toujoursfluer | Log 12 [Video]

[Robin is sitting at her desk with a curious dog in her lap. Yes, that is a mustache. She looks neutral though the dog looks faintly worried--or perhaps constipated--it's difficult to tell]

For those who don't know, Marco has been kidnapped. Let's hope he comes back as something bearable, ne? But I would prepare for the worst. The Malnosso have been too kind lately. [She pets the dog's head lightly as if this doesn't bother her overly much]

A lesson to all you new feathers, the Malnosso will come for you one day without fail. There is no fighting them yet, though of course you should try. Don't allow yourself to be taken easily. However, when that time comes, you will be taken in--experimented on, tortured perhaps--you may remember it, you may not. You may be changed, you may not. Either way, your existence will be altered.

Though, on the bright side, the effects are usually temporary. After all, there's no point in permanently incapacitating a test subject when they are needed for further use.

[Locked to Norma]

I don't know if I will see you before Marco returns, but he wanted to let you know he loves you. Take care, ne? And if you need anything don't hesitate to call me.

[and with that she closes the journal]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

That's the problem, I don't know. I don't think I expect a system, anymore, to who comes and goes and when, but it's easier if things aren't completely random.

Luceti doesn't make things that easy, I'm afraid. I've found the best strategy is to not predict anything and just take it how it comes.

[It's difficult at best but it's how she's always lived, really. Predicting what she can, working with what she couldn't]

Now you sound like Princess Cadance. Maybe that's the job of a ruler: to let the present wash over you like a still river. Are you some sort of leader where you come from?

Hardly. I'm a follower, though. And my leader is very much like that. He doesn't dwell on the past or worry for the future. He just--seems to find something to enjoy no matter what.

[a faint smile. she wishes she could be like him. To just exist in that state of hope even when terrible things happened]

He sounds very inspirational. I think that's important for a leader, too. Celestia put me on the path to who I am just by being herself and inspiring me to be like her.

Is he the ruler of your land? Or a friend of yours?

[she laughs softly at the thought of Luffy being a ruler of any land]

He's my captain. My nakama. He is the man who will one day become Pirate King.

King!

Well, I only knew one king, and he made his pony subjects miserable. But maybe he was just corrupted! A king could be just as honorable a title as princess in the right hands!

... Wait. King of PIRATES?

Yes. Pirates. He is a pirate and so am I and so are all of my nakama.

Wow! A pirate in space, or a pirate on the sea?

But doesn't that make you a criminal??

On the sea. And, yes, we all have bounties. Most Marines would take us and imprison us or execute us without a second thought. Perhaps even with pride.

But... but you don't seem like a criminal at all! What did you do?

I wanted to find the truth.

You wanted to find details about somepony? Did you mess with the wrong human?

Does it matter?

I'm just curious. It probably doesn't matter. People keep telling me you lose your memories once you leave here.

I suppose it's something you'll just have to experience and draw your own conclusions.

[ She nods warily. ] Well, my first impression is that you shouldn't be locked up...

[ implied BUT there. BUT I've only just met you. BUT you could have done something else in the past. ]

So ne. My nakama thought so, too.

[She won't get into that story, and she hears the but that is lingering there but it is not up to her to influence the young pony's decision]

[ Twilight stares warily for a while. Then: ]

And that's the other thing. Nopony else has come as close as you have to understanding why my friends mean so much to me. So...

Well, I won't ask too many questions. Your past is your own business.

Thank you. I appreciate that a great deal. [But...it's been a long day and she is very tired]

I'll see you around, ne? Take care.

[ Nod. ] You too, Robin. ... And thanks.

Any time, Twilight-chan. [she gives you a small smile and signs off]