if you did-"

[endstar]

He huffs, and just starts pacing around, bored- his hooves clomping around-

[the-what-if-project]

After a bit, he calls out. "Ay, you okay in there, beefcake?"

He pops out another shard like a cyst.

[endstar]

“I’m bored, and- would you STOP calling me that!”

He huffs

[the-what-if-project]

"It's a compliment, but okay-"

He shrugs. "Not that much to do here, but talk and suffer. Some experiments have puzzles, games, but watch out for those. Cognitive puzzles mean they're gonna mess with your brain."

[endstar]

“Grreeeaaattt….”

He hisses deeply, stomping his hooves like an angry horse-

[the-what-if-project]

He sighs, and starts putting the soul shards he has in a pile. "...You could try talking to your cell mates a bit? Get to know the other noobies before the inevitable? Everyone's biggest regret her is, like we said, not knowing people. You can get on top of the game and entertain yourself, talking to em?"

This is what? The second or third time he mentioned getting to know people? He seems... very insistent.

[endstar]

He groans

↓"you are awfully determined… I can already feel a headache from communicating with such annoyinh creatures..”↓

[the-what-if-project]

"...Just don't want you repeating the same mistakes everyone else does... After the seers gone...? You'll probably understand..."

[endstar]

He scoffs

"… yeah, right…”

[the-what-if-project]

He... deflates a little, giving up for now. Still... kinda creepy how insistent he is.

A week passes, and they're put through simpler tests. Familiar mazes, puzzles, and their food is always drugged. But Prophecy Bierce has a lot more cognitive puzzles than the other new AUs... As the end of the week approaches, he becomes more insistent on them knowing her, till the final day.

The scientists come, not smiling blankly... They're grinning. Mouths just a tad too wide, as they drag her out of her cell... Fourway-two weeps silently, just... unable to take his eyes off her as they take her down the hall.

[endstar]

The other aus watch quietly… not seeming to care very much other than her Doug that shakes, and try’s to pull her away from the doctors… prophecy gently, shoving him away, to prevent him from getting in trouble… staying silent…. She doesn’t struggle, nor hiss, not cry. She just lets it happen.

She knows it’s the end of the line for her… mostly.

[the-what-if-project]

As she disappears down the hall, Fourway-two shakes his head. "Well... that's it for her... when she comes back...? Don't say I didn't warn all of you..."

[endstar]

Void rolls his eyes.

↓“None of us really liked her anyway.”↓

… the othet aus just look down or shrug.. not caring too much..

Accept her Doug, the ting one with the mask… he cries in the corner sadly. Wheeping with choked sobs.

[the-what-if-project]

"...after today... you're gonna change your mind..."

With her, the scientists strap her down on the table, and force a bit in her mouth, as they proceed with the procedure. Their grins grow wider and wider, with sadistic glee.

[endstar]

she makes an uncomfortable grunt, but doesn’t try anything, wincing as she looks up at them… she knows there is no feasible way out of this situation… so hopefully she just seems depressed enough that they… will be somewhat gentle.

[the-what-if-project]

They're not. They're actively rough, just TRYING to get a reaction out of her, and when they finally electrocute her and shove the pick in her eye? They end up causing even more brain damage than intended. Leading to an even more detrimental lobotomy.

Once lobotomized, they have her do cognitive puzzles, to compare the data they already collected...

[endstar]

She stares aimlessly at it for a long few minutes, eyes hazed over, struggling to understand that there’s a problem they want her to solve to begin with… slowly, she weakly try’s… her hand struggling to grip it at all… and her mind struggling to force in self into comprehending what was happening, loosing focus quickly.

[the-what-if-project]

They're satisfied after she fails yet another puzzle, and they send her back to the cells. Only staying long enough to record the reactions of the other new AUs when she returns.

Fourway-two looks away, unable to look at her now. Before the AUs can comprehend what happened to Prophecy Bierce? He already knows what has been done...

[endstar]

Prophecy Doug quickly runs up to her hugging her… but unlike when he first started crying… she doesn’t comfort him or rub his back gently or care… she just stares blankly ahead of her, glancing down at him quietly as he crys into her, making desperate sign language that goes unanswered… making him cry heavier.

Nothing.

Not a thing is left of her.

↓"..what they do to you, lady?”↓

Just a blank stare comes from here, Malak’s ears pin, as he looks just.. confused, and unnerved.

[the-what-if-project]

"A lobotomy!"

The scientist grins. "Tests showed she could see the future, couldn't let her warn you of our experiments! That would ruin our data!"

[endstar]

↓"I- you.. mushed up her brain, and made her BRAIN dead??”"↓

He says, disturbed.

[the-what-if-project]

"Oh of course! Why wouldn't we? Lobotomies are one of our employer's favorite procedures!"

She laughs, and her team joins her. "Aw, don't tell us you CARED about her? You barely know her, or even spoke to her based on security footage. Actively didn't even want to know her, now all of the sudden you're upset by what happened? Or are you worried you're next? Well don't worry, she's our only lobotomy planned for your test group!"

[endstar]

"I did NOT! I just want to know what in the sweet rings is HAPPENING! Of course I’m going to be upset at the prospect of you giving a LOBOTOMY to SOMEONE!”

He snarls, flicking his tail

[the-what-if-project]

The scientists laugh. "Oh, we already told you. Questions have been asked, and we have been employed to answer them. We were always going to lobotomize her, we just had to compare the results! Brain scans showed her having an impressive sight over time, and fast deductions over probability, as impressive as our seer test subjects directly related to gods of knowledge and madness despite her not having connections to a deity of madness or knowledge. Though there certainly were divine connections. Now? HA! Now she can't even retain memories at all! Let alone see the future. Even if she still can, she can't comprehend it. We may have gone a little overboard, when she didn't show the desired reaction, so the damage to her frontal lobe is more severe than we initially intended. She's not a person anymore. Just a thing. That occasionally has electricity moving her limbs and make noises. Like a broken toy!"

[endstar]

Void looks at the scientists with horror… along with the othet aus, especially the beirces… looking sick, and pale now.

Void can’t even speak. Even with his cruelty, he has been gagged with the pure cockiness and, sadism from this what seems to be a mortal.

[the-what-if-project]

With a giggle, they leave em alone to process the fact that... Prophecy bierce is gone in the worst possible way a person can leave. The scientist waves giddily. "We start your Luckys' testing tomorrow, and we can't waaaaaaait! Your collective mental stabilities will be fascinating!"

[endstar]

Prophecy’s Doug and malak just.. stare at her. Silently… prophecy’s Doug just crying heavily… her Malak’s ears drooped… his face going through a whirlwind of emotions… but mainly fear.. disgust… they just ripped her away entire sentience… and mind…

He hated her. A lot…

But.. she didn’t deserve this did she?

Not like that. He can’t get the bearings to make a sound or move…. He just trembles in the corner, looking at the empty shell of a woman… that isn’t anyone now.

Prophecy Doug gently gets her to sit down.

[the-what-if-project]

"...W-we... told you to get to know her for a reason..."

Fourway-two holds their hand over their mouth, both sides distraught.

[endstar]

Prophecy malak snaps at him.

★"SHUT IT!”★

He snarls

[the-what-if-project]

They flinch away, and a bunch more experiments cower away in their cells. They can't see most of them, but there is a collective THUMP of them all going to their corners.

[endstar]

Malak doesnt feel bad… he just sits there… pulling on his ears with way too many complicated emotions he wanted to feel…

The rest of the aus stay silent… it’s just quiet now.

Well.. not including the screaming of experiments

[the-what-if-project]

Hours pass, Another experiment is dragged away for testing. A bierce who... is in tank. Gurgling, and not even solid. There are some other colors in there, suggesting she wasn't the only one in gelatinous form in this glass tank. Her "mouth" opens in an attempt to scream, but all it goes is make a malak colored bubble inflate and pop where her "lips" should be. There are only suggestions of a face where they can see her. A running eye near her head that looks like it's from doug. Something in it tries to form a hand, that quickly dissolves back into the living solution, based on the shape and colors? A gremlin probably, or maybe penny...

Dear god, it's actually EVERYONE in a tank, as a living solution, the bierce on top just hasn't mixed in yet fully.

...What sort of question could have prompted that fate...?

[endstar]

The aus gag immediately at the sight, some immediately bursting into tears… most of them out of distress stop looking outside entirely… staring at the walls, distressed.

[the-what-if-project]

There's a tiny voice just overhead, one cell just above one of them. "...bye daddy... and... guys..."

The gelatinous mass wails as much as it can as it's dragged away. Some familiar claws that are all chewed up stick out of the food door, in reach of an AU below...

...Not everyone is in that experiment... at least... yet.

[endstar]

The aus weep sadly at this.. awful fate. Fear and anxiety creeping in…

This is awful. This is all sinful, and awful… who would do this? Why would they? sure.. they know they are answering questions, but that doesn’t explain why they are… what the point would be

[the-what-if-project]

The Agatha just above them continues reaching, before dangling her fingers down pathetically in sorrow and resignation... she's probably going to join that tank of pain one day...

[endstar]

The aus just… mourn. Their lives… their situation… everything.. some of the more weak stomach throw up…

[the-what-if-project]

After more hours, the goop creature is dragged back, managing to sob somehow, bubbling in agony. The lights are dimmed, and tomorrow awaits the Luckys, who's with their gangs on the other side of the hall, their cells next to Fourway-two.

[endstar]

The luckys wheeze, and kick at the doors, making angry grunting… very desperate to get out since the scientist basically confirmed they were going to suffer soon

[the-what-if-project]

Doug eventually has enough in the Fourway-two fusion. "Hey! Doors are locked tight, it's no use. Get some rest while you're not in too much pain to sleep!"

[endstar]

“FUCK. OFF! IM NOT LETTING THIS HAPPEN!!”

Prophecy lucky yowls.

Hangry lays down in the corner hugging penny whos crying heavily.

[the-what-if-project]

"There's literally NO USE!"

Another experiment shouts. Another lucky on the other side of the hall, though it's... hard to see that. He looks like a real bunny- er... or like he's a Frankenstein made of bunnies. He scratches at a bleeding seam, sitting alone in his cell. "...so get it out of your head that you have a chance... Luck doesn't exist here, all you can do is lose or die. That's the only luck you got... getting a break through death..."

...he's alone in that cell...

[endstar]

Lucky wheezes, clenching his fists, looking at the version of him with his ears pinned… with a mix of stress, panic, and hate…

… he doesn’t think about how that lucky is alone. He doesn’t let himself.

He won’t think about that.

He won’t worry about it.

“I don’t care… I won’t be hopeless.. OR pethetic!”

He says, his voice filled with unfamiliar fear.

[the-what-if-project]

"Then at least be quiet about it, oh courageous rabbit! Some of us would like to sleep, and wallow in our helplessness and self-pity in peace."

He flops down, and curls up in the fetal position.

[endstar]

Lucky hisses and just pulls in his ears angerily.

[the-what-if-project]

The night is too long and too short at the same time...

But eventually morning comes, and the scientists come for the new Luckies. Smiling their demented smiles.

[endstar]

Each and every one of them fights… trying to run or trying to get their friends to run.. of course they do not run though… fear, fear clouding their determination, unlike luckys…

[the-what-if-project]

Unlike last time when they were evaluated and fought, they don't get shocked. Their Pennies and Hangries though...

Almost dangerous amounts of electricity fire through them, just barely enough to keep them from breaking. "Behave, and we'll stop."

The male scientist says. They're punishing their friends for the Luckies' behavior...

[endstar]

It was a normal day in the multiverse, until it wasn't

A portal opened up, and then another, and another, and another-

All of them without symbols, all of them the wrong color, and out of all of them came strange people in coats. Their attacks are swift, overwhelming, knocking AUs out, before taking them, while more head through the AUs' portal.

It's some sort of ambush!

@the-what-if-project

People screech, and attack with confusion, teying to fight back.. and well.. failing.

The only one who doesnt is prophecy Bierce… sitting there and letting it happen…

She knew. She knew she’d be fine…

At least this her.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

When they wake up, they find themselves in glass cells, numbers tattooed on them like animals, wearing hospital gowns. Some of them are muzzled, and they all have collars around their necks.

Wails and sobs come down the other halls from a distance they can't tell. Whatever this place is, it's bad news...

[endstar]

Most… of tjem freak out, huddling into corners yelling .. various curses- void is particularly bad…

“WHO DARES?!!!”

He snarls with fear and anger stumbling up, pulling at the coller with hate.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

The collar shocks him immediately when he tries to remove it. Not a simple zap either, it HURTS.

They're shock collars.

[endstar]

He yelps with pain and flails onto the ground, before scrambling up again. He immediately try’s using magic to break the barrier

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

Nothing happens... The barrier doesn't budge.

A voice from another cell shouts. "AYE- Noobie! Forget about it! Ain't no escape!"

When they look across they see... A doug. With patches of malak's skin sewn into his body.

He has one arm on his shoulder and another at his side, all four pressed against the glass.

[endstar]

Voids ears pin, with disgust and confusion, slowly going backward a bit.

↓“What.. in the HELLS are YOU?!”↓

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Your future. Ain't I handsome?"

He scoffs. "People around here call us Fourway-Two. You uh... can guess why-"

[endstar]

He looks… disgusted, his ears flick.

"…. Where am I, strange AU? Who did this ambush!"

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Welcome to The What If? Project. TWI?P. This place is the stuff of nightmares, and where said nightmares get their bad dreams. Take it from us pal, you're NEVER getting out. Go with everything you're told, and maybe... You'll get lucky with the questions they have."

[endstar]

"Hah! A nightmare? I MAKE them! I don’t know who they are but they DARED to lay a hand on me, and now they will PAY!”

He looks around the room, pacing a bit with a hiss.

What.. is this place? And what kind of magic nullifiers to they have

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Thaaaaaaaaat's what they all say. That's what my Malak said. Now? Now he's a voice in my head... rarely talks anymore, too scared to.

[endstar]

He glares… mildy fearful.. that is a really disturbing prospect… but the rather large Malak variant makes a loud huff like an angry bull… stubborn.

They all are.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

Foot steps are heard down the hall, and the Doug's demeanor changes. "Corner. Now. Hide. Don't say anything. Don't do anything. By whatever twisted god that's out there, do NOT threaten them. Check up crew. You'll thank me later..."

[endstar]

He demon hisses… it’s.. no use. He just stepped back away from the glass, but he only just puffs up, clenching his fist

[the-what-if-project]

The doug hides in the corner per his own instructions, and the scientists that kidnapped them come to their cells. Clipboards in hand, glasses obscuring their faces. "DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Doug?"

The numbers on their arms... They're probably a form of identification. The scientist looks at void doug. "DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Doug? Step forward for evaluation."

She... Looks human, but in that sort of way you know it's someone pretending to be human...

[endstar]

Void Doug trembles a bit.

“I- what— who are-“

He steps forward he hesitantly, his hand, not pulling, but gently held onto his collar

[the-what-if-project]

They roughly grab his shoulders, and start to drag him off. The older experiments in the halls silently watch, sad, but they at least don't look worried. The worst hasn't started yet...

[endstar]

He yelps and wails CONFUSED.

"What’s- what’s happening?!? Who are you?!”

[the-what-if-project]

"Just routine, you will be returned to your cell shortly after we collect baseline data on your vitals."

They don't bother answering his second question. It's not fun that way :)

[endstar]

He just squeaks as he’s dragged off, shaking heavily as they go.

[the-what-if-project]

Its... very invasive when they get there. Strapping him down to forcefully do blood work, forcing his eyes wide open to check them, prying his mouth open, x-rays and whatnot.

This place is DEFINITELY not ethical.

[endstar]

Void Doug…. Fawns. Terrified and confused…. He doesn’t know what’s going on, but he doesn’t have the power or confidence to do anything about it… to attack or scream… all he does is stand there fearfully.

[the-what-if-project]

Once the very invasive procedure is complete, he's dragged back, and tossed into his cell. The next AU is then grabbed.

[endstar]

This goes on for… awhile. Some struggle, some are too confused too- mainly the Malak’s struggle a lot.

[the-what-if-project]

All who struggle learn quickly that the collars shock them until they submit, not just quick zaps either. If they struggle too long, the collars will zap them for solid minutes until they've seized too much to fight. If they try to attack? They're zapped over and over again, till they're in tears.

Examples.

They saved coming for void Malak last...

[endstar]

Void malak had..

Started to get particularly bad. Smacking his ram like horns agaisnt the glass, and stamping his hooves.. once they make it to his cell, he backs off, and makes a heavy heave of air like once again.. a really pisses off bull.

“You… WILL let me out of this cell!” He snarls.

[the-what-if-project]

"We are letting you out, DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Malak. but you will have to behave, otherwise we will have to neutralize you. You have seen the consequences of action, we trust you will be well behaved for us?

She bows her head slightly, mockingly.

[endstar]

He snorts.

"I am not a SEQUENCE of NUMBERS you fowl insolent thing!!” He snaps “the most of a diffrent name I’ve had to lord Malak is void! That.. stupid name that the foul “seer” gave me….”

[the-what-if-project]

"You are the 3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 malak we have brought in from study from a Dark Deception timeline. That is the only reason why we are addressing you by your identification number. I hope you understand DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Malak!

[endstar]

He snarls with anger.

“What in the HELLS DO YOU MEAN?!”

His hoof drags along the ground, stomping

[the-what-if-project]

"It means we have a growing number of Malaks in the facility. With infinite test subjects. You are merely another malak."

Her smile does NOT waver. She... Enjoys this job way too much-

[endstar]

“WHY YOU LITTLE—“

[the-what-if-project]

"We have trillions."

She dumbs down. "...of you."

[endstar]

He pales a bit, confusion setting in, and.. fear… trillions of HIM? Why him? His stomach dropping. He lets out a more fearful hiss.

“WHY?! WH-WHO.. ARE YOU?!”

[the-what-if-project]

"We are The What If? Project! We specialize in answering questions most people don't want to ask!"

She gently points to the cell with the Doug who's sewn together with Malak. Despite the slow movement, the cocky experiment flinches, and covers his head with his fists. Praying, begging in very quiet mumbles. "What if Doug and Malak were forced to share a body? This question has been asked and answered a thousand times, but we decided to spin it in another direction. There has been fusion, possession, but never assimilation. It's one of our favorite experiments actually! Isn't that right, DD-83742394792223338 Doug-malak?"

He just hiccups and scoots closer to his corner...

[endstar]

“…wh.. why would you…?”

He looks on with horror, smoke coming from his mouth defensively.. and well… fearfully.

“What’s- THE POINT?! To torture-“

[the-what-if-project]

"Simple. Questions are asked? It's our job to deliver the answers!"

She giggles. She. Giggles.

These scientists have absolutely no morals... She looks like a mortal, but this is bad, even for the worst of humanity.

[endstar]

He stares at her with horror, before snarling and punching glass where her head jt.

“I- I WILL GET OUT!”

[the-what-if-project]

She doesn't flinch. "My life only has value in the facility. That would be counterproductive on your part."

She presses a button on a device, and his collar starts to go off.

[endstar]

He wails, and immediately falls to the floor shaking, and pulling on the collar, hissing, and screeching.

[the-what-if-project]

She starts snapping her fingers as he's shocked, sounds instinctive yelps of pain come from every cell who heard it. The voltage gets higher and higher upon each snap, but all the other collars aren't going off, despite everyone else, except for the new AUs, reacting in pain...

It's conditioning...

[endstar]

The other aus slowly back up in their cells or cover their ears at the screaming, void Malak’s sounds more and more like a cat in.. a lot of pain. Screeching, and trying and failing to cry for mercy.

[the-what-if-project]

He has his punishment lasts for a solid 10 minutes, the longest out of them. The whole time, she loudly snaps. The only other stimulation he has, outside of the shocking.

When it finally stops, she opens his cell door, standing over where he lays in pain. "...Are we feeling more compliant?"

Her voice is ever so cheerful.

[endstar]

Malak wheezes, making empty gagging sound, somehow managing to not throw up, his limbs twitching and shaking… he does not reply.

[the-what-if-project]

She snaps her finger again, no shock though.

[endstar]

He makes a panicked wail, expecting a shock that didn’t come, curling up into a ball fearfully.

[the-what-if-project]

"...Get up."

She orders, finally showing some coldness. It's... odd how relieving that is.

[endstar]

He growls underneath his breath but, reluctantly obeys, scared of more pain… slowly, nearly falling over quite a few times, standing.

[the-what-if-project]

The other scientists grab his arms, and drag him off to be evaluated.

[endstar]

He lets them… squinting his eyes shut to help himself ignore the stares the aus give him.

[the-what-if-project]

And so he's lead off... to be poked, prodded, and treated as nothing more than a lab rat.

[endstar]

He growls, and huffs like a chained animal, but.. he doesn’t squirm, or say anything.. he just stands there… hoping it’s over quickly

[the-what-if-project]

Once it's over, he's dragged back to his cell and roughly tossed in. "You're some of our most behaved test subjects yet! We can't wait to answer the question our employers have for you! We will be loading our data in our systems shortly!"

With that, the cell is locked back up, and the scientists leave.

The Doug, Fourway-two, finally comes out of hiding. Wiping his tears away. His breath shakes, but he still nods in their direction. "...First day, and only 10 minutes being your longest shock outta ya... Call that lucky round here... You okay over there, beefy?"

[endstar]

He makes a stubborn, angry growl, just laying on the floor, before shakily getting up.

“F..fine…”

He says, clearing his throat, and forcing fear out of it.

"Just… fine..”

[the-what-if-project]

"...Don't pretend noobie... You're not helping anyone, being all tough like that. Doesn't help yourself here... Longer you say you're fine, the less and less you're going to mean it. We are in worse than hell now. You don't gotta be "fine" ever again..."

His voice wavers a bit, before switching to something softer... timid. HIS voice. "I-I... Didn't last... a week... N-no... No one judges... strength here... we... learn better... by at least... a week..."

[endstar]

He stumbles off to a corner weakly, grumbling underneath his breath, his ego cracked, but… somehow.. not broken. Probably not new here… Theyre stubborn. 

He glances at fourway, with disgust, hate… and… well…. Mild fear that he covers desperately.

"…s..shut it.. I said I was FINE.”

He says, looking disturbed at his own voice but not deterred. I normal malak would probably freak out at there being another him… one so “lowly”… but void is used to it… the multiverse and all…

[the-what-if-project]

"...j-just... trying... to save you the pain... Strength... saves n-no one here... i-it will be worse... they break us... e-easier to let... yourself... fall... than... suffer..."

He bows their shared head in resignation.

[endstar]

“…. I won’t.”

He growls, going to the corner and sitting down.

[the-what-if-project]

Doug switches back over, almost forcefully. Their body jolting as he snaps. "Well FIIIIIIINE, don't take an ancient experiment's advice! The evaluation is the easy bit, and no one is going to sugarcoat it, beefcake! You will either break or die, and you're going to learn VERY quickly why we all would rather die. Experiments that end in death, no matter how awful, are the KIND ones..."

He walks back to his corner, and plops down.

[endstar]

“ … I didn’t ask for advice did I?” He growls heavily, annoyed… but.. it’s tainted by his own fear. He IS scared

[the-what-if-project]

"Didn't ask to be here either, now did ya? It's etiquette around here. You always warn the noobies, in hopes they get easier experiments. More you act out, the more interesting it becomes to toy with you. Stronger your will, more torture you endure. If you ignore MY warning, and everyone else that's going to warn you, then it's on you if you get lobotomized and flayed."

[endstar]

He shivers, but snarls,

“YOU EXPECT ME TO JUST- JUST ACCEPT THIS?! I… this will NOT be my fate!”

[the-what-if-project]

"...That's what everyone says..."

[endstar]

… void doesn’t respond after that. Remaining in his corner.

Prophecy Bierce… has one of the calmest reactions anyone has probably ever seen since being stuck in here- she sits with her back to the wall, with her eyes closed, just not responding… staying SILENT. Her Doug immediately started having panic attacks and freaking out…. And of course her malak started flipping out and trying to break free every chance he got, but stopped as soon as he was told to out of fear… strong till there was someone as strong as him facing him down…. just- a WHOLE LOT.

[the-what-if-project]

Strange clicks are heard from the other end of the hall after some hours. Fourway-two lights up a little. "Wait... Clicky!"

He gets up, and presses his hands against the glass, trying to see down the hall. A lengthy creature, with bones that are far too long, twisted, and obviously broken. Her skin is like Fourway-two's, patchy, mixed with someone else's. She rasps, unable to speak, but, she doesn't need to. Her long black hair already shows who she is.

Fourway-two heads over to the to a small door, as the creature crawls over, dragging an oxygen tank and IV behind her. With fingers that are far too long, spliced with familiar claws, she grabs the other experiment's hand. "...There's our girls... surprised you're still fighting... W-were you good for the doctors...?"

Malak's voice sounds a little stronger talking to this... THING. Clicky waves her head around, her bones rubbing and making snapping noises that, as disgusting as they sound, seem happy. She pats the ground, jumping in a... familiar way.

Fourway-two smiles. "Pain meds! Alright, atta girls! That must make roaming the halls easier, eh?"

Her body twists, making more happy bone noises, and she gurgles animalistically. "Good to hear it, Clicky... W-we hate seeing both of you in pain."

[endstar]

…. Void malak pales, horror clouding pride and self image as he realizes who it is… it stirs up the stubborn, angry pot of confusion, and causes one singular question to spark…

Where is Agatha?

He doesn’t interrupt fourway-two, and clickys conversation… he only gets up, and begins to pace at the front of the glass, looking for Agatha, who… he can’t see from his glass cage. He doesn’t make a sound.

The nearby Doug’s and Malak’s have similar reactions, hiding away as they realize to the fullest extent WHAT is happening and what IS happening…

[the-what-if-project]

"Clicky" notices them, and starts making destressed clicks with her bones, groaning sadly. "N-no! Nononono, shhh shhh shhhhh, no... No they're not scared of you... W-why don't you girls help them...? Look for their daughters, they're scared too... You know how the doctors like to keep us separated..."

She snaps her neck upside down, and starts to crawl up to higher cells, looking for the other Tammys and Agathas, calling out to them with a distorted wail, that sounds like both girls sobbing...

"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah...."

[endstar]

This… makes the Malak’s and Doug’s overall mental state and temperament WORSE- getting more desperate, and pacing a bit.

Agatha’s are scratching at their doors crying heavily, wailing for their daddy’s, and the Tammy’s just remained curled in corners, not responding to much, covering their ears.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky finds them eventually, and attempts to wave to them. Trying not to be scary, even though... That's impossible.

[endstar]

Void Agatha immediately screams with terror as she appears, scrambling away.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky groans, and cowers at the screaming a bit. She doesn't like being THIS scary...

[endstar]

“Wh- WHAT ARE YOU-???”

Agatha cries, going to the corner

[the-what-if-project]

She points to her, then a Tammy, then herself, before clicking sadly. Making a wail that sounds like THEM. "Waaaaaaaaah...."

[endstar]

She whimpers.

“Your— what?? Your me- and- and- whoever that is-?! I-“

He trembles, holding her long hands to her chest:

[the-what-if-project]

She clicks, nodding.

[endstar]

“Wh- wha? How- but your—“

She looks on with horror

[the-what-if-project]

She makes a horn sign with one of her hands, and points downward. Trying to explain her daddy is in a ground cell.

[endstar]

… she doesn’t understand she just looks at her confused, and starts crying again.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky taps the glass, and points down again, trying to get her to listen.

[endstar]

“I- I don’t know what you meeaaaannn!”

She crys.

[the-what-if-project]

She looks around, before climbing down back to ground level. She taps on the glass void malak is in, and points upward, clicking erratically.

[endstar]

…he softens his tone a bit… for her. Like how he’d talk to Agatha.

“…hm..? What are you trying to tell me..?”

He looks up at the ceiling.

[the-what-if-project]

She points to herself, then him, then up. Trying to tell him that his daughter is in a cell above him.

[endstar]

“…is…”

He thinks.

"Is Agatha up there? My Agatha?”

He asks calmly but urgently

[the-what-if-project]

She nods clicking, but then sadly moves her long arms to demonstrate her fingers not being able to touch. His Agatha, along with the others, are just out of reach for them to properly comfort each other...

[endstar]

“…o..oh… I.. can.. can.. you tell her it will be okay..? That I’m okay..?”

He says softly.

[the-what-if-project]

She bows her head, and taps her throat, shaking her head. She can't speak due to what was done to her. "...Clicky was one of the prototype experiments before us. They ruined their vocal chords... Can't speak, can only scream, cry, or groan..."

"...M-maybe give her your tie...? Through the food door...?"

[endstar]

He nods, carefully taking it off and giving it to clicky.

[the-what-if-project]

She very carefully takes it, and climbs back up. lifting void Agatha's food door, and slipping the tie inside.

[endstar]

Agatha looks up, looking at it, and quickly runs over.

“D-daddy’s tie! He- he’s okay???”

[the-what-if-project]

She nods, and points down. Letting her know where he is.

[endstar]

She sighs with relief, wiping away her tears carefully.

“I.. I hope I’ll get to see him soon..”

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky clicks her bones together, snapping in sympathy.

[endstar]

She just sighs and, sits down with her knees at her chest by the door sadly…

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky eventually climbs down, and leaves them behind. Giving her dads one last hand hold before going down the halls, presumably to her own cell.

Over the next several hours, they're left alone. Scientists bring them the most disgusting looking slop they have ever seen to eat, leaving them with only that. "...Warning you all now, it's drugged. No joke, actually full of drugs. Don't know what half of em do, which ones they put in for each person, but... yeah. You're never not having non-laced food again."

Nevertheless, Fourway-two starts eating his own slop. "...I think it might be to keep us from leaving? Make us more scared? Maybe knock us out easier? I've been here for decades, still don't know..."

[endstar]

Prophecy, from the next cell over, speaks.

★"… starving is preferable. I’d give it to you if I could.”★

She doesn’t move from the wall… void pins his ears with disgust.

↓“For once, I agree with the witch… I didn’t even know YOU were here…"↓

★"everybody is, void… the whole of the meeting room…"★

Void hisses

↓"…grr… I told you to stop calling me that, you snake…”↓

★"Well I refused. Simple as that.”★

He groans.

[the-what-if-project]

"You'll eventually eat... Everyone says they won't, till they do... Starving is hard here... They don't let you die, if it's not in an experiment.

[endstar]

★"…I will not last long anyway dear. I’m going to die quickly… or.. be close to dead."★

[the-what-if-project]

"You sound... pretty certain. You're also kinda chill, for a test subject... what, you gonna try ending it? That isn't gonna fly, we're under surveillance 24/7-"

[endstar]

★"No. I see the future, and that line of future I can see ends soon… so either A… I die. Or B they beat me in mentally to the point where I can’t see anything, or can’t think.”★

[the-what-if-project]

He sharply inhales, and covers his mouth in mild horror and sympathy.

....Well THAT'S a comforting reaction-

[endstar]

"Oh yay, I’m doomed.”

She says, apathetically- not reacting much.

[the-what-if-project]

"...Yeah... You're taking it a lot better than most seers in this place... I-I... I hope the procedure doesn't hurt you too much... How long will we all get to know you... as you..? Got a time before it goes black?"

His voice is very gentle now, a little less cocky and callused. Like... He's talking to someone about to die.

[endstar]

She remains apathetic… casual, like it’s talking about ★"maybe a few days, depending… I’ve seen enough horrors… it’s… refreshing to know the end is near.” ★

[the-what-if-project]

He nods, then looks at void malak. With zero cockiness, he begs. "...Get to know her. Every damn thing you can. You're not gonna get another chance, and you're gonna regret it for the rest of your life here... Once they know what she is, her designated experiment will rip her from you... And you're not gonna like it."

[endstar]

He sneers.

↓"…why would I want to get to know HER? That fowl, creature of a woman! I hate her… she’s not even MY Bierce!↓

Beirce sighs, and lays down on her back.

[the-what-if-project]

"Not just you, all of you. I... We're gonna get to know her too. She isn't gonna die like that. We're not gonna let her die like that... She's a seer, and... they don't last the week. She will be gone in the worst way a person to be gone... it's... a benevolent fate, compared to most things... She... she won't outwardly suffer, but she's gonna be here, reminding all of you, that you never knew her...

[endstar]

"…why should I care? She’s a copy of one of the most annoying, insufferable mortal I’ve had the misfortune of meeting! In no way will I ever care for her fate”

Prophecy sighs, slightly annoyed.

★"it’s no use, Honey. He’s as stubborn as a mule… I don’t care, nor want fake kindness. I’ve known, and seen hundreds of my deaths in millions of timelines… rarely does anyone, especially him mourn me…”★

[the-what-if-project]

"...it's different here. This place MAKES you care... not because it suddenly makes you a Saint, no one deserves to be here. No one has earned the Fates they get... they will mourn. Everyone says they won't, or no one will mourn em, till they're all crying to a God that's probably chained down the hall... you got a decent hell ahead of you, but it's not going to be easy on everyone else..."

[endstar]

★"… I suppose I’m just hoping for the best fate for everybody else… but I cannot even see that or the probability of that .. it’s fogged.”★

She sighs, looking at her nails then at her shaking Doug in the corner, frowning.

[the-what-if-project]

He just looks at her sadly. "...that's very noble of you to think... we'll keep an eye on em for you, miss... Make sure they're not at each other's throats after you're gone."

He forces a laugh after his joke, then abruptly stops. Malak taking over. "...W-we have time to kill... before we're dragged off for the day... mind... mind telling us about yourself...? Memories you... y-you don't want forgotten...?

[endstar]

★"…can’t say I have much I want to be remembered… very little actually … I can’t say I spent my life wisely… I was born with this… curse. I didn’t need malak for fame, I just pawned it off of peoples desperate desires to know their fate.. conned them. I guess I was extremely nihilistic back then… knowing how my life would end at such a young age, wasn’t very healthy for a young mind… hah… the only way I ended up in the ballroom was because I was stealing so many souls from too many demons… especially malak… telling them of their fate if they go down the demonic path… Malak hunted me down, and I knew the only way I would survive is if I got the ring … and went into the ballroom…. Huh. Now I’m here … maybe I should’ve just accepted it back then, but I was … rather stubborn. I wanted to bend fate to my hands… and I could as best I can.”★

She looks at fourway-two with her bright purple eyes.

[the-what-if-project]

"Sounds like a lot of seers here... b-but... hey, you made the most of it, technically saved people, e-even if it was for cons, and... you tried. That says something about you. Like any Bierce, you... you are strong willed, determined, but... but unlike them, you still actively did some good, even if it was for the wrong reasons. That... th-that should mean something."

[endstar]

"Huh… perhaps. I still hate that… that’s all I really did with my life… and well.. piss off malak. But that was more entertaining than anything…. Respectfully.”

[the-what-if-project]

"...I-I... can understand that... we're not... exactly pleasant..."

Malak bows Fourway-two's head. He's... extremely humble, for a malak.

[endstar]

She smiles a bit.

“… sure. But it’s more funny to me now…”

[the-what-if-project]

That makes him shyly smile a bit.

They gently pressure her for more stuff. Favorite colors, food, places, time of day, flowers, cons she was fond of, everything they can ask, until the scientists come back to drag them away.

They struggle at first, more out of instinct than actual resistance, but inevitably obey at the THREAT of one of the doctors snapping their fingers. They didn't even need to hear it in order for it to break their fleeting will...

[endstar]

Prophecy watches sadly.. gently waving them off with a sad smile… kindly… she is very nice for a beirve… especially to a Malak’s face.. once they are gone, she lays down, and has her Doug cuddle up with her quietly.

[the-what-if-project]

An hour later, they hear his distant scream, but... none of the older experiments react much... Like it's nothing out of the ordinary.

[endstar]

Prophecy sighs, and covers her ears sadly.

The other aus whince, and get more and more anxious… the screaming wasn’t it was scaring them but everyone acted like this was normal… torture was normal here… and most of them came to the conclusion that they would follow suit soon.

[the-what-if-project]

He's eventually dragged back after several hours, looking really beat up. His flesh burned, soul shards sticking out of him like tumors. He's roughly tossed into his cell, and locked back up.

He coughs up blood, that has some purple sparkly bits in it, like there are soul shards in his lungs.

[endstar]

Prophecy just frowns, and sighs quietly. Void is… a lot more disturbed. He shivers, but.. doesn’t know what really to say other than giving a disturbed look…

[the-what-if-project]

He starts yanking the shards out of his body, with pained grunts. "...magic testing sucks... my mortal bits don't mix well with the demon bits-"

"I-I'm sorry..."

"Don't be... even if I was mad at you, we share nerves now. Not like I'm suffering alone..."

"Y-you don't deserve this..."

Doug scoffs. "You do?"

Malak doesn't answer, so Doug just focuses back on popping shards out of their body. Occasionally stopping to rub his patches of red skin comfortingly.

[endstar]

The aus… judge silently. Not saying anything or doing anything noticeable.. just… why are they so friendly with each other? Why aren’t they ripping out each other skin — some stare for a bit- especially void cause he’s a weirdo.

[the-what-if-project]

The Doug glances at them, and decides to make a joke, to lower the tensions. "What...? Never seen an unholy abomination pull out soul tumors before?"

[endstar]

Void snorts, with a huff-

"Huh… let me think— NO- I havent!”

[the-what-if-project]

He snorts. "Good, I'd be wondering about the scientific ethics of your timeline if you did-"

[endstar]

He huffs, and just starts pacing around, bored- his hooves clomping around-

[the-what-if-project]

After a bit, he calls out. "Ay, you okay in there, beefcake?"

He pops out another shard like a cyst.

[endstar]

“I’m bored, and- would you STOP calling me that!”

He huffs

[the-what-if-project]

"It's a compliment, but okay-"

He shrugs. "Not that much to do here, but talk and suffer. Some experiments have puzzles, games, but watch out for those. Cognitive puzzles mean they're gonna mess with your brain."

[endstar]

“Grreeeaaattt….”

He hisses deeply, stomping his hooves like an angry horse-

[the-what-if-project]

He sighs, and starts putting the soul shards he has in a pile. "...You could try talking to your cell mates a bit? Get to know the other noobies before the inevitable? Everyone's biggest regret her is, like we said, not knowing people. You can get on top of the game and entertain yourself, talking to em?"

This is what? The second or third time he mentioned getting to know people? He seems... very insistent.

[endstar]

He groans

↓"you are awfully determined… I can already feel a headache from communicating with such annoyinh creatures..”↓

[the-what-if-project]

"...Just don't want you repeating the same mistakes everyone else does... After the seers gone...? You'll probably understand..."

[endstar]

He scoffs

"… yeah, right…”

[the-what-if-project]

He... deflates a little, giving up for now. Still... kinda creepy how insistent he is.

A week passes, and they're put through simpler tests. Familiar mazes, puzzles, and their food is always drugged. But Prophecy Bierce has a lot more cognitive puzzles than the other new AUs... As the end of the week approaches, he becomes more insistent on them knowing her, till the final day.

The scientists come, not smiling blankly... They're grinning. Mouths just a tad too wide, as they drag her out of her cell... Fourway-two weeps silently, just... unable to take his eyes off her as they take her down the hall.

[endstar]

The other aus watch quietly… not seeming to care very much other than her Doug that shakes, and try’s to pull her away from the doctors… prophecy gently, shoving him away, to prevent him from getting in trouble… staying silent…. She doesn’t struggle, nor hiss, not cry. She just lets it happen.

She knows it’s the end of the line for her… mostly.

[the-what-if-project]

As she disappears down the hall, Fourway-two shakes his head. "Well... that's it for her... when she comes back...? Don't say I didn't warn all of you..."

[endstar]

Void rolls his eyes.

↓“None of us really liked her anyway.”↓

… the othet aus just look down or shrug.. not caring too much..

Accept her Doug, the ting one with the mask… he cries in the corner sadly. Wheeping with choked sobs.

[the-what-if-project]

"...after today... you're gonna change your mind..."

With her, the scientists strap her down on the table, and force a bit in her mouth, as they proceed with the procedure. Their grins grow wider and wider, with sadistic glee.

[endstar]

she makes an uncomfortable grunt, but doesn’t try anything, wincing as she looks up at them… she knows there is no feasible way out of this situation… so hopefully she just seems depressed enough that they… will be somewhat gentle.

[the-what-if-project]

They're not. They're actively rough, just TRYING to get a reaction out of her, and when they finally electrocute her and shove the pick in her eye? They end up causing even more brain damage than intended. Leading to an even more detrimental lobotomy.

Once lobotomized, they have her do cognitive puzzles, to compare the data they already collected...

[endstar]

She stares aimlessly at it for a long few minutes, eyes hazed over, struggling to understand that there’s a problem they want her to solve to begin with… slowly, she weakly try’s… her hand struggling to grip it at all… and her mind struggling to force in self into comprehending what was happening, loosing focus quickly.

[the-what-if-project]

They're satisfied after she fails yet another puzzle, and they send her back to the cells. Only staying long enough to record the reactions of the other new AUs when she returns.

Fourway-two looks away, unable to look at her now. Before the AUs can comprehend what happened to Prophecy Bierce? He already knows what has been done...

[endstar]

Prophecy Doug quickly runs up to her hugging her… but unlike when he first started crying… she doesn’t comfort him or rub his back gently or care… she just stares blankly ahead of her, glancing down at him quietly as he crys into her, making desperate sign language that goes unanswered… making him cry heavier.

Nothing.

Not a thing is left of her.

↓"..what they do to you, lady?”↓

Just a blank stare comes from here, Malak’s ears pin, as he looks just.. confused, and unnerved.

[the-what-if-project]

"A lobotomy!"

The scientist grins. "Tests showed she could see the future, couldn't let her warn you of our experiments! That would ruin our data!"

[endstar]

↓"I- you.. mushed up her brain, and made her BRAIN dead??”"↓

He says, disturbed.

[the-what-if-project]

"Oh of course! Why wouldn't we? Lobotomies are one of our employer's favorite procedures!"

She laughs, and her team joins her. "Aw, don't tell us you CARED about her? You barely know her, or even spoke to her based on security footage. Actively didn't even want to know her, now all of the sudden you're upset by what happened? Or are you worried you're next? Well don't worry, she's our only lobotomy planned for your test group!"

[endstar]

"I did NOT! I just want to know what in the sweet rings is HAPPENING! Of course I’m going to be upset at the prospect of you giving a LOBOTOMY to SOMEONE!”

He snarls, flicking his tail

[the-what-if-project]

The scientists laugh. "Oh, we already told you. Questions have been asked, and we have been employed to answer them. We were always going to lobotomize her, we just had to compare the results! Brain scans showed her having an impressive sight over time, and fast deductions over probability, as impressive as our seer test subjects directly related to gods of knowledge and madness despite her not having connections to a deity of madness or knowledge. Though there certainly were divine connections. Now? HA! Now she can't even retain memories at all! Let alone see the future. Even if she still can, she can't comprehend it. We may have gone a little overboard, when she didn't show the desired reaction, so the damage to her frontal lobe is more severe than we initially intended. She's not a person anymore. Just a thing. That occasionally has electricity moving her limbs and make noises. Like a broken toy!"

[endstar]

Void looks at the scientists with horror… along with the othet aus, especially the beirces… looking sick, and pale now.

Void can’t even speak. Even with his cruelty, he has been gagged with the pure cockiness and, sadism from this what seems to be a mortal.

[the-what-if-project]

With a giggle, they leave em alone to process the fact that... Prophecy bierce is gone in the worst possible way a person can leave. The scientist waves giddily. "We start your Luckys' testing tomorrow, and we can't waaaaaaait! Your collective mental stabilities will be fascinating!"

[endstar]

Prophecy’s Doug and malak just.. stare at her. Silently… prophecy’s Doug just crying heavily… her Malak’s ears drooped… his face going through a whirlwind of emotions… but mainly fear.. disgust… they just ripped her away entire sentience… and mind…

He hated her. A lot…

But.. she didn’t deserve this did she?

Not like that. He can’t get the bearings to make a sound or move…. He just trembles in the corner, looking at the empty shell of a woman… that isn’t anyone now.

Prophecy Doug gently gets her to sit down.

[the-what-if-project]

"...W-we... told you to get to know her for a reason..."

Fourway-two holds their hand over their mouth, both sides distraught.

[endstar]

Prophecy malak snaps at him.

★"SHUT IT!”★

He snarls

[the-what-if-project]

They flinch away, and a bunch more experiments cower away in their cells. They can't see most of them, but there is a collective THUMP of them all going to their corners.

[endstar]

Malak doesnt feel bad… he just sits there… pulling on his ears with way too many complicated emotions he wanted to feel…

The rest of the aus stay silent… it’s just quiet now.

Well.. not including the screaming of experiments

[the-what-if-project]

Hours pass, Another experiment is dragged away for testing. A bierce who... is in tank. Gurgling, and not even solid. There are some other colors in there, suggesting she wasn't the only one in gelatinous form in this glass tank. Her "mouth" opens in an attempt to scream, but all it goes is make a malak colored bubble inflate and pop where her "lips" should be. There are only suggestions of a face where they can see her. A running eye near her head that looks like it's from doug. Something in it tries to form a hand, that quickly dissolves back into the living solution, based on the shape and colors? A gremlin probably, or maybe penny...

Dear god, it's actually EVERYONE in a tank, as a living solution, the bierce on top just hasn't mixed in yet fully.

...What sort of question could have prompted that fate...?

[endstar]

The aus gag immediately at the sight, some immediately bursting into tears… most of them out of distress stop looking outside entirely… staring at the walls, distressed.

[the-what-if-project]

There's a tiny voice just overhead, one cell just above one of them. "...bye daddy... and... guys..."

The gelatinous mass wails as much as it can as it's dragged away. Some familiar claws that are all chewed up stick out of the food door, in reach of an AU below...

...Not everyone is in that experiment... at least... yet.

[endstar]

The aus weep sadly at this.. awful fate. Fear and anxiety creeping in…

This is awful. This is all sinful, and awful… who would do this? Why would they? sure.. they know they are answering questions, but that doesn’t explain why they are… what the point would be

[the-what-if-project]

The Agatha just above them continues reaching, before dangling her fingers down pathetically in sorrow and resignation... she's probably going to join that tank of pain one day...

[endstar]

The aus just… mourn. Their lives… their situation… everything.. some of the more weak stomach throw up…

[the-what-if-project]

After more hours, the goop creature is dragged back, managing to sob somehow, bubbling in agony. The lights are dimmed, and tomorrow awaits the Luckys, who's with their gangs on the other side of the hall, their cells next to Fourway-two.

[endstar]

The luckys wheeze, and kick at the doors, making angry grunting… very desperate to get out since the scientist basically confirmed they were going to suffer soon

[the-what-if-project]

Doug eventually has enough in the Fourway-two fusion. "Hey! Doors are locked tight, it's no use. Get some rest while you're not in too much pain to sleep!"

[endstar]

“FUCK. OFF! IM NOT LETTING THIS HAPPEN!!”

Prophecy lucky yowls.

Hangry lays down in the corner hugging penny whos crying heavily.

[the-what-if-project]

"There's literally NO USE!"

Another experiment shouts. Another lucky on the other side of the hall, though it's... hard to see that. He looks like a real bunny- er... or like he's a Frankenstein made of bunnies. He scratches at a bleeding seam, sitting alone in his cell. "...so get it out of your head that you have a chance... Luck doesn't exist here, all you can do is lose or die. That's the only luck you got... getting a break through death..."

...he's alone in that cell...

[endstar]

Lucky wheezes, clenching his fists, looking at the version of him with his ears pinned… with a mix of stress, panic, and hate…

… he doesn’t think about how that lucky is alone. He doesn’t let himself.

He won’t think about that.

He won’t worry about it.

“I don’t care… I won’t be hopeless.. OR pethetic!”

He says, his voice filled with unfamiliar fear.

[the-what-if-project]

"Then at least be quiet about it, oh courageous rabbit! Some of us would like to sleep, and wallow in our helplessness and self-pity in peace."

He flops down, and curls up in the fetal position.

[endstar]

Lucky hisses and just pulls in his ears angerily.

[the-what-if-project]

The night is too long and too short at the same time...

But eventually morning comes, and the scientists come for the new Luckies. Smiling their demented smiles.

[endstar]

It was a normal day in the multiverse, until it wasn't

A portal opened up, and then another, and another, and another-

All of them without symbols, all of them the wrong color, and out of all of them came strange people in coats. Their attacks are swift, overwhelming, knocking AUs out, before taking them, while more head through the AUs' portal.

It's some sort of ambush!

@the-what-if-project

People screech, and attack with confusion, teying to fight back.. and well.. failing.

The only one who doesnt is prophecy Bierce… sitting there and letting it happen…

She knew. She knew she’d be fine…

At least this her.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

When they wake up, they find themselves in glass cells, numbers tattooed on them like animals, wearing hospital gowns. Some of them are muzzled, and they all have collars around their necks.

Wails and sobs come down the other halls from a distance they can't tell. Whatever this place is, it's bad news...

[endstar]

Most… of tjem freak out, huddling into corners yelling .. various curses- void is particularly bad…

“WHO DARES?!!!”

He snarls with fear and anger stumbling up, pulling at the coller with hate.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

The collar shocks him immediately when he tries to remove it. Not a simple zap either, it HURTS.

They're shock collars.

[endstar]

He yelps with pain and flails onto the ground, before scrambling up again. He immediately try’s using magic to break the barrier

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

Nothing happens... The barrier doesn't budge.

A voice from another cell shouts. "AYE- Noobie! Forget about it! Ain't no escape!"

When they look across they see... A doug. With patches of malak's skin sewn into his body.

He has one arm on his shoulder and another at his side, all four pressed against the glass.

[endstar]

Voids ears pin, with disgust and confusion, slowly going backward a bit.

↓“What.. in the HELLS are YOU?!”↓

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Your future. Ain't I handsome?"

He scoffs. "People around here call us Fourway-Two. You uh... can guess why-"

[endstar]

He looks… disgusted, his ears flick.

"…. Where am I, strange AU? Who did this ambush!"

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Welcome to The What If? Project. TWI?P. This place is the stuff of nightmares, and where said nightmares get their bad dreams. Take it from us pal, you're NEVER getting out. Go with everything you're told, and maybe... You'll get lucky with the questions they have."

[endstar]

"Hah! A nightmare? I MAKE them! I don’t know who they are but they DARED to lay a hand on me, and now they will PAY!”

He looks around the room, pacing a bit with a hiss.

What.. is this place? And what kind of magic nullifiers to they have

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Thaaaaaaaaat's what they all say. That's what my Malak said. Now? Now he's a voice in my head... rarely talks anymore, too scared to.

[endstar]

He glares… mildy fearful.. that is a really disturbing prospect… but the rather large Malak variant makes a loud huff like an angry bull… stubborn.

They all are.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

Foot steps are heard down the hall, and the Doug's demeanor changes. "Corner. Now. Hide. Don't say anything. Don't do anything. By whatever twisted god that's out there, do NOT threaten them. Check up crew. You'll thank me later..."

[endstar]

He demon hisses… it’s.. no use. He just stepped back away from the glass, but he only just puffs up, clenching his fist

[the-what-if-project]

The doug hides in the corner per his own instructions, and the scientists that kidnapped them come to their cells. Clipboards in hand, glasses obscuring their faces. "DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Doug?"

The numbers on their arms... They're probably a form of identification. The scientist looks at void doug. "DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Doug? Step forward for evaluation."

She... Looks human, but in that sort of way you know it's someone pretending to be human...

[endstar]

Void Doug trembles a bit.

“I- what— who are-“

He steps forward he hesitantly, his hand, not pulling, but gently held onto his collar

[the-what-if-project]

They roughly grab his shoulders, and start to drag him off. The older experiments in the halls silently watch, sad, but they at least don't look worried. The worst hasn't started yet...

[endstar]

He yelps and wails CONFUSED.

"What’s- what’s happening?!? Who are you?!”

[the-what-if-project]

"Just routine, you will be returned to your cell shortly after we collect baseline data on your vitals."

They don't bother answering his second question. It's not fun that way :)

[endstar]

He just squeaks as he’s dragged off, shaking heavily as they go.

[the-what-if-project]

Its... very invasive when they get there. Strapping him down to forcefully do blood work, forcing his eyes wide open to check them, prying his mouth open, x-rays and whatnot.

This place is DEFINITELY not ethical.

[endstar]

Void Doug…. Fawns. Terrified and confused…. He doesn’t know what’s going on, but he doesn’t have the power or confidence to do anything about it… to attack or scream… all he does is stand there fearfully.

[the-what-if-project]

Once the very invasive procedure is complete, he's dragged back, and tossed into his cell. The next AU is then grabbed.

[endstar]

This goes on for… awhile. Some struggle, some are too confused too- mainly the Malak’s struggle a lot.

[the-what-if-project]

All who struggle learn quickly that the collars shock them until they submit, not just quick zaps either. If they struggle too long, the collars will zap them for solid minutes until they've seized too much to fight. If they try to attack? They're zapped over and over again, till they're in tears.

Examples.

They saved coming for void Malak last...

[endstar]

Void malak had..

Started to get particularly bad. Smacking his ram like horns agaisnt the glass, and stamping his hooves.. once they make it to his cell, he backs off, and makes a heavy heave of air like once again.. a really pisses off bull.

“You… WILL let me out of this cell!” He snarls.

[the-what-if-project]

"We are letting you out, DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Malak. but you will have to behave, otherwise we will have to neutralize you. You have seen the consequences of action, we trust you will be well behaved for us?

She bows her head slightly, mockingly.

[endstar]

He snorts.

"I am not a SEQUENCE of NUMBERS you fowl insolent thing!!” He snaps “the most of a diffrent name I’ve had to lord Malak is void! That.. stupid name that the foul “seer” gave me….”

[the-what-if-project]

"You are the 3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 malak we have brought in from study from a Dark Deception timeline. That is the only reason why we are addressing you by your identification number. I hope you understand DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Malak!

[endstar]

He snarls with anger.

“What in the HELLS DO YOU MEAN?!”

His hoof drags along the ground, stomping

[the-what-if-project]

"It means we have a growing number of Malaks in the facility. With infinite test subjects. You are merely another malak."

Her smile does NOT waver. She... Enjoys this job way too much-

[endstar]

“WHY YOU LITTLE—“

[the-what-if-project]

"We have trillions."

She dumbs down. "...of you."

[endstar]

He pales a bit, confusion setting in, and.. fear… trillions of HIM? Why him? His stomach dropping. He lets out a more fearful hiss.

“WHY?! WH-WHO.. ARE YOU?!”

[the-what-if-project]

"We are The What If? Project! We specialize in answering questions most people don't want to ask!"

She gently points to the cell with the Doug who's sewn together with Malak. Despite the slow movement, the cocky experiment flinches, and covers his head with his fists. Praying, begging in very quiet mumbles. "What if Doug and Malak were forced to share a body? This question has been asked and answered a thousand times, but we decided to spin it in another direction. There has been fusion, possession, but never assimilation. It's one of our favorite experiments actually! Isn't that right, DD-83742394792223338 Doug-malak?"

He just hiccups and scoots closer to his corner...

[endstar]

“…wh.. why would you…?”

He looks on with horror, smoke coming from his mouth defensively.. and well… fearfully.

“What’s- THE POINT?! To torture-“

[the-what-if-project]

"Simple. Questions are asked? It's our job to deliver the answers!"

She giggles. She. Giggles.

These scientists have absolutely no morals... She looks like a mortal, but this is bad, even for the worst of humanity.

[endstar]

He stares at her with horror, before snarling and punching glass where her head jt.

“I- I WILL GET OUT!”

[the-what-if-project]

She doesn't flinch. "My life only has value in the facility. That would be counterproductive on your part."

She presses a button on a device, and his collar starts to go off.

[endstar]

He wails, and immediately falls to the floor shaking, and pulling on the collar, hissing, and screeching.

[the-what-if-project]

She starts snapping her fingers as he's shocked, sounds instinctive yelps of pain come from every cell who heard it. The voltage gets higher and higher upon each snap, but all the other collars aren't going off, despite everyone else, except for the new AUs, reacting in pain...

It's conditioning...

[endstar]

The other aus slowly back up in their cells or cover their ears at the screaming, void Malak’s sounds more and more like a cat in.. a lot of pain. Screeching, and trying and failing to cry for mercy.

[the-what-if-project]

He has his punishment lasts for a solid 10 minutes, the longest out of them. The whole time, she loudly snaps. The only other stimulation he has, outside of the shocking.

When it finally stops, she opens his cell door, standing over where he lays in pain. "...Are we feeling more compliant?"

Her voice is ever so cheerful.

[endstar]

Malak wheezes, making empty gagging sound, somehow managing to not throw up, his limbs twitching and shaking… he does not reply.

[the-what-if-project]

She snaps her finger again, no shock though.

[endstar]

He makes a panicked wail, expecting a shock that didn’t come, curling up into a ball fearfully.

[the-what-if-project]

"...Get up."

She orders, finally showing some coldness. It's... odd how relieving that is.

[endstar]

He growls underneath his breath but, reluctantly obeys, scared of more pain… slowly, nearly falling over quite a few times, standing.

[the-what-if-project]

The other scientists grab his arms, and drag him off to be evaluated.

[endstar]

He lets them… squinting his eyes shut to help himself ignore the stares the aus give him.

[the-what-if-project]

And so he's lead off... to be poked, prodded, and treated as nothing more than a lab rat.

[endstar]

He growls, and huffs like a chained animal, but.. he doesn’t squirm, or say anything.. he just stands there… hoping it’s over quickly

[the-what-if-project]

Once it's over, he's dragged back to his cell and roughly tossed in. "You're some of our most behaved test subjects yet! We can't wait to answer the question our employers have for you! We will be loading our data in our systems shortly!"

With that, the cell is locked back up, and the scientists leave.

The Doug, Fourway-two, finally comes out of hiding. Wiping his tears away. His breath shakes, but he still nods in their direction. "...First day, and only 10 minutes being your longest shock outta ya... Call that lucky round here... You okay over there, beefy?"

[endstar]

He makes a stubborn, angry growl, just laying on the floor, before shakily getting up.

“F..fine…”

He says, clearing his throat, and forcing fear out of it.

"Just… fine..”

[the-what-if-project]

"...Don't pretend noobie... You're not helping anyone, being all tough like that. Doesn't help yourself here... Longer you say you're fine, the less and less you're going to mean it. We are in worse than hell now. You don't gotta be "fine" ever again..."

His voice wavers a bit, before switching to something softer... timid. HIS voice. "I-I... Didn't last... a week... N-no... No one judges... strength here... we... learn better... by at least... a week..."

[endstar]

He stumbles off to a corner weakly, grumbling underneath his breath, his ego cracked, but… somehow.. not broken. Probably not new here… Theyre stubborn. 

He glances at fourway, with disgust, hate… and… well…. Mild fear that he covers desperately.

"…s..shut it.. I said I was FINE.”

He says, looking disturbed at his own voice but not deterred. I normal malak would probably freak out at there being another him… one so “lowly”… but void is used to it… the multiverse and all…

[the-what-if-project]

"...j-just... trying... to save you the pain... Strength... saves n-no one here... i-it will be worse... they break us... e-easier to let... yourself... fall... than... suffer..."

He bows their shared head in resignation.

[endstar]

“…. I won’t.”

He growls, going to the corner and sitting down.

[the-what-if-project]

Doug switches back over, almost forcefully. Their body jolting as he snaps. "Well FIIIIIIINE, don't take an ancient experiment's advice! The evaluation is the easy bit, and no one is going to sugarcoat it, beefcake! You will either break or die, and you're going to learn VERY quickly why we all would rather die. Experiments that end in death, no matter how awful, are the KIND ones..."

He walks back to his corner, and plops down.

[endstar]

“ … I didn’t ask for advice did I?” He growls heavily, annoyed… but.. it’s tainted by his own fear. He IS scared

[the-what-if-project]

"Didn't ask to be here either, now did ya? It's etiquette around here. You always warn the noobies, in hopes they get easier experiments. More you act out, the more interesting it becomes to toy with you. Stronger your will, more torture you endure. If you ignore MY warning, and everyone else that's going to warn you, then it's on you if you get lobotomized and flayed."

[endstar]

He shivers, but snarls,

“YOU EXPECT ME TO JUST- JUST ACCEPT THIS?! I… this will NOT be my fate!”

[the-what-if-project]

"...That's what everyone says..."

[endstar]

… void doesn’t respond after that. Remaining in his corner.

Prophecy Bierce… has one of the calmest reactions anyone has probably ever seen since being stuck in here- she sits with her back to the wall, with her eyes closed, just not responding… staying SILENT. Her Doug immediately started having panic attacks and freaking out…. And of course her malak started flipping out and trying to break free every chance he got, but stopped as soon as he was told to out of fear… strong till there was someone as strong as him facing him down…. just- a WHOLE LOT.

[the-what-if-project]

Strange clicks are heard from the other end of the hall after some hours. Fourway-two lights up a little. "Wait... Clicky!"

He gets up, and presses his hands against the glass, trying to see down the hall. A lengthy creature, with bones that are far too long, twisted, and obviously broken. Her skin is like Fourway-two's, patchy, mixed with someone else's. She rasps, unable to speak, but, she doesn't need to. Her long black hair already shows who she is.

Fourway-two heads over to the to a small door, as the creature crawls over, dragging an oxygen tank and IV behind her. With fingers that are far too long, spliced with familiar claws, she grabs the other experiment's hand. "...There's our girls... surprised you're still fighting... W-were you good for the doctors...?"

Malak's voice sounds a little stronger talking to this... THING. Clicky waves her head around, her bones rubbing and making snapping noises that, as disgusting as they sound, seem happy. She pats the ground, jumping in a... familiar way.

Fourway-two smiles. "Pain meds! Alright, atta girls! That must make roaming the halls easier, eh?"

Her body twists, making more happy bone noises, and she gurgles animalistically. "Good to hear it, Clicky... W-we hate seeing both of you in pain."

[endstar]

…. Void malak pales, horror clouding pride and self image as he realizes who it is… it stirs up the stubborn, angry pot of confusion, and causes one singular question to spark…

Where is Agatha?

He doesn’t interrupt fourway-two, and clickys conversation… he only gets up, and begins to pace at the front of the glass, looking for Agatha, who… he can’t see from his glass cage. He doesn’t make a sound.

The nearby Doug’s and Malak’s have similar reactions, hiding away as they realize to the fullest extent WHAT is happening and what IS happening…

[the-what-if-project]

"Clicky" notices them, and starts making destressed clicks with her bones, groaning sadly. "N-no! Nononono, shhh shhh shhhhh, no... No they're not scared of you... W-why don't you girls help them...? Look for their daughters, they're scared too... You know how the doctors like to keep us separated..."

She snaps her neck upside down, and starts to crawl up to higher cells, looking for the other Tammys and Agathas, calling out to them with a distorted wail, that sounds like both girls sobbing...

"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah...."

[endstar]

This… makes the Malak’s and Doug’s overall mental state and temperament WORSE- getting more desperate, and pacing a bit.

Agatha’s are scratching at their doors crying heavily, wailing for their daddy’s, and the Tammy’s just remained curled in corners, not responding to much, covering their ears.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky finds them eventually, and attempts to wave to them. Trying not to be scary, even though... That's impossible.

[endstar]

Void Agatha immediately screams with terror as she appears, scrambling away.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky groans, and cowers at the screaming a bit. She doesn't like being THIS scary...

[endstar]

“Wh- WHAT ARE YOU-???”

Agatha cries, going to the corner

[the-what-if-project]

She points to her, then a Tammy, then herself, before clicking sadly. Making a wail that sounds like THEM. "Waaaaaaaaah...."

[endstar]

She whimpers.

“Your— what?? Your me- and- and- whoever that is-?! I-“

He trembles, holding her long hands to her chest:

[the-what-if-project]

She clicks, nodding.

[endstar]

“Wh- wha? How- but your—“

She looks on with horror

[the-what-if-project]

She makes a horn sign with one of her hands, and points downward. Trying to explain her daddy is in a ground cell.

[endstar]

… she doesn’t understand she just looks at her confused, and starts crying again.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky taps the glass, and points down again, trying to get her to listen.

[endstar]

“I- I don’t know what you meeaaaannn!”

She crys.

[the-what-if-project]

She looks around, before climbing down back to ground level. She taps on the glass void malak is in, and points upward, clicking erratically.

[endstar]

…he softens his tone a bit… for her. Like how he’d talk to Agatha.

“…hm..? What are you trying to tell me..?”

He looks up at the ceiling.

[the-what-if-project]

She points to herself, then him, then up. Trying to tell him that his daughter is in a cell above him.

[endstar]

“…is…”

He thinks.

"Is Agatha up there? My Agatha?”

He asks calmly but urgently

[the-what-if-project]

She nods clicking, but then sadly moves her long arms to demonstrate her fingers not being able to touch. His Agatha, along with the others, are just out of reach for them to properly comfort each other...

[endstar]

“…o..oh… I.. can.. can.. you tell her it will be okay..? That I’m okay..?”

He says softly.

[the-what-if-project]

She bows her head, and taps her throat, shaking her head. She can't speak due to what was done to her. "...Clicky was one of the prototype experiments before us. They ruined their vocal chords... Can't speak, can only scream, cry, or groan..."

"...M-maybe give her your tie...? Through the food door...?"

[endstar]

He nods, carefully taking it off and giving it to clicky.

[the-what-if-project]

She very carefully takes it, and climbs back up. lifting void Agatha's food door, and slipping the tie inside.

[endstar]

Agatha looks up, looking at it, and quickly runs over.

“D-daddy’s tie! He- he’s okay???”

[the-what-if-project]

She nods, and points down. Letting her know where he is.

[endstar]

She sighs with relief, wiping away her tears carefully.

“I.. I hope I’ll get to see him soon..”

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky clicks her bones together, snapping in sympathy.

[endstar]

She just sighs and, sits down with her knees at her chest by the door sadly…

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky eventually climbs down, and leaves them behind. Giving her dads one last hand hold before going down the halls, presumably to her own cell.

Over the next several hours, they're left alone. Scientists bring them the most disgusting looking slop they have ever seen to eat, leaving them with only that. "...Warning you all now, it's drugged. No joke, actually full of drugs. Don't know what half of em do, which ones they put in for each person, but... yeah. You're never not having non-laced food again."

Nevertheless, Fourway-two starts eating his own slop. "...I think it might be to keep us from leaving? Make us more scared? Maybe knock us out easier? I've been here for decades, still don't know..."

[endstar]

Prophecy, from the next cell over, speaks.

★"… starving is preferable. I’d give it to you if I could.”★

She doesn’t move from the wall… void pins his ears with disgust.

↓“For once, I agree with the witch… I didn’t even know YOU were here…"↓

★"everybody is, void… the whole of the meeting room…"★

Void hisses

↓"…grr… I told you to stop calling me that, you snake…”↓

★"Well I refused. Simple as that.”★

He groans.

[the-what-if-project]

"You'll eventually eat... Everyone says they won't, till they do... Starving is hard here... They don't let you die, if it's not in an experiment.

[endstar]

★"…I will not last long anyway dear. I’m going to die quickly… or.. be close to dead."★

[the-what-if-project]

"You sound... pretty certain. You're also kinda chill, for a test subject... what, you gonna try ending it? That isn't gonna fly, we're under surveillance 24/7-"

[endstar]

★"No. I see the future, and that line of future I can see ends soon… so either A… I die. Or B they beat me in mentally to the point where I can’t see anything, or can’t think.”★

[the-what-if-project]

He sharply inhales, and covers his mouth in mild horror and sympathy.

....Well THAT'S a comforting reaction-

[endstar]

"Oh yay, I’m doomed.”

She says, apathetically- not reacting much.

[the-what-if-project]

"...Yeah... You're taking it a lot better than most seers in this place... I-I... I hope the procedure doesn't hurt you too much... How long will we all get to know you... as you..? Got a time before it goes black?"

His voice is very gentle now, a little less cocky and callused. Like... He's talking to someone about to die.

[endstar]

She remains apathetic… casual, like it’s talking about ★"maybe a few days, depending… I’ve seen enough horrors… it’s… refreshing to know the end is near.” ★

[the-what-if-project]

He nods, then looks at void malak. With zero cockiness, he begs. "...Get to know her. Every damn thing you can. You're not gonna get another chance, and you're gonna regret it for the rest of your life here... Once they know what she is, her designated experiment will rip her from you... And you're not gonna like it."

[endstar]

He sneers.

↓"…why would I want to get to know HER? That fowl, creature of a woman! I hate her… she’s not even MY Bierce!↓

Beirce sighs, and lays down on her back.

[the-what-if-project]

"Not just you, all of you. I... We're gonna get to know her too. She isn't gonna die like that. We're not gonna let her die like that... She's a seer, and... they don't last the week. She will be gone in the worst way a person to be gone... it's... a benevolent fate, compared to most things... She... she won't outwardly suffer, but she's gonna be here, reminding all of you, that you never knew her...

[endstar]

"…why should I care? She’s a copy of one of the most annoying, insufferable mortal I’ve had the misfortune of meeting! In no way will I ever care for her fate”

Prophecy sighs, slightly annoyed.

★"it’s no use, Honey. He’s as stubborn as a mule… I don’t care, nor want fake kindness. I’ve known, and seen hundreds of my deaths in millions of timelines… rarely does anyone, especially him mourn me…”★

[the-what-if-project]

"...it's different here. This place MAKES you care... not because it suddenly makes you a Saint, no one deserves to be here. No one has earned the Fates they get... they will mourn. Everyone says they won't, or no one will mourn em, till they're all crying to a God that's probably chained down the hall... you got a decent hell ahead of you, but it's not going to be easy on everyone else..."

[endstar]

★"… I suppose I’m just hoping for the best fate for everybody else… but I cannot even see that or the probability of that .. it’s fogged.”★

She sighs, looking at her nails then at her shaking Doug in the corner, frowning.

[the-what-if-project]

He just looks at her sadly. "...that's very noble of you to think... we'll keep an eye on em for you, miss... Make sure they're not at each other's throats after you're gone."

He forces a laugh after his joke, then abruptly stops. Malak taking over. "...W-we have time to kill... before we're dragged off for the day... mind... mind telling us about yourself...? Memories you... y-you don't want forgotten...?

[endstar]

★"…can’t say I have much I want to be remembered… very little actually … I can’t say I spent my life wisely… I was born with this… curse. I didn’t need malak for fame, I just pawned it off of peoples desperate desires to know their fate.. conned them. I guess I was extremely nihilistic back then… knowing how my life would end at such a young age, wasn’t very healthy for a young mind… hah… the only way I ended up in the ballroom was because I was stealing so many souls from too many demons… especially malak… telling them of their fate if they go down the demonic path… Malak hunted me down, and I knew the only way I would survive is if I got the ring … and went into the ballroom…. Huh. Now I’m here … maybe I should’ve just accepted it back then, but I was … rather stubborn. I wanted to bend fate to my hands… and I could as best I can.”★

She looks at fourway-two with her bright purple eyes.

[the-what-if-project]

"Sounds like a lot of seers here... b-but... hey, you made the most of it, technically saved people, e-even if it was for cons, and... you tried. That says something about you. Like any Bierce, you... you are strong willed, determined, but... but unlike them, you still actively did some good, even if it was for the wrong reasons. That... th-that should mean something."

[endstar]

"Huh… perhaps. I still hate that… that’s all I really did with my life… and well.. piss off malak. But that was more entertaining than anything…. Respectfully.”

[the-what-if-project]

"...I-I... can understand that... we're not... exactly pleasant..."

Malak bows Fourway-two's head. He's... extremely humble, for a malak.

[endstar]

She smiles a bit.

“… sure. But it’s more funny to me now…”

[the-what-if-project]

That makes him shyly smile a bit.

They gently pressure her for more stuff. Favorite colors, food, places, time of day, flowers, cons she was fond of, everything they can ask, until the scientists come back to drag them away.

They struggle at first, more out of instinct than actual resistance, but inevitably obey at the THREAT of one of the doctors snapping their fingers. They didn't even need to hear it in order for it to break their fleeting will...

[endstar]

Prophecy watches sadly.. gently waving them off with a sad smile… kindly… she is very nice for a beirve… especially to a Malak’s face.. once they are gone, she lays down, and has her Doug cuddle up with her quietly.

[the-what-if-project]

An hour later, they hear his distant scream, but... none of the older experiments react much... Like it's nothing out of the ordinary.

[endstar]

Prophecy sighs, and covers her ears sadly.

The other aus whince, and get more and more anxious… the screaming wasn’t it was scaring them but everyone acted like this was normal… torture was normal here… and most of them came to the conclusion that they would follow suit soon.

[the-what-if-project]

He's eventually dragged back after several hours, looking really beat up. His flesh burned, soul shards sticking out of him like tumors. He's roughly tossed into his cell, and locked back up.

He coughs up blood, that has some purple sparkly bits in it, like there are soul shards in his lungs.

[endstar]

Prophecy just frowns, and sighs quietly. Void is… a lot more disturbed. He shivers, but.. doesn’t know what really to say other than giving a disturbed look…

[the-what-if-project]

He starts yanking the shards out of his body, with pained grunts. "...magic testing sucks... my mortal bits don't mix well with the demon bits-"

"I-I'm sorry..."

"Don't be... even if I was mad at you, we share nerves now. Not like I'm suffering alone..."

"Y-you don't deserve this..."

Doug scoffs. "You do?"

Malak doesn't answer, so Doug just focuses back on popping shards out of their body. Occasionally stopping to rub his patches of red skin comfortingly.

[endstar]

The aus… judge silently. Not saying anything or doing anything noticeable.. just… why are they so friendly with each other? Why aren’t they ripping out each other skin — some stare for a bit- especially void cause he’s a weirdo.

[the-what-if-project]

The Doug glances at them, and decides to make a joke, to lower the tensions. "What...? Never seen an unholy abomination pull out soul tumors before?"

[endstar]

Void snorts, with a huff-

"Huh… let me think— NO- I havent!”

[the-what-if-project]

He snorts. "Good, I'd be wondering about the scientific ethics of your timeline if you did-"

[endstar]

He huffs, and just starts pacing around, bored- his hooves clomping around-

[the-what-if-project]

After a bit, he calls out. "Ay, you okay in there, beefcake?"

He pops out another shard like a cyst.

[endstar]

“I’m bored, and- would you STOP calling me that!”

He huffs

[the-what-if-project]

"It's a compliment, but okay-"

He shrugs. "Not that much to do here, but talk and suffer. Some experiments have puzzles, games, but watch out for those. Cognitive puzzles mean they're gonna mess with your brain."

[endstar]

“Grreeeaaattt….”

He hisses deeply, stomping his hooves like an angry horse-

[the-what-if-project]

He sighs, and starts putting the soul shards he has in a pile. "...You could try talking to your cell mates a bit? Get to know the other noobies before the inevitable? Everyone's biggest regret her is, like we said, not knowing people. You can get on top of the game and entertain yourself, talking to em?"

This is what? The second or third time he mentioned getting to know people? He seems... very insistent.

[endstar]

He groans

↓"you are awfully determined… I can already feel a headache from communicating with such annoyinh creatures..”↓

[the-what-if-project]

"...Just don't want you repeating the same mistakes everyone else does... After the seers gone...? You'll probably understand..."

[endstar]

He scoffs

"… yeah, right…”

[the-what-if-project]

He... deflates a little, giving up for now. Still... kinda creepy how insistent he is.

A week passes, and they're put through simpler tests. Familiar mazes, puzzles, and their food is always drugged. But Prophecy Bierce has a lot more cognitive puzzles than the other new AUs... As the end of the week approaches, he becomes more insistent on them knowing her, till the final day.

The scientists come, not smiling blankly... They're grinning. Mouths just a tad too wide, as they drag her out of her cell... Fourway-two weeps silently, just... unable to take his eyes off her as they take her down the hall.

[endstar]

The other aus watch quietly… not seeming to care very much other than her Doug that shakes, and try’s to pull her away from the doctors… prophecy gently, shoving him away, to prevent him from getting in trouble… staying silent…. She doesn’t struggle, nor hiss, not cry. She just lets it happen.

She knows it’s the end of the line for her… mostly.

[the-what-if-project]

As she disappears down the hall, Fourway-two shakes his head. "Well... that's it for her... when she comes back...? Don't say I didn't warn all of you..."

[endstar]

Void rolls his eyes.

↓“None of us really liked her anyway.”↓

… the othet aus just look down or shrug.. not caring too much..

Accept her Doug, the ting one with the mask… he cries in the corner sadly. Wheeping with choked sobs.

[the-what-if-project]

"...after today... you're gonna change your mind..."

With her, the scientists strap her down on the table, and force a bit in her mouth, as they proceed with the procedure. Their grins grow wider and wider, with sadistic glee.

[endstar]

she makes an uncomfortable grunt, but doesn’t try anything, wincing as she looks up at them… she knows there is no feasible way out of this situation… so hopefully she just seems depressed enough that they… will be somewhat gentle.

[the-what-if-project]

They're not. They're actively rough, just TRYING to get a reaction out of her, and when they finally electrocute her and shove the pick in her eye? They end up causing even more brain damage than intended. Leading to an even more detrimental lobotomy.

Once lobotomized, they have her do cognitive puzzles, to compare the data they already collected...

[endstar]

She stares aimlessly at it for a long few minutes, eyes hazed over, struggling to understand that there’s a problem they want her to solve to begin with… slowly, she weakly try’s… her hand struggling to grip it at all… and her mind struggling to force in self into comprehending what was happening, loosing focus quickly.

[the-what-if-project]

They're satisfied after she fails yet another puzzle, and they send her back to the cells. Only staying long enough to record the reactions of the other new AUs when she returns.

Fourway-two looks away, unable to look at her now. Before the AUs can comprehend what happened to Prophecy Bierce? He already knows what has been done...

[endstar]

Prophecy Doug quickly runs up to her hugging her… but unlike when he first started crying… she doesn’t comfort him or rub his back gently or care… she just stares blankly ahead of her, glancing down at him quietly as he crys into her, making desperate sign language that goes unanswered… making him cry heavier.

Nothing.

Not a thing is left of her.

↓"..what they do to you, lady?”↓

Just a blank stare comes from here, Malak’s ears pin, as he looks just.. confused, and unnerved.

[the-what-if-project]

"A lobotomy!"

The scientist grins. "Tests showed she could see the future, couldn't let her warn you of our experiments! That would ruin our data!"

[endstar]

↓"I- you.. mushed up her brain, and made her BRAIN dead??”"↓

He says, disturbed.

[the-what-if-project]

"Oh of course! Why wouldn't we? Lobotomies are one of our employer's favorite procedures!"

She laughs, and her team joins her. "Aw, don't tell us you CARED about her? You barely know her, or even spoke to her based on security footage. Actively didn't even want to know her, now all of the sudden you're upset by what happened? Or are you worried you're next? Well don't worry, she's our only lobotomy planned for your test group!"

[endstar]

"I did NOT! I just want to know what in the sweet rings is HAPPENING! Of course I’m going to be upset at the prospect of you giving a LOBOTOMY to SOMEONE!”

He snarls, flicking his tail

[the-what-if-project]

The scientists laugh. "Oh, we already told you. Questions have been asked, and we have been employed to answer them. We were always going to lobotomize her, we just had to compare the results! Brain scans showed her having an impressive sight over time, and fast deductions over probability, as impressive as our seer test subjects directly related to gods of knowledge and madness despite her not having connections to a deity of madness or knowledge. Though there certainly were divine connections. Now? HA! Now she can't even retain memories at all! Let alone see the future. Even if she still can, she can't comprehend it. We may have gone a little overboard, when she didn't show the desired reaction, so the damage to her frontal lobe is more severe than we initially intended. She's not a person anymore. Just a thing. That occasionally has electricity moving her limbs and make noises. Like a broken toy!"

[endstar]

Void looks at the scientists with horror… along with the othet aus, especially the beirces… looking sick, and pale now.

Void can’t even speak. Even with his cruelty, he has been gagged with the pure cockiness and, sadism from this what seems to be a mortal.

[the-what-if-project]

With a giggle, they leave em alone to process the fact that... Prophecy bierce is gone in the worst possible way a person can leave. The scientist waves giddily. "We start your Luckys' testing tomorrow, and we can't waaaaaaait! Your collective mental stabilities will be fascinating!"

[endstar]

Prophecy’s Doug and malak just.. stare at her. Silently… prophecy’s Doug just crying heavily… her Malak’s ears drooped… his face going through a whirlwind of emotions… but mainly fear.. disgust… they just ripped her away entire sentience… and mind…

He hated her. A lot…

But.. she didn’t deserve this did she?

Not like that. He can’t get the bearings to make a sound or move…. He just trembles in the corner, looking at the empty shell of a woman… that isn’t anyone now.

Prophecy Doug gently gets her to sit down.

[the-what-if-project]

"...W-we... told you to get to know her for a reason..."

Fourway-two holds their hand over their mouth, both sides distraught.

[endstar]

Prophecy malak snaps at him.

★"SHUT IT!”★

He snarls

[the-what-if-project]

They flinch away, and a bunch more experiments cower away in their cells. They can't see most of them, but there is a collective THUMP of them all going to their corners.

[endstar]

Malak doesnt feel bad… he just sits there… pulling on his ears with way too many complicated emotions he wanted to feel…

The rest of the aus stay silent… it’s just quiet now.

Well.. not including the screaming of experiments

[the-what-if-project]

Hours pass, Another experiment is dragged away for testing. A bierce who... is in tank. Gurgling, and not even solid. There are some other colors in there, suggesting she wasn't the only one in gelatinous form in this glass tank. Her "mouth" opens in an attempt to scream, but all it goes is make a malak colored bubble inflate and pop where her "lips" should be. There are only suggestions of a face where they can see her. A running eye near her head that looks like it's from doug. Something in it tries to form a hand, that quickly dissolves back into the living solution, based on the shape and colors? A gremlin probably, or maybe penny...

Dear god, it's actually EVERYONE in a tank, as a living solution, the bierce on top just hasn't mixed in yet fully.

...What sort of question could have prompted that fate...?

[endstar]

The aus gag immediately at the sight, some immediately bursting into tears… most of them out of distress stop looking outside entirely… staring at the walls, distressed.

[the-what-if-project]

There's a tiny voice just overhead, one cell just above one of them. "...bye daddy... and... guys..."

The gelatinous mass wails as much as it can as it's dragged away. Some familiar claws that are all chewed up stick out of the food door, in reach of an AU below...

...Not everyone is in that experiment... at least... yet.

[endstar]

The aus weep sadly at this.. awful fate. Fear and anxiety creeping in…

This is awful. This is all sinful, and awful… who would do this? Why would they? sure.. they know they are answering questions, but that doesn’t explain why they are… what the point would be

[the-what-if-project]

The Agatha just above them continues reaching, before dangling her fingers down pathetically in sorrow and resignation... she's probably going to join that tank of pain one day...

[endstar]

The aus just… mourn. Their lives… their situation… everything.. some of the more weak stomach throw up…

[the-what-if-project]

After more hours, the goop creature is dragged back, managing to sob somehow, bubbling in agony. The lights are dimmed, and tomorrow awaits the Luckys, who's with their gangs on the other side of the hall, their cells next to Fourway-two.

[endstar]

The luckys wheeze, and kick at the doors, making angry grunting… very desperate to get out since the scientist basically confirmed they were going to suffer soon

[the-what-if-project]

Doug eventually has enough in the Fourway-two fusion. "Hey! Doors are locked tight, it's no use. Get some rest while you're not in too much pain to sleep!"

[endstar]

“FUCK. OFF! IM NOT LETTING THIS HAPPEN!!”

Prophecy lucky yowls.

Hangry lays down in the corner hugging penny whos crying heavily.

[the-what-if-project]

"There's literally NO USE!"

Another experiment shouts. Another lucky on the other side of the hall, though it's... hard to see that. He looks like a real bunny- er... or like he's a Frankenstein made of bunnies. He scratches at a bleeding seam, sitting alone in his cell. "...so get it out of your head that you have a chance... Luck doesn't exist here, all you can do is lose or die. That's the only luck you got... getting a break through death..."

...he's alone in that cell...

[endstar]

Lucky wheezes, clenching his fists, looking at the version of him with his ears pinned… with a mix of stress, panic, and hate…

… he doesn’t think about how that lucky is alone. He doesn’t let himself.

He won’t think about that.

He won’t worry about it.

“I don’t care… I won’t be hopeless.. OR pethetic!”

He says, his voice filled with unfamiliar fear.

[the-what-if-project]

"Then at least be quiet about it, oh courageous rabbit! Some of us would like to sleep, and wallow in our helplessness and self-pity in peace."

He flops down, and curls up in the fetal position.

[endstar]

It was a normal day in the multiverse, until it wasn't

A portal opened up, and then another, and another, and another-

All of them without symbols, all of them the wrong color, and out of all of them came strange people in coats. Their attacks are swift, overwhelming, knocking AUs out, before taking them, while more head through the AUs' portal.

It's some sort of ambush!

@the-what-if-project

People screech, and attack with confusion, teying to fight back.. and well.. failing.

The only one who doesnt is prophecy Bierce… sitting there and letting it happen…

She knew. She knew she’d be fine…

At least this her.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

When they wake up, they find themselves in glass cells, numbers tattooed on them like animals, wearing hospital gowns. Some of them are muzzled, and they all have collars around their necks.

Wails and sobs come down the other halls from a distance they can't tell. Whatever this place is, it's bad news...

[endstar]

Most… of tjem freak out, huddling into corners yelling .. various curses- void is particularly bad…

“WHO DARES?!!!”

He snarls with fear and anger stumbling up, pulling at the coller with hate.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

The collar shocks him immediately when he tries to remove it. Not a simple zap either, it HURTS.

They're shock collars.

[endstar]

He yelps with pain and flails onto the ground, before scrambling up again. He immediately try’s using magic to break the barrier

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

Nothing happens... The barrier doesn't budge.

A voice from another cell shouts. "AYE- Noobie! Forget about it! Ain't no escape!"

When they look across they see... A doug. With patches of malak's skin sewn into his body.

He has one arm on his shoulder and another at his side, all four pressed against the glass.

[endstar]

Voids ears pin, with disgust and confusion, slowly going backward a bit.

↓“What.. in the HELLS are YOU?!”↓

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Your future. Ain't I handsome?"

He scoffs. "People around here call us Fourway-Two. You uh... can guess why-"

[endstar]

He looks… disgusted, his ears flick.

"…. Where am I, strange AU? Who did this ambush!"

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Welcome to The What If? Project. TWI?P. This place is the stuff of nightmares, and where said nightmares get their bad dreams. Take it from us pal, you're NEVER getting out. Go with everything you're told, and maybe... You'll get lucky with the questions they have."

[endstar]

"Hah! A nightmare? I MAKE them! I don’t know who they are but they DARED to lay a hand on me, and now they will PAY!”

He looks around the room, pacing a bit with a hiss.

What.. is this place? And what kind of magic nullifiers to they have

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Thaaaaaaaaat's what they all say. That's what my Malak said. Now? Now he's a voice in my head... rarely talks anymore, too scared to.

[endstar]

He glares… mildy fearful.. that is a really disturbing prospect… but the rather large Malak variant makes a loud huff like an angry bull… stubborn.

They all are.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

Foot steps are heard down the hall, and the Doug's demeanor changes. "Corner. Now. Hide. Don't say anything. Don't do anything. By whatever twisted god that's out there, do NOT threaten them. Check up crew. You'll thank me later..."

[endstar]

He demon hisses… it’s.. no use. He just stepped back away from the glass, but he only just puffs up, clenching his fist

[the-what-if-project]

The doug hides in the corner per his own instructions, and the scientists that kidnapped them come to their cells. Clipboards in hand, glasses obscuring their faces. "DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Doug?"

The numbers on their arms... They're probably a form of identification. The scientist looks at void doug. "DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Doug? Step forward for evaluation."

She... Looks human, but in that sort of way you know it's someone pretending to be human...

[endstar]

Void Doug trembles a bit.

“I- what— who are-“

He steps forward he hesitantly, his hand, not pulling, but gently held onto his collar

[the-what-if-project]

They roughly grab his shoulders, and start to drag him off. The older experiments in the halls silently watch, sad, but they at least don't look worried. The worst hasn't started yet...

[endstar]

He yelps and wails CONFUSED.

"What’s- what’s happening?!? Who are you?!”

[the-what-if-project]

"Just routine, you will be returned to your cell shortly after we collect baseline data on your vitals."

They don't bother answering his second question. It's not fun that way :)

[endstar]

He just squeaks as he’s dragged off, shaking heavily as they go.

[the-what-if-project]

Its... very invasive when they get there. Strapping him down to forcefully do blood work, forcing his eyes wide open to check them, prying his mouth open, x-rays and whatnot.

This place is DEFINITELY not ethical.

[endstar]

Void Doug…. Fawns. Terrified and confused…. He doesn’t know what’s going on, but he doesn’t have the power or confidence to do anything about it… to attack or scream… all he does is stand there fearfully.

[the-what-if-project]

Once the very invasive procedure is complete, he's dragged back, and tossed into his cell. The next AU is then grabbed.

[endstar]

This goes on for… awhile. Some struggle, some are too confused too- mainly the Malak’s struggle a lot.

[the-what-if-project]

All who struggle learn quickly that the collars shock them until they submit, not just quick zaps either. If they struggle too long, the collars will zap them for solid minutes until they've seized too much to fight. If they try to attack? They're zapped over and over again, till they're in tears.

Examples.

They saved coming for void Malak last...

[endstar]

Void malak had..

Started to get particularly bad. Smacking his ram like horns agaisnt the glass, and stamping his hooves.. once they make it to his cell, he backs off, and makes a heavy heave of air like once again.. a really pisses off bull.

“You… WILL let me out of this cell!” He snarls.

[the-what-if-project]

"We are letting you out, DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Malak. but you will have to behave, otherwise we will have to neutralize you. You have seen the consequences of action, we trust you will be well behaved for us?

She bows her head slightly, mockingly.

[endstar]

He snorts.

"I am not a SEQUENCE of NUMBERS you fowl insolent thing!!” He snaps “the most of a diffrent name I’ve had to lord Malak is void! That.. stupid name that the foul “seer” gave me….”

[the-what-if-project]

"You are the 3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 malak we have brought in from study from a Dark Deception timeline. That is the only reason why we are addressing you by your identification number. I hope you understand DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Malak!

[endstar]

He snarls with anger.

“What in the HELLS DO YOU MEAN?!”

His hoof drags along the ground, stomping

[the-what-if-project]

"It means we have a growing number of Malaks in the facility. With infinite test subjects. You are merely another malak."

Her smile does NOT waver. She... Enjoys this job way too much-

[endstar]

“WHY YOU LITTLE—“

[the-what-if-project]

"We have trillions."

She dumbs down. "...of you."

[endstar]

He pales a bit, confusion setting in, and.. fear… trillions of HIM? Why him? His stomach dropping. He lets out a more fearful hiss.

“WHY?! WH-WHO.. ARE YOU?!”

[the-what-if-project]

"We are The What If? Project! We specialize in answering questions most people don't want to ask!"

She gently points to the cell with the Doug who's sewn together with Malak. Despite the slow movement, the cocky experiment flinches, and covers his head with his fists. Praying, begging in very quiet mumbles. "What if Doug and Malak were forced to share a body? This question has been asked and answered a thousand times, but we decided to spin it in another direction. There has been fusion, possession, but never assimilation. It's one of our favorite experiments actually! Isn't that right, DD-83742394792223338 Doug-malak?"

He just hiccups and scoots closer to his corner...

[endstar]

“…wh.. why would you…?”

He looks on with horror, smoke coming from his mouth defensively.. and well… fearfully.

“What’s- THE POINT?! To torture-“

[the-what-if-project]

"Simple. Questions are asked? It's our job to deliver the answers!"

She giggles. She. Giggles.

These scientists have absolutely no morals... She looks like a mortal, but this is bad, even for the worst of humanity.

[endstar]

He stares at her with horror, before snarling and punching glass where her head jt.

“I- I WILL GET OUT!”

[the-what-if-project]

She doesn't flinch. "My life only has value in the facility. That would be counterproductive on your part."

She presses a button on a device, and his collar starts to go off.

[endstar]

He wails, and immediately falls to the floor shaking, and pulling on the collar, hissing, and screeching.

[the-what-if-project]

She starts snapping her fingers as he's shocked, sounds instinctive yelps of pain come from every cell who heard it. The voltage gets higher and higher upon each snap, but all the other collars aren't going off, despite everyone else, except for the new AUs, reacting in pain...

It's conditioning...

[endstar]

The other aus slowly back up in their cells or cover their ears at the screaming, void Malak’s sounds more and more like a cat in.. a lot of pain. Screeching, and trying and failing to cry for mercy.

[the-what-if-project]

He has his punishment lasts for a solid 10 minutes, the longest out of them. The whole time, she loudly snaps. The only other stimulation he has, outside of the shocking.

When it finally stops, she opens his cell door, standing over where he lays in pain. "...Are we feeling more compliant?"

Her voice is ever so cheerful.

[endstar]

Malak wheezes, making empty gagging sound, somehow managing to not throw up, his limbs twitching and shaking… he does not reply.

[the-what-if-project]

She snaps her finger again, no shock though.

[endstar]

He makes a panicked wail, expecting a shock that didn’t come, curling up into a ball fearfully.

[the-what-if-project]

"...Get up."

She orders, finally showing some coldness. It's... odd how relieving that is.

[endstar]

He growls underneath his breath but, reluctantly obeys, scared of more pain… slowly, nearly falling over quite a few times, standing.

[the-what-if-project]

The other scientists grab his arms, and drag him off to be evaluated.

[endstar]

He lets them… squinting his eyes shut to help himself ignore the stares the aus give him.

[the-what-if-project]

And so he's lead off... to be poked, prodded, and treated as nothing more than a lab rat.

[endstar]

He growls, and huffs like a chained animal, but.. he doesn’t squirm, or say anything.. he just stands there… hoping it’s over quickly

[the-what-if-project]

Once it's over, he's dragged back to his cell and roughly tossed in. "You're some of our most behaved test subjects yet! We can't wait to answer the question our employers have for you! We will be loading our data in our systems shortly!"

With that, the cell is locked back up, and the scientists leave.

The Doug, Fourway-two, finally comes out of hiding. Wiping his tears away. His breath shakes, but he still nods in their direction. "...First day, and only 10 minutes being your longest shock outta ya... Call that lucky round here... You okay over there, beefy?"

[endstar]

He makes a stubborn, angry growl, just laying on the floor, before shakily getting up.

“F..fine…”

He says, clearing his throat, and forcing fear out of it.

"Just… fine..”

[the-what-if-project]

"...Don't pretend noobie... You're not helping anyone, being all tough like that. Doesn't help yourself here... Longer you say you're fine, the less and less you're going to mean it. We are in worse than hell now. You don't gotta be "fine" ever again..."

His voice wavers a bit, before switching to something softer... timid. HIS voice. "I-I... Didn't last... a week... N-no... No one judges... strength here... we... learn better... by at least... a week..."

[endstar]

He stumbles off to a corner weakly, grumbling underneath his breath, his ego cracked, but… somehow.. not broken. Probably not new here… Theyre stubborn. 

He glances at fourway, with disgust, hate… and… well…. Mild fear that he covers desperately.

"…s..shut it.. I said I was FINE.”

He says, looking disturbed at his own voice but not deterred. I normal malak would probably freak out at there being another him… one so “lowly”… but void is used to it… the multiverse and all…

[the-what-if-project]

"...j-just... trying... to save you the pain... Strength... saves n-no one here... i-it will be worse... they break us... e-easier to let... yourself... fall... than... suffer..."

He bows their shared head in resignation.

[endstar]

“…. I won’t.”

He growls, going to the corner and sitting down.

[the-what-if-project]

Doug switches back over, almost forcefully. Their body jolting as he snaps. "Well FIIIIIIINE, don't take an ancient experiment's advice! The evaluation is the easy bit, and no one is going to sugarcoat it, beefcake! You will either break or die, and you're going to learn VERY quickly why we all would rather die. Experiments that end in death, no matter how awful, are the KIND ones..."

He walks back to his corner, and plops down.

[endstar]

“ … I didn’t ask for advice did I?” He growls heavily, annoyed… but.. it’s tainted by his own fear. He IS scared

[the-what-if-project]

"Didn't ask to be here either, now did ya? It's etiquette around here. You always warn the noobies, in hopes they get easier experiments. More you act out, the more interesting it becomes to toy with you. Stronger your will, more torture you endure. If you ignore MY warning, and everyone else that's going to warn you, then it's on you if you get lobotomized and flayed."

[endstar]

He shivers, but snarls,

“YOU EXPECT ME TO JUST- JUST ACCEPT THIS?! I… this will NOT be my fate!”

[the-what-if-project]

"...That's what everyone says..."

[endstar]

… void doesn’t respond after that. Remaining in his corner.

Prophecy Bierce… has one of the calmest reactions anyone has probably ever seen since being stuck in here- she sits with her back to the wall, with her eyes closed, just not responding… staying SILENT. Her Doug immediately started having panic attacks and freaking out…. And of course her malak started flipping out and trying to break free every chance he got, but stopped as soon as he was told to out of fear… strong till there was someone as strong as him facing him down…. just- a WHOLE LOT.

[the-what-if-project]

Strange clicks are heard from the other end of the hall after some hours. Fourway-two lights up a little. "Wait... Clicky!"

He gets up, and presses his hands against the glass, trying to see down the hall. A lengthy creature, with bones that are far too long, twisted, and obviously broken. Her skin is like Fourway-two's, patchy, mixed with someone else's. She rasps, unable to speak, but, she doesn't need to. Her long black hair already shows who she is.

Fourway-two heads over to the to a small door, as the creature crawls over, dragging an oxygen tank and IV behind her. With fingers that are far too long, spliced with familiar claws, she grabs the other experiment's hand. "...There's our girls... surprised you're still fighting... W-were you good for the doctors...?"

Malak's voice sounds a little stronger talking to this... THING. Clicky waves her head around, her bones rubbing and making snapping noises that, as disgusting as they sound, seem happy. She pats the ground, jumping in a... familiar way.

Fourway-two smiles. "Pain meds! Alright, atta girls! That must make roaming the halls easier, eh?"

Her body twists, making more happy bone noises, and she gurgles animalistically. "Good to hear it, Clicky... W-we hate seeing both of you in pain."

[endstar]

…. Void malak pales, horror clouding pride and self image as he realizes who it is… it stirs up the stubborn, angry pot of confusion, and causes one singular question to spark…

Where is Agatha?

He doesn’t interrupt fourway-two, and clickys conversation… he only gets up, and begins to pace at the front of the glass, looking for Agatha, who… he can’t see from his glass cage. He doesn’t make a sound.

The nearby Doug’s and Malak’s have similar reactions, hiding away as they realize to the fullest extent WHAT is happening and what IS happening…

[the-what-if-project]

"Clicky" notices them, and starts making destressed clicks with her bones, groaning sadly. "N-no! Nononono, shhh shhh shhhhh, no... No they're not scared of you... W-why don't you girls help them...? Look for their daughters, they're scared too... You know how the doctors like to keep us separated..."

She snaps her neck upside down, and starts to crawl up to higher cells, looking for the other Tammys and Agathas, calling out to them with a distorted wail, that sounds like both girls sobbing...

"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah...."

[endstar]

This… makes the Malak’s and Doug’s overall mental state and temperament WORSE- getting more desperate, and pacing a bit.

Agatha’s are scratching at their doors crying heavily, wailing for their daddy’s, and the Tammy’s just remained curled in corners, not responding to much, covering their ears.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky finds them eventually, and attempts to wave to them. Trying not to be scary, even though... That's impossible.

[endstar]

Void Agatha immediately screams with terror as she appears, scrambling away.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky groans, and cowers at the screaming a bit. She doesn't like being THIS scary...

[endstar]

“Wh- WHAT ARE YOU-???”

Agatha cries, going to the corner

[the-what-if-project]

She points to her, then a Tammy, then herself, before clicking sadly. Making a wail that sounds like THEM. "Waaaaaaaaah...."

[endstar]

She whimpers.

“Your— what?? Your me- and- and- whoever that is-?! I-“

He trembles, holding her long hands to her chest:

[the-what-if-project]

She clicks, nodding.

[endstar]

“Wh- wha? How- but your—“

She looks on with horror

[the-what-if-project]

She makes a horn sign with one of her hands, and points downward. Trying to explain her daddy is in a ground cell.

[endstar]

… she doesn’t understand she just looks at her confused, and starts crying again.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky taps the glass, and points down again, trying to get her to listen.

[endstar]

“I- I don’t know what you meeaaaannn!”

She crys.

[the-what-if-project]

She looks around, before climbing down back to ground level. She taps on the glass void malak is in, and points upward, clicking erratically.

[endstar]

…he softens his tone a bit… for her. Like how he’d talk to Agatha.

“…hm..? What are you trying to tell me..?”

He looks up at the ceiling.

[the-what-if-project]

She points to herself, then him, then up. Trying to tell him that his daughter is in a cell above him.

[endstar]

“…is…”

He thinks.

"Is Agatha up there? My Agatha?”

He asks calmly but urgently

[the-what-if-project]

She nods clicking, but then sadly moves her long arms to demonstrate her fingers not being able to touch. His Agatha, along with the others, are just out of reach for them to properly comfort each other...

[endstar]

“…o..oh… I.. can.. can.. you tell her it will be okay..? That I’m okay..?”

He says softly.

[the-what-if-project]

She bows her head, and taps her throat, shaking her head. She can't speak due to what was done to her. "...Clicky was one of the prototype experiments before us. They ruined their vocal chords... Can't speak, can only scream, cry, or groan..."

"...M-maybe give her your tie...? Through the food door...?"

[endstar]

He nods, carefully taking it off and giving it to clicky.

[the-what-if-project]

She very carefully takes it, and climbs back up. lifting void Agatha's food door, and slipping the tie inside.

[endstar]

Agatha looks up, looking at it, and quickly runs over.

“D-daddy’s tie! He- he’s okay???”

[the-what-if-project]

She nods, and points down. Letting her know where he is.

[endstar]

She sighs with relief, wiping away her tears carefully.

“I.. I hope I’ll get to see him soon..”

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky clicks her bones together, snapping in sympathy.

[endstar]

She just sighs and, sits down with her knees at her chest by the door sadly…

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky eventually climbs down, and leaves them behind. Giving her dads one last hand hold before going down the halls, presumably to her own cell.

Over the next several hours, they're left alone. Scientists bring them the most disgusting looking slop they have ever seen to eat, leaving them with only that. "...Warning you all now, it's drugged. No joke, actually full of drugs. Don't know what half of em do, which ones they put in for each person, but... yeah. You're never not having non-laced food again."

Nevertheless, Fourway-two starts eating his own slop. "...I think it might be to keep us from leaving? Make us more scared? Maybe knock us out easier? I've been here for decades, still don't know..."

[endstar]

Prophecy, from the next cell over, speaks.

★"… starving is preferable. I’d give it to you if I could.”★

She doesn’t move from the wall… void pins his ears with disgust.

↓“For once, I agree with the witch… I didn’t even know YOU were here…"↓

★"everybody is, void… the whole of the meeting room…"★

Void hisses

↓"…grr… I told you to stop calling me that, you snake…”↓

★"Well I refused. Simple as that.”★

He groans.

[the-what-if-project]

"You'll eventually eat... Everyone says they won't, till they do... Starving is hard here... They don't let you die, if it's not in an experiment.

[endstar]

★"…I will not last long anyway dear. I’m going to die quickly… or.. be close to dead."★

[the-what-if-project]

"You sound... pretty certain. You're also kinda chill, for a test subject... what, you gonna try ending it? That isn't gonna fly, we're under surveillance 24/7-"

[endstar]

★"No. I see the future, and that line of future I can see ends soon… so either A… I die. Or B they beat me in mentally to the point where I can’t see anything, or can’t think.”★

[the-what-if-project]

He sharply inhales, and covers his mouth in mild horror and sympathy.

....Well THAT'S a comforting reaction-

[endstar]

"Oh yay, I’m doomed.”

She says, apathetically- not reacting much.

[the-what-if-project]

"...Yeah... You're taking it a lot better than most seers in this place... I-I... I hope the procedure doesn't hurt you too much... How long will we all get to know you... as you..? Got a time before it goes black?"

His voice is very gentle now, a little less cocky and callused. Like... He's talking to someone about to die.

[endstar]

She remains apathetic… casual, like it’s talking about ★"maybe a few days, depending… I’ve seen enough horrors… it’s… refreshing to know the end is near.” ★

[the-what-if-project]

He nods, then looks at void malak. With zero cockiness, he begs. "...Get to know her. Every damn thing you can. You're not gonna get another chance, and you're gonna regret it for the rest of your life here... Once they know what she is, her designated experiment will rip her from you... And you're not gonna like it."

[endstar]

He sneers.

↓"…why would I want to get to know HER? That fowl, creature of a woman! I hate her… she’s not even MY Bierce!↓

Beirce sighs, and lays down on her back.

[the-what-if-project]

"Not just you, all of you. I... We're gonna get to know her too. She isn't gonna die like that. We're not gonna let her die like that... She's a seer, and... they don't last the week. She will be gone in the worst way a person to be gone... it's... a benevolent fate, compared to most things... She... she won't outwardly suffer, but she's gonna be here, reminding all of you, that you never knew her...

[endstar]

"…why should I care? She’s a copy of one of the most annoying, insufferable mortal I’ve had the misfortune of meeting! In no way will I ever care for her fate”

Prophecy sighs, slightly annoyed.

★"it’s no use, Honey. He’s as stubborn as a mule… I don’t care, nor want fake kindness. I’ve known, and seen hundreds of my deaths in millions of timelines… rarely does anyone, especially him mourn me…”★

[the-what-if-project]

"...it's different here. This place MAKES you care... not because it suddenly makes you a Saint, no one deserves to be here. No one has earned the Fates they get... they will mourn. Everyone says they won't, or no one will mourn em, till they're all crying to a God that's probably chained down the hall... you got a decent hell ahead of you, but it's not going to be easy on everyone else..."

[endstar]

★"… I suppose I’m just hoping for the best fate for everybody else… but I cannot even see that or the probability of that .. it’s fogged.”★

She sighs, looking at her nails then at her shaking Doug in the corner, frowning.

[the-what-if-project]

He just looks at her sadly. "...that's very noble of you to think... we'll keep an eye on em for you, miss... Make sure they're not at each other's throats after you're gone."

He forces a laugh after his joke, then abruptly stops. Malak taking over. "...W-we have time to kill... before we're dragged off for the day... mind... mind telling us about yourself...? Memories you... y-you don't want forgotten...?

[endstar]

★"…can’t say I have much I want to be remembered… very little actually … I can’t say I spent my life wisely… I was born with this… curse. I didn’t need malak for fame, I just pawned it off of peoples desperate desires to know their fate.. conned them. I guess I was extremely nihilistic back then… knowing how my life would end at such a young age, wasn’t very healthy for a young mind… hah… the only way I ended up in the ballroom was because I was stealing so many souls from too many demons… especially malak… telling them of their fate if they go down the demonic path… Malak hunted me down, and I knew the only way I would survive is if I got the ring … and went into the ballroom…. Huh. Now I’m here … maybe I should’ve just accepted it back then, but I was … rather stubborn. I wanted to bend fate to my hands… and I could as best I can.”★

She looks at fourway-two with her bright purple eyes.

[the-what-if-project]

"Sounds like a lot of seers here... b-but... hey, you made the most of it, technically saved people, e-even if it was for cons, and... you tried. That says something about you. Like any Bierce, you... you are strong willed, determined, but... but unlike them, you still actively did some good, even if it was for the wrong reasons. That... th-that should mean something."

[endstar]

"Huh… perhaps. I still hate that… that’s all I really did with my life… and well.. piss off malak. But that was more entertaining than anything…. Respectfully.”

[the-what-if-project]

"...I-I... can understand that... we're not... exactly pleasant..."

Malak bows Fourway-two's head. He's... extremely humble, for a malak.

[endstar]

She smiles a bit.

“… sure. But it’s more funny to me now…”

[the-what-if-project]

That makes him shyly smile a bit.

They gently pressure her for more stuff. Favorite colors, food, places, time of day, flowers, cons she was fond of, everything they can ask, until the scientists come back to drag them away.

They struggle at first, more out of instinct than actual resistance, but inevitably obey at the THREAT of one of the doctors snapping their fingers. They didn't even need to hear it in order for it to break their fleeting will...

[endstar]

Prophecy watches sadly.. gently waving them off with a sad smile… kindly… she is very nice for a beirve… especially to a Malak’s face.. once they are gone, she lays down, and has her Doug cuddle up with her quietly.

[the-what-if-project]

An hour later, they hear his distant scream, but... none of the older experiments react much... Like it's nothing out of the ordinary.

[endstar]

Prophecy sighs, and covers her ears sadly.

The other aus whince, and get more and more anxious… the screaming wasn’t it was scaring them but everyone acted like this was normal… torture was normal here… and most of them came to the conclusion that they would follow suit soon.

[the-what-if-project]

He's eventually dragged back after several hours, looking really beat up. His flesh burned, soul shards sticking out of him like tumors. He's roughly tossed into his cell, and locked back up.

He coughs up blood, that has some purple sparkly bits in it, like there are soul shards in his lungs.

[endstar]

Prophecy just frowns, and sighs quietly. Void is… a lot more disturbed. He shivers, but.. doesn’t know what really to say other than giving a disturbed look…

[the-what-if-project]

He starts yanking the shards out of his body, with pained grunts. "...magic testing sucks... my mortal bits don't mix well with the demon bits-"

"I-I'm sorry..."

"Don't be... even if I was mad at you, we share nerves now. Not like I'm suffering alone..."

"Y-you don't deserve this..."

Doug scoffs. "You do?"

Malak doesn't answer, so Doug just focuses back on popping shards out of their body. Occasionally stopping to rub his patches of red skin comfortingly.

[endstar]

The aus… judge silently. Not saying anything or doing anything noticeable.. just… why are they so friendly with each other? Why aren’t they ripping out each other skin — some stare for a bit- especially void cause he’s a weirdo.

[the-what-if-project]

The Doug glances at them, and decides to make a joke, to lower the tensions. "What...? Never seen an unholy abomination pull out soul tumors before?"

[endstar]

Void snorts, with a huff-

"Huh… let me think— NO- I havent!”

[the-what-if-project]

He snorts. "Good, I'd be wondering about the scientific ethics of your timeline if you did-"

[endstar]

He huffs, and just starts pacing around, bored- his hooves clomping around-

[the-what-if-project]

After a bit, he calls out. "Ay, you okay in there, beefcake?"

He pops out another shard like a cyst.

[endstar]

“I’m bored, and- would you STOP calling me that!”

He huffs

[the-what-if-project]

"It's a compliment, but okay-"

He shrugs. "Not that much to do here, but talk and suffer. Some experiments have puzzles, games, but watch out for those. Cognitive puzzles mean they're gonna mess with your brain."

[endstar]

“Grreeeaaattt….”

He hisses deeply, stomping his hooves like an angry horse-

[the-what-if-project]

He sighs, and starts putting the soul shards he has in a pile. "...You could try talking to your cell mates a bit? Get to know the other noobies before the inevitable? Everyone's biggest regret her is, like we said, not knowing people. You can get on top of the game and entertain yourself, talking to em?"

This is what? The second or third time he mentioned getting to know people? He seems... very insistent.

[endstar]

He groans

↓"you are awfully determined… I can already feel a headache from communicating with such annoyinh creatures..”↓

[the-what-if-project]

"...Just don't want you repeating the same mistakes everyone else does... After the seers gone...? You'll probably understand..."

[endstar]

He scoffs

"… yeah, right…”

[the-what-if-project]

He... deflates a little, giving up for now. Still... kinda creepy how insistent he is.

A week passes, and they're put through simpler tests. Familiar mazes, puzzles, and their food is always drugged. But Prophecy Bierce has a lot more cognitive puzzles than the other new AUs... As the end of the week approaches, he becomes more insistent on them knowing her, till the final day.

The scientists come, not smiling blankly... They're grinning. Mouths just a tad too wide, as they drag her out of her cell... Fourway-two weeps silently, just... unable to take his eyes off her as they take her down the hall.

[endstar]

The other aus watch quietly… not seeming to care very much other than her Doug that shakes, and try’s to pull her away from the doctors… prophecy gently, shoving him away, to prevent him from getting in trouble… staying silent…. She doesn’t struggle, nor hiss, not cry. She just lets it happen.

She knows it’s the end of the line for her… mostly.

[the-what-if-project]

As she disappears down the hall, Fourway-two shakes his head. "Well... that's it for her... when she comes back...? Don't say I didn't warn all of you..."

[endstar]

Void rolls his eyes.

↓“None of us really liked her anyway.”↓

… the othet aus just look down or shrug.. not caring too much..

Accept her Doug, the ting one with the mask… he cries in the corner sadly. Wheeping with choked sobs.

[the-what-if-project]

"...after today... you're gonna change your mind..."

With her, the scientists strap her down on the table, and force a bit in her mouth, as they proceed with the procedure. Their grins grow wider and wider, with sadistic glee.

[endstar]

she makes an uncomfortable grunt, but doesn’t try anything, wincing as she looks up at them… she knows there is no feasible way out of this situation… so hopefully she just seems depressed enough that they… will be somewhat gentle.

[the-what-if-project]

They're not. They're actively rough, just TRYING to get a reaction out of her, and when they finally electrocute her and shove the pick in her eye? They end up causing even more brain damage than intended. Leading to an even more detrimental lobotomy.

Once lobotomized, they have her do cognitive puzzles, to compare the data they already collected...

[endstar]

She stares aimlessly at it for a long few minutes, eyes hazed over, struggling to understand that there’s a problem they want her to solve to begin with… slowly, she weakly try’s… her hand struggling to grip it at all… and her mind struggling to force in self into comprehending what was happening, loosing focus quickly.

[the-what-if-project]

They're satisfied after she fails yet another puzzle, and they send her back to the cells. Only staying long enough to record the reactions of the other new AUs when she returns.

Fourway-two looks away, unable to look at her now. Before the AUs can comprehend what happened to Prophecy Bierce? He already knows what has been done...

[endstar]

Prophecy Doug quickly runs up to her hugging her… but unlike when he first started crying… she doesn’t comfort him or rub his back gently or care… she just stares blankly ahead of her, glancing down at him quietly as he crys into her, making desperate sign language that goes unanswered… making him cry heavier.

Nothing.

Not a thing is left of her.

↓"..what they do to you, lady?”↓

Just a blank stare comes from here, Malak’s ears pin, as he looks just.. confused, and unnerved.

[the-what-if-project]

"A lobotomy!"

The scientist grins. "Tests showed she could see the future, couldn't let her warn you of our experiments! That would ruin our data!"

[endstar]

↓"I- you.. mushed up her brain, and made her BRAIN dead??”"↓

He says, disturbed.

[the-what-if-project]

"Oh of course! Why wouldn't we? Lobotomies are one of our employer's favorite procedures!"

She laughs, and her team joins her. "Aw, don't tell us you CARED about her? You barely know her, or even spoke to her based on security footage. Actively didn't even want to know her, now all of the sudden you're upset by what happened? Or are you worried you're next? Well don't worry, she's our only lobotomy planned for your test group!"

[endstar]

"I did NOT! I just want to know what in the sweet rings is HAPPENING! Of course I’m going to be upset at the prospect of you giving a LOBOTOMY to SOMEONE!”

He snarls, flicking his tail

[the-what-if-project]

The scientists laugh. "Oh, we already told you. Questions have been asked, and we have been employed to answer them. We were always going to lobotomize her, we just had to compare the results! Brain scans showed her having an impressive sight over time, and fast deductions over probability, as impressive as our seer test subjects directly related to gods of knowledge and madness despite her not having connections to a deity of madness or knowledge. Though there certainly were divine connections. Now? HA! Now she can't even retain memories at all! Let alone see the future. Even if she still can, she can't comprehend it. We may have gone a little overboard, when she didn't show the desired reaction, so the damage to her frontal lobe is more severe than we initially intended. She's not a person anymore. Just a thing. That occasionally has electricity moving her limbs and make noises. Like a broken toy!"

[endstar]

Void looks at the scientists with horror… along with the othet aus, especially the beirces… looking sick, and pale now.

Void can’t even speak. Even with his cruelty, he has been gagged with the pure cockiness and, sadism from this what seems to be a mortal.

[the-what-if-project]

With a giggle, they leave em alone to process the fact that... Prophecy bierce is gone in the worst possible way a person can leave. The scientist waves giddily. "We start your Luckys' testing tomorrow, and we can't waaaaaaait! Your collective mental stabilities will be fascinating!"

[endstar]

Prophecy’s Doug and malak just.. stare at her. Silently… prophecy’s Doug just crying heavily… her Malak’s ears drooped… his face going through a whirlwind of emotions… but mainly fear.. disgust… they just ripped her away entire sentience… and mind…

He hated her. A lot…

But.. she didn’t deserve this did she?

Not like that. He can’t get the bearings to make a sound or move…. He just trembles in the corner, looking at the empty shell of a woman… that isn’t anyone now.

Prophecy Doug gently gets her to sit down.

[the-what-if-project]

"...W-we... told you to get to know her for a reason..."

Fourway-two holds their hand over their mouth, both sides distraught.

[endstar]

Prophecy malak snaps at him.

★"SHUT IT!”★

He snarls

[the-what-if-project]

They flinch away, and a bunch more experiments cower away in their cells. They can't see most of them, but there is a collective THUMP of them all going to their corners.

[endstar]

Malak doesnt feel bad… he just sits there… pulling on his ears with way too many complicated emotions he wanted to feel…

The rest of the aus stay silent… it’s just quiet now.

Well.. not including the screaming of experiments

[the-what-if-project]

Hours pass, Another experiment is dragged away for testing. A bierce who... is in tank. Gurgling, and not even solid. There are some other colors in there, suggesting she wasn't the only one in gelatinous form in this glass tank. Her "mouth" opens in an attempt to scream, but all it goes is make a malak colored bubble inflate and pop where her "lips" should be. There are only suggestions of a face where they can see her. A running eye near her head that looks like it's from doug. Something in it tries to form a hand, that quickly dissolves back into the living solution, based on the shape and colors? A gremlin probably, or maybe penny...

Dear god, it's actually EVERYONE in a tank, as a living solution, the bierce on top just hasn't mixed in yet fully.

...What sort of question could have prompted that fate...?

[endstar]

The aus gag immediately at the sight, some immediately bursting into tears… most of them out of distress stop looking outside entirely… staring at the walls, distressed.

[the-what-if-project]

There's a tiny voice just overhead, one cell just above one of them. "...bye daddy... and... guys..."

The gelatinous mass wails as much as it can as it's dragged away. Some familiar claws that are all chewed up stick out of the food door, in reach of an AU below...

...Not everyone is in that experiment... at least... yet.

[endstar]

The aus weep sadly at this.. awful fate. Fear and anxiety creeping in…

This is awful. This is all sinful, and awful… who would do this? Why would they? sure.. they know they are answering questions, but that doesn’t explain why they are… what the point would be

[the-what-if-project]

The Agatha just above them continues reaching, before dangling her fingers down pathetically in sorrow and resignation... she's probably going to join that tank of pain one day...

[endstar]

The aus just… mourn. Their lives… their situation… everything.. some of the more weak stomach throw up…

[the-what-if-project]

After more hours, the goop creature is dragged back, managing to sob somehow, bubbling in agony. The lights are dimmed, and tomorrow awaits the Luckys, who's with their gangs on the other side of the hall, their cells next to Fourway-two.

[endstar]

The luckys wheeze, and kick at the doors, making angry grunting… very desperate to get out since the scientist basically confirmed they were going to suffer soon

[the-what-if-project]

Doug eventually has enough in the Fourway-two fusion. "Hey! Doors are locked tight, it's no use. Get some rest while you're not in too much pain to sleep!"

[endstar]

“FUCK. OFF! IM NOT LETTING THIS HAPPEN!!”

Prophecy lucky yowls.

Hangry lays down in the corner hugging penny whos crying heavily.

[the-what-if-project]

"There's literally NO USE!"

Another experiment shouts. Another lucky on the other side of the hall, though it's... hard to see that. He looks like a real bunny- er... or like he's a Frankenstein made of bunnies. He scratches at a bleeding seam, sitting alone in his cell. "...so get it out of your head that you have a chance... Luck doesn't exist here, all you can do is lose or die. That's the only luck you got... getting a break through death..."

...he's alone in that cell...

[endstar]

It was a normal day in the multiverse, until it wasn't

A portal opened up, and then another, and another, and another-

All of them without symbols, all of them the wrong color, and out of all of them came strange people in coats. Their attacks are swift, overwhelming, knocking AUs out, before taking them, while more head through the AUs' portal.

It's some sort of ambush!

@the-what-if-project

People screech, and attack with confusion, teying to fight back.. and well.. failing.

The only one who doesnt is prophecy Bierce… sitting there and letting it happen…

She knew. She knew she’d be fine…

At least this her.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

When they wake up, they find themselves in glass cells, numbers tattooed on them like animals, wearing hospital gowns. Some of them are muzzled, and they all have collars around their necks.

Wails and sobs come down the other halls from a distance they can't tell. Whatever this place is, it's bad news...

[endstar]

Most… of tjem freak out, huddling into corners yelling .. various curses- void is particularly bad…

“WHO DARES?!!!”

He snarls with fear and anger stumbling up, pulling at the coller with hate.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

The collar shocks him immediately when he tries to remove it. Not a simple zap either, it HURTS.

They're shock collars.

[endstar]

He yelps with pain and flails onto the ground, before scrambling up again. He immediately try’s using magic to break the barrier

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

Nothing happens... The barrier doesn't budge.

A voice from another cell shouts. "AYE- Noobie! Forget about it! Ain't no escape!"

When they look across they see... A doug. With patches of malak's skin sewn into his body.

He has one arm on his shoulder and another at his side, all four pressed against the glass.

[endstar]

Voids ears pin, with disgust and confusion, slowly going backward a bit.

↓“What.. in the HELLS are YOU?!”↓

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Your future. Ain't I handsome?"

He scoffs. "People around here call us Fourway-Two. You uh... can guess why-"

[endstar]

He looks… disgusted, his ears flick.

"…. Where am I, strange AU? Who did this ambush!"

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Welcome to The What If? Project. TWI?P. This place is the stuff of nightmares, and where said nightmares get their bad dreams. Take it from us pal, you're NEVER getting out. Go with everything you're told, and maybe... You'll get lucky with the questions they have."

[endstar]

"Hah! A nightmare? I MAKE them! I don’t know who they are but they DARED to lay a hand on me, and now they will PAY!”

He looks around the room, pacing a bit with a hiss.

What.. is this place? And what kind of magic nullifiers to they have

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Thaaaaaaaaat's what they all say. That's what my Malak said. Now? Now he's a voice in my head... rarely talks anymore, too scared to.

[endstar]

He glares… mildy fearful.. that is a really disturbing prospect… but the rather large Malak variant makes a loud huff like an angry bull… stubborn.

They all are.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

Foot steps are heard down the hall, and the Doug's demeanor changes. "Corner. Now. Hide. Don't say anything. Don't do anything. By whatever twisted god that's out there, do NOT threaten them. Check up crew. You'll thank me later..."

[endstar]

He demon hisses… it’s.. no use. He just stepped back away from the glass, but he only just puffs up, clenching his fist

[the-what-if-project]

The doug hides in the corner per his own instructions, and the scientists that kidnapped them come to their cells. Clipboards in hand, glasses obscuring their faces. "DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Doug?"

The numbers on their arms... They're probably a form of identification. The scientist looks at void doug. "DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Doug? Step forward for evaluation."

She... Looks human, but in that sort of way you know it's someone pretending to be human...

[endstar]

Void Doug trembles a bit.

“I- what— who are-“

He steps forward he hesitantly, his hand, not pulling, but gently held onto his collar

[the-what-if-project]

They roughly grab his shoulders, and start to drag him off. The older experiments in the halls silently watch, sad, but they at least don't look worried. The worst hasn't started yet...

[endstar]

He yelps and wails CONFUSED.

"What’s- what’s happening?!? Who are you?!”

[the-what-if-project]

"Just routine, you will be returned to your cell shortly after we collect baseline data on your vitals."

They don't bother answering his second question. It's not fun that way :)

[endstar]

He just squeaks as he’s dragged off, shaking heavily as they go.

[the-what-if-project]

Its... very invasive when they get there. Strapping him down to forcefully do blood work, forcing his eyes wide open to check them, prying his mouth open, x-rays and whatnot.

This place is DEFINITELY not ethical.

[endstar]

Void Doug…. Fawns. Terrified and confused…. He doesn’t know what’s going on, but he doesn’t have the power or confidence to do anything about it… to attack or scream… all he does is stand there fearfully.

[the-what-if-project]

Once the very invasive procedure is complete, he's dragged back, and tossed into his cell. The next AU is then grabbed.

[endstar]

This goes on for… awhile. Some struggle, some are too confused too- mainly the Malak’s struggle a lot.

[the-what-if-project]

All who struggle learn quickly that the collars shock them until they submit, not just quick zaps either. If they struggle too long, the collars will zap them for solid minutes until they've seized too much to fight. If they try to attack? They're zapped over and over again, till they're in tears.

Examples.

They saved coming for void Malak last...

[endstar]

Void malak had..

Started to get particularly bad. Smacking his ram like horns agaisnt the glass, and stamping his hooves.. once they make it to his cell, he backs off, and makes a heavy heave of air like once again.. a really pisses off bull.

“You… WILL let me out of this cell!” He snarls.

[the-what-if-project]

"We are letting you out, DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Malak. but you will have to behave, otherwise we will have to neutralize you. You have seen the consequences of action, we trust you will be well behaved for us?

She bows her head slightly, mockingly.

[endstar]

He snorts.

"I am not a SEQUENCE of NUMBERS you fowl insolent thing!!” He snaps “the most of a diffrent name I’ve had to lord Malak is void! That.. stupid name that the foul “seer” gave me….”

[the-what-if-project]

"You are the 3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 malak we have brought in from study from a Dark Deception timeline. That is the only reason why we are addressing you by your identification number. I hope you understand DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Malak!

[endstar]

He snarls with anger.

“What in the HELLS DO YOU MEAN?!”

His hoof drags along the ground, stomping

[the-what-if-project]

"It means we have a growing number of Malaks in the facility. With infinite test subjects. You are merely another malak."

Her smile does NOT waver. She... Enjoys this job way too much-

[endstar]

“WHY YOU LITTLE—“

[the-what-if-project]

"We have trillions."

She dumbs down. "...of you."

[endstar]

He pales a bit, confusion setting in, and.. fear… trillions of HIM? Why him? His stomach dropping. He lets out a more fearful hiss.

“WHY?! WH-WHO.. ARE YOU?!”

[the-what-if-project]

"We are The What If? Project! We specialize in answering questions most people don't want to ask!"

She gently points to the cell with the Doug who's sewn together with Malak. Despite the slow movement, the cocky experiment flinches, and covers his head with his fists. Praying, begging in very quiet mumbles. "What if Doug and Malak were forced to share a body? This question has been asked and answered a thousand times, but we decided to spin it in another direction. There has been fusion, possession, but never assimilation. It's one of our favorite experiments actually! Isn't that right, DD-83742394792223338 Doug-malak?"

He just hiccups and scoots closer to his corner...

[endstar]

“…wh.. why would you…?”

He looks on with horror, smoke coming from his mouth defensively.. and well… fearfully.

“What’s- THE POINT?! To torture-“

[the-what-if-project]

"Simple. Questions are asked? It's our job to deliver the answers!"

She giggles. She. Giggles.

These scientists have absolutely no morals... She looks like a mortal, but this is bad, even for the worst of humanity.

[endstar]

He stares at her with horror, before snarling and punching glass where her head jt.

“I- I WILL GET OUT!”

[the-what-if-project]

She doesn't flinch. "My life only has value in the facility. That would be counterproductive on your part."

She presses a button on a device, and his collar starts to go off.

[endstar]

He wails, and immediately falls to the floor shaking, and pulling on the collar, hissing, and screeching.

[the-what-if-project]

She starts snapping her fingers as he's shocked, sounds instinctive yelps of pain come from every cell who heard it. The voltage gets higher and higher upon each snap, but all the other collars aren't going off, despite everyone else, except for the new AUs, reacting in pain...

It's conditioning...

[endstar]

The other aus slowly back up in their cells or cover their ears at the screaming, void Malak’s sounds more and more like a cat in.. a lot of pain. Screeching, and trying and failing to cry for mercy.

[the-what-if-project]

He has his punishment lasts for a solid 10 minutes, the longest out of them. The whole time, she loudly snaps. The only other stimulation he has, outside of the shocking.

When it finally stops, she opens his cell door, standing over where he lays in pain. "...Are we feeling more compliant?"

Her voice is ever so cheerful.

[endstar]

Malak wheezes, making empty gagging sound, somehow managing to not throw up, his limbs twitching and shaking… he does not reply.

[the-what-if-project]

She snaps her finger again, no shock though.

[endstar]

He makes a panicked wail, expecting a shock that didn’t come, curling up into a ball fearfully.

[the-what-if-project]

"...Get up."

She orders, finally showing some coldness. It's... odd how relieving that is.

[endstar]

He growls underneath his breath but, reluctantly obeys, scared of more pain… slowly, nearly falling over quite a few times, standing.

[the-what-if-project]

The other scientists grab his arms, and drag him off to be evaluated.

[endstar]

He lets them… squinting his eyes shut to help himself ignore the stares the aus give him.

[the-what-if-project]

And so he's lead off... to be poked, prodded, and treated as nothing more than a lab rat.

[endstar]

He growls, and huffs like a chained animal, but.. he doesn’t squirm, or say anything.. he just stands there… hoping it’s over quickly

[the-what-if-project]

Once it's over, he's dragged back to his cell and roughly tossed in. "You're some of our most behaved test subjects yet! We can't wait to answer the question our employers have for you! We will be loading our data in our systems shortly!"

With that, the cell is locked back up, and the scientists leave.

The Doug, Fourway-two, finally comes out of hiding. Wiping his tears away. His breath shakes, but he still nods in their direction. "...First day, and only 10 minutes being your longest shock outta ya... Call that lucky round here... You okay over there, beefy?"

[endstar]

He makes a stubborn, angry growl, just laying on the floor, before shakily getting up.

“F..fine…”

He says, clearing his throat, and forcing fear out of it.

"Just… fine..”

[the-what-if-project]

"...Don't pretend noobie... You're not helping anyone, being all tough like that. Doesn't help yourself here... Longer you say you're fine, the less and less you're going to mean it. We are in worse than hell now. You don't gotta be "fine" ever again..."

His voice wavers a bit, before switching to something softer... timid. HIS voice. "I-I... Didn't last... a week... N-no... No one judges... strength here... we... learn better... by at least... a week..."

[endstar]

He stumbles off to a corner weakly, grumbling underneath his breath, his ego cracked, but… somehow.. not broken. Probably not new here… Theyre stubborn. 

He glances at fourway, with disgust, hate… and… well…. Mild fear that he covers desperately.

"…s..shut it.. I said I was FINE.”

He says, looking disturbed at his own voice but not deterred. I normal malak would probably freak out at there being another him… one so “lowly”… but void is used to it… the multiverse and all…

[the-what-if-project]

"...j-just... trying... to save you the pain... Strength... saves n-no one here... i-it will be worse... they break us... e-easier to let... yourself... fall... than... suffer..."

He bows their shared head in resignation.

[endstar]

“…. I won’t.”

He growls, going to the corner and sitting down.

[the-what-if-project]

Doug switches back over, almost forcefully. Their body jolting as he snaps. "Well FIIIIIIINE, don't take an ancient experiment's advice! The evaluation is the easy bit, and no one is going to sugarcoat it, beefcake! You will either break or die, and you're going to learn VERY quickly why we all would rather die. Experiments that end in death, no matter how awful, are the KIND ones..."

He walks back to his corner, and plops down.

[endstar]

“ … I didn’t ask for advice did I?” He growls heavily, annoyed… but.. it’s tainted by his own fear. He IS scared

[the-what-if-project]

"Didn't ask to be here either, now did ya? It's etiquette around here. You always warn the noobies, in hopes they get easier experiments. More you act out, the more interesting it becomes to toy with you. Stronger your will, more torture you endure. If you ignore MY warning, and everyone else that's going to warn you, then it's on you if you get lobotomized and flayed."

[endstar]

He shivers, but snarls,

“YOU EXPECT ME TO JUST- JUST ACCEPT THIS?! I… this will NOT be my fate!”

[the-what-if-project]

"...That's what everyone says..."

[endstar]

… void doesn’t respond after that. Remaining in his corner.

Prophecy Bierce… has one of the calmest reactions anyone has probably ever seen since being stuck in here- she sits with her back to the wall, with her eyes closed, just not responding… staying SILENT. Her Doug immediately started having panic attacks and freaking out…. And of course her malak started flipping out and trying to break free every chance he got, but stopped as soon as he was told to out of fear… strong till there was someone as strong as him facing him down…. just- a WHOLE LOT.

[the-what-if-project]

Strange clicks are heard from the other end of the hall after some hours. Fourway-two lights up a little. "Wait... Clicky!"

He gets up, and presses his hands against the glass, trying to see down the hall. A lengthy creature, with bones that are far too long, twisted, and obviously broken. Her skin is like Fourway-two's, patchy, mixed with someone else's. She rasps, unable to speak, but, she doesn't need to. Her long black hair already shows who she is.

Fourway-two heads over to the to a small door, as the creature crawls over, dragging an oxygen tank and IV behind her. With fingers that are far too long, spliced with familiar claws, she grabs the other experiment's hand. "...There's our girls... surprised you're still fighting... W-were you good for the doctors...?"

Malak's voice sounds a little stronger talking to this... THING. Clicky waves her head around, her bones rubbing and making snapping noises that, as disgusting as they sound, seem happy. She pats the ground, jumping in a... familiar way.

Fourway-two smiles. "Pain meds! Alright, atta girls! That must make roaming the halls easier, eh?"

Her body twists, making more happy bone noises, and she gurgles animalistically. "Good to hear it, Clicky... W-we hate seeing both of you in pain."

[endstar]

…. Void malak pales, horror clouding pride and self image as he realizes who it is… it stirs up the stubborn, angry pot of confusion, and causes one singular question to spark…

Where is Agatha?

He doesn’t interrupt fourway-two, and clickys conversation… he only gets up, and begins to pace at the front of the glass, looking for Agatha, who… he can’t see from his glass cage. He doesn’t make a sound.

The nearby Doug’s and Malak’s have similar reactions, hiding away as they realize to the fullest extent WHAT is happening and what IS happening…

[the-what-if-project]

"Clicky" notices them, and starts making destressed clicks with her bones, groaning sadly. "N-no! Nononono, shhh shhh shhhhh, no... No they're not scared of you... W-why don't you girls help them...? Look for their daughters, they're scared too... You know how the doctors like to keep us separated..."

She snaps her neck upside down, and starts to crawl up to higher cells, looking for the other Tammys and Agathas, calling out to them with a distorted wail, that sounds like both girls sobbing...

"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah...."

[endstar]

This… makes the Malak’s and Doug’s overall mental state and temperament WORSE- getting more desperate, and pacing a bit.

Agatha’s are scratching at their doors crying heavily, wailing for their daddy’s, and the Tammy’s just remained curled in corners, not responding to much, covering their ears.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky finds them eventually, and attempts to wave to them. Trying not to be scary, even though... That's impossible.

[endstar]

Void Agatha immediately screams with terror as she appears, scrambling away.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky groans, and cowers at the screaming a bit. She doesn't like being THIS scary...

[endstar]

“Wh- WHAT ARE YOU-???”

Agatha cries, going to the corner

[the-what-if-project]

She points to her, then a Tammy, then herself, before clicking sadly. Making a wail that sounds like THEM. "Waaaaaaaaah...."

[endstar]

She whimpers.

“Your— what?? Your me- and- and- whoever that is-?! I-“

He trembles, holding her long hands to her chest:

[the-what-if-project]

She clicks, nodding.

[endstar]

“Wh- wha? How- but your—“

She looks on with horror

[the-what-if-project]

She makes a horn sign with one of her hands, and points downward. Trying to explain her daddy is in a ground cell.

[endstar]

… she doesn’t understand she just looks at her confused, and starts crying again.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky taps the glass, and points down again, trying to get her to listen.

[endstar]

“I- I don’t know what you meeaaaannn!”

She crys.

[the-what-if-project]

She looks around, before climbing down back to ground level. She taps on the glass void malak is in, and points upward, clicking erratically.

[endstar]

…he softens his tone a bit… for her. Like how he’d talk to Agatha.

“…hm..? What are you trying to tell me..?”

He looks up at the ceiling.

[the-what-if-project]

She points to herself, then him, then up. Trying to tell him that his daughter is in a cell above him.

[endstar]

“…is…”

He thinks.

"Is Agatha up there? My Agatha?”

He asks calmly but urgently

[the-what-if-project]

She nods clicking, but then sadly moves her long arms to demonstrate her fingers not being able to touch. His Agatha, along with the others, are just out of reach for them to properly comfort each other...

[endstar]

“…o..oh… I.. can.. can.. you tell her it will be okay..? That I’m okay..?”

He says softly.

[the-what-if-project]

She bows her head, and taps her throat, shaking her head. She can't speak due to what was done to her. "...Clicky was one of the prototype experiments before us. They ruined their vocal chords... Can't speak, can only scream, cry, or groan..."

"...M-maybe give her your tie...? Through the food door...?"

[endstar]

He nods, carefully taking it off and giving it to clicky.

[the-what-if-project]

She very carefully takes it, and climbs back up. lifting void Agatha's food door, and slipping the tie inside.

[endstar]

Agatha looks up, looking at it, and quickly runs over.

“D-daddy’s tie! He- he’s okay???”

[the-what-if-project]

She nods, and points down. Letting her know where he is.

[endstar]

She sighs with relief, wiping away her tears carefully.

“I.. I hope I’ll get to see him soon..”

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky clicks her bones together, snapping in sympathy.

[endstar]

She just sighs and, sits down with her knees at her chest by the door sadly…

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky eventually climbs down, and leaves them behind. Giving her dads one last hand hold before going down the halls, presumably to her own cell.

Over the next several hours, they're left alone. Scientists bring them the most disgusting looking slop they have ever seen to eat, leaving them with only that. "...Warning you all now, it's drugged. No joke, actually full of drugs. Don't know what half of em do, which ones they put in for each person, but... yeah. You're never not having non-laced food again."

Nevertheless, Fourway-two starts eating his own slop. "...I think it might be to keep us from leaving? Make us more scared? Maybe knock us out easier? I've been here for decades, still don't know..."

[endstar]

Prophecy, from the next cell over, speaks.

★"… starving is preferable. I’d give it to you if I could.”★

She doesn’t move from the wall… void pins his ears with disgust.

↓“For once, I agree with the witch… I didn’t even know YOU were here…"↓

★"everybody is, void… the whole of the meeting room…"★

Void hisses

↓"…grr… I told you to stop calling me that, you snake…”↓

★"Well I refused. Simple as that.”★

He groans.

[the-what-if-project]

"You'll eventually eat... Everyone says they won't, till they do... Starving is hard here... They don't let you die, if it's not in an experiment.

[endstar]

★"…I will not last long anyway dear. I’m going to die quickly… or.. be close to dead."★

[the-what-if-project]

"You sound... pretty certain. You're also kinda chill, for a test subject... what, you gonna try ending it? That isn't gonna fly, we're under surveillance 24/7-"

[endstar]

★"No. I see the future, and that line of future I can see ends soon… so either A… I die. Or B they beat me in mentally to the point where I can’t see anything, or can’t think.”★

[the-what-if-project]

He sharply inhales, and covers his mouth in mild horror and sympathy.

....Well THAT'S a comforting reaction-

[endstar]

"Oh yay, I’m doomed.”

She says, apathetically- not reacting much.

[the-what-if-project]

"...Yeah... You're taking it a lot better than most seers in this place... I-I... I hope the procedure doesn't hurt you too much... How long will we all get to know you... as you..? Got a time before it goes black?"

His voice is very gentle now, a little less cocky and callused. Like... He's talking to someone about to die.

[endstar]

She remains apathetic… casual, like it’s talking about ★"maybe a few days, depending… I’ve seen enough horrors… it’s… refreshing to know the end is near.” ★

[the-what-if-project]

He nods, then looks at void malak. With zero cockiness, he begs. "...Get to know her. Every damn thing you can. You're not gonna get another chance, and you're gonna regret it for the rest of your life here... Once they know what she is, her designated experiment will rip her from you... And you're not gonna like it."

[endstar]

He sneers.

↓"…why would I want to get to know HER? That fowl, creature of a woman! I hate her… she’s not even MY Bierce!↓

Beirce sighs, and lays down on her back.

[the-what-if-project]

"Not just you, all of you. I... We're gonna get to know her too. She isn't gonna die like that. We're not gonna let her die like that... She's a seer, and... they don't last the week. She will be gone in the worst way a person to be gone... it's... a benevolent fate, compared to most things... She... she won't outwardly suffer, but she's gonna be here, reminding all of you, that you never knew her...

[endstar]

"…why should I care? She’s a copy of one of the most annoying, insufferable mortal I’ve had the misfortune of meeting! In no way will I ever care for her fate”

Prophecy sighs, slightly annoyed.

★"it’s no use, Honey. He’s as stubborn as a mule… I don’t care, nor want fake kindness. I’ve known, and seen hundreds of my deaths in millions of timelines… rarely does anyone, especially him mourn me…”★

[the-what-if-project]

"...it's different here. This place MAKES you care... not because it suddenly makes you a Saint, no one deserves to be here. No one has earned the Fates they get... they will mourn. Everyone says they won't, or no one will mourn em, till they're all crying to a God that's probably chained down the hall... you got a decent hell ahead of you, but it's not going to be easy on everyone else..."

[endstar]

★"… I suppose I’m just hoping for the best fate for everybody else… but I cannot even see that or the probability of that .. it’s fogged.”★

She sighs, looking at her nails then at her shaking Doug in the corner, frowning.

[the-what-if-project]

He just looks at her sadly. "...that's very noble of you to think... we'll keep an eye on em for you, miss... Make sure they're not at each other's throats after you're gone."

He forces a laugh after his joke, then abruptly stops. Malak taking over. "...W-we have time to kill... before we're dragged off for the day... mind... mind telling us about yourself...? Memories you... y-you don't want forgotten...?

[endstar]

★"…can’t say I have much I want to be remembered… very little actually … I can’t say I spent my life wisely… I was born with this… curse. I didn’t need malak for fame, I just pawned it off of peoples desperate desires to know their fate.. conned them. I guess I was extremely nihilistic back then… knowing how my life would end at such a young age, wasn’t very healthy for a young mind… hah… the only way I ended up in the ballroom was because I was stealing so many souls from too many demons… especially malak… telling them of their fate if they go down the demonic path… Malak hunted me down, and I knew the only way I would survive is if I got the ring … and went into the ballroom…. Huh. Now I’m here … maybe I should’ve just accepted it back then, but I was … rather stubborn. I wanted to bend fate to my hands… and I could as best I can.”★

She looks at fourway-two with her bright purple eyes.

[the-what-if-project]

"Sounds like a lot of seers here... b-but... hey, you made the most of it, technically saved people, e-even if it was for cons, and... you tried. That says something about you. Like any Bierce, you... you are strong willed, determined, but... but unlike them, you still actively did some good, even if it was for the wrong reasons. That... th-that should mean something."

[endstar]

"Huh… perhaps. I still hate that… that’s all I really did with my life… and well.. piss off malak. But that was more entertaining than anything…. Respectfully.”

[the-what-if-project]

"...I-I... can understand that... we're not... exactly pleasant..."

Malak bows Fourway-two's head. He's... extremely humble, for a malak.

[endstar]

She smiles a bit.

“… sure. But it’s more funny to me now…”

[the-what-if-project]

That makes him shyly smile a bit.

They gently pressure her for more stuff. Favorite colors, food, places, time of day, flowers, cons she was fond of, everything they can ask, until the scientists come back to drag them away.

They struggle at first, more out of instinct than actual resistance, but inevitably obey at the THREAT of one of the doctors snapping their fingers. They didn't even need to hear it in order for it to break their fleeting will...

[endstar]

Prophecy watches sadly.. gently waving them off with a sad smile… kindly… she is very nice for a beirve… especially to a Malak’s face.. once they are gone, she lays down, and has her Doug cuddle up with her quietly.

[the-what-if-project]

An hour later, they hear his distant scream, but... none of the older experiments react much... Like it's nothing out of the ordinary.

[endstar]

Prophecy sighs, and covers her ears sadly.

The other aus whince, and get more and more anxious… the screaming wasn’t it was scaring them but everyone acted like this was normal… torture was normal here… and most of them came to the conclusion that they would follow suit soon.

[the-what-if-project]

He's eventually dragged back after several hours, looking really beat up. His flesh burned, soul shards sticking out of him like tumors. He's roughly tossed into his cell, and locked back up.

He coughs up blood, that has some purple sparkly bits in it, like there are soul shards in his lungs.

[endstar]

Prophecy just frowns, and sighs quietly. Void is… a lot more disturbed. He shivers, but.. doesn’t know what really to say other than giving a disturbed look…

[the-what-if-project]

He starts yanking the shards out of his body, with pained grunts. "...magic testing sucks... my mortal bits don't mix well with the demon bits-"

"I-I'm sorry..."

"Don't be... even if I was mad at you, we share nerves now. Not like I'm suffering alone..."

"Y-you don't deserve this..."

Doug scoffs. "You do?"

Malak doesn't answer, so Doug just focuses back on popping shards out of their body. Occasionally stopping to rub his patches of red skin comfortingly.

[endstar]

The aus… judge silently. Not saying anything or doing anything noticeable.. just… why are they so friendly with each other? Why aren’t they ripping out each other skin — some stare for a bit- especially void cause he’s a weirdo.

[the-what-if-project]

The Doug glances at them, and decides to make a joke, to lower the tensions. "What...? Never seen an unholy abomination pull out soul tumors before?"

[endstar]

Void snorts, with a huff-

"Huh… let me think— NO- I havent!”

[the-what-if-project]

He snorts. "Good, I'd be wondering about the scientific ethics of your timeline if you did-"

[endstar]

He huffs, and just starts pacing around, bored- his hooves clomping around-

[the-what-if-project]

After a bit, he calls out. "Ay, you okay in there, beefcake?"

He pops out another shard like a cyst.

[endstar]

“I’m bored, and- would you STOP calling me that!”

He huffs

[the-what-if-project]

"It's a compliment, but okay-"

He shrugs. "Not that much to do here, but talk and suffer. Some experiments have puzzles, games, but watch out for those. Cognitive puzzles mean they're gonna mess with your brain."

[endstar]

“Grreeeaaattt….”

He hisses deeply, stomping his hooves like an angry horse-

[the-what-if-project]

He sighs, and starts putting the soul shards he has in a pile. "...You could try talking to your cell mates a bit? Get to know the other noobies before the inevitable? Everyone's biggest regret her is, like we said, not knowing people. You can get on top of the game and entertain yourself, talking to em?"

This is what? The second or third time he mentioned getting to know people? He seems... very insistent.

[endstar]

He groans

↓"you are awfully determined… I can already feel a headache from communicating with such annoyinh creatures..”↓

[the-what-if-project]

"...Just don't want you repeating the same mistakes everyone else does... After the seers gone...? You'll probably understand..."

[endstar]

He scoffs

"… yeah, right…”

[the-what-if-project]

He... deflates a little, giving up for now. Still... kinda creepy how insistent he is.

A week passes, and they're put through simpler tests. Familiar mazes, puzzles, and their food is always drugged. But Prophecy Bierce has a lot more cognitive puzzles than the other new AUs... As the end of the week approaches, he becomes more insistent on them knowing her, till the final day.

The scientists come, not smiling blankly... They're grinning. Mouths just a tad too wide, as they drag her out of her cell... Fourway-two weeps silently, just... unable to take his eyes off her as they take her down the hall.

[endstar]

The other aus watch quietly… not seeming to care very much other than her Doug that shakes, and try’s to pull her away from the doctors… prophecy gently, shoving him away, to prevent him from getting in trouble… staying silent…. She doesn’t struggle, nor hiss, not cry. She just lets it happen.

She knows it’s the end of the line for her… mostly.

[the-what-if-project]

As she disappears down the hall, Fourway-two shakes his head. "Well... that's it for her... when she comes back...? Don't say I didn't warn all of you..."

[endstar]

Void rolls his eyes.

↓“None of us really liked her anyway.”↓

… the othet aus just look down or shrug.. not caring too much..

Accept her Doug, the ting one with the mask… he cries in the corner sadly. Wheeping with choked sobs.

[the-what-if-project]

"...after today... you're gonna change your mind..."

With her, the scientists strap her down on the table, and force a bit in her mouth, as they proceed with the procedure. Their grins grow wider and wider, with sadistic glee.

[endstar]

she makes an uncomfortable grunt, but doesn’t try anything, wincing as she looks up at them… she knows there is no feasible way out of this situation… so hopefully she just seems depressed enough that they… will be somewhat gentle.

[the-what-if-project]

They're not. They're actively rough, just TRYING to get a reaction out of her, and when they finally electrocute her and shove the pick in her eye? They end up causing even more brain damage than intended. Leading to an even more detrimental lobotomy.

Once lobotomized, they have her do cognitive puzzles, to compare the data they already collected...

[endstar]

She stares aimlessly at it for a long few minutes, eyes hazed over, struggling to understand that there’s a problem they want her to solve to begin with… slowly, she weakly try’s… her hand struggling to grip it at all… and her mind struggling to force in self into comprehending what was happening, loosing focus quickly.

[the-what-if-project]

They're satisfied after she fails yet another puzzle, and they send her back to the cells. Only staying long enough to record the reactions of the other new AUs when she returns.

Fourway-two looks away, unable to look at her now. Before the AUs can comprehend what happened to Prophecy Bierce? He already knows what has been done...

[endstar]

Prophecy Doug quickly runs up to her hugging her… but unlike when he first started crying… she doesn’t comfort him or rub his back gently or care… she just stares blankly ahead of her, glancing down at him quietly as he crys into her, making desperate sign language that goes unanswered… making him cry heavier.

Nothing.

Not a thing is left of her.

↓"..what they do to you, lady?”↓

Just a blank stare comes from here, Malak’s ears pin, as he looks just.. confused, and unnerved.

[the-what-if-project]

"A lobotomy!"

The scientist grins. "Tests showed she could see the future, couldn't let her warn you of our experiments! That would ruin our data!"

[endstar]

↓"I- you.. mushed up her brain, and made her BRAIN dead??”"↓

He says, disturbed.

[the-what-if-project]

"Oh of course! Why wouldn't we? Lobotomies are one of our employer's favorite procedures!"

She laughs, and her team joins her. "Aw, don't tell us you CARED about her? You barely know her, or even spoke to her based on security footage. Actively didn't even want to know her, now all of the sudden you're upset by what happened? Or are you worried you're next? Well don't worry, she's our only lobotomy planned for your test group!"

[endstar]

"I did NOT! I just want to know what in the sweet rings is HAPPENING! Of course I’m going to be upset at the prospect of you giving a LOBOTOMY to SOMEONE!”

He snarls, flicking his tail

[the-what-if-project]

The scientists laugh. "Oh, we already told you. Questions have been asked, and we have been employed to answer them. We were always going to lobotomize her, we just had to compare the results! Brain scans showed her having an impressive sight over time, and fast deductions over probability, as impressive as our seer test subjects directly related to gods of knowledge and madness despite her not having connections to a deity of madness or knowledge. Though there certainly were divine connections. Now? HA! Now she can't even retain memories at all! Let alone see the future. Even if she still can, she can't comprehend it. We may have gone a little overboard, when she didn't show the desired reaction, so the damage to her frontal lobe is more severe than we initially intended. She's not a person anymore. Just a thing. That occasionally has electricity moving her limbs and make noises. Like a broken toy!"

[endstar]

Void looks at the scientists with horror… along with the othet aus, especially the beirces… looking sick, and pale now.

Void can’t even speak. Even with his cruelty, he has been gagged with the pure cockiness and, sadism from this what seems to be a mortal.

[the-what-if-project]

With a giggle, they leave em alone to process the fact that... Prophecy bierce is gone in the worst possible way a person can leave. The scientist waves giddily. "We start your Luckys' testing tomorrow, and we can't waaaaaaait! Your collective mental stabilities will be fascinating!"

[endstar]

Prophecy’s Doug and malak just.. stare at her. Silently… prophecy’s Doug just crying heavily… her Malak’s ears drooped… his face going through a whirlwind of emotions… but mainly fear.. disgust… they just ripped her away entire sentience… and mind…

He hated her. A lot…

But.. she didn’t deserve this did she?

Not like that. He can’t get the bearings to make a sound or move…. He just trembles in the corner, looking at the empty shell of a woman… that isn’t anyone now.

Prophecy Doug gently gets her to sit down.

[the-what-if-project]

"...W-we... told you to get to know her for a reason..."

Fourway-two holds their hand over their mouth, both sides distraught.

[endstar]

Prophecy malak snaps at him.

★"SHUT IT!”★

He snarls

[the-what-if-project]

They flinch away, and a bunch more experiments cower away in their cells. They can't see most of them, but there is a collective THUMP of them all going to their corners.

[endstar]

Malak doesnt feel bad… he just sits there… pulling on his ears with way too many complicated emotions he wanted to feel…

The rest of the aus stay silent… it’s just quiet now.

Well.. not including the screaming of experiments

[the-what-if-project]

Hours pass, Another experiment is dragged away for testing. A bierce who... is in tank. Gurgling, and not even solid. There are some other colors in there, suggesting she wasn't the only one in gelatinous form in this glass tank. Her "mouth" opens in an attempt to scream, but all it goes is make a malak colored bubble inflate and pop where her "lips" should be. There are only suggestions of a face where they can see her. A running eye near her head that looks like it's from doug. Something in it tries to form a hand, that quickly dissolves back into the living solution, based on the shape and colors? A gremlin probably, or maybe penny...

Dear god, it's actually EVERYONE in a tank, as a living solution, the bierce on top just hasn't mixed in yet fully.

...What sort of question could have prompted that fate...?

[endstar]

The aus gag immediately at the sight, some immediately bursting into tears… most of them out of distress stop looking outside entirely… staring at the walls, distressed.

[the-what-if-project]

There's a tiny voice just overhead, one cell just above one of them. "...bye daddy... and... guys..."

The gelatinous mass wails as much as it can as it's dragged away. Some familiar claws that are all chewed up stick out of the food door, in reach of an AU below...

...Not everyone is in that experiment... at least... yet.

[endstar]

The aus weep sadly at this.. awful fate. Fear and anxiety creeping in…

This is awful. This is all sinful, and awful… who would do this? Why would they? sure.. they know they are answering questions, but that doesn’t explain why they are… what the point would be

[the-what-if-project]

The Agatha just above them continues reaching, before dangling her fingers down pathetically in sorrow and resignation... she's probably going to join that tank of pain one day...

[endstar]

The aus just… mourn. Their lives… their situation… everything.. some of the more weak stomach throw up…

[the-what-if-project]

After more hours, the goop creature is dragged back, managing to sob somehow, bubbling in agony. The lights are dimmed, and tomorrow awaits the Luckys, who's with their gangs on the other side of the hall, their cells next to Fourway-two.

[endstar]

The luckys wheeze, and kick at the doors, making angry grunting… very desperate to get out since the scientist basically confirmed they were going to suffer soon

[the-what-if-project]

Doug eventually has enough in the Fourway-two fusion. "Hey! Doors are locked tight, it's no use. Get some rest while you're not in too much pain to sleep!"

[endstar]

It was a normal day in the multiverse, until it wasn't

A portal opened up, and then another, and another, and another-

All of them without symbols, all of them the wrong color, and out of all of them came strange people in coats. Their attacks are swift, overwhelming, knocking AUs out, before taking them, while more head through the AUs' portal.

It's some sort of ambush!

@the-what-if-project

People screech, and attack with confusion, teying to fight back.. and well.. failing.

The only one who doesnt is prophecy Bierce… sitting there and letting it happen…

She knew. She knew she’d be fine…

At least this her.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

When they wake up, they find themselves in glass cells, numbers tattooed on them like animals, wearing hospital gowns. Some of them are muzzled, and they all have collars around their necks.

Wails and sobs come down the other halls from a distance they can't tell. Whatever this place is, it's bad news...

[endstar]

Most… of tjem freak out, huddling into corners yelling .. various curses- void is particularly bad…

“WHO DARES?!!!”

He snarls with fear and anger stumbling up, pulling at the coller with hate.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

The collar shocks him immediately when he tries to remove it. Not a simple zap either, it HURTS.

They're shock collars.

[endstar]

He yelps with pain and flails onto the ground, before scrambling up again. He immediately try’s using magic to break the barrier

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

Nothing happens... The barrier doesn't budge.

A voice from another cell shouts. "AYE- Noobie! Forget about it! Ain't no escape!"

When they look across they see... A doug. With patches of malak's skin sewn into his body.

He has one arm on his shoulder and another at his side, all four pressed against the glass.

[endstar]

Voids ears pin, with disgust and confusion, slowly going backward a bit.

↓“What.. in the HELLS are YOU?!”↓

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Your future. Ain't I handsome?"

He scoffs. "People around here call us Fourway-Two. You uh... can guess why-"

[endstar]

He looks… disgusted, his ears flick.

"…. Where am I, strange AU? Who did this ambush!"

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Welcome to The What If? Project. TWI?P. This place is the stuff of nightmares, and where said nightmares get their bad dreams. Take it from us pal, you're NEVER getting out. Go with everything you're told, and maybe... You'll get lucky with the questions they have."

[endstar]

"Hah! A nightmare? I MAKE them! I don’t know who they are but they DARED to lay a hand on me, and now they will PAY!”

He looks around the room, pacing a bit with a hiss.

What.. is this place? And what kind of magic nullifiers to they have

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Thaaaaaaaaat's what they all say. That's what my Malak said. Now? Now he's a voice in my head... rarely talks anymore, too scared to.

[endstar]

He glares… mildy fearful.. that is a really disturbing prospect… but the rather large Malak variant makes a loud huff like an angry bull… stubborn.

They all are.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

Foot steps are heard down the hall, and the Doug's demeanor changes. "Corner. Now. Hide. Don't say anything. Don't do anything. By whatever twisted god that's out there, do NOT threaten them. Check up crew. You'll thank me later..."

[endstar]

He demon hisses… it’s.. no use. He just stepped back away from the glass, but he only just puffs up, clenching his fist

[the-what-if-project]

The doug hides in the corner per his own instructions, and the scientists that kidnapped them come to their cells. Clipboards in hand, glasses obscuring their faces. "DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Doug?"

The numbers on their arms... They're probably a form of identification. The scientist looks at void doug. "DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Doug? Step forward for evaluation."

She... Looks human, but in that sort of way you know it's someone pretending to be human...

[endstar]

Void Doug trembles a bit.

“I- what— who are-“

He steps forward he hesitantly, his hand, not pulling, but gently held onto his collar

[the-what-if-project]

They roughly grab his shoulders, and start to drag him off. The older experiments in the halls silently watch, sad, but they at least don't look worried. The worst hasn't started yet...

[endstar]

He yelps and wails CONFUSED.

"What’s- what’s happening?!? Who are you?!”

[the-what-if-project]

"Just routine, you will be returned to your cell shortly after we collect baseline data on your vitals."

They don't bother answering his second question. It's not fun that way :)

[endstar]

He just squeaks as he’s dragged off, shaking heavily as they go.

[the-what-if-project]

Its... very invasive when they get there. Strapping him down to forcefully do blood work, forcing his eyes wide open to check them, prying his mouth open, x-rays and whatnot.

This place is DEFINITELY not ethical.

[endstar]

Void Doug…. Fawns. Terrified and confused…. He doesn’t know what’s going on, but he doesn’t have the power or confidence to do anything about it… to attack or scream… all he does is stand there fearfully.

[the-what-if-project]

Once the very invasive procedure is complete, he's dragged back, and tossed into his cell. The next AU is then grabbed.

[endstar]

This goes on for… awhile. Some struggle, some are too confused too- mainly the Malak’s struggle a lot.

[the-what-if-project]

All who struggle learn quickly that the collars shock them until they submit, not just quick zaps either. If they struggle too long, the collars will zap them for solid minutes until they've seized too much to fight. If they try to attack? They're zapped over and over again, till they're in tears.

Examples.

They saved coming for void Malak last...

[endstar]

Void malak had..

Started to get particularly bad. Smacking his ram like horns agaisnt the glass, and stamping his hooves.. once they make it to his cell, he backs off, and makes a heavy heave of air like once again.. a really pisses off bull.

“You… WILL let me out of this cell!” He snarls.

[the-what-if-project]

"We are letting you out, DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Malak. but you will have to behave, otherwise we will have to neutralize you. You have seen the consequences of action, we trust you will be well behaved for us?

She bows her head slightly, mockingly.

[endstar]

He snorts.

"I am not a SEQUENCE of NUMBERS you fowl insolent thing!!” He snaps “the most of a diffrent name I’ve had to lord Malak is void! That.. stupid name that the foul “seer” gave me….”

[the-what-if-project]

"You are the 3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 malak we have brought in from study from a Dark Deception timeline. That is the only reason why we are addressing you by your identification number. I hope you understand DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Malak!

[endstar]

He snarls with anger.

“What in the HELLS DO YOU MEAN?!”

His hoof drags along the ground, stomping

[the-what-if-project]

"It means we have a growing number of Malaks in the facility. With infinite test subjects. You are merely another malak."

Her smile does NOT waver. She... Enjoys this job way too much-

[endstar]

“WHY YOU LITTLE—“

[the-what-if-project]

"We have trillions."

She dumbs down. "...of you."

[endstar]

He pales a bit, confusion setting in, and.. fear… trillions of HIM? Why him? His stomach dropping. He lets out a more fearful hiss.

“WHY?! WH-WHO.. ARE YOU?!”

[the-what-if-project]

"We are The What If? Project! We specialize in answering questions most people don't want to ask!"

She gently points to the cell with the Doug who's sewn together with Malak. Despite the slow movement, the cocky experiment flinches, and covers his head with his fists. Praying, begging in very quiet mumbles. "What if Doug and Malak were forced to share a body? This question has been asked and answered a thousand times, but we decided to spin it in another direction. There has been fusion, possession, but never assimilation. It's one of our favorite experiments actually! Isn't that right, DD-83742394792223338 Doug-malak?"

He just hiccups and scoots closer to his corner...

[endstar]

“…wh.. why would you…?”

He looks on with horror, smoke coming from his mouth defensively.. and well… fearfully.

“What’s- THE POINT?! To torture-“

[the-what-if-project]

"Simple. Questions are asked? It's our job to deliver the answers!"

She giggles. She. Giggles.

These scientists have absolutely no morals... She looks like a mortal, but this is bad, even for the worst of humanity.

[endstar]

He stares at her with horror, before snarling and punching glass where her head jt.

“I- I WILL GET OUT!”

[the-what-if-project]

She doesn't flinch. "My life only has value in the facility. That would be counterproductive on your part."

She presses a button on a device, and his collar starts to go off.

[endstar]

He wails, and immediately falls to the floor shaking, and pulling on the collar, hissing, and screeching.

[the-what-if-project]

She starts snapping her fingers as he's shocked, sounds instinctive yelps of pain come from every cell who heard it. The voltage gets higher and higher upon each snap, but all the other collars aren't going off, despite everyone else, except for the new AUs, reacting in pain...

It's conditioning...

[endstar]

The other aus slowly back up in their cells or cover their ears at the screaming, void Malak’s sounds more and more like a cat in.. a lot of pain. Screeching, and trying and failing to cry for mercy.

[the-what-if-project]

He has his punishment lasts for a solid 10 minutes, the longest out of them. The whole time, she loudly snaps. The only other stimulation he has, outside of the shocking.

When it finally stops, she opens his cell door, standing over where he lays in pain. "...Are we feeling more compliant?"

Her voice is ever so cheerful.

[endstar]

Malak wheezes, making empty gagging sound, somehow managing to not throw up, his limbs twitching and shaking… he does not reply.

[the-what-if-project]

She snaps her finger again, no shock though.

[endstar]

He makes a panicked wail, expecting a shock that didn’t come, curling up into a ball fearfully.

[the-what-if-project]

"...Get up."

She orders, finally showing some coldness. It's... odd how relieving that is.

[endstar]

He growls underneath his breath but, reluctantly obeys, scared of more pain… slowly, nearly falling over quite a few times, standing.

[the-what-if-project]

The other scientists grab his arms, and drag him off to be evaluated.

[endstar]

He lets them… squinting his eyes shut to help himself ignore the stares the aus give him.

[the-what-if-project]

And so he's lead off... to be poked, prodded, and treated as nothing more than a lab rat.

[endstar]

He growls, and huffs like a chained animal, but.. he doesn’t squirm, or say anything.. he just stands there… hoping it’s over quickly

[the-what-if-project]

Once it's over, he's dragged back to his cell and roughly tossed in. "You're some of our most behaved test subjects yet! We can't wait to answer the question our employers have for you! We will be loading our data in our systems shortly!"

With that, the cell is locked back up, and the scientists leave.

The Doug, Fourway-two, finally comes out of hiding. Wiping his tears away. His breath shakes, but he still nods in their direction. "...First day, and only 10 minutes being your longest shock outta ya... Call that lucky round here... You okay over there, beefy?"

[endstar]

He makes a stubborn, angry growl, just laying on the floor, before shakily getting up.

“F..fine…”

He says, clearing his throat, and forcing fear out of it.

"Just… fine..”

[the-what-if-project]

"...Don't pretend noobie... You're not helping anyone, being all tough like that. Doesn't help yourself here... Longer you say you're fine, the less and less you're going to mean it. We are in worse than hell now. You don't gotta be "fine" ever again..."

His voice wavers a bit, before switching to something softer... timid. HIS voice. "I-I... Didn't last... a week... N-no... No one judges... strength here... we... learn better... by at least... a week..."

[endstar]

He stumbles off to a corner weakly, grumbling underneath his breath, his ego cracked, but… somehow.. not broken. Probably not new here… Theyre stubborn. 

He glances at fourway, with disgust, hate… and… well…. Mild fear that he covers desperately.

"…s..shut it.. I said I was FINE.”

He says, looking disturbed at his own voice but not deterred. I normal malak would probably freak out at there being another him… one so “lowly”… but void is used to it… the multiverse and all…

[the-what-if-project]

"...j-just... trying... to save you the pain... Strength... saves n-no one here... i-it will be worse... they break us... e-easier to let... yourself... fall... than... suffer..."

He bows their shared head in resignation.

[endstar]

“…. I won’t.”

He growls, going to the corner and sitting down.

[the-what-if-project]

Doug switches back over, almost forcefully. Their body jolting as he snaps. "Well FIIIIIIINE, don't take an ancient experiment's advice! The evaluation is the easy bit, and no one is going to sugarcoat it, beefcake! You will either break or die, and you're going to learn VERY quickly why we all would rather die. Experiments that end in death, no matter how awful, are the KIND ones..."

He walks back to his corner, and plops down.

[endstar]

“ … I didn’t ask for advice did I?” He growls heavily, annoyed… but.. it’s tainted by his own fear. He IS scared

[the-what-if-project]

"Didn't ask to be here either, now did ya? It's etiquette around here. You always warn the noobies, in hopes they get easier experiments. More you act out, the more interesting it becomes to toy with you. Stronger your will, more torture you endure. If you ignore MY warning, and everyone else that's going to warn you, then it's on you if you get lobotomized and flayed."

[endstar]

He shivers, but snarls,

“YOU EXPECT ME TO JUST- JUST ACCEPT THIS?! I… this will NOT be my fate!”

[the-what-if-project]

"...That's what everyone says..."

[endstar]

… void doesn’t respond after that. Remaining in his corner.

Prophecy Bierce… has one of the calmest reactions anyone has probably ever seen since being stuck in here- she sits with her back to the wall, with her eyes closed, just not responding… staying SILENT. Her Doug immediately started having panic attacks and freaking out…. And of course her malak started flipping out and trying to break free every chance he got, but stopped as soon as he was told to out of fear… strong till there was someone as strong as him facing him down…. just- a WHOLE LOT.

[the-what-if-project]

Strange clicks are heard from the other end of the hall after some hours. Fourway-two lights up a little. "Wait... Clicky!"

He gets up, and presses his hands against the glass, trying to see down the hall. A lengthy creature, with bones that are far too long, twisted, and obviously broken. Her skin is like Fourway-two's, patchy, mixed with someone else's. She rasps, unable to speak, but, she doesn't need to. Her long black hair already shows who she is.

Fourway-two heads over to the to a small door, as the creature crawls over, dragging an oxygen tank and IV behind her. With fingers that are far too long, spliced with familiar claws, she grabs the other experiment's hand. "...There's our girls... surprised you're still fighting... W-were you good for the doctors...?"

Malak's voice sounds a little stronger talking to this... THING. Clicky waves her head around, her bones rubbing and making snapping noises that, as disgusting as they sound, seem happy. She pats the ground, jumping in a... familiar way.

Fourway-two smiles. "Pain meds! Alright, atta girls! That must make roaming the halls easier, eh?"

Her body twists, making more happy bone noises, and she gurgles animalistically. "Good to hear it, Clicky... W-we hate seeing both of you in pain."

[endstar]

…. Void malak pales, horror clouding pride and self image as he realizes who it is… it stirs up the stubborn, angry pot of confusion, and causes one singular question to spark…

Where is Agatha?

He doesn’t interrupt fourway-two, and clickys conversation… he only gets up, and begins to pace at the front of the glass, looking for Agatha, who… he can’t see from his glass cage. He doesn’t make a sound.

The nearby Doug’s and Malak’s have similar reactions, hiding away as they realize to the fullest extent WHAT is happening and what IS happening…

[the-what-if-project]

"Clicky" notices them, and starts making destressed clicks with her bones, groaning sadly. "N-no! Nononono, shhh shhh shhhhh, no... No they're not scared of you... W-why don't you girls help them...? Look for their daughters, they're scared too... You know how the doctors like to keep us separated..."

She snaps her neck upside down, and starts to crawl up to higher cells, looking for the other Tammys and Agathas, calling out to them with a distorted wail, that sounds like both girls sobbing...

"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah...."

[endstar]

This… makes the Malak’s and Doug’s overall mental state and temperament WORSE- getting more desperate, and pacing a bit.

Agatha’s are scratching at their doors crying heavily, wailing for their daddy’s, and the Tammy’s just remained curled in corners, not responding to much, covering their ears.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky finds them eventually, and attempts to wave to them. Trying not to be scary, even though... That's impossible.

[endstar]

Void Agatha immediately screams with terror as she appears, scrambling away.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky groans, and cowers at the screaming a bit. She doesn't like being THIS scary...

[endstar]

“Wh- WHAT ARE YOU-???”

Agatha cries, going to the corner

[the-what-if-project]

She points to her, then a Tammy, then herself, before clicking sadly. Making a wail that sounds like THEM. "Waaaaaaaaah...."

[endstar]

She whimpers.

“Your— what?? Your me- and- and- whoever that is-?! I-“

He trembles, holding her long hands to her chest:

[the-what-if-project]

She clicks, nodding.

[endstar]

“Wh- wha? How- but your—“

She looks on with horror

[the-what-if-project]

She makes a horn sign with one of her hands, and points downward. Trying to explain her daddy is in a ground cell.

[endstar]

… she doesn’t understand she just looks at her confused, and starts crying again.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky taps the glass, and points down again, trying to get her to listen.

[endstar]

“I- I don’t know what you meeaaaannn!”

She crys.

[the-what-if-project]

She looks around, before climbing down back to ground level. She taps on the glass void malak is in, and points upward, clicking erratically.

[endstar]

…he softens his tone a bit… for her. Like how he’d talk to Agatha.

“…hm..? What are you trying to tell me..?”

He looks up at the ceiling.

[the-what-if-project]

She points to herself, then him, then up. Trying to tell him that his daughter is in a cell above him.

[endstar]

“…is…”

He thinks.

"Is Agatha up there? My Agatha?”

He asks calmly but urgently

[the-what-if-project]

She nods clicking, but then sadly moves her long arms to demonstrate her fingers not being able to touch. His Agatha, along with the others, are just out of reach for them to properly comfort each other...

[endstar]

“…o..oh… I.. can.. can.. you tell her it will be okay..? That I’m okay..?”

He says softly.

[the-what-if-project]

She bows her head, and taps her throat, shaking her head. She can't speak due to what was done to her. "...Clicky was one of the prototype experiments before us. They ruined their vocal chords... Can't speak, can only scream, cry, or groan..."

"...M-maybe give her your tie...? Through the food door...?"

[endstar]

He nods, carefully taking it off and giving it to clicky.

[the-what-if-project]

She very carefully takes it, and climbs back up. lifting void Agatha's food door, and slipping the tie inside.

[endstar]

Agatha looks up, looking at it, and quickly runs over.

“D-daddy’s tie! He- he’s okay???”

[the-what-if-project]

She nods, and points down. Letting her know where he is.

[endstar]

She sighs with relief, wiping away her tears carefully.

“I.. I hope I’ll get to see him soon..”

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky clicks her bones together, snapping in sympathy.

[endstar]

She just sighs and, sits down with her knees at her chest by the door sadly…

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky eventually climbs down, and leaves them behind. Giving her dads one last hand hold before going down the halls, presumably to her own cell.

Over the next several hours, they're left alone. Scientists bring them the most disgusting looking slop they have ever seen to eat, leaving them with only that. "...Warning you all now, it's drugged. No joke, actually full of drugs. Don't know what half of em do, which ones they put in for each person, but... yeah. You're never not having non-laced food again."

Nevertheless, Fourway-two starts eating his own slop. "...I think it might be to keep us from leaving? Make us more scared? Maybe knock us out easier? I've been here for decades, still don't know..."

[endstar]

Prophecy, from the next cell over, speaks.

★"… starving is preferable. I’d give it to you if I could.”★

She doesn’t move from the wall… void pins his ears with disgust.

↓“For once, I agree with the witch… I didn’t even know YOU were here…"↓

★"everybody is, void… the whole of the meeting room…"★

Void hisses

↓"…grr… I told you to stop calling me that, you snake…”↓

★"Well I refused. Simple as that.”★

He groans.

[the-what-if-project]

"You'll eventually eat... Everyone says they won't, till they do... Starving is hard here... They don't let you die, if it's not in an experiment.

[endstar]

★"…I will not last long anyway dear. I’m going to die quickly… or.. be close to dead."★

[the-what-if-project]

"You sound... pretty certain. You're also kinda chill, for a test subject... what, you gonna try ending it? That isn't gonna fly, we're under surveillance 24/7-"

[endstar]

★"No. I see the future, and that line of future I can see ends soon… so either A… I die. Or B they beat me in mentally to the point where I can’t see anything, or can’t think.”★

[the-what-if-project]

He sharply inhales, and covers his mouth in mild horror and sympathy.

....Well THAT'S a comforting reaction-

[endstar]

"Oh yay, I’m doomed.”

She says, apathetically- not reacting much.

[the-what-if-project]

"...Yeah... You're taking it a lot better than most seers in this place... I-I... I hope the procedure doesn't hurt you too much... How long will we all get to know you... as you..? Got a time before it goes black?"

His voice is very gentle now, a little less cocky and callused. Like... He's talking to someone about to die.

[endstar]

She remains apathetic… casual, like it’s talking about ★"maybe a few days, depending… I’ve seen enough horrors… it’s… refreshing to know the end is near.” ★

[the-what-if-project]

He nods, then looks at void malak. With zero cockiness, he begs. "...Get to know her. Every damn thing you can. You're not gonna get another chance, and you're gonna regret it for the rest of your life here... Once they know what she is, her designated experiment will rip her from you... And you're not gonna like it."

[endstar]

He sneers.

↓"…why would I want to get to know HER? That fowl, creature of a woman! I hate her… she’s not even MY Bierce!↓

Beirce sighs, and lays down on her back.

[the-what-if-project]

"Not just you, all of you. I... We're gonna get to know her too. She isn't gonna die like that. We're not gonna let her die like that... She's a seer, and... they don't last the week. She will be gone in the worst way a person to be gone... it's... a benevolent fate, compared to most things... She... she won't outwardly suffer, but she's gonna be here, reminding all of you, that you never knew her...

[endstar]

"…why should I care? She’s a copy of one of the most annoying, insufferable mortal I’ve had the misfortune of meeting! In no way will I ever care for her fate”

Prophecy sighs, slightly annoyed.

★"it’s no use, Honey. He’s as stubborn as a mule… I don’t care, nor want fake kindness. I’ve known, and seen hundreds of my deaths in millions of timelines… rarely does anyone, especially him mourn me…”★

[the-what-if-project]

"...it's different here. This place MAKES you care... not because it suddenly makes you a Saint, no one deserves to be here. No one has earned the Fates they get... they will mourn. Everyone says they won't, or no one will mourn em, till they're all crying to a God that's probably chained down the hall... you got a decent hell ahead of you, but it's not going to be easy on everyone else..."

[endstar]

★"… I suppose I’m just hoping for the best fate for everybody else… but I cannot even see that or the probability of that .. it’s fogged.”★

She sighs, looking at her nails then at her shaking Doug in the corner, frowning.

[the-what-if-project]

He just looks at her sadly. "...that's very noble of you to think... we'll keep an eye on em for you, miss... Make sure they're not at each other's throats after you're gone."

He forces a laugh after his joke, then abruptly stops. Malak taking over. "...W-we have time to kill... before we're dragged off for the day... mind... mind telling us about yourself...? Memories you... y-you don't want forgotten...?

[endstar]

★"…can’t say I have much I want to be remembered… very little actually … I can’t say I spent my life wisely… I was born with this… curse. I didn’t need malak for fame, I just pawned it off of peoples desperate desires to know their fate.. conned them. I guess I was extremely nihilistic back then… knowing how my life would end at such a young age, wasn’t very healthy for a young mind… hah… the only way I ended up in the ballroom was because I was stealing so many souls from too many demons… especially malak… telling them of their fate if they go down the demonic path… Malak hunted me down, and I knew the only way I would survive is if I got the ring … and went into the ballroom…. Huh. Now I’m here … maybe I should’ve just accepted it back then, but I was … rather stubborn. I wanted to bend fate to my hands… and I could as best I can.”★

She looks at fourway-two with her bright purple eyes.

[the-what-if-project]

"Sounds like a lot of seers here... b-but... hey, you made the most of it, technically saved people, e-even if it was for cons, and... you tried. That says something about you. Like any Bierce, you... you are strong willed, determined, but... but unlike them, you still actively did some good, even if it was for the wrong reasons. That... th-that should mean something."

[endstar]

"Huh… perhaps. I still hate that… that’s all I really did with my life… and well.. piss off malak. But that was more entertaining than anything…. Respectfully.”

[the-what-if-project]

"...I-I... can understand that... we're not... exactly pleasant..."

Malak bows Fourway-two's head. He's... extremely humble, for a malak.

[endstar]

She smiles a bit.

“… sure. But it’s more funny to me now…”

[the-what-if-project]

That makes him shyly smile a bit.

They gently pressure her for more stuff. Favorite colors, food, places, time of day, flowers, cons she was fond of, everything they can ask, until the scientists come back to drag them away.

They struggle at first, more out of instinct than actual resistance, but inevitably obey at the THREAT of one of the doctors snapping their fingers. They didn't even need to hear it in order for it to break their fleeting will...

[endstar]

Prophecy watches sadly.. gently waving them off with a sad smile… kindly… she is very nice for a beirve… especially to a Malak’s face.. once they are gone, she lays down, and has her Doug cuddle up with her quietly.

[the-what-if-project]

An hour later, they hear his distant scream, but... none of the older experiments react much... Like it's nothing out of the ordinary.

[endstar]

Prophecy sighs, and covers her ears sadly.

The other aus whince, and get more and more anxious… the screaming wasn’t it was scaring them but everyone acted like this was normal… torture was normal here… and most of them came to the conclusion that they would follow suit soon.

[the-what-if-project]

He's eventually dragged back after several hours, looking really beat up. His flesh burned, soul shards sticking out of him like tumors. He's roughly tossed into his cell, and locked back up.

He coughs up blood, that has some purple sparkly bits in it, like there are soul shards in his lungs.

[endstar]

Prophecy just frowns, and sighs quietly. Void is… a lot more disturbed. He shivers, but.. doesn’t know what really to say other than giving a disturbed look…

[the-what-if-project]

He starts yanking the shards out of his body, with pained grunts. "...magic testing sucks... my mortal bits don't mix well with the demon bits-"

"I-I'm sorry..."

"Don't be... even if I was mad at you, we share nerves now. Not like I'm suffering alone..."

"Y-you don't deserve this..."

Doug scoffs. "You do?"

Malak doesn't answer, so Doug just focuses back on popping shards out of their body. Occasionally stopping to rub his patches of red skin comfortingly.

[endstar]

The aus… judge silently. Not saying anything or doing anything noticeable.. just… why are they so friendly with each other? Why aren’t they ripping out each other skin — some stare for a bit- especially void cause he’s a weirdo.

[the-what-if-project]

The Doug glances at them, and decides to make a joke, to lower the tensions. "What...? Never seen an unholy abomination pull out soul tumors before?"

[endstar]

Void snorts, with a huff-

"Huh… let me think— NO- I havent!”

[the-what-if-project]

He snorts. "Good, I'd be wondering about the scientific ethics of your timeline if you did-"

[endstar]

He huffs, and just starts pacing around, bored- his hooves clomping around-

[the-what-if-project]

After a bit, he calls out. "Ay, you okay in there, beefcake?"

He pops out another shard like a cyst.

[endstar]

“I’m bored, and- would you STOP calling me that!”

He huffs

[the-what-if-project]

"It's a compliment, but okay-"

He shrugs. "Not that much to do here, but talk and suffer. Some experiments have puzzles, games, but watch out for those. Cognitive puzzles mean they're gonna mess with your brain."

[endstar]

“Grreeeaaattt….”

He hisses deeply, stomping his hooves like an angry horse-

[the-what-if-project]

He sighs, and starts putting the soul shards he has in a pile. "...You could try talking to your cell mates a bit? Get to know the other noobies before the inevitable? Everyone's biggest regret her is, like we said, not knowing people. You can get on top of the game and entertain yourself, talking to em?"

This is what? The second or third time he mentioned getting to know people? He seems... very insistent.

[endstar]

He groans

↓"you are awfully determined… I can already feel a headache from communicating with such annoyinh creatures..”↓

[the-what-if-project]

"...Just don't want you repeating the same mistakes everyone else does... After the seers gone...? You'll probably understand..."

[endstar]

He scoffs

"… yeah, right…”

[the-what-if-project]

He... deflates a little, giving up for now. Still... kinda creepy how insistent he is.

A week passes, and they're put through simpler tests. Familiar mazes, puzzles, and their food is always drugged. But Prophecy Bierce has a lot more cognitive puzzles than the other new AUs... As the end of the week approaches, he becomes more insistent on them knowing her, till the final day.

The scientists come, not smiling blankly... They're grinning. Mouths just a tad too wide, as they drag her out of her cell... Fourway-two weeps silently, just... unable to take his eyes off her as they take her down the hall.

[endstar]

The other aus watch quietly… not seeming to care very much other than her Doug that shakes, and try’s to pull her away from the doctors… prophecy gently, shoving him away, to prevent him from getting in trouble… staying silent…. She doesn’t struggle, nor hiss, not cry. She just lets it happen.

She knows it’s the end of the line for her… mostly.

[the-what-if-project]

As she disappears down the hall, Fourway-two shakes his head. "Well... that's it for her... when she comes back...? Don't say I didn't warn all of you..."

[endstar]

Void rolls his eyes.

↓“None of us really liked her anyway.”↓

… the othet aus just look down or shrug.. not caring too much..

Accept her Doug, the ting one with the mask… he cries in the corner sadly. Wheeping with choked sobs.

[the-what-if-project]

"...after today... you're gonna change your mind..."

With her, the scientists strap her down on the table, and force a bit in her mouth, as they proceed with the procedure. Their grins grow wider and wider, with sadistic glee.

[endstar]

she makes an uncomfortable grunt, but doesn’t try anything, wincing as she looks up at them… she knows there is no feasible way out of this situation… so hopefully she just seems depressed enough that they… will be somewhat gentle.

[the-what-if-project]

They're not. They're actively rough, just TRYING to get a reaction out of her, and when they finally electrocute her and shove the pick in her eye? They end up causing even more brain damage than intended. Leading to an even more detrimental lobotomy.

Once lobotomized, they have her do cognitive puzzles, to compare the data they already collected...

[endstar]

She stares aimlessly at it for a long few minutes, eyes hazed over, struggling to understand that there’s a problem they want her to solve to begin with… slowly, she weakly try’s… her hand struggling to grip it at all… and her mind struggling to force in self into comprehending what was happening, loosing focus quickly.

[the-what-if-project]

They're satisfied after she fails yet another puzzle, and they send her back to the cells. Only staying long enough to record the reactions of the other new AUs when she returns.

Fourway-two looks away, unable to look at her now. Before the AUs can comprehend what happened to Prophecy Bierce? He already knows what has been done...

[endstar]

Prophecy Doug quickly runs up to her hugging her… but unlike when he first started crying… she doesn’t comfort him or rub his back gently or care… she just stares blankly ahead of her, glancing down at him quietly as he crys into her, making desperate sign language that goes unanswered… making him cry heavier.

Nothing.

Not a thing is left of her.

↓"..what they do to you, lady?”↓

Just a blank stare comes from here, Malak’s ears pin, as he looks just.. confused, and unnerved.

[the-what-if-project]

"A lobotomy!"

The scientist grins. "Tests showed she could see the future, couldn't let her warn you of our experiments! That would ruin our data!"

[endstar]

↓"I- you.. mushed up her brain, and made her BRAIN dead??”"↓

He says, disturbed.

[the-what-if-project]

"Oh of course! Why wouldn't we? Lobotomies are one of our employer's favorite procedures!"

She laughs, and her team joins her. "Aw, don't tell us you CARED about her? You barely know her, or even spoke to her based on security footage. Actively didn't even want to know her, now all of the sudden you're upset by what happened? Or are you worried you're next? Well don't worry, she's our only lobotomy planned for your test group!"

[endstar]

"I did NOT! I just want to know what in the sweet rings is HAPPENING! Of course I’m going to be upset at the prospect of you giving a LOBOTOMY to SOMEONE!”

He snarls, flicking his tail

[the-what-if-project]

The scientists laugh. "Oh, we already told you. Questions have been asked, and we have been employed to answer them. We were always going to lobotomize her, we just had to compare the results! Brain scans showed her having an impressive sight over time, and fast deductions over probability, as impressive as our seer test subjects directly related to gods of knowledge and madness despite her not having connections to a deity of madness or knowledge. Though there certainly were divine connections. Now? HA! Now she can't even retain memories at all! Let alone see the future. Even if she still can, she can't comprehend it. We may have gone a little overboard, when she didn't show the desired reaction, so the damage to her frontal lobe is more severe than we initially intended. She's not a person anymore. Just a thing. That occasionally has electricity moving her limbs and make noises. Like a broken toy!"

[endstar]

Void looks at the scientists with horror… along with the othet aus, especially the beirces… looking sick, and pale now.

Void can’t even speak. Even with his cruelty, he has been gagged with the pure cockiness and, sadism from this what seems to be a mortal.

[the-what-if-project]

With a giggle, they leave em alone to process the fact that... Prophecy bierce is gone in the worst possible way a person can leave. The scientist waves giddily. "We start your Luckys' testing tomorrow, and we can't waaaaaaait! Your collective mental stabilities will be fascinating!"

[endstar]

Prophecy’s Doug and malak just.. stare at her. Silently… prophecy’s Doug just crying heavily… her Malak’s ears drooped… his face going through a whirlwind of emotions… but mainly fear.. disgust… they just ripped her away entire sentience… and mind…

He hated her. A lot…

But.. she didn’t deserve this did she?

Not like that. He can’t get the bearings to make a sound or move…. He just trembles in the corner, looking at the empty shell of a woman… that isn’t anyone now.

Prophecy Doug gently gets her to sit down.

[the-what-if-project]

"...W-we... told you to get to know her for a reason..."

Fourway-two holds their hand over their mouth, both sides distraught.

[endstar]

Prophecy malak snaps at him.

★"SHUT IT!”★

He snarls

[the-what-if-project]

They flinch away, and a bunch more experiments cower away in their cells. They can't see most of them, but there is a collective THUMP of them all going to their corners.

[endstar]

Malak doesnt feel bad… he just sits there… pulling on his ears with way too many complicated emotions he wanted to feel…

The rest of the aus stay silent… it’s just quiet now.

Well.. not including the screaming of experiments

[the-what-if-project]

Hours pass, Another experiment is dragged away for testing. A bierce who... is in tank. Gurgling, and not even solid. There are some other colors in there, suggesting she wasn't the only one in gelatinous form in this glass tank. Her "mouth" opens in an attempt to scream, but all it goes is make a malak colored bubble inflate and pop where her "lips" should be. There are only suggestions of a face where they can see her. A running eye near her head that looks like it's from doug. Something in it tries to form a hand, that quickly dissolves back into the living solution, based on the shape and colors? A gremlin probably, or maybe penny...

Dear god, it's actually EVERYONE in a tank, as a living solution, the bierce on top just hasn't mixed in yet fully.

...What sort of question could have prompted that fate...?

[endstar]

The aus gag immediately at the sight, some immediately bursting into tears… most of them out of distress stop looking outside entirely… staring at the walls, distressed.

[the-what-if-project]

There's a tiny voice just overhead, one cell just above one of them. "...bye daddy... and... guys..."

The gelatinous mass wails as much as it can as it's dragged away. Some familiar claws that are all chewed up stick out of the food door, in reach of an AU below...

...Not everyone is in that experiment... at least... yet.

[endstar]

The aus weep sadly at this.. awful fate. Fear and anxiety creeping in…

This is awful. This is all sinful, and awful… who would do this? Why would they? sure.. they know they are answering questions, but that doesn’t explain why they are… what the point would be

[the-what-if-project]

The Agatha just above them continues reaching, before dangling her fingers down pathetically in sorrow and resignation... she's probably going to join that tank of pain one day...

[endstar]

The aus just… mourn. Their lives… their situation… everything.. some of the more weak stomach throw up…

[the-what-if-project]

After more hours, the goop creature is dragged back, managing to sob somehow, bubbling in agony. The lights are dimmed, and tomorrow awaits the Luckys, who's with their gangs on the other side of the hall, their cells next to Fourway-two.

[endstar]

It was a normal day in the multiverse, until it wasn't

A portal opened up, and then another, and another, and another-

All of them without symbols, all of them the wrong color, and out of all of them came strange people in coats. Their attacks are swift, overwhelming, knocking AUs out, before taking them, while more head through the AUs' portal.

It's some sort of ambush!

@the-what-if-project

People screech, and attack with confusion, teying to fight back.. and well.. failing.

The only one who doesnt is prophecy Bierce… sitting there and letting it happen…

She knew. She knew she’d be fine…

At least this her.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

When they wake up, they find themselves in glass cells, numbers tattooed on them like animals, wearing hospital gowns. Some of them are muzzled, and they all have collars around their necks.

Wails and sobs come down the other halls from a distance they can't tell. Whatever this place is, it's bad news...

[endstar]

Most… of tjem freak out, huddling into corners yelling .. various curses- void is particularly bad…

“WHO DARES?!!!”

He snarls with fear and anger stumbling up, pulling at the coller with hate.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

The collar shocks him immediately when he tries to remove it. Not a simple zap either, it HURTS.

They're shock collars.

[endstar]

He yelps with pain and flails onto the ground, before scrambling up again. He immediately try’s using magic to break the barrier

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

Nothing happens... The barrier doesn't budge.

A voice from another cell shouts. "AYE- Noobie! Forget about it! Ain't no escape!"

When they look across they see... A doug. With patches of malak's skin sewn into his body.

He has one arm on his shoulder and another at his side, all four pressed against the glass.

[endstar]

Voids ears pin, with disgust and confusion, slowly going backward a bit.

↓“What.. in the HELLS are YOU?!”↓

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Your future. Ain't I handsome?"

He scoffs. "People around here call us Fourway-Two. You uh... can guess why-"

[endstar]

He looks… disgusted, his ears flick.

"…. Where am I, strange AU? Who did this ambush!"

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Welcome to The What If? Project. TWI?P. This place is the stuff of nightmares, and where said nightmares get their bad dreams. Take it from us pal, you're NEVER getting out. Go with everything you're told, and maybe... You'll get lucky with the questions they have."

[endstar]

"Hah! A nightmare? I MAKE them! I don’t know who they are but they DARED to lay a hand on me, and now they will PAY!”

He looks around the room, pacing a bit with a hiss.

What.. is this place? And what kind of magic nullifiers to they have

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Thaaaaaaaaat's what they all say. That's what my Malak said. Now? Now he's a voice in my head... rarely talks anymore, too scared to.

[endstar]

He glares… mildy fearful.. that is a really disturbing prospect… but the rather large Malak variant makes a loud huff like an angry bull… stubborn.

They all are.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

Foot steps are heard down the hall, and the Doug's demeanor changes. "Corner. Now. Hide. Don't say anything. Don't do anything. By whatever twisted god that's out there, do NOT threaten them. Check up crew. You'll thank me later..."

[endstar]

He demon hisses… it’s.. no use. He just stepped back away from the glass, but he only just puffs up, clenching his fist

[the-what-if-project]

The doug hides in the corner per his own instructions, and the scientists that kidnapped them come to their cells. Clipboards in hand, glasses obscuring their faces. "DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Doug?"

The numbers on their arms... They're probably a form of identification. The scientist looks at void doug. "DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Doug? Step forward for evaluation."

She... Looks human, but in that sort of way you know it's someone pretending to be human...

[endstar]

Void Doug trembles a bit.

“I- what— who are-“

He steps forward he hesitantly, his hand, not pulling, but gently held onto his collar

[the-what-if-project]

They roughly grab his shoulders, and start to drag him off. The older experiments in the halls silently watch, sad, but they at least don't look worried. The worst hasn't started yet...

[endstar]

He yelps and wails CONFUSED.

"What’s- what’s happening?!? Who are you?!”

[the-what-if-project]

"Just routine, you will be returned to your cell shortly after we collect baseline data on your vitals."

They don't bother answering his second question. It's not fun that way :)

[endstar]

He just squeaks as he’s dragged off, shaking heavily as they go.

[the-what-if-project]

Its... very invasive when they get there. Strapping him down to forcefully do blood work, forcing his eyes wide open to check them, prying his mouth open, x-rays and whatnot.

This place is DEFINITELY not ethical.

[endstar]

Void Doug…. Fawns. Terrified and confused…. He doesn’t know what’s going on, but he doesn’t have the power or confidence to do anything about it… to attack or scream… all he does is stand there fearfully.

[the-what-if-project]

Once the very invasive procedure is complete, he's dragged back, and tossed into his cell. The next AU is then grabbed.

[endstar]

This goes on for… awhile. Some struggle, some are too confused too- mainly the Malak’s struggle a lot.

[the-what-if-project]

All who struggle learn quickly that the collars shock them until they submit, not just quick zaps either. If they struggle too long, the collars will zap them for solid minutes until they've seized too much to fight. If they try to attack? They're zapped over and over again, till they're in tears.

Examples.

They saved coming for void Malak last...

[endstar]

Void malak had..

Started to get particularly bad. Smacking his ram like horns agaisnt the glass, and stamping his hooves.. once they make it to his cell, he backs off, and makes a heavy heave of air like once again.. a really pisses off bull.

“You… WILL let me out of this cell!” He snarls.

[the-what-if-project]

"We are letting you out, DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Malak. but you will have to behave, otherwise we will have to neutralize you. You have seen the consequences of action, we trust you will be well behaved for us?

She bows her head slightly, mockingly.

[endstar]

He snorts.

"I am not a SEQUENCE of NUMBERS you fowl insolent thing!!” He snaps “the most of a diffrent name I’ve had to lord Malak is void! That.. stupid name that the foul “seer” gave me….”

[the-what-if-project]

"You are the 3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 malak we have brought in from study from a Dark Deception timeline. That is the only reason why we are addressing you by your identification number. I hope you understand DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Malak!

[endstar]

He snarls with anger.

“What in the HELLS DO YOU MEAN?!”

His hoof drags along the ground, stomping

[the-what-if-project]

"It means we have a growing number of Malaks in the facility. With infinite test subjects. You are merely another malak."

Her smile does NOT waver. She... Enjoys this job way too much-

[endstar]

“WHY YOU LITTLE—“

[the-what-if-project]

"We have trillions."

She dumbs down. "...of you."

[endstar]

He pales a bit, confusion setting in, and.. fear… trillions of HIM? Why him? His stomach dropping. He lets out a more fearful hiss.

“WHY?! WH-WHO.. ARE YOU?!”

[the-what-if-project]

"We are The What If? Project! We specialize in answering questions most people don't want to ask!"

She gently points to the cell with the Doug who's sewn together with Malak. Despite the slow movement, the cocky experiment flinches, and covers his head with his fists. Praying, begging in very quiet mumbles. "What if Doug and Malak were forced to share a body? This question has been asked and answered a thousand times, but we decided to spin it in another direction. There has been fusion, possession, but never assimilation. It's one of our favorite experiments actually! Isn't that right, DD-83742394792223338 Doug-malak?"

He just hiccups and scoots closer to his corner...

[endstar]

“…wh.. why would you…?”

He looks on with horror, smoke coming from his mouth defensively.. and well… fearfully.

“What’s- THE POINT?! To torture-“

[the-what-if-project]

"Simple. Questions are asked? It's our job to deliver the answers!"

She giggles. She. Giggles.

These scientists have absolutely no morals... She looks like a mortal, but this is bad, even for the worst of humanity.

[endstar]

He stares at her with horror, before snarling and punching glass where her head jt.

“I- I WILL GET OUT!”

[the-what-if-project]

She doesn't flinch. "My life only has value in the facility. That would be counterproductive on your part."

She presses a button on a device, and his collar starts to go off.

[endstar]

He wails, and immediately falls to the floor shaking, and pulling on the collar, hissing, and screeching.

[the-what-if-project]

She starts snapping her fingers as he's shocked, sounds instinctive yelps of pain come from every cell who heard it. The voltage gets higher and higher upon each snap, but all the other collars aren't going off, despite everyone else, except for the new AUs, reacting in pain...

It's conditioning...

[endstar]

The other aus slowly back up in their cells or cover their ears at the screaming, void Malak’s sounds more and more like a cat in.. a lot of pain. Screeching, and trying and failing to cry for mercy.

[the-what-if-project]

He has his punishment lasts for a solid 10 minutes, the longest out of them. The whole time, she loudly snaps. The only other stimulation he has, outside of the shocking.

When it finally stops, she opens his cell door, standing over where he lays in pain. "...Are we feeling more compliant?"

Her voice is ever so cheerful.

[endstar]

Malak wheezes, making empty gagging sound, somehow managing to not throw up, his limbs twitching and shaking… he does not reply.

[the-what-if-project]

She snaps her finger again, no shock though.

[endstar]

He makes a panicked wail, expecting a shock that didn’t come, curling up into a ball fearfully.

[the-what-if-project]

"...Get up."

She orders, finally showing some coldness. It's... odd how relieving that is.

[endstar]

He growls underneath his breath but, reluctantly obeys, scared of more pain… slowly, nearly falling over quite a few times, standing.

[the-what-if-project]

The other scientists grab his arms, and drag him off to be evaluated.

[endstar]

He lets them… squinting his eyes shut to help himself ignore the stares the aus give him.

[the-what-if-project]

And so he's lead off... to be poked, prodded, and treated as nothing more than a lab rat.

[endstar]

He growls, and huffs like a chained animal, but.. he doesn’t squirm, or say anything.. he just stands there… hoping it’s over quickly

[the-what-if-project]

Once it's over, he's dragged back to his cell and roughly tossed in. "You're some of our most behaved test subjects yet! We can't wait to answer the question our employers have for you! We will be loading our data in our systems shortly!"

With that, the cell is locked back up, and the scientists leave.

The Doug, Fourway-two, finally comes out of hiding. Wiping his tears away. His breath shakes, but he still nods in their direction. "...First day, and only 10 minutes being your longest shock outta ya... Call that lucky round here... You okay over there, beefy?"

[endstar]

He makes a stubborn, angry growl, just laying on the floor, before shakily getting up.

“F..fine…”

He says, clearing his throat, and forcing fear out of it.

"Just… fine..”

[the-what-if-project]

"...Don't pretend noobie... You're not helping anyone, being all tough like that. Doesn't help yourself here... Longer you say you're fine, the less and less you're going to mean it. We are in worse than hell now. You don't gotta be "fine" ever again..."

His voice wavers a bit, before switching to something softer... timid. HIS voice. "I-I... Didn't last... a week... N-no... No one judges... strength here... we... learn better... by at least... a week..."

[endstar]

He stumbles off to a corner weakly, grumbling underneath his breath, his ego cracked, but… somehow.. not broken. Probably not new here… Theyre stubborn. 

He glances at fourway, with disgust, hate… and… well…. Mild fear that he covers desperately.

"…s..shut it.. I said I was FINE.”

He says, looking disturbed at his own voice but not deterred. I normal malak would probably freak out at there being another him… one so “lowly”… but void is used to it… the multiverse and all…

[the-what-if-project]

"...j-just... trying... to save you the pain... Strength... saves n-no one here... i-it will be worse... they break us... e-easier to let... yourself... fall... than... suffer..."

He bows their shared head in resignation.

[endstar]

“…. I won’t.”

He growls, going to the corner and sitting down.

[the-what-if-project]

Doug switches back over, almost forcefully. Their body jolting as he snaps. "Well FIIIIIIINE, don't take an ancient experiment's advice! The evaluation is the easy bit, and no one is going to sugarcoat it, beefcake! You will either break or die, and you're going to learn VERY quickly why we all would rather die. Experiments that end in death, no matter how awful, are the KIND ones..."

He walks back to his corner, and plops down.

[endstar]

“ … I didn’t ask for advice did I?” He growls heavily, annoyed… but.. it’s tainted by his own fear. He IS scared

[the-what-if-project]

"Didn't ask to be here either, now did ya? It's etiquette around here. You always warn the noobies, in hopes they get easier experiments. More you act out, the more interesting it becomes to toy with you. Stronger your will, more torture you endure. If you ignore MY warning, and everyone else that's going to warn you, then it's on you if you get lobotomized and flayed."

[endstar]

He shivers, but snarls,

“YOU EXPECT ME TO JUST- JUST ACCEPT THIS?! I… this will NOT be my fate!”

[the-what-if-project]

"...That's what everyone says..."

[endstar]

… void doesn’t respond after that. Remaining in his corner.

Prophecy Bierce… has one of the calmest reactions anyone has probably ever seen since being stuck in here- she sits with her back to the wall, with her eyes closed, just not responding… staying SILENT. Her Doug immediately started having panic attacks and freaking out…. And of course her malak started flipping out and trying to break free every chance he got, but stopped as soon as he was told to out of fear… strong till there was someone as strong as him facing him down…. just- a WHOLE LOT.

[the-what-if-project]

Strange clicks are heard from the other end of the hall after some hours. Fourway-two lights up a little. "Wait... Clicky!"

He gets up, and presses his hands against the glass, trying to see down the hall. A lengthy creature, with bones that are far too long, twisted, and obviously broken. Her skin is like Fourway-two's, patchy, mixed with someone else's. She rasps, unable to speak, but, she doesn't need to. Her long black hair already shows who she is.

Fourway-two heads over to the to a small door, as the creature crawls over, dragging an oxygen tank and IV behind her. With fingers that are far too long, spliced with familiar claws, she grabs the other experiment's hand. "...There's our girls... surprised you're still fighting... W-were you good for the doctors...?"

Malak's voice sounds a little stronger talking to this... THING. Clicky waves her head around, her bones rubbing and making snapping noises that, as disgusting as they sound, seem happy. She pats the ground, jumping in a... familiar way.

Fourway-two smiles. "Pain meds! Alright, atta girls! That must make roaming the halls easier, eh?"

Her body twists, making more happy bone noises, and she gurgles animalistically. "Good to hear it, Clicky... W-we hate seeing both of you in pain."

[endstar]

…. Void malak pales, horror clouding pride and self image as he realizes who it is… it stirs up the stubborn, angry pot of confusion, and causes one singular question to spark…

Where is Agatha?

He doesn’t interrupt fourway-two, and clickys conversation… he only gets up, and begins to pace at the front of the glass, looking for Agatha, who… he can’t see from his glass cage. He doesn’t make a sound.

The nearby Doug’s and Malak’s have similar reactions, hiding away as they realize to the fullest extent WHAT is happening and what IS happening…

[the-what-if-project]

"Clicky" notices them, and starts making destressed clicks with her bones, groaning sadly. "N-no! Nononono, shhh shhh shhhhh, no... No they're not scared of you... W-why don't you girls help them...? Look for their daughters, they're scared too... You know how the doctors like to keep us separated..."

She snaps her neck upside down, and starts to crawl up to higher cells, looking for the other Tammys and Agathas, calling out to them with a distorted wail, that sounds like both girls sobbing...

"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah...."

[endstar]

This… makes the Malak’s and Doug’s overall mental state and temperament WORSE- getting more desperate, and pacing a bit.

Agatha’s are scratching at their doors crying heavily, wailing for their daddy’s, and the Tammy’s just remained curled in corners, not responding to much, covering their ears.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky finds them eventually, and attempts to wave to them. Trying not to be scary, even though... That's impossible.

[endstar]

Void Agatha immediately screams with terror as she appears, scrambling away.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky groans, and cowers at the screaming a bit. She doesn't like being THIS scary...

[endstar]

“Wh- WHAT ARE YOU-???”

Agatha cries, going to the corner

[the-what-if-project]

She points to her, then a Tammy, then herself, before clicking sadly. Making a wail that sounds like THEM. "Waaaaaaaaah...."

[endstar]

She whimpers.

“Your— what?? Your me- and- and- whoever that is-?! I-“

He trembles, holding her long hands to her chest:

[the-what-if-project]

She clicks, nodding.

[endstar]

“Wh- wha? How- but your—“

She looks on with horror

[the-what-if-project]

She makes a horn sign with one of her hands, and points downward. Trying to explain her daddy is in a ground cell.

[endstar]

… she doesn’t understand she just looks at her confused, and starts crying again.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky taps the glass, and points down again, trying to get her to listen.

[endstar]

“I- I don’t know what you meeaaaannn!”

She crys.

[the-what-if-project]

She looks around, before climbing down back to ground level. She taps on the glass void malak is in, and points upward, clicking erratically.

[endstar]

…he softens his tone a bit… for her. Like how he’d talk to Agatha.

“…hm..? What are you trying to tell me..?”

He looks up at the ceiling.

[the-what-if-project]

She points to herself, then him, then up. Trying to tell him that his daughter is in a cell above him.

[endstar]

“…is…”

He thinks.

"Is Agatha up there? My Agatha?”

He asks calmly but urgently

[the-what-if-project]

She nods clicking, but then sadly moves her long arms to demonstrate her fingers not being able to touch. His Agatha, along with the others, are just out of reach for them to properly comfort each other...

[endstar]

“…o..oh… I.. can.. can.. you tell her it will be okay..? That I’m okay..?”

He says softly.

[the-what-if-project]

She bows her head, and taps her throat, shaking her head. She can't speak due to what was done to her. "...Clicky was one of the prototype experiments before us. They ruined their vocal chords... Can't speak, can only scream, cry, or groan..."

"...M-maybe give her your tie...? Through the food door...?"

[endstar]

He nods, carefully taking it off and giving it to clicky.

[the-what-if-project]

She very carefully takes it, and climbs back up. lifting void Agatha's food door, and slipping the tie inside.

[endstar]

Agatha looks up, looking at it, and quickly runs over.

“D-daddy’s tie! He- he’s okay???”

[the-what-if-project]

She nods, and points down. Letting her know where he is.

[endstar]

She sighs with relief, wiping away her tears carefully.

“I.. I hope I’ll get to see him soon..”

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky clicks her bones together, snapping in sympathy.

[endstar]

She just sighs and, sits down with her knees at her chest by the door sadly…

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky eventually climbs down, and leaves them behind. Giving her dads one last hand hold before going down the halls, presumably to her own cell.

Over the next several hours, they're left alone. Scientists bring them the most disgusting looking slop they have ever seen to eat, leaving them with only that. "...Warning you all now, it's drugged. No joke, actually full of drugs. Don't know what half of em do, which ones they put in for each person, but... yeah. You're never not having non-laced food again."

Nevertheless, Fourway-two starts eating his own slop. "...I think it might be to keep us from leaving? Make us more scared? Maybe knock us out easier? I've been here for decades, still don't know..."

[endstar]

Prophecy, from the next cell over, speaks.

★"… starving is preferable. I’d give it to you if I could.”★

She doesn’t move from the wall… void pins his ears with disgust.

↓“For once, I agree with the witch… I didn’t even know YOU were here…"↓

★"everybody is, void… the whole of the meeting room…"★

Void hisses

↓"…grr… I told you to stop calling me that, you snake…”↓

★"Well I refused. Simple as that.”★

He groans.

[the-what-if-project]

"You'll eventually eat... Everyone says they won't, till they do... Starving is hard here... They don't let you die, if it's not in an experiment.

[endstar]

★"…I will not last long anyway dear. I’m going to die quickly… or.. be close to dead."★

[the-what-if-project]

"You sound... pretty certain. You're also kinda chill, for a test subject... what, you gonna try ending it? That isn't gonna fly, we're under surveillance 24/7-"

[endstar]

★"No. I see the future, and that line of future I can see ends soon… so either A… I die. Or B they beat me in mentally to the point where I can’t see anything, or can’t think.”★

[the-what-if-project]

He sharply inhales, and covers his mouth in mild horror and sympathy.

....Well THAT'S a comforting reaction-

[endstar]

"Oh yay, I’m doomed.”

She says, apathetically- not reacting much.

[the-what-if-project]

"...Yeah... You're taking it a lot better than most seers in this place... I-I... I hope the procedure doesn't hurt you too much... How long will we all get to know you... as you..? Got a time before it goes black?"

His voice is very gentle now, a little less cocky and callused. Like... He's talking to someone about to die.

[endstar]

She remains apathetic… casual, like it’s talking about ★"maybe a few days, depending… I’ve seen enough horrors… it’s… refreshing to know the end is near.” ★

[the-what-if-project]

He nods, then looks at void malak. With zero cockiness, he begs. "...Get to know her. Every damn thing you can. You're not gonna get another chance, and you're gonna regret it for the rest of your life here... Once they know what she is, her designated experiment will rip her from you... And you're not gonna like it."

[endstar]

He sneers.

↓"…why would I want to get to know HER? That fowl, creature of a woman! I hate her… she’s not even MY Bierce!↓

Beirce sighs, and lays down on her back.

[the-what-if-project]

"Not just you, all of you. I... We're gonna get to know her too. She isn't gonna die like that. We're not gonna let her die like that... She's a seer, and... they don't last the week. She will be gone in the worst way a person to be gone... it's... a benevolent fate, compared to most things... She... she won't outwardly suffer, but she's gonna be here, reminding all of you, that you never knew her...

[endstar]

"…why should I care? She’s a copy of one of the most annoying, insufferable mortal I’ve had the misfortune of meeting! In no way will I ever care for her fate”

Prophecy sighs, slightly annoyed.

★"it’s no use, Honey. He’s as stubborn as a mule… I don’t care, nor want fake kindness. I’ve known, and seen hundreds of my deaths in millions of timelines… rarely does anyone, especially him mourn me…”★

[the-what-if-project]

"...it's different here. This place MAKES you care... not because it suddenly makes you a Saint, no one deserves to be here. No one has earned the Fates they get... they will mourn. Everyone says they won't, or no one will mourn em, till they're all crying to a God that's probably chained down the hall... you got a decent hell ahead of you, but it's not going to be easy on everyone else..."

[endstar]

★"… I suppose I’m just hoping for the best fate for everybody else… but I cannot even see that or the probability of that .. it’s fogged.”★

She sighs, looking at her nails then at her shaking Doug in the corner, frowning.

[the-what-if-project]

He just looks at her sadly. "...that's very noble of you to think... we'll keep an eye on em for you, miss... Make sure they're not at each other's throats after you're gone."

He forces a laugh after his joke, then abruptly stops. Malak taking over. "...W-we have time to kill... before we're dragged off for the day... mind... mind telling us about yourself...? Memories you... y-you don't want forgotten...?

[endstar]

★"…can’t say I have much I want to be remembered… very little actually … I can’t say I spent my life wisely… I was born with this… curse. I didn’t need malak for fame, I just pawned it off of peoples desperate desires to know their fate.. conned them. I guess I was extremely nihilistic back then… knowing how my life would end at such a young age, wasn’t very healthy for a young mind… hah… the only way I ended up in the ballroom was because I was stealing so many souls from too many demons… especially malak… telling them of their fate if they go down the demonic path… Malak hunted me down, and I knew the only way I would survive is if I got the ring … and went into the ballroom…. Huh. Now I’m here … maybe I should’ve just accepted it back then, but I was … rather stubborn. I wanted to bend fate to my hands… and I could as best I can.”★

She looks at fourway-two with her bright purple eyes.

[the-what-if-project]

"Sounds like a lot of seers here... b-but... hey, you made the most of it, technically saved people, e-even if it was for cons, and... you tried. That says something about you. Like any Bierce, you... you are strong willed, determined, but... but unlike them, you still actively did some good, even if it was for the wrong reasons. That... th-that should mean something."

[endstar]

"Huh… perhaps. I still hate that… that’s all I really did with my life… and well.. piss off malak. But that was more entertaining than anything…. Respectfully.”

[the-what-if-project]

"...I-I... can understand that... we're not... exactly pleasant..."

Malak bows Fourway-two's head. He's... extremely humble, for a malak.

[endstar]

She smiles a bit.

“… sure. But it’s more funny to me now…”

[the-what-if-project]

That makes him shyly smile a bit.

They gently pressure her for more stuff. Favorite colors, food, places, time of day, flowers, cons she was fond of, everything they can ask, until the scientists come back to drag them away.

They struggle at first, more out of instinct than actual resistance, but inevitably obey at the THREAT of one of the doctors snapping their fingers. They didn't even need to hear it in order for it to break their fleeting will...

[endstar]

Prophecy watches sadly.. gently waving them off with a sad smile… kindly… she is very nice for a beirve… especially to a Malak’s face.. once they are gone, she lays down, and has her Doug cuddle up with her quietly.

[the-what-if-project]

An hour later, they hear his distant scream, but... none of the older experiments react much... Like it's nothing out of the ordinary.

[endstar]

Prophecy sighs, and covers her ears sadly.

The other aus whince, and get more and more anxious… the screaming wasn’t it was scaring them but everyone acted like this was normal… torture was normal here… and most of them came to the conclusion that they would follow suit soon.

[the-what-if-project]

He's eventually dragged back after several hours, looking really beat up. His flesh burned, soul shards sticking out of him like tumors. He's roughly tossed into his cell, and locked back up.

He coughs up blood, that has some purple sparkly bits in it, like there are soul shards in his lungs.

[endstar]

Prophecy just frowns, and sighs quietly. Void is… a lot more disturbed. He shivers, but.. doesn’t know what really to say other than giving a disturbed look…

[the-what-if-project]

He starts yanking the shards out of his body, with pained grunts. "...magic testing sucks... my mortal bits don't mix well with the demon bits-"

"I-I'm sorry..."

"Don't be... even if I was mad at you, we share nerves now. Not like I'm suffering alone..."

"Y-you don't deserve this..."

Doug scoffs. "You do?"

Malak doesn't answer, so Doug just focuses back on popping shards out of their body. Occasionally stopping to rub his patches of red skin comfortingly.

[endstar]

The aus… judge silently. Not saying anything or doing anything noticeable.. just… why are they so friendly with each other? Why aren’t they ripping out each other skin — some stare for a bit- especially void cause he’s a weirdo.

[the-what-if-project]

The Doug glances at them, and decides to make a joke, to lower the tensions. "What...? Never seen an unholy abomination pull out soul tumors before?"

[endstar]

Void snorts, with a huff-

"Huh… let me think— NO- I havent!”

[the-what-if-project]

He snorts. "Good, I'd be wondering about the scientific ethics of your timeline if you did-"

[endstar]

He huffs, and just starts pacing around, bored- his hooves clomping around-

[the-what-if-project]

After a bit, he calls out. "Ay, you okay in there, beefcake?"

He pops out another shard like a cyst.

[endstar]

“I’m bored, and- would you STOP calling me that!”

He huffs

[the-what-if-project]

"It's a compliment, but okay-"

He shrugs. "Not that much to do here, but talk and suffer. Some experiments have puzzles, games, but watch out for those. Cognitive puzzles mean they're gonna mess with your brain."

[endstar]

“Grreeeaaattt….”

He hisses deeply, stomping his hooves like an angry horse-

[the-what-if-project]

He sighs, and starts putting the soul shards he has in a pile. "...You could try talking to your cell mates a bit? Get to know the other noobies before the inevitable? Everyone's biggest regret her is, like we said, not knowing people. You can get on top of the game and entertain yourself, talking to em?"

This is what? The second or third time he mentioned getting to know people? He seems... very insistent.

[endstar]

He groans

↓"you are awfully determined… I can already feel a headache from communicating with such annoyinh creatures..”↓

[the-what-if-project]

"...Just don't want you repeating the same mistakes everyone else does... After the seers gone...? You'll probably understand..."

[endstar]

He scoffs

"… yeah, right…”

[the-what-if-project]

He... deflates a little, giving up for now. Still... kinda creepy how insistent he is.

A week passes, and they're put through simpler tests. Familiar mazes, puzzles, and their food is always drugged. But Prophecy Bierce has a lot more cognitive puzzles than the other new AUs... As the end of the week approaches, he becomes more insistent on them knowing her, till the final day.

The scientists come, not smiling blankly... They're grinning. Mouths just a tad too wide, as they drag her out of her cell... Fourway-two weeps silently, just... unable to take his eyes off her as they take her down the hall.

[endstar]

The other aus watch quietly… not seeming to care very much other than her Doug that shakes, and try’s to pull her away from the doctors… prophecy gently, shoving him away, to prevent him from getting in trouble… staying silent…. She doesn’t struggle, nor hiss, not cry. She just lets it happen.

She knows it’s the end of the line for her… mostly.

[the-what-if-project]

As she disappears down the hall, Fourway-two shakes his head. "Well... that's it for her... when she comes back...? Don't say I didn't warn all of you..."

[endstar]

Void rolls his eyes.

↓“None of us really liked her anyway.”↓

… the othet aus just look down or shrug.. not caring too much..

Accept her Doug, the ting one with the mask… he cries in the corner sadly. Wheeping with choked sobs.

[the-what-if-project]

"...after today... you're gonna change your mind..."

With her, the scientists strap her down on the table, and force a bit in her mouth, as they proceed with the procedure. Their grins grow wider and wider, with sadistic glee.

[endstar]

she makes an uncomfortable grunt, but doesn’t try anything, wincing as she looks up at them… she knows there is no feasible way out of this situation… so hopefully she just seems depressed enough that they… will be somewhat gentle.

[the-what-if-project]

They're not. They're actively rough, just TRYING to get a reaction out of her, and when they finally electrocute her and shove the pick in her eye? They end up causing even more brain damage than intended. Leading to an even more detrimental lobotomy.

Once lobotomized, they have her do cognitive puzzles, to compare the data they already collected...

[endstar]

She stares aimlessly at it for a long few minutes, eyes hazed over, struggling to understand that there’s a problem they want her to solve to begin with… slowly, she weakly try’s… her hand struggling to grip it at all… and her mind struggling to force in self into comprehending what was happening, loosing focus quickly.

[the-what-if-project]

They're satisfied after she fails yet another puzzle, and they send her back to the cells. Only staying long enough to record the reactions of the other new AUs when she returns.

Fourway-two looks away, unable to look at her now. Before the AUs can comprehend what happened to Prophecy Bierce? He already knows what has been done...

[endstar]

Prophecy Doug quickly runs up to her hugging her… but unlike when he first started crying… she doesn’t comfort him or rub his back gently or care… she just stares blankly ahead of her, glancing down at him quietly as he crys into her, making desperate sign language that goes unanswered… making him cry heavier.

Nothing.

Not a thing is left of her.

↓"..what they do to you, lady?”↓

Just a blank stare comes from here, Malak’s ears pin, as he looks just.. confused, and unnerved.

[the-what-if-project]

"A lobotomy!"

The scientist grins. "Tests showed she could see the future, couldn't let her warn you of our experiments! That would ruin our data!"

[endstar]

↓"I- you.. mushed up her brain, and made her BRAIN dead??”"↓

He says, disturbed.

[the-what-if-project]

"Oh of course! Why wouldn't we? Lobotomies are one of our employer's favorite procedures!"

She laughs, and her team joins her. "Aw, don't tell us you CARED about her? You barely know her, or even spoke to her based on security footage. Actively didn't even want to know her, now all of the sudden you're upset by what happened? Or are you worried you're next? Well don't worry, she's our only lobotomy planned for your test group!"

[endstar]

"I did NOT! I just want to know what in the sweet rings is HAPPENING! Of course I’m going to be upset at the prospect of you giving a LOBOTOMY to SOMEONE!”

He snarls, flicking his tail

[the-what-if-project]

The scientists laugh. "Oh, we already told you. Questions have been asked, and we have been employed to answer them. We were always going to lobotomize her, we just had to compare the results! Brain scans showed her having an impressive sight over time, and fast deductions over probability, as impressive as our seer test subjects directly related to gods of knowledge and madness despite her not having connections to a deity of madness or knowledge. Though there certainly were divine connections. Now? HA! Now she can't even retain memories at all! Let alone see the future. Even if she still can, she can't comprehend it. We may have gone a little overboard, when she didn't show the desired reaction, so the damage to her frontal lobe is more severe than we initially intended. She's not a person anymore. Just a thing. That occasionally has electricity moving her limbs and make noises. Like a broken toy!"

[endstar]

Void looks at the scientists with horror… along with the othet aus, especially the beirces… looking sick, and pale now.

Void can’t even speak. Even with his cruelty, he has been gagged with the pure cockiness and, sadism from this what seems to be a mortal.

[the-what-if-project]

With a giggle, they leave em alone to process the fact that... Prophecy bierce is gone in the worst possible way a person can leave. The scientist waves giddily. "We start your Luckys' testing tomorrow, and we can't waaaaaaait! Your collective mental stabilities will be fascinating!"

[endstar]

Prophecy’s Doug and malak just.. stare at her. Silently… prophecy’s Doug just crying heavily… her Malak’s ears drooped… his face going through a whirlwind of emotions… but mainly fear.. disgust… they just ripped her away entire sentience… and mind…

He hated her. A lot…

But.. she didn’t deserve this did she?

Not like that. He can’t get the bearings to make a sound or move…. He just trembles in the corner, looking at the empty shell of a woman… that isn’t anyone now.

Prophecy Doug gently gets her to sit down.

[the-what-if-project]

"...W-we... told you to get to know her for a reason..."

Fourway-two holds their hand over their mouth, both sides distraught.

[endstar]

Prophecy malak snaps at him.

★"SHUT IT!”★

He snarls

[the-what-if-project]

They flinch away, and a bunch more experiments cower away in their cells. They can't see most of them, but there is a collective THUMP of them all going to their corners.

[endstar]

Malak doesnt feel bad… he just sits there… pulling on his ears with way too many complicated emotions he wanted to feel…

The rest of the aus stay silent… it’s just quiet now.

Well.. not including the screaming of experiments

[the-what-if-project]

Hours pass, Another experiment is dragged away for testing. A bierce who... is in tank. Gurgling, and not even solid. There are some other colors in there, suggesting she wasn't the only one in gelatinous form in this glass tank. Her "mouth" opens in an attempt to scream, but all it goes is make a malak colored bubble inflate and pop where her "lips" should be. There are only suggestions of a face where they can see her. A running eye near her head that looks like it's from doug. Something in it tries to form a hand, that quickly dissolves back into the living solution, based on the shape and colors? A gremlin probably, or maybe penny...

Dear god, it's actually EVERYONE in a tank, as a living solution, the bierce on top just hasn't mixed in yet fully.

...What sort of question could have prompted that fate...?

[endstar]

The aus gag immediately at the sight, some immediately bursting into tears… most of them out of distress stop looking outside entirely… staring at the walls, distressed.

[the-what-if-project]

There's a tiny voice just overhead, one cell just above one of them. "...bye daddy... and... guys..."

The gelatinous mass wails as much as it can as it's dragged away. Some familiar claws that are all chewed up stick out of the food door, in reach of an AU below...

...Not everyone is in that experiment... at least... yet.

[endstar]

The aus weep sadly at this.. awful fate. Fear and anxiety creeping in…

This is awful. This is all sinful, and awful… who would do this? Why would they? sure.. they know they are answering questions, but that doesn’t explain why they are… what the point would be

[the-what-if-project]

The Agatha just above them continues reaching, before dangling her fingers down pathetically in sorrow and resignation... she's probably going to join that tank of pain one day...

[endstar]

It was a normal day in the multiverse, until it wasn't

A portal opened up, and then another, and another, and another-

All of them without symbols, all of them the wrong color, and out of all of them came strange people in coats. Their attacks are swift, overwhelming, knocking AUs out, before taking them, while more head through the AUs' portal.

It's some sort of ambush!

@the-what-if-project

People screech, and attack with confusion, teying to fight back.. and well.. failing.

The only one who doesnt is prophecy Bierce… sitting there and letting it happen…

She knew. She knew she’d be fine…

At least this her.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

When they wake up, they find themselves in glass cells, numbers tattooed on them like animals, wearing hospital gowns. Some of them are muzzled, and they all have collars around their necks.

Wails and sobs come down the other halls from a distance they can't tell. Whatever this place is, it's bad news...

[endstar]

Most… of tjem freak out, huddling into corners yelling .. various curses- void is particularly bad…

“WHO DARES?!!!”

He snarls with fear and anger stumbling up, pulling at the coller with hate.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

The collar shocks him immediately when he tries to remove it. Not a simple zap either, it HURTS.

They're shock collars.

[endstar]

He yelps with pain and flails onto the ground, before scrambling up again. He immediately try’s using magic to break the barrier

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

Nothing happens... The barrier doesn't budge.

A voice from another cell shouts. "AYE- Noobie! Forget about it! Ain't no escape!"

When they look across they see... A doug. With patches of malak's skin sewn into his body.

He has one arm on his shoulder and another at his side, all four pressed against the glass.

[endstar]

Voids ears pin, with disgust and confusion, slowly going backward a bit.

↓“What.. in the HELLS are YOU?!”↓

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Your future. Ain't I handsome?"

He scoffs. "People around here call us Fourway-Two. You uh... can guess why-"

[endstar]

He looks… disgusted, his ears flick.

"…. Where am I, strange AU? Who did this ambush!"

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Welcome to The What If? Project. TWI?P. This place is the stuff of nightmares, and where said nightmares get their bad dreams. Take it from us pal, you're NEVER getting out. Go with everything you're told, and maybe... You'll get lucky with the questions they have."

[endstar]

"Hah! A nightmare? I MAKE them! I don’t know who they are but they DARED to lay a hand on me, and now they will PAY!”

He looks around the room, pacing a bit with a hiss.

What.. is this place? And what kind of magic nullifiers to they have

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Thaaaaaaaaat's what they all say. That's what my Malak said. Now? Now he's a voice in my head... rarely talks anymore, too scared to.

[endstar]

He glares… mildy fearful.. that is a really disturbing prospect… but the rather large Malak variant makes a loud huff like an angry bull… stubborn.

They all are.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

Foot steps are heard down the hall, and the Doug's demeanor changes. "Corner. Now. Hide. Don't say anything. Don't do anything. By whatever twisted god that's out there, do NOT threaten them. Check up crew. You'll thank me later..."

[endstar]

He demon hisses… it’s.. no use. He just stepped back away from the glass, but he only just puffs up, clenching his fist

[the-what-if-project]

The doug hides in the corner per his own instructions, and the scientists that kidnapped them come to their cells. Clipboards in hand, glasses obscuring their faces. "DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Doug?"

The numbers on their arms... They're probably a form of identification. The scientist looks at void doug. "DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Doug? Step forward for evaluation."

She... Looks human, but in that sort of way you know it's someone pretending to be human...

[endstar]

Void Doug trembles a bit.

“I- what— who are-“

He steps forward he hesitantly, his hand, not pulling, but gently held onto his collar

[the-what-if-project]

They roughly grab his shoulders, and start to drag him off. The older experiments in the halls silently watch, sad, but they at least don't look worried. The worst hasn't started yet...

[endstar]

He yelps and wails CONFUSED.

"What’s- what’s happening?!? Who are you?!”

[the-what-if-project]

"Just routine, you will be returned to your cell shortly after we collect baseline data on your vitals."

They don't bother answering his second question. It's not fun that way :)

[endstar]

He just squeaks as he’s dragged off, shaking heavily as they go.

[the-what-if-project]

Its... very invasive when they get there. Strapping him down to forcefully do blood work, forcing his eyes wide open to check them, prying his mouth open, x-rays and whatnot.

This place is DEFINITELY not ethical.

[endstar]

Void Doug…. Fawns. Terrified and confused…. He doesn’t know what’s going on, but he doesn’t have the power or confidence to do anything about it… to attack or scream… all he does is stand there fearfully.

[the-what-if-project]

Once the very invasive procedure is complete, he's dragged back, and tossed into his cell. The next AU is then grabbed.

[endstar]

This goes on for… awhile. Some struggle, some are too confused too- mainly the Malak’s struggle a lot.

[the-what-if-project]

All who struggle learn quickly that the collars shock them until they submit, not just quick zaps either. If they struggle too long, the collars will zap them for solid minutes until they've seized too much to fight. If they try to attack? They're zapped over and over again, till they're in tears.

Examples.

They saved coming for void Malak last...

[endstar]

Void malak had..

Started to get particularly bad. Smacking his ram like horns agaisnt the glass, and stamping his hooves.. once they make it to his cell, he backs off, and makes a heavy heave of air like once again.. a really pisses off bull.

“You… WILL let me out of this cell!” He snarls.

[the-what-if-project]

"We are letting you out, DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Malak. but you will have to behave, otherwise we will have to neutralize you. You have seen the consequences of action, we trust you will be well behaved for us?

She bows her head slightly, mockingly.

[endstar]

He snorts.

"I am not a SEQUENCE of NUMBERS you fowl insolent thing!!” He snaps “the most of a diffrent name I’ve had to lord Malak is void! That.. stupid name that the foul “seer” gave me….”

[the-what-if-project]

"You are the 3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 malak we have brought in from study from a Dark Deception timeline. That is the only reason why we are addressing you by your identification number. I hope you understand DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Malak!

[endstar]

He snarls with anger.

“What in the HELLS DO YOU MEAN?!”

His hoof drags along the ground, stomping

[the-what-if-project]

"It means we have a growing number of Malaks in the facility. With infinite test subjects. You are merely another malak."

Her smile does NOT waver. She... Enjoys this job way too much-

[endstar]

“WHY YOU LITTLE—“

[the-what-if-project]

"We have trillions."

She dumbs down. "...of you."

[endstar]

He pales a bit, confusion setting in, and.. fear… trillions of HIM? Why him? His stomach dropping. He lets out a more fearful hiss.

“WHY?! WH-WHO.. ARE YOU?!”

[the-what-if-project]

"We are The What If? Project! We specialize in answering questions most people don't want to ask!"

She gently points to the cell with the Doug who's sewn together with Malak. Despite the slow movement, the cocky experiment flinches, and covers his head with his fists. Praying, begging in very quiet mumbles. "What if Doug and Malak were forced to share a body? This question has been asked and answered a thousand times, but we decided to spin it in another direction. There has been fusion, possession, but never assimilation. It's one of our favorite experiments actually! Isn't that right, DD-83742394792223338 Doug-malak?"

He just hiccups and scoots closer to his corner...

[endstar]

“…wh.. why would you…?”

He looks on with horror, smoke coming from his mouth defensively.. and well… fearfully.

“What’s- THE POINT?! To torture-“

[the-what-if-project]

"Simple. Questions are asked? It's our job to deliver the answers!"

She giggles. She. Giggles.

These scientists have absolutely no morals... She looks like a mortal, but this is bad, even for the worst of humanity.

[endstar]

He stares at her with horror, before snarling and punching glass where her head jt.

“I- I WILL GET OUT!”

[the-what-if-project]

She doesn't flinch. "My life only has value in the facility. That would be counterproductive on your part."

She presses a button on a device, and his collar starts to go off.

[endstar]

He wails, and immediately falls to the floor shaking, and pulling on the collar, hissing, and screeching.

[the-what-if-project]

She starts snapping her fingers as he's shocked, sounds instinctive yelps of pain come from every cell who heard it. The voltage gets higher and higher upon each snap, but all the other collars aren't going off, despite everyone else, except for the new AUs, reacting in pain...

It's conditioning...

[endstar]

The other aus slowly back up in their cells or cover their ears at the screaming, void Malak’s sounds more and more like a cat in.. a lot of pain. Screeching, and trying and failing to cry for mercy.

[the-what-if-project]

He has his punishment lasts for a solid 10 minutes, the longest out of them. The whole time, she loudly snaps. The only other stimulation he has, outside of the shocking.

When it finally stops, she opens his cell door, standing over where he lays in pain. "...Are we feeling more compliant?"

Her voice is ever so cheerful.

[endstar]

Malak wheezes, making empty gagging sound, somehow managing to not throw up, his limbs twitching and shaking… he does not reply.

[the-what-if-project]

She snaps her finger again, no shock though.

[endstar]

He makes a panicked wail, expecting a shock that didn’t come, curling up into a ball fearfully.

[the-what-if-project]

"...Get up."

She orders, finally showing some coldness. It's... odd how relieving that is.

[endstar]

He growls underneath his breath but, reluctantly obeys, scared of more pain… slowly, nearly falling over quite a few times, standing.

[the-what-if-project]

The other scientists grab his arms, and drag him off to be evaluated.

[endstar]

He lets them… squinting his eyes shut to help himself ignore the stares the aus give him.

[the-what-if-project]

And so he's lead off... to be poked, prodded, and treated as nothing more than a lab rat.

[endstar]

He growls, and huffs like a chained animal, but.. he doesn’t squirm, or say anything.. he just stands there… hoping it’s over quickly

[the-what-if-project]

Once it's over, he's dragged back to his cell and roughly tossed in. "You're some of our most behaved test subjects yet! We can't wait to answer the question our employers have for you! We will be loading our data in our systems shortly!"

With that, the cell is locked back up, and the scientists leave.

The Doug, Fourway-two, finally comes out of hiding. Wiping his tears away. His breath shakes, but he still nods in their direction. "...First day, and only 10 minutes being your longest shock outta ya... Call that lucky round here... You okay over there, beefy?"

[endstar]

He makes a stubborn, angry growl, just laying on the floor, before shakily getting up.

“F..fine…”

He says, clearing his throat, and forcing fear out of it.

"Just… fine..”

[the-what-if-project]

"...Don't pretend noobie... You're not helping anyone, being all tough like that. Doesn't help yourself here... Longer you say you're fine, the less and less you're going to mean it. We are in worse than hell now. You don't gotta be "fine" ever again..."

His voice wavers a bit, before switching to something softer... timid. HIS voice. "I-I... Didn't last... a week... N-no... No one judges... strength here... we... learn better... by at least... a week..."

[endstar]

He stumbles off to a corner weakly, grumbling underneath his breath, his ego cracked, but… somehow.. not broken. Probably not new here… Theyre stubborn. 

He glances at fourway, with disgust, hate… and… well…. Mild fear that he covers desperately.

"…s..shut it.. I said I was FINE.”

He says, looking disturbed at his own voice but not deterred. I normal malak would probably freak out at there being another him… one so “lowly”… but void is used to it… the multiverse and all…

[the-what-if-project]

"...j-just... trying... to save you the pain... Strength... saves n-no one here... i-it will be worse... they break us... e-easier to let... yourself... fall... than... suffer..."

He bows their shared head in resignation.

[endstar]

“…. I won’t.”

He growls, going to the corner and sitting down.

[the-what-if-project]

Doug switches back over, almost forcefully. Their body jolting as he snaps. "Well FIIIIIIINE, don't take an ancient experiment's advice! The evaluation is the easy bit, and no one is going to sugarcoat it, beefcake! You will either break or die, and you're going to learn VERY quickly why we all would rather die. Experiments that end in death, no matter how awful, are the KIND ones..."

He walks back to his corner, and plops down.

[endstar]

“ … I didn’t ask for advice did I?” He growls heavily, annoyed… but.. it’s tainted by his own fear. He IS scared

[the-what-if-project]

"Didn't ask to be here either, now did ya? It's etiquette around here. You always warn the noobies, in hopes they get easier experiments. More you act out, the more interesting it becomes to toy with you. Stronger your will, more torture you endure. If you ignore MY warning, and everyone else that's going to warn you, then it's on you if you get lobotomized and flayed."

[endstar]

He shivers, but snarls,

“YOU EXPECT ME TO JUST- JUST ACCEPT THIS?! I… this will NOT be my fate!”

[the-what-if-project]

"...That's what everyone says..."

[endstar]

… void doesn’t respond after that. Remaining in his corner.

Prophecy Bierce… has one of the calmest reactions anyone has probably ever seen since being stuck in here- she sits with her back to the wall, with her eyes closed, just not responding… staying SILENT. Her Doug immediately started having panic attacks and freaking out…. And of course her malak started flipping out and trying to break free every chance he got, but stopped as soon as he was told to out of fear… strong till there was someone as strong as him facing him down…. just- a WHOLE LOT.

[the-what-if-project]

Strange clicks are heard from the other end of the hall after some hours. Fourway-two lights up a little. "Wait... Clicky!"

He gets up, and presses his hands against the glass, trying to see down the hall. A lengthy creature, with bones that are far too long, twisted, and obviously broken. Her skin is like Fourway-two's, patchy, mixed with someone else's. She rasps, unable to speak, but, she doesn't need to. Her long black hair already shows who she is.

Fourway-two heads over to the to a small door, as the creature crawls over, dragging an oxygen tank and IV behind her. With fingers that are far too long, spliced with familiar claws, she grabs the other experiment's hand. "...There's our girls... surprised you're still fighting... W-were you good for the doctors...?"

Malak's voice sounds a little stronger talking to this... THING. Clicky waves her head around, her bones rubbing and making snapping noises that, as disgusting as they sound, seem happy. She pats the ground, jumping in a... familiar way.

Fourway-two smiles. "Pain meds! Alright, atta girls! That must make roaming the halls easier, eh?"

Her body twists, making more happy bone noises, and she gurgles animalistically. "Good to hear it, Clicky... W-we hate seeing both of you in pain."

[endstar]

…. Void malak pales, horror clouding pride and self image as he realizes who it is… it stirs up the stubborn, angry pot of confusion, and causes one singular question to spark…

Where is Agatha?

He doesn’t interrupt fourway-two, and clickys conversation… he only gets up, and begins to pace at the front of the glass, looking for Agatha, who… he can’t see from his glass cage. He doesn’t make a sound.

The nearby Doug’s and Malak’s have similar reactions, hiding away as they realize to the fullest extent WHAT is happening and what IS happening…

[the-what-if-project]

"Clicky" notices them, and starts making destressed clicks with her bones, groaning sadly. "N-no! Nononono, shhh shhh shhhhh, no... No they're not scared of you... W-why don't you girls help them...? Look for their daughters, they're scared too... You know how the doctors like to keep us separated..."

She snaps her neck upside down, and starts to crawl up to higher cells, looking for the other Tammys and Agathas, calling out to them with a distorted wail, that sounds like both girls sobbing...

"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah...."

[endstar]

This… makes the Malak’s and Doug’s overall mental state and temperament WORSE- getting more desperate, and pacing a bit.

Agatha’s are scratching at their doors crying heavily, wailing for their daddy’s, and the Tammy’s just remained curled in corners, not responding to much, covering their ears.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky finds them eventually, and attempts to wave to them. Trying not to be scary, even though... That's impossible.

[endstar]

Void Agatha immediately screams with terror as she appears, scrambling away.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky groans, and cowers at the screaming a bit. She doesn't like being THIS scary...

[endstar]

“Wh- WHAT ARE YOU-???”

Agatha cries, going to the corner

[the-what-if-project]

She points to her, then a Tammy, then herself, before clicking sadly. Making a wail that sounds like THEM. "Waaaaaaaaah...."

[endstar]

She whimpers.

“Your— what?? Your me- and- and- whoever that is-?! I-“

He trembles, holding her long hands to her chest:

[the-what-if-project]

She clicks, nodding.

[endstar]

“Wh- wha? How- but your—“

She looks on with horror

[the-what-if-project]

She makes a horn sign with one of her hands, and points downward. Trying to explain her daddy is in a ground cell.

[endstar]

… she doesn’t understand she just looks at her confused, and starts crying again.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky taps the glass, and points down again, trying to get her to listen.

[endstar]

“I- I don’t know what you meeaaaannn!”

She crys.

[the-what-if-project]

She looks around, before climbing down back to ground level. She taps on the glass void malak is in, and points upward, clicking erratically.

[endstar]

…he softens his tone a bit… for her. Like how he’d talk to Agatha.

“…hm..? What are you trying to tell me..?”

He looks up at the ceiling.

[the-what-if-project]

She points to herself, then him, then up. Trying to tell him that his daughter is in a cell above him.

[endstar]

“…is…”

He thinks.

"Is Agatha up there? My Agatha?”

He asks calmly but urgently

[the-what-if-project]

She nods clicking, but then sadly moves her long arms to demonstrate her fingers not being able to touch. His Agatha, along with the others, are just out of reach for them to properly comfort each other...

[endstar]

“…o..oh… I.. can.. can.. you tell her it will be okay..? That I’m okay..?”

He says softly.

[the-what-if-project]

She bows her head, and taps her throat, shaking her head. She can't speak due to what was done to her. "...Clicky was one of the prototype experiments before us. They ruined their vocal chords... Can't speak, can only scream, cry, or groan..."

"...M-maybe give her your tie...? Through the food door...?"

[endstar]

He nods, carefully taking it off and giving it to clicky.

[the-what-if-project]

She very carefully takes it, and climbs back up. lifting void Agatha's food door, and slipping the tie inside.

[endstar]

Agatha looks up, looking at it, and quickly runs over.

“D-daddy’s tie! He- he’s okay???”

[the-what-if-project]

She nods, and points down. Letting her know where he is.

[endstar]

She sighs with relief, wiping away her tears carefully.

“I.. I hope I’ll get to see him soon..”

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky clicks her bones together, snapping in sympathy.

[endstar]

She just sighs and, sits down with her knees at her chest by the door sadly…

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky eventually climbs down, and leaves them behind. Giving her dads one last hand hold before going down the halls, presumably to her own cell.

Over the next several hours, they're left alone. Scientists bring them the most disgusting looking slop they have ever seen to eat, leaving them with only that. "...Warning you all now, it's drugged. No joke, actually full of drugs. Don't know what half of em do, which ones they put in for each person, but... yeah. You're never not having non-laced food again."

Nevertheless, Fourway-two starts eating his own slop. "...I think it might be to keep us from leaving? Make us more scared? Maybe knock us out easier? I've been here for decades, still don't know..."

[endstar]

Prophecy, from the next cell over, speaks.

★"… starving is preferable. I’d give it to you if I could.”★

She doesn’t move from the wall… void pins his ears with disgust.

↓“For once, I agree with the witch… I didn’t even know YOU were here…"↓

★"everybody is, void… the whole of the meeting room…"★

Void hisses

↓"…grr… I told you to stop calling me that, you snake…”↓

★"Well I refused. Simple as that.”★

He groans.

[the-what-if-project]

"You'll eventually eat... Everyone says they won't, till they do... Starving is hard here... They don't let you die, if it's not in an experiment.

[endstar]

★"…I will not last long anyway dear. I’m going to die quickly… or.. be close to dead."★

[the-what-if-project]

"You sound... pretty certain. You're also kinda chill, for a test subject... what, you gonna try ending it? That isn't gonna fly, we're under surveillance 24/7-"

[endstar]

★"No. I see the future, and that line of future I can see ends soon… so either A… I die. Or B they beat me in mentally to the point where I can’t see anything, or can’t think.”★

[the-what-if-project]

He sharply inhales, and covers his mouth in mild horror and sympathy.

....Well THAT'S a comforting reaction-

[endstar]

"Oh yay, I’m doomed.”

She says, apathetically- not reacting much.

[the-what-if-project]

"...Yeah... You're taking it a lot better than most seers in this place... I-I... I hope the procedure doesn't hurt you too much... How long will we all get to know you... as you..? Got a time before it goes black?"

His voice is very gentle now, a little less cocky and callused. Like... He's talking to someone about to die.

[endstar]

She remains apathetic… casual, like it’s talking about ★"maybe a few days, depending… I’ve seen enough horrors… it’s… refreshing to know the end is near.” ★

[the-what-if-project]

He nods, then looks at void malak. With zero cockiness, he begs. "...Get to know her. Every damn thing you can. You're not gonna get another chance, and you're gonna regret it for the rest of your life here... Once they know what she is, her designated experiment will rip her from you... And you're not gonna like it."

[endstar]

He sneers.

↓"…why would I want to get to know HER? That fowl, creature of a woman! I hate her… she’s not even MY Bierce!↓

Beirce sighs, and lays down on her back.

[the-what-if-project]

"Not just you, all of you. I... We're gonna get to know her too. She isn't gonna die like that. We're not gonna let her die like that... She's a seer, and... they don't last the week. She will be gone in the worst way a person to be gone... it's... a benevolent fate, compared to most things... She... she won't outwardly suffer, but she's gonna be here, reminding all of you, that you never knew her...

[endstar]

"…why should I care? She’s a copy of one of the most annoying, insufferable mortal I’ve had the misfortune of meeting! In no way will I ever care for her fate”

Prophecy sighs, slightly annoyed.

★"it’s no use, Honey. He’s as stubborn as a mule… I don’t care, nor want fake kindness. I’ve known, and seen hundreds of my deaths in millions of timelines… rarely does anyone, especially him mourn me…”★

[the-what-if-project]

"...it's different here. This place MAKES you care... not because it suddenly makes you a Saint, no one deserves to be here. No one has earned the Fates they get... they will mourn. Everyone says they won't, or no one will mourn em, till they're all crying to a God that's probably chained down the hall... you got a decent hell ahead of you, but it's not going to be easy on everyone else..."

[endstar]

★"… I suppose I’m just hoping for the best fate for everybody else… but I cannot even see that or the probability of that .. it’s fogged.”★

She sighs, looking at her nails then at her shaking Doug in the corner, frowning.

[the-what-if-project]

He just looks at her sadly. "...that's very noble of you to think... we'll keep an eye on em for you, miss... Make sure they're not at each other's throats after you're gone."

He forces a laugh after his joke, then abruptly stops. Malak taking over. "...W-we have time to kill... before we're dragged off for the day... mind... mind telling us about yourself...? Memories you... y-you don't want forgotten...?

[endstar]

★"…can’t say I have much I want to be remembered… very little actually … I can’t say I spent my life wisely… I was born with this… curse. I didn’t need malak for fame, I just pawned it off of peoples desperate desires to know their fate.. conned them. I guess I was extremely nihilistic back then… knowing how my life would end at such a young age, wasn’t very healthy for a young mind… hah… the only way I ended up in the ballroom was because I was stealing so many souls from too many demons… especially malak… telling them of their fate if they go down the demonic path… Malak hunted me down, and I knew the only way I would survive is if I got the ring … and went into the ballroom…. Huh. Now I’m here … maybe I should’ve just accepted it back then, but I was … rather stubborn. I wanted to bend fate to my hands… and I could as best I can.”★

She looks at fourway-two with her bright purple eyes.

[the-what-if-project]

"Sounds like a lot of seers here... b-but... hey, you made the most of it, technically saved people, e-even if it was for cons, and... you tried. That says something about you. Like any Bierce, you... you are strong willed, determined, but... but unlike them, you still actively did some good, even if it was for the wrong reasons. That... th-that should mean something."

[endstar]

"Huh… perhaps. I still hate that… that’s all I really did with my life… and well.. piss off malak. But that was more entertaining than anything…. Respectfully.”

[the-what-if-project]

"...I-I... can understand that... we're not... exactly pleasant..."

Malak bows Fourway-two's head. He's... extremely humble, for a malak.

[endstar]

She smiles a bit.

“… sure. But it’s more funny to me now…”

[the-what-if-project]

That makes him shyly smile a bit.

They gently pressure her for more stuff. Favorite colors, food, places, time of day, flowers, cons she was fond of, everything they can ask, until the scientists come back to drag them away.

They struggle at first, more out of instinct than actual resistance, but inevitably obey at the THREAT of one of the doctors snapping their fingers. They didn't even need to hear it in order for it to break their fleeting will...

[endstar]

Prophecy watches sadly.. gently waving them off with a sad smile… kindly… she is very nice for a beirve… especially to a Malak’s face.. once they are gone, she lays down, and has her Doug cuddle up with her quietly.

[the-what-if-project]

An hour later, they hear his distant scream, but... none of the older experiments react much... Like it's nothing out of the ordinary.

[endstar]

Prophecy sighs, and covers her ears sadly.

The other aus whince, and get more and more anxious… the screaming wasn’t it was scaring them but everyone acted like this was normal… torture was normal here… and most of them came to the conclusion that they would follow suit soon.

[the-what-if-project]

He's eventually dragged back after several hours, looking really beat up. His flesh burned, soul shards sticking out of him like tumors. He's roughly tossed into his cell, and locked back up.

He coughs up blood, that has some purple sparkly bits in it, like there are soul shards in his lungs.

[endstar]

Prophecy just frowns, and sighs quietly. Void is… a lot more disturbed. He shivers, but.. doesn’t know what really to say other than giving a disturbed look…

[the-what-if-project]

He starts yanking the shards out of his body, with pained grunts. "...magic testing sucks... my mortal bits don't mix well with the demon bits-"

"I-I'm sorry..."

"Don't be... even if I was mad at you, we share nerves now. Not like I'm suffering alone..."

"Y-you don't deserve this..."

Doug scoffs. "You do?"

Malak doesn't answer, so Doug just focuses back on popping shards out of their body. Occasionally stopping to rub his patches of red skin comfortingly.

[endstar]

The aus… judge silently. Not saying anything or doing anything noticeable.. just… why are they so friendly with each other? Why aren’t they ripping out each other skin — some stare for a bit- especially void cause he’s a weirdo.

[the-what-if-project]

The Doug glances at them, and decides to make a joke, to lower the tensions. "What...? Never seen an unholy abomination pull out soul tumors before?"

[endstar]

Void snorts, with a huff-

"Huh… let me think— NO- I havent!”

[the-what-if-project]

He snorts. "Good, I'd be wondering about the scientific ethics of your timeline if you did-"

[endstar]

He huffs, and just starts pacing around, bored- his hooves clomping around-

[the-what-if-project]

After a bit, he calls out. "Ay, you okay in there, beefcake?"

He pops out another shard like a cyst.

[endstar]

“I’m bored, and- would you STOP calling me that!”

He huffs

[the-what-if-project]

"It's a compliment, but okay-"

He shrugs. "Not that much to do here, but talk and suffer. Some experiments have puzzles, games, but watch out for those. Cognitive puzzles mean they're gonna mess with your brain."

[endstar]

“Grreeeaaattt….”

He hisses deeply, stomping his hooves like an angry horse-

[the-what-if-project]

He sighs, and starts putting the soul shards he has in a pile. "...You could try talking to your cell mates a bit? Get to know the other noobies before the inevitable? Everyone's biggest regret her is, like we said, not knowing people. You can get on top of the game and entertain yourself, talking to em?"

This is what? The second or third time he mentioned getting to know people? He seems... very insistent.

[endstar]

He groans

↓"you are awfully determined… I can already feel a headache from communicating with such annoyinh creatures..”↓

[the-what-if-project]

"...Just don't want you repeating the same mistakes everyone else does... After the seers gone...? You'll probably understand..."

[endstar]

He scoffs

"… yeah, right…”

[the-what-if-project]

He... deflates a little, giving up for now. Still... kinda creepy how insistent he is.

A week passes, and they're put through simpler tests. Familiar mazes, puzzles, and their food is always drugged. But Prophecy Bierce has a lot more cognitive puzzles than the other new AUs... As the end of the week approaches, he becomes more insistent on them knowing her, till the final day.

The scientists come, not smiling blankly... They're grinning. Mouths just a tad too wide, as they drag her out of her cell... Fourway-two weeps silently, just... unable to take his eyes off her as they take her down the hall.

[endstar]

The other aus watch quietly… not seeming to care very much other than her Doug that shakes, and try’s to pull her away from the doctors… prophecy gently, shoving him away, to prevent him from getting in trouble… staying silent…. She doesn’t struggle, nor hiss, not cry. She just lets it happen.

She knows it’s the end of the line for her… mostly.

[the-what-if-project]

As she disappears down the hall, Fourway-two shakes his head. "Well... that's it for her... when she comes back...? Don't say I didn't warn all of you..."

[endstar]

Void rolls his eyes.

↓“None of us really liked her anyway.”↓

… the othet aus just look down or shrug.. not caring too much..

Accept her Doug, the ting one with the mask… he cries in the corner sadly. Wheeping with choked sobs.

[the-what-if-project]

"...after today... you're gonna change your mind..."

With her, the scientists strap her down on the table, and force a bit in her mouth, as they proceed with the procedure. Their grins grow wider and wider, with sadistic glee.

[endstar]

she makes an uncomfortable grunt, but doesn’t try anything, wincing as she looks up at them… she knows there is no feasible way out of this situation… so hopefully she just seems depressed enough that they… will be somewhat gentle.

[the-what-if-project]

They're not. They're actively rough, just TRYING to get a reaction out of her, and when they finally electrocute her and shove the pick in her eye? They end up causing even more brain damage than intended. Leading to an even more detrimental lobotomy.

Once lobotomized, they have her do cognitive puzzles, to compare the data they already collected...

[endstar]

She stares aimlessly at it for a long few minutes, eyes hazed over, struggling to understand that there’s a problem they want her to solve to begin with… slowly, she weakly try’s… her hand struggling to grip it at all… and her mind struggling to force in self into comprehending what was happening, loosing focus quickly.

[the-what-if-project]

They're satisfied after she fails yet another puzzle, and they send her back to the cells. Only staying long enough to record the reactions of the other new AUs when she returns.

Fourway-two looks away, unable to look at her now. Before the AUs can comprehend what happened to Prophecy Bierce? He already knows what has been done...

[endstar]

Prophecy Doug quickly runs up to her hugging her… but unlike when he first started crying… she doesn’t comfort him or rub his back gently or care… she just stares blankly ahead of her, glancing down at him quietly as he crys into her, making desperate sign language that goes unanswered… making him cry heavier.

Nothing.

Not a thing is left of her.

↓"..what they do to you, lady?”↓

Just a blank stare comes from here, Malak’s ears pin, as he looks just.. confused, and unnerved.

[the-what-if-project]

"A lobotomy!"

The scientist grins. "Tests showed she could see the future, couldn't let her warn you of our experiments! That would ruin our data!"

[endstar]

↓"I- you.. mushed up her brain, and made her BRAIN dead??”"↓

He says, disturbed.

[the-what-if-project]

"Oh of course! Why wouldn't we? Lobotomies are one of our employer's favorite procedures!"

She laughs, and her team joins her. "Aw, don't tell us you CARED about her? You barely know her, or even spoke to her based on security footage. Actively didn't even want to know her, now all of the sudden you're upset by what happened? Or are you worried you're next? Well don't worry, she's our only lobotomy planned for your test group!"

[endstar]

"I did NOT! I just want to know what in the sweet rings is HAPPENING! Of course I’m going to be upset at the prospect of you giving a LOBOTOMY to SOMEONE!”

He snarls, flicking his tail

[the-what-if-project]

The scientists laugh. "Oh, we already told you. Questions have been asked, and we have been employed to answer them. We were always going to lobotomize her, we just had to compare the results! Brain scans showed her having an impressive sight over time, and fast deductions over probability, as impressive as our seer test subjects directly related to gods of knowledge and madness despite her not having connections to a deity of madness or knowledge. Though there certainly were divine connections. Now? HA! Now she can't even retain memories at all! Let alone see the future. Even if she still can, she can't comprehend it. We may have gone a little overboard, when she didn't show the desired reaction, so the damage to her frontal lobe is more severe than we initially intended. She's not a person anymore. Just a thing. That occasionally has electricity moving her limbs and make noises. Like a broken toy!"

[endstar]

Void looks at the scientists with horror… along with the othet aus, especially the beirces… looking sick, and pale now.

Void can’t even speak. Even with his cruelty, he has been gagged with the pure cockiness and, sadism from this what seems to be a mortal.

[the-what-if-project]

With a giggle, they leave em alone to process the fact that... Prophecy bierce is gone in the worst possible way a person can leave. The scientist waves giddily. "We start your Luckys' testing tomorrow, and we can't waaaaaaait! Your collective mental stabilities will be fascinating!"

[endstar]

Prophecy’s Doug and malak just.. stare at her. Silently… prophecy’s Doug just crying heavily… her Malak’s ears drooped… his face going through a whirlwind of emotions… but mainly fear.. disgust… they just ripped her away entire sentience… and mind…

He hated her. A lot…

But.. she didn’t deserve this did she?

Not like that. He can’t get the bearings to make a sound or move…. He just trembles in the corner, looking at the empty shell of a woman… that isn’t anyone now.

Prophecy Doug gently gets her to sit down.

[the-what-if-project]

"...W-we... told you to get to know her for a reason..."

Fourway-two holds their hand over their mouth, both sides distraught.

[endstar]

Prophecy malak snaps at him.

★"SHUT IT!”★

He snarls

[the-what-if-project]

They flinch away, and a bunch more experiments cower away in their cells. They can't see most of them, but there is a collective THUMP of them all going to their corners.

[endstar]

Malak doesnt feel bad… he just sits there… pulling on his ears with way too many complicated emotions he wanted to feel…

The rest of the aus stay silent… it’s just quiet now.

Well.. not including the screaming of experiments

[the-what-if-project]

Hours pass, Another experiment is dragged away for testing. A bierce who... is in tank. Gurgling, and not even solid. There are some other colors in there, suggesting she wasn't the only one in gelatinous form in this glass tank. Her "mouth" opens in an attempt to scream, but all it goes is make a malak colored bubble inflate and pop where her "lips" should be. There are only suggestions of a face where they can see her. A running eye near her head that looks like it's from doug. Something in it tries to form a hand, that quickly dissolves back into the living solution, based on the shape and colors? A gremlin probably, or maybe penny...

Dear god, it's actually EVERYONE in a tank, as a living solution, the bierce on top just hasn't mixed in yet fully.

...What sort of question could have prompted that fate...?

[endstar]

The aus gag immediately at the sight, some immediately bursting into tears… most of them out of distress stop looking outside entirely… staring at the walls, distressed.

[the-what-if-project]

There's a tiny voice just overhead, one cell just above one of them. "...bye daddy... and... guys..."

The gelatinous mass wails as much as it can as it's dragged away. Some familiar claws that are all chewed up stick out of the food door, in reach of an AU below...

...Not everyone is in that experiment... at least... yet.

[endstar]

It was a normal day in the multiverse, until it wasn't

A portal opened up, and then another, and another, and another-

All of them without symbols, all of them the wrong color, and out of all of them came strange people in coats. Their attacks are swift, overwhelming, knocking AUs out, before taking them, while more head through the AUs' portal.

It's some sort of ambush!

@the-what-if-project

People screech, and attack with confusion, teying to fight back.. and well.. failing.

The only one who doesnt is prophecy Bierce… sitting there and letting it happen…

She knew. She knew she’d be fine…

At least this her.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

When they wake up, they find themselves in glass cells, numbers tattooed on them like animals, wearing hospital gowns. Some of them are muzzled, and they all have collars around their necks.

Wails and sobs come down the other halls from a distance they can't tell. Whatever this place is, it's bad news...

[endstar]

Most… of tjem freak out, huddling into corners yelling .. various curses- void is particularly bad…

“WHO DARES?!!!”

He snarls with fear and anger stumbling up, pulling at the coller with hate.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

The collar shocks him immediately when he tries to remove it. Not a simple zap either, it HURTS.

They're shock collars.

[endstar]

He yelps with pain and flails onto the ground, before scrambling up again. He immediately try’s using magic to break the barrier

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

Nothing happens... The barrier doesn't budge.

A voice from another cell shouts. "AYE- Noobie! Forget about it! Ain't no escape!"

When they look across they see... A doug. With patches of malak's skin sewn into his body.

He has one arm on his shoulder and another at his side, all four pressed against the glass.

[endstar]

Voids ears pin, with disgust and confusion, slowly going backward a bit.

↓“What.. in the HELLS are YOU?!”↓

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Your future. Ain't I handsome?"

He scoffs. "People around here call us Fourway-Two. You uh... can guess why-"

[endstar]

He looks… disgusted, his ears flick.

"…. Where am I, strange AU? Who did this ambush!"

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Welcome to The What If? Project. TWI?P. This place is the stuff of nightmares, and where said nightmares get their bad dreams. Take it from us pal, you're NEVER getting out. Go with everything you're told, and maybe... You'll get lucky with the questions they have."

[endstar]

"Hah! A nightmare? I MAKE them! I don’t know who they are but they DARED to lay a hand on me, and now they will PAY!”

He looks around the room, pacing a bit with a hiss.

What.. is this place? And what kind of magic nullifiers to they have

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

"Thaaaaaaaaat's what they all say. That's what my Malak said. Now? Now he's a voice in my head... rarely talks anymore, too scared to.

[endstar]

He glares… mildy fearful.. that is a really disturbing prospect… but the rather large Malak variant makes a loud huff like an angry bull… stubborn.

They all are.

[random-brain-rpz-4-friends]

Foot steps are heard down the hall, and the Doug's demeanor changes. "Corner. Now. Hide. Don't say anything. Don't do anything. By whatever twisted god that's out there, do NOT threaten them. Check up crew. You'll thank me later..."

[endstar]

He demon hisses… it’s.. no use. He just stepped back away from the glass, but he only just puffs up, clenching his fist

[the-what-if-project]

The doug hides in the corner per his own instructions, and the scientists that kidnapped them come to their cells. Clipboards in hand, glasses obscuring their faces. "DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Doug?"

The numbers on their arms... They're probably a form of identification. The scientist looks at void doug. "DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Doug? Step forward for evaluation."

She... Looks human, but in that sort of way you know it's someone pretending to be human...

[endstar]

Void Doug trembles a bit.

“I- what— who are-“

He steps forward he hesitantly, his hand, not pulling, but gently held onto his collar

[the-what-if-project]

They roughly grab his shoulders, and start to drag him off. The older experiments in the halls silently watch, sad, but they at least don't look worried. The worst hasn't started yet...

[endstar]

He yelps and wails CONFUSED.

"What’s- what’s happening?!? Who are you?!”

[the-what-if-project]

"Just routine, you will be returned to your cell shortly after we collect baseline data on your vitals."

They don't bother answering his second question. It's not fun that way :)

[endstar]

He just squeaks as he’s dragged off, shaking heavily as they go.

[the-what-if-project]

Its... very invasive when they get there. Strapping him down to forcefully do blood work, forcing his eyes wide open to check them, prying his mouth open, x-rays and whatnot.

This place is DEFINITELY not ethical.

[endstar]

Void Doug…. Fawns. Terrified and confused…. He doesn’t know what’s going on, but he doesn’t have the power or confidence to do anything about it… to attack or scream… all he does is stand there fearfully.

[the-what-if-project]

Once the very invasive procedure is complete, he's dragged back, and tossed into his cell. The next AU is then grabbed.

[endstar]

This goes on for… awhile. Some struggle, some are too confused too- mainly the Malak’s struggle a lot.

[the-what-if-project]

All who struggle learn quickly that the collars shock them until they submit, not just quick zaps either. If they struggle too long, the collars will zap them for solid minutes until they've seized too much to fight. If they try to attack? They're zapped over and over again, till they're in tears.

Examples.

They saved coming for void Malak last...

[endstar]

Void malak had..

Started to get particularly bad. Smacking his ram like horns agaisnt the glass, and stamping his hooves.. once they make it to his cell, he backs off, and makes a heavy heave of air like once again.. a really pisses off bull.

“You… WILL let me out of this cell!” He snarls.

[the-what-if-project]

"We are letting you out, DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Malak. but you will have to behave, otherwise we will have to neutralize you. You have seen the consequences of action, we trust you will be well behaved for us?

She bows her head slightly, mockingly.

[endstar]

He snorts.

"I am not a SEQUENCE of NUMBERS you fowl insolent thing!!” He snaps “the most of a diffrent name I’ve had to lord Malak is void! That.. stupid name that the foul “seer” gave me….”

[the-what-if-project]

"You are the 3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 malak we have brought in from study from a Dark Deception timeline. That is the only reason why we are addressing you by your identification number. I hope you understand DD-3894638792346397403746389246232913133337457 Malak!

[endstar]

He snarls with anger.

“What in the HELLS DO YOU MEAN?!”

His hoof drags along the ground, stomping

[the-what-if-project]

"It means we have a growing number of Malaks in the facility. With infinite test subjects. You are merely another malak."

Her smile does NOT waver. She... Enjoys this job way too much-

[endstar]

“WHY YOU LITTLE—“

[the-what-if-project]

"We have trillions."

She dumbs down. "...of you."

[endstar]

He pales a bit, confusion setting in, and.. fear… trillions of HIM? Why him? His stomach dropping. He lets out a more fearful hiss.

“WHY?! WH-WHO.. ARE YOU?!”

[the-what-if-project]

"We are The What If? Project! We specialize in answering questions most people don't want to ask!"

She gently points to the cell with the Doug who's sewn together with Malak. Despite the slow movement, the cocky experiment flinches, and covers his head with his fists. Praying, begging in very quiet mumbles. "What if Doug and Malak were forced to share a body? This question has been asked and answered a thousand times, but we decided to spin it in another direction. There has been fusion, possession, but never assimilation. It's one of our favorite experiments actually! Isn't that right, DD-83742394792223338 Doug-malak?"

He just hiccups and scoots closer to his corner...

[endstar]

“…wh.. why would you…?”

He looks on with horror, smoke coming from his mouth defensively.. and well… fearfully.

“What’s- THE POINT?! To torture-“

[the-what-if-project]

"Simple. Questions are asked? It's our job to deliver the answers!"

She giggles. She. Giggles.

These scientists have absolutely no morals... She looks like a mortal, but this is bad, even for the worst of humanity.

[endstar]

He stares at her with horror, before snarling and punching glass where her head jt.

“I- I WILL GET OUT!”

[the-what-if-project]

She doesn't flinch. "My life only has value in the facility. That would be counterproductive on your part."

She presses a button on a device, and his collar starts to go off.

[endstar]

He wails, and immediately falls to the floor shaking, and pulling on the collar, hissing, and screeching.

[the-what-if-project]

She starts snapping her fingers as he's shocked, sounds instinctive yelps of pain come from every cell who heard it. The voltage gets higher and higher upon each snap, but all the other collars aren't going off, despite everyone else, except for the new AUs, reacting in pain...

It's conditioning...

[endstar]

The other aus slowly back up in their cells or cover their ears at the screaming, void Malak’s sounds more and more like a cat in.. a lot of pain. Screeching, and trying and failing to cry for mercy.

[the-what-if-project]

He has his punishment lasts for a solid 10 minutes, the longest out of them. The whole time, she loudly snaps. The only other stimulation he has, outside of the shocking.

When it finally stops, she opens his cell door, standing over where he lays in pain. "...Are we feeling more compliant?"

Her voice is ever so cheerful.

[endstar]

Malak wheezes, making empty gagging sound, somehow managing to not throw up, his limbs twitching and shaking… he does not reply.

[the-what-if-project]

She snaps her finger again, no shock though.

[endstar]

He makes a panicked wail, expecting a shock that didn’t come, curling up into a ball fearfully.

[the-what-if-project]

"...Get up."

She orders, finally showing some coldness. It's... odd how relieving that is.

[endstar]

He growls underneath his breath but, reluctantly obeys, scared of more pain… slowly, nearly falling over quite a few times, standing.

[the-what-if-project]

The other scientists grab his arms, and drag him off to be evaluated.

[endstar]

He lets them… squinting his eyes shut to help himself ignore the stares the aus give him.

[the-what-if-project]

And so he's lead off... to be poked, prodded, and treated as nothing more than a lab rat.

[endstar]

He growls, and huffs like a chained animal, but.. he doesn’t squirm, or say anything.. he just stands there… hoping it’s over quickly

[the-what-if-project]

Once it's over, he's dragged back to his cell and roughly tossed in. "You're some of our most behaved test subjects yet! We can't wait to answer the question our employers have for you! We will be loading our data in our systems shortly!"

With that, the cell is locked back up, and the scientists leave.

The Doug, Fourway-two, finally comes out of hiding. Wiping his tears away. His breath shakes, but he still nods in their direction. "...First day, and only 10 minutes being your longest shock outta ya... Call that lucky round here... You okay over there, beefy?"

[endstar]

He makes a stubborn, angry growl, just laying on the floor, before shakily getting up.

“F..fine…”

He says, clearing his throat, and forcing fear out of it.

"Just… fine..”

[the-what-if-project]

"...Don't pretend noobie... You're not helping anyone, being all tough like that. Doesn't help yourself here... Longer you say you're fine, the less and less you're going to mean it. We are in worse than hell now. You don't gotta be "fine" ever again..."

His voice wavers a bit, before switching to something softer... timid. HIS voice. "I-I... Didn't last... a week... N-no... No one judges... strength here... we... learn better... by at least... a week..."

[endstar]

He stumbles off to a corner weakly, grumbling underneath his breath, his ego cracked, but… somehow.. not broken. Probably not new here… Theyre stubborn. 

He glances at fourway, with disgust, hate… and… well…. Mild fear that he covers desperately.

"…s..shut it.. I said I was FINE.”

He says, looking disturbed at his own voice but not deterred. I normal malak would probably freak out at there being another him… one so “lowly”… but void is used to it… the multiverse and all…

[the-what-if-project]

"...j-just... trying... to save you the pain... Strength... saves n-no one here... i-it will be worse... they break us... e-easier to let... yourself... fall... than... suffer..."

He bows their shared head in resignation.

[endstar]

“…. I won’t.”

He growls, going to the corner and sitting down.

[the-what-if-project]

Doug switches back over, almost forcefully. Their body jolting as he snaps. "Well FIIIIIIINE, don't take an ancient experiment's advice! The evaluation is the easy bit, and no one is going to sugarcoat it, beefcake! You will either break or die, and you're going to learn VERY quickly why we all would rather die. Experiments that end in death, no matter how awful, are the KIND ones..."

He walks back to his corner, and plops down.

[endstar]

“ … I didn’t ask for advice did I?” He growls heavily, annoyed… but.. it’s tainted by his own fear. He IS scared

[the-what-if-project]

"Didn't ask to be here either, now did ya? It's etiquette around here. You always warn the noobies, in hopes they get easier experiments. More you act out, the more interesting it becomes to toy with you. Stronger your will, more torture you endure. If you ignore MY warning, and everyone else that's going to warn you, then it's on you if you get lobotomized and flayed."

[endstar]

He shivers, but snarls,

“YOU EXPECT ME TO JUST- JUST ACCEPT THIS?! I… this will NOT be my fate!”

[the-what-if-project]

"...That's what everyone says..."

[endstar]

… void doesn’t respond after that. Remaining in his corner.

Prophecy Bierce… has one of the calmest reactions anyone has probably ever seen since being stuck in here- she sits with her back to the wall, with her eyes closed, just not responding… staying SILENT. Her Doug immediately started having panic attacks and freaking out…. And of course her malak started flipping out and trying to break free every chance he got, but stopped as soon as he was told to out of fear… strong till there was someone as strong as him facing him down…. just- a WHOLE LOT.

[the-what-if-project]

Strange clicks are heard from the other end of the hall after some hours. Fourway-two lights up a little. "Wait... Clicky!"

He gets up, and presses his hands against the glass, trying to see down the hall. A lengthy creature, with bones that are far too long, twisted, and obviously broken. Her skin is like Fourway-two's, patchy, mixed with someone else's. She rasps, unable to speak, but, she doesn't need to. Her long black hair already shows who she is.

Fourway-two heads over to the to a small door, as the creature crawls over, dragging an oxygen tank and IV behind her. With fingers that are far too long, spliced with familiar claws, she grabs the other experiment's hand. "...There's our girls... surprised you're still fighting... W-were you good for the doctors...?"

Malak's voice sounds a little stronger talking to this... THING. Clicky waves her head around, her bones rubbing and making snapping noises that, as disgusting as they sound, seem happy. She pats the ground, jumping in a... familiar way.

Fourway-two smiles. "Pain meds! Alright, atta girls! That must make roaming the halls easier, eh?"

Her body twists, making more happy bone noises, and she gurgles animalistically. "Good to hear it, Clicky... W-we hate seeing both of you in pain."

[endstar]

…. Void malak pales, horror clouding pride and self image as he realizes who it is… it stirs up the stubborn, angry pot of confusion, and causes one singular question to spark…

Where is Agatha?

He doesn’t interrupt fourway-two, and clickys conversation… he only gets up, and begins to pace at the front of the glass, looking for Agatha, who… he can’t see from his glass cage. He doesn’t make a sound.

The nearby Doug’s and Malak’s have similar reactions, hiding away as they realize to the fullest extent WHAT is happening and what IS happening…

[the-what-if-project]

"Clicky" notices them, and starts making destressed clicks with her bones, groaning sadly. "N-no! Nononono, shhh shhh shhhhh, no... No they're not scared of you... W-why don't you girls help them...? Look for their daughters, they're scared too... You know how the doctors like to keep us separated..."

She snaps her neck upside down, and starts to crawl up to higher cells, looking for the other Tammys and Agathas, calling out to them with a distorted wail, that sounds like both girls sobbing...

"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah... Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah...."

[endstar]

This… makes the Malak’s and Doug’s overall mental state and temperament WORSE- getting more desperate, and pacing a bit.

Agatha’s are scratching at their doors crying heavily, wailing for their daddy’s, and the Tammy’s just remained curled in corners, not responding to much, covering their ears.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky finds them eventually, and attempts to wave to them. Trying not to be scary, even though... That's impossible.

[endstar]

Void Agatha immediately screams with terror as she appears, scrambling away.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky groans, and cowers at the screaming a bit. She doesn't like being THIS scary...

[endstar]

“Wh- WHAT ARE YOU-???”

Agatha cries, going to the corner

[the-what-if-project]

She points to her, then a Tammy, then herself, before clicking sadly. Making a wail that sounds like THEM. "Waaaaaaaaah...."

[endstar]

She whimpers.

“Your— what?? Your me- and- and- whoever that is-?! I-“

He trembles, holding her long hands to her chest:

[the-what-if-project]

She clicks, nodding.

[endstar]

“Wh- wha? How- but your—“

She looks on with horror

[the-what-if-project]

She makes a horn sign with one of her hands, and points downward. Trying to explain her daddy is in a ground cell.

[endstar]

… she doesn’t understand she just looks at her confused, and starts crying again.

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky taps the glass, and points down again, trying to get her to listen.

[endstar]

“I- I don’t know what you meeaaaannn!”

She crys.

[the-what-if-project]

She looks around, before climbing down back to ground level. She taps on the glass void malak is in, and points upward, clicking erratically.

[endstar]

…he softens his tone a bit… for her. Like how he’d talk to Agatha.

“…hm..? What are you trying to tell me..?”

He looks up at the ceiling.

[the-what-if-project]

She points to herself, then him, then up. Trying to tell him that his daughter is in a cell above him.

[endstar]

“…is…”

He thinks.

"Is Agatha up there? My Agatha?”

He asks calmly but urgently

[the-what-if-project]

She nods clicking, but then sadly moves her long arms to demonstrate her fingers not being able to touch. His Agatha, along with the others, are just out of reach for them to properly comfort each other...

[endstar]

“…o..oh… I.. can.. can.. you tell her it will be okay..? That I’m okay..?”

He says softly.

[the-what-if-project]

She bows her head, and taps her throat, shaking her head. She can't speak due to what was done to her. "...Clicky was one of the prototype experiments before us. They ruined their vocal chords... Can't speak, can only scream, cry, or groan..."

"...M-maybe give her your tie...? Through the food door...?"

[endstar]

He nods, carefully taking it off and giving it to clicky.

[the-what-if-project]

She very carefully takes it, and climbs back up. lifting void Agatha's food door, and slipping the tie inside.

[endstar]

Agatha looks up, looking at it, and quickly runs over.

“D-daddy’s tie! He- he’s okay???”

[the-what-if-project]

She nods, and points down. Letting her know where he is.

[endstar]

She sighs with relief, wiping away her tears carefully.

“I.. I hope I’ll get to see him soon..”

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky clicks her bones together, snapping in sympathy.

[endstar]

She just sighs and, sits down with her knees at her chest by the door sadly…

[the-what-if-project]

Clicky eventually climbs down, and leaves them behind. Giving her dads one last hand hold before going down the halls, presumably to her own cell.

Over the next several hours, they're left alone. Scientists bring them the most disgusting looking slop they have ever seen to eat, leaving them with only that. "...Warning you all now, it's drugged. No joke, actually full of drugs. Don't know what half of em do, which ones they put in for each person, but... yeah. You're never not having non-laced food again."

Nevertheless, Fourway-two starts eating his own slop. "...I think it might be to keep us from leaving? Make us more scared? Maybe knock us out easier? I've been here for decades, still don't know..."

[endstar]

Prophecy, from the next cell over, speaks.

★"… starving is preferable. I’d give it to you if I could.”★

She doesn’t move from the wall… void pins his ears with disgust.

↓“For once, I agree with the witch… I didn’t even know YOU were here…"↓

★"everybody is, void… the whole of the meeting room…"★

Void hisses

↓"…grr… I told you to stop calling me that, you snake…”↓

★"Well I refused. Simple as that.”★

He groans.

[the-what-if-project]

"You'll eventually eat... Everyone says they won't, till they do... Starving is hard here... They don't let you die, if it's not in an experiment.

[endstar]

★"…I will not last long anyway dear. I’m going to die quickly… or.. be close to dead."★

[the-what-if-project]

"You sound... pretty certain. You're also kinda chill, for a test subject... what, you gonna try ending it? That isn't gonna fly, we're under surveillance 24/7-"

[endstar]

★"No. I see the future, and that line of future I can see ends soon… so either A… I die. Or B they beat me in mentally to the point where I can’t see anything, or can’t think.”★

[the-what-if-project]

He sharply inhales, and covers his mouth in mild horror and sympathy.

....Well THAT'S a comforting reaction-

[endstar]

"Oh yay, I’m doomed.”

She says, apathetically- not reacting much.

[the-what-if-project]

"...Yeah... You're taking it a lot better than most seers in this place... I-I... I hope the procedure doesn't hurt you too much... How long will we all get to know you... as you..? Got a time before it goes black?"

His voice is very gentle now, a little less cocky and callused. Like... He's talking to someone about to die.

[endstar]

She remains apathetic… casual, like it’s talking about ★"maybe a few days, depending… I’ve seen enough horrors… it’s… refreshing to know the end is near.” ★

[the-what-if-project]

He nods, then looks at void malak. With zero cockiness, he begs. "...Get to know her. Every damn thing you can. You're not gonna get another chance, and you're gonna regret it for the rest of your life here... Once they know what she is, her designated experiment will rip her from you... And you're not gonna like it."

[endstar]

He sneers.

↓"…why would I want to get to know HER? That fowl, creature of a woman! I hate her… she’s not even MY Bierce!↓

Beirce sighs, and lays down on her back.

[the-what-if-project]

"Not just you, all of you. I... We're gonna get to know her too. She isn't gonna die like that. We're not gonna let her die like that... She's a seer, and... they don't last the week. She will be gone in the worst way a person to be gone... it's... a benevolent fate, compared to most things... She... she won't outwardly suffer, but she's gonna be here, reminding all of you, that you never knew her...

[endstar]

"…why should I care? She’s a copy of one of the most annoying, insufferable mortal I’ve had the misfortune of meeting! In no way will I ever care for her fate”

Prophecy sighs, slightly annoyed.

★"it’s no use, Honey. He’s as stubborn as a mule… I don’t care, nor want fake kindness. I’ve known, and seen hundreds of my deaths in millions of timelines… rarely does anyone, especially him mourn me…”★

[the-what-if-project]

"...it's different here. This place MAKES you care... not because it suddenly makes you a Saint, no one deserves to be here. No one has earned the Fates they get... they will mourn. Everyone says they won't, or no one will mourn em, till they're all crying to a God that's probably chained down the hall... you got a decent hell ahead of you, but it's not going to be easy on everyone else..."

[endstar]

★"… I suppose I’m just hoping for the best fate for everybody else… but I cannot even see that or the probability of that .. it’s fogged.”★

She sighs, looking at her nails then at her shaking Doug in the corner, frowning.

[the-what-if-project]

He just looks at her sadly. "...that's very noble of you to think... we'll keep an eye on em for you, miss... Make sure they're not at each other's throats after you're gone."

He forces a laugh after his joke, then abruptly stops. Malak taking over. "...W-we have time to kill... before we're dragged off for the day... mind... mind telling us about yourself...? Memories you... y-you don't want forgotten...?

[endstar]

★"…can’t say I have much I want to be remembered… very little actually … I can’t say I spent my life wisely… I was born with this… curse. I didn’t need malak for fame, I just pawned it off of peoples desperate desires to know their fate.. conned them. I guess I was extremely nihilistic back then… knowing how my life would end at such a young age, wasn’t very healthy for a young mind… hah… the only way I ended up in the ballroom was because I was stealing so many souls from too many demons… especially malak… telling them of their fate if they go down the demonic path… Malak hunted me down, and I knew the only way I would survive is if I got the ring … and went into the ballroom…. Huh. Now I’m here … maybe I should’ve just accepted it back then, but I was … rather stubborn. I wanted to bend fate to my hands… and I could as best I can.”★

She looks at fourway-two with her bright purple eyes.

[the-what-if-project]

"Sounds like a lot of seers here... b-but... hey, you made the most of it, technically saved people, e-even if it was for cons, and... you tried. That says something about you. Like any Bierce, you... you are strong willed, determined, but... but unlike them, you still actively did some good, even if it was for the wrong reasons. That... th-that should mean something."

[endstar]

"Huh… perhaps. I still hate that… that’s all I really did with my life… and well.. piss off malak. But that was more entertaining than anything…. Respectfully.”

[the-what-if-project]

"...I-I... can understand that... we're not... exactly pleasant..."

Malak bows Fourway-two's head. He's... extremely humble, for a malak.

[endstar]

She smiles a bit.

“… sure. But it’s more funny to me now…”

[the-what-if-project]

That makes him shyly smile a bit.

They gently pressure her for more stuff. Favorite colors, food, places, time of day, flowers, cons she was fond of, everything they can ask, until the scientists come back to drag them away.

They struggle at first, more out of instinct than actual resistance, but inevitably obey at the THREAT of one of the doctors snapping their fingers. They didn't even need to hear it in order for it to break their fleeting will...

[endstar]

Prophecy watches sadly.. gently waving them off with a sad smile… kindly… she is very nice for a beirve… especially to a Malak’s face.. once they are gone, she lays down, and has her Doug cuddle up with her quietly.

[the-what-if-project]

An hour later, they hear his distant scream, but... none of the older experiments react much... Like it's nothing out of the ordinary.

[endstar]

Prophecy sighs, and covers her ears sadly.

The other aus whince, and get more and more anxious… the screaming wasn’t it was scaring them but everyone acted like this was normal… torture was normal here… and most of them came to the conclusion that they would follow suit soon.

[the-what-if-project]

He's eventually dragged back after several hours, looking really beat up. His flesh burned, soul shards sticking out of him like tumors. He's roughly tossed into his cell, and locked back up.

He coughs up blood, that has some purple sparkly bits in it, like there are soul shards in his lungs.

[endstar]

Prophecy just frowns, and sighs quietly. Void is… a lot more disturbed. He shivers, but.. doesn’t know what really to say other than giving a disturbed look…

[the-what-if-project]

He starts yanking the shards out of his body, with pained grunts. "...magic testing sucks... my mortal bits don't mix well with the demon bits-"

"I-I'm sorry..."

"Don't be... even if I was mad at you, we share nerves now. Not like I'm suffering alone..."

"Y-you don't deserve this..."

Doug scoffs. "You do?"

Malak doesn't answer, so Doug just focuses back on popping shards out of their body. Occasionally stopping to rub his patches of red skin comfortingly.

[endstar]

The aus… judge silently. Not saying anything or doing anything noticeable.. just… why are they so friendly with each other? Why aren’t they ripping out each other skin — some stare for a bit- especially void cause he’s a weirdo.

[the-what-if-project]

The Doug glances at them, and decides to make a joke, to lower the tensions. "What...? Never seen an unholy abomination pull out soul tumors before?"

[endstar]

Void snorts, with a huff-

"Huh… let me think— NO- I havent!”

[the-what-if-project]

He snorts. "Good, I'd be wondering about the scientific ethics of your timeline if you did-"

[endstar]

He huffs, and just starts pacing around, bored- his hooves clomping around-

[the-what-if-project]

After a bit, he calls out. "Ay, you okay in there, beefcake?"

He pops out another shard like a cyst.

[endstar]

“I’m bored, and- would you STOP calling me that!”

He huffs

[the-what-if-project]

"It's a compliment, but okay-"

He shrugs. "Not that much to do here, but talk and suffer. Some experiments have puzzles, games, but watch out for those. Cognitive puzzles mean they're gonna mess with your brain."

[endstar]

“Grreeeaaattt….”

He hisses deeply, stomping his hooves like an angry horse-

[the-what-if-project]

He sighs, and starts putting the soul shards he has in a pile. "...You could try talking to your cell mates a bit? Get to know the other noobies before the inevitable? Everyone's biggest regret her is, like we said, not knowing people. You can get on top of the game and entertain yourself, talking to em?"

This is what? The second or third time he mentioned getting to know people? He seems... very insistent.

[endstar]

He groans

↓"you are awfully determined… I can already feel a headache from communicating with such annoyinh creatures..”↓

[the-what-if-project]

"...Just don't want you repeating the same mistakes everyone else does... After the seers gone...? You'll probably understand..."

[endstar]

He scoffs

"… yeah, right…”

[the-what-if-project]

He... deflates a little, giving up for now. Still... kinda creepy how insistent he is.

A week passes, and they're put through simpler tests. Familiar mazes, puzzles, and their food is always drugged. But Prophecy Bierce has a lot more cognitive puzzles than the other new AUs... As the end of the week approaches, he becomes more insistent on them knowing her, till the final day.

The scientists come, not smiling blankly... They're grinning. Mouths just a tad too wide, as they drag her out of her cell... Fourway-two weeps silently, just... unable to take his eyes off her as they take her down the hall.

[endstar]

The other aus watch quietly… not seeming to care very much other than her Doug that shakes, and try’s to pull her away from the doctors… prophecy gently, shoving him away, to prevent him from getting in trouble… staying silent…. She doesn’t struggle, nor hiss, not cry. She just lets it happen.

She knows it’s the end of the line for her… mostly.

[the-what-if-project]

As she disappears down the hall, Fourway-two shakes his head. "Well... that's it for her... when she comes back...? Don't say I didn't warn all of you..."

[endstar]

Void rolls his eyes.

↓“None of us really liked her anyway.”↓

… the othet aus just look down or shrug.. not caring too much..

Accept her Doug, the ting one with the mask… he cries in the corner sadly. Wheeping with choked sobs.

[the-what-if-project]

"...after today... you're gonna change your mind..."

With her, the scientists strap her down on the table, and force a bit in her mouth, as they proceed with the procedure. Their grins grow wider and wider, with sadistic glee.

[endstar]

she makes an uncomfortable grunt, but doesn’t try anything, wincing as she looks up at them… she knows there is no feasible way out of this situation… so hopefully she just seems depressed enough that they… will be somewhat gentle.

[the-what-if-project]

They're not. They're actively rough, just TRYING to get a reaction out of her, and when they finally electrocute her and shove the pick in her eye? They end up causing even more brain damage than intended. Leading to an even more detrimental lobotomy.

Once lobotomized, they have her do cognitive puzzles, to compare the data they already collected...

[endstar]

She stares aimlessly at it for a long few minutes, eyes hazed over, struggling to understand that there’s a problem they want her to solve to begin with… slowly, she weakly try’s… her hand struggling to grip it at all… and her mind struggling to force in self into comprehending what was happening, loosing focus quickly.

[the-what-if-project]

They're satisfied after she fails yet another puzzle, and they send her back to the cells. Only staying long enough to record the reactions of the other new AUs when she returns.

Fourway-two looks away, unable to look at her now. Before the AUs can comprehend what happened to Prophecy Bierce? He already knows what has been done...

[endstar]

Prophecy Doug quickly runs up to her hugging her… but unlike when he first started crying… she doesn’t comfort him or rub his back gently or care… she just stares blankly ahead of her, glancing down at him quietly as he crys into her, making desperate sign language that goes unanswered… making him cry heavier.

Nothing.

Not a thing is left of her.

↓"..what they do to you, lady?”↓

Just a blank stare comes from here, Malak’s ears pin, as he looks just.. confused, and unnerved.

[the-what-if-project]

"A lobotomy!"

The scientist grins. "Tests showed she could see the future, couldn't let her warn you of our experiments! That would ruin our data!"

[endstar]

↓"I- you.. mushed up her brain, and made her BRAIN dead??”"↓

He says, disturbed.

[the-what-if-project]

"Oh of course! Why wouldn't we? Lobotomies are one of our employer's favorite procedures!"

She laughs, and her team joins her. "Aw, don't tell us you CARED about her? You barely know her, or even spoke to her based on security footage. Actively didn't even want to know her, now all of the sudden you're upset by what happened? Or are you worried you're next? Well don't worry, she's our only lobotomy planned for your test group!"

[endstar]

"I did NOT! I just want to know what in the sweet rings is HAPPENING! Of course I’m going to be upset at the prospect of you giving a LOBOTOMY to SOMEONE!”

He snarls, flicking his tail

[the-what-if-project]

The scientists laugh. "Oh, we already told you. Questions have been asked, and we have been employed to answer them. We were always going to lobotomize her, we just had to compare the results! Brain scans showed her having an impressive sight over time, and fast deductions over probability, as impressive as our seer test subjects directly related to gods of knowledge and madness despite her not having connections to a deity of madness or knowledge. Though there certainly were divine connections. Now? HA! Now she can't even retain memories at all! Let alone see the future. Even if she still can, she can't comprehend it. We may have gone a little overboard, when she didn't show the desired reaction, so the damage to her frontal lobe is more severe than we initially intended. She's not a person anymore. Just a thing. That occasionally has electricity moving her limbs and make noises. Like a broken toy!"

[endstar]

Void looks at the scientists with horror… along with the othet aus, especially the beirces… looking sick, and pale now.

Void can’t even speak. Even with his cruelty, he has been gagged with the pure cockiness and, sadism from this what seems to be a mortal.

[the-what-if-project]

With a giggle, they leave em alone to process the fact that... Prophecy bierce is gone in the worst possible way a person can leave. The scientist waves giddily. "We start your Luckys' testing tomorrow, and we can't waaaaaaait! Your collective mental stabilities will be fascinating!"

[endstar]

Prophecy’s Doug and malak just.. stare at her. Silently… prophecy’s Doug just crying heavily… her Malak’s ears drooped… his face going through a whirlwind of emotions… but mainly fear.. disgust… they just ripped her away entire sentience… and mind…

He hated her. A lot…

But.. she didn’t deserve this did she?

Not like that. He can’t get the bearings to make a sound or move…. He just trembles in the corner, looking at the empty shell of a woman… that isn’t anyone now.

Prophecy Doug gently gets her to sit down.

[the-what-if-project]

"...W-we... told you to get to know her for a reason..."

Fourway-two holds their hand over their mouth, both sides distraught.

[endstar]

Prophecy malak snaps at him.

★"SHUT IT!”★

He snarls

[the-what-if-project]

They flinch away, and a bunch more experiments cower away in their cells. They can't see most of them, but there is a collective THUMP of them all going to their corners.

[endstar]

Malak doesnt feel bad… he just sits there… pulling on his ears with way too many complicated emotions he wanted to feel…

The rest of the aus stay silent… it’s just quiet now.

Well.. not including the screaming of experiments

[the-what-if-project]

Hours pass, Another experiment is dragged away for testing. A bierce who... is in tank. Gurgling, and not even solid. There are some other colors in there, suggesting she wasn't the only one in gelatinous form in this glass tank. Her "mouth" opens in an attempt to scream, but all it goes is make a malak colored bubble inflate and pop where her "lips" should be. There are only suggestions of a face where they can see her. A running eye near her head that looks like it's from doug. Something in it tries to form a hand, that quickly dissolves back into the living solution, based on the shape and colors? A gremlin probably, or maybe penny...

Dear god, it's actually EVERYONE in a tank, as a living solution, the bierce on top just hasn't mixed in yet fully.

...What sort of question could have prompted that fate...?

[endstar]

The aus gag immediately at the sight, some immediately bursting into tears… most of them out of distress stop looking outside entirely… staring at the walls, distressed.