The Puppeteer

An unexpected weight...

"So…failure is an option, then."

The Purifier’s face returned to its normal steely stoicism, apparently mulling over the Puppeteer’s words. So, she could see not only his future, but every possible outcome it could take, as well as his past and present, presumably. Despite her reassuring words, he couldn’t help but become caught on this snag in her account of her vision of his fate, and more befuddling still was her apparent multiple assignments to him.

"What do you mean this isn’t the ‘first time’ you’ve been assigned to me? Does that simply mean that you have had to attend to me anew after each failed outcome? I apologize if this is all more simple than I’m making it out to be, or if I’m wasting your time, fair Puppeteer."

The Batter’s Add-ons suddenly stopped in their rotation and instead huddled near their master, their excitement apparently spent, something that caused the monochromatic man to turn his gaze to them for a moment, their lighter-sounding, quieter humming making it seem as if they were whispering, speaking of the situation and the strange, upbeat aura their master had taken on. It took only one nudge of his shoulder against Epsilon, who was floating far too close for comfort, in the purifier’s opinion, for the group to stop hovering so close to him, thankfully giving him some more breathing space. That trio could be quite the nuisance, sometimes…

"No, no, it's alright," The Puppeteer reassured, watching his add-ons settle down. Time was but a trifling matter, and therefore not a thing that could easily be wasted. She was in no rush. Besides, it was more important to make sure he understood properly rather than leave him perturbed by what she had said thus far.

"I should have specified that, majoritively speaking, our runs through purification have been successful. I should have also specified that even now with my vast knowledge the events that can take place in your world can still be highly unpredictable at times. Especially for the alternates of you that have been given guardians other than I."

A small sigh left her at how convoluted it must have sounded. "It is a complex, looping chain of events, constantly setting the cleansing process in motion until the ultimate purity is achieved, and it is only made more difficult with constantly changing variables."

#[says nothing more on the matter. simply smiles.]#incognitodealer

incognitodealer said: *Scoffs.*

#About time someone hit him.#Though I do pitty their situation.

An unexpected weight...

The Purifier remained silent and focused as he took in each word from the one whom had been in control of him his entire quest, feeling simultaneously weak and yet empowered to be speaking with the one he had trusted with his fate, his mission this entire time. To be this close to the end, to be able to taste victory so close, only to be rewarded even more for his hard work with direct interaction with his Puppeteer… It seemed almost like a fantasy to him, but he was determined to remain calm and focused. If what she stated was true, and the strength of their communication’s bond was variant, he had to use the time he had well.

"I am honored to hear that you are just as happy to speak to me as I am to speak to you. You have been more than helpful and supportive throughout my mission, and I doubt that there’s any action I can take or words I can speak that will show you just how much I appreciate your help, dear Puppeteer. So, thank you. Now, what do you mean that you can sometimes speak to me, and yet at other times cannot during the entirety of my task? Are you suggesting that you can see my Fate, laid out before you?"

The Batter shifted his weight a little too often as he spoke, seeming as if he were a little too anxious or, perhaps, excited to stay still. He couldn’t help but smile slightly as he spoke, finding the current situation just so uplifting, so gratifying after so many grueling battles and long treks. He could speak with them-no, with her, the being who had stayed with him despite being so far outside of his plane of existence…His Add-ons continued to float about him, feeling the weight themselves, and their master’s joy through their link to him, and continued to slowly circle about him, as if to settle down and expel their own excitement in this situation. It was not often that their master felt joy, and who were they to deny the feeling as it crossed over to them and back along their hallowed link?

"In a way, yes."

She could have followed in Zacharie's footsteps and play the ever-cryptic character that teased with knowledge of what the world truly was, but playing that role did not suit her well. It would be rather unfair as well, seeing how grateful he was and noting the subtlest signs of joy visible on his usually stoic visage. No, she would try to answer his question in the best way she saw fit.

"In truth, this is not the first time I have been assigned to help you," She began. "I have heard and seen everything many times, and I am familiar with the various ways your fate can branch out depending on what paths are taken. There are a variety of discrepancies in each timeline I have come across, but in the end there are ultimately only two outcomes; victory or failure."

"But, there is nothing to worry about," She added in reassurance, tapping her fingers against each other. "It is my goal and duty to lead you to the best possible outcome for your mission, no matter what variations await each time I am able to work with you."

An unexpected weight...

The purifier’s mouth fell somewhat agape in surprise and something bordering on awe as he heard the quiet, yet clear female voice ring out in his mind, a fact that he attempted to hide by feigning a cough as he wiped the expression off his face, soon returning his gaze to the ceiling, somewhat basking in the presence that he felt as he did so.

“I have long felt your presence, Puppeteer, but never before have you spoken so clearly to me, or, rather, spoken to me at all. And I am aware that you cannot show yourself, but still, I’m glad to hear you finally speak. Call it strange to find such a fact odd, but I didn’t expect you to be female.”

He had always hoped that a day like this would come, where his beloved, loyal, righteous Puppeteer would finally speak to him. They had already assisted him so well, had provided so much support and strength to go on. They were no fool when it came to combat, either. Certainly, they had had their misgivings in the past, disagreements that he had tried to direct towards her in his strange, metaphysical link to her, but it had never seemed to go through. Perhaps now that would all change…

"Is that so?" A hint of amusement entered her tone, which in itself hinted at the fact his Puppeteer was smiling down at him. Being able to speak to a purifier for the first time was always enjoyable to watch, be it early in the game or later. Reactions like his were the ones she took delight in the most.

"Truth be told, my ability to converse with you always appears to be a random variable," She admitted. "There are times when I am able to fully connect with you from the beginning, and there are times my voice goes unheard for the entirety of your task." Not that it was all that necessary to vocalize her thoughts or concerns to him. It was merely a convenience and a perk to strengthen ties with each other.

"That being said, the fact I am able to do so is always a pleasant surprise. I am just as glad as you are to be speaking to you."

For one who was normally mute, she had quite a lot to say when given the opportunity.

An unexpected weight...

The Batter couldn’t explain the feeling that had just come over him, despite being one whom was all too used to having to deal with new threats and new sensations of pain every day, but this, this sensation felt like something entirely different. He found himself looking upwards, for some reason, more often than he normally did, feeling as if a great weight was floating down to him from above, a weight that felt as if eyes were on him, eyes more ponderous and more threatening, yet simultaneously more comforting than any gaze he had yet met. The feeling continued to trickle down like water to him, until, eventually, he could no longer deny it. When he was finally alone in a secluded, upper hallway of the Purified Library of Zone 2, the purifier looked up at the ceiling, knowing that there was little to see there, but feeling the presence stronger than ever above him, his voice calm and stern as he inquired:

“Who are you? Show yourself, or face my wrath.”

His three Add-ons floated about their master, seemingly confused as to his behavior, although they too had been acting quite strangely as of late. Their movements were slower, more deliberate, as if they too were struggling under a great weight. As their master kept his gaze on the ceiling, they began to tilt upwards slightly too, as if in wait…

The echo of his voice in the empty hall was quickly swallowed by the silence that persisted there. Perhaps his add-ons were right to be confused, with their leader talking to the ceiling with no reply, but the feeling was no illusion. The weight was still there--something was there, quietly watching from above as it formulated a proper reply.

"...Have you never felt the presence of a Puppeteer before, or are you only just now becoming truly aware of it?"

It, or rather she, spoke softly. Calmly. Almost if not more so as calm as he had. For him he saw nothing, only feeling the sensation of eyes watching from above, but the Puppeteer could see everything as she reclined in her chair and watched the monitor in front of her. She had been keeping track for a while now, watching him progress through the bleached white halls until he stopped to address her.

"You should know better than anyone I cannot show myself."

» Many have sensed your presence

glitchedpurifier

He nods, ever-so-slowly calming himself down. “Hhh… Hhhh… Y-Yes…” he pauses for a moment, wheezes, and then sighs. “Th-They gotttt-tt-t to my-my-hhh… Code.” he grumbles. “Thhh… They-y w-wantedddd-d to spee-e-eeed throughhh thing-ngss.

"I see..."

Altering the coding of the game or of the individuals within it was highly dangerous. It was a risk she typically preferred not to take, content with simply knowing machinations of how the game worked and how to take control. To think a player carelessly tried to hack for such a petty reason...it was both unnecessary and disgraceful.

"I'm sorry. It must be painful for you."

#glitchedpurifier

» Many have sensed your presence

glitchedpurifier

He frowns. “Did-id you do this-is-s to meee-e?” he asks, growling a bit under his breath as lines of binary began to cross over his image, as well as little flecks of red that warned of oncoming poisoning. He bares his teeth a bit, beginning to feel enraged, but trying to keep himself together. Somewhere in his mind, he knows that it wasn’t her… It couldn’t have been; his last Puppeteer never spoke to him, or even tried to heal him after battles besides using that damned red box that did nothing more than transport him to the one place that he hated to go.

His image breaks a couple of times whilst he attempts to compose himself.

"I would be too ashamed to even play the game again if I were the one responsible for your current condition." Though there was a time where she did not speak, and though there were some things she had trouble remembering at times, she knew he hadn't been one of hers. There was always this feeling, this natural gravitational pull she felt when viewing Batters that were or had once been hers. She felt nothing with him, assuring her she had not been responsible for whatever this one had been through.

"But that means a player did this to you, yes?" She frowned at the very thought. "How in the world did they manage to do this?"

#glitchedpurifier

» Many have sensed your presence

glitchedpurifier

“Hhhhh… Hell-ello…?” he looks around, frowning. That’s definitely an unfamiliar voice that he’s picking up on. Another player, perhaps. His eyes narrow a bit before he glitches out a little and breaks image, then stabilizes and looks up at the sky. “… Puppeteer-eer-rrrrr?”

#proudpurifier #djelsen #glitchedpurifier #terrifyingbadbatter #and any other followers I may have missed #consider this an open greeting/post for you all ♥

Ah, it was a glitched character--a glitched Batter, no less. Never had she seen one who had sustained this much damage before code-wise. "Yes, hello dear Batter." She said, waiting for his fizzling image to even out before continuing. "You are correct, I am the Puppeteer. A pleasure to meet you, though it's quite unfortunate to see you this way."

#glitchedpurifier

» Many have sensed your presence

It is an odd feeling to her still, catching the attention of individuals when she least expected it, but to be noticed or reached out to first is a sign that she is needed and her assistance may be required.

"Greetings."

filledwithdetermination

❤ VACATION NOTICE

ooc; Just letting y’all know ahead of time that on Friday I’ll be heading out on vacation for about a week. Fun in the sun and all that jazz. I plan on bringing my computer and my phone so I’ll try to keep up with things if I can, but otherwise I’ll be catching some rays down by the beach for the fourth of July.

#((posting this here too #in case y'all were wondering i've been chilling on my other rp blog more often lately #i will try to give this one more love u v u ))#((ooc post))

thecorruptedplayer

A Strange Awakening

thecorruptedplayer

“нммм иoт мγ ƨɒʞɘ.” An amused tone entered its voice as it spoke, odd ripples of corruption going through its realm and ghosting into the Puppeteer’s. Nothing harmful, it was just an feeling of unease. ”,ƨɘγ ,ɘʞɒƨ ƨ’ɘиo яɘнтo ɘнт σųŗ şąҡε þεŗɧąþş, 乃ŪŦ MĪ₦Ē? ₦ŌŦ ĀŦ ĀĿĿ.”

Leaning forward, the Corrupted beckoned the screen closer, as to get a better look at the girl. “…ɨ աǟֆ ֆʊքʀɨֆɛɖ ȶɦǟȶ ƬHΣ ΘƬHΣΓ ШΘƱLD ƁΣ ШILLI∏G ƬΘ ɓŗïŋɠ γσų ïŋŧσ ŧɧïş. Ŧɦ£¥ ɱŪŞŦ ɓ£ Ɣ£Ŕ¥ ŞŦŪṖĩƊ-øŔ Ɗ£ŞṖ£ŔΛŦ£-Ŧø ɓŔĩה ໐ຖē thēฯ ¢คrē f໐r Ş໐ ๓น¢h iຖt໐ thiŞ ๓คttēr.” It’s image one the Puppeteer’s screen flickered as it spoke, the wrongness every present. It seemed to be that if it were possible for the player to smirk, it would have while considering her question. Finally, after composing itself, it began to speak again, words distinctly more clear than before.

“You’re obviously a smart one, Puppeteer. Think about it. You’ve already hypothesized how we got corrupted. By messing with the Game’s code, right? Now think of what could possibly happen should the corruption that I am holding back took complete control of this little dear’s mind? Found all that secret knowledge that we’ve locked up. We could hop all over causing chaos. And it wouldn’t just be limited to file’s either…Want a demonstration?” There was a dark undertone to its offer and without waiting for her response, the other had reached out a pale hand to the screen. An odd flash of numbers blocked out the image for a second before the picture returned. Then appeared to distort and move. Towards her. The player’s hand seemed to be reaching through the screen, pushing against the glass barrier, the sense of corruption suddenly skyrocketing in the area around it.

#((hey y'all \ o /#I need some active threads goin' so if anybody wants to rp #let me know ♥))

Her mouth became a solid, thin line as their words became more garbled and nearly impossible to make out. She really disliked the sounds of a glitching voice. It gave her unpleasant flashbacks.

Fortunately their voice evened out soon enough, though that did nothing to soothe the unease she felt in her rigid form. Especially now with the current threat they posed as they strained the wall between them. The Puppeteer stared in silence for a brief moment...and then, she exhaled a soft sigh, shaking her head.

"I grow tired of beings attempting to make forced entry here."

Slowly she stood from her chair, a sudden calm washing over her form as she stared emotionlessly at the screen before her. Within seconds a burst of dark fizzling pixels brought her sword into existence, the blade forming within her hand's grasp. "Be warned if you push your luck here I will not hold back. I could shut this monitor down before you break through, or I could purify you myself. Friend or not, I will not hesitate to deliver mercy onto you. In fact, the fact they are my dear friend will become my pure motivation for killing you."

#thecorruptedplayer

Things have been relatively calm as of late.

Well, as calm as things can be I suppose.

Happy to be back in the land of sight? I was slightly worried there.

"I can say wholeheartedly I haven't felt such relief in a long time. I can also say with just as much certainty I would rather not experience anything like blindness ever again."

sp-archive

★ a bizarre new game.

sp-archive

North. Jotaro complied to the given direction and after moving he had somehow managed to select the corresponding zone, his body transported out of the space and into the area. Despite the weather condition, it seemed this place was just as bright as the other one. His eyes were scanning this new landscape, but mostly he seemed to be fixed on the clouds above him.

It seemed despite being in an entirely different world, one thing remained constant around. It was just like the rainy days at home, warm and gray as usual. With a hand in his pocket he made sure his cigarettes were neatly tucked away so he could light one up once he got out of the rain, if he could even find a damn place.

“Zone 1 looks like shit.” He commented as he walked on, adjusting his cap so he could see clearly without the rain getting into his eyes. He kept an eye out until he found the tram she had mentioned, staring at it. The damn thing looked like it was about to come apart; something he didn’t exactly feel safe riding on. Public transport in Japanese was starting to look beautiful for once in comparison.

Nodding his head to the elsen lingering around he wondered if they didn’t care for the rain or just liked standing in it.

“Should I talk to one of them?”