Filbo Fiddlepie (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
ahelpingpaw) wrote2021-03-09 02:21 pm
ahelpingpaw) wrote2021-03-09 02:21 pm
'If there was someone who'd make everything be fine, it was Lizbert'
[There are ¿??? Film reels inside the waterproof package found on the beach. Getting the right equipment to play them was difficult, but once somebody managed to do so, the films within were some truly enigmatic content.
FILM REEL 1:
The image shows what’s very obviously the railing of a ship. The ocean, the sky, a few white, fluffy clouds, it’s all there. Something’s adjusting the camera, until apparently satisfied, the creature stood right center. What an odd-looking creature , but something’s endearing about her. The moment she opens her mouth, confidence and charisma is what pours out of it:]
Hello! I’m Elizabert Megafig! Explorer extraordinaire, hunter of undiscovered creatures, grumpus trying to bring the wonders of the world a little closer to everyone! Although this time it was the opposite – I was at home, and the next moment I know I’m on this ship in the middle of watery, endless nowhere. And I’m not alone.
[The camera pans around, showing a deck. There are humans lounging around, she gestures at everyone, looking pleased as punch]
These are humans! The dominant species in many different worlds except mine. There is a good chance that humans are also the dominant species in whatever world we’re in right now. Oh, think about the possibilities! It’s unheard of – sapient life, in the flesh! This is the discovery of the century! But I suppose that, to them, I’m just as wondrous. No worries, though, I come in peace!
[Lizbert stands in front of the camera once again, frowning]
But the reason why I’m recording this is because we’re all in danger. We’re being told to kill each other. It’s been five days since we all got kidnapped from our homes and brought here, and the situation is dire. We have plenty of food, but there are far more pressing concerns than our stomachs right now. Listen, if you’re watching this, you must do something. Today is January 5th, I hope this reel will reach you not long after today.
I’m recording this message a dozen times and throwing them overboard, along with a star chart from last night. This should give you an idea of our approximate location at this point. [Lizbert gives some more information such as the speed of the cruise ship and the information found about the Bermuda Triangle. She definitely has the cadence and skill of someone used to handling that sort of information towards a skeptical public] Please, help us. We’re counting on you. And if by the time you find this ship it’s too late...
...then at least spread the word so everybody knows what happened to us.
[FILM REEL 2:
It’s a wall, the wall of a cabin. Looks more like a reality TV confessionary, given the seat someone placed in front of the wall. Takes a moment for Lizbert to come and sit on it, sighing. She looks tired]
Alright, I’m alone right now, so...I guess I should start recording some of these for myself. I have sent eleven of the recordings I made, but I don’t think it’ll reach anyone in time. I can’t believe this is happening...I’m glad to not be on Snaktooth anymore, so in a way this feels like a second chance, in some way. Bell...she must be so scared about what may have happened to me. But she’ll be fine. She has survived just as many horrors as I have, I’m not worried. But I hope she doesn’t lose sleep over my disappearance. I’m sorry, Eggabell, looks like we’re on again separated...
[Lizbert shakes her head]
The mood here on the ship is bleak. A lot of us aren’t taking well the threat. We’re fourteen people, and there are some rather young ones among us. Whoever brought us here is the scum of the earth, I’m telling you. When I think about how something may happen to them, I just...I just get worried sick. It’s so cruel! That’s why I’m thinking of taking charge around here.
...but...should I?
[She’s silent for a moment before squaring her shoulders, determined]
I failed everyone on Snaktooth by letting the situation spiral out of control. I’m not making the same mistake again. I’m promising here and now I’m not letting anyone kill or be killed. I, Elizabert Megafig, will keep everyone on this ship alive no matter what.
Wait for me, Bell. I’ll be back for you someday no matter what, even if I have to shatter the fabric of reality itself to reach you once this is all over. I can’t wait to see your face if I have to bring these other thirteen strange people along with me.
[Film reels #3, #4, #5, #6 and #7 seem to be snippets of Lizbert bonding with everyone else.
It’s a rather sweet collection. Everyone appears at least once. Sparring with some, encouraging them to stay fed, even sitting down to talk to them and try to find out if they need anything and if they’re holding up well. All the time Lizbert keeps exuding that same overwhelmingly strong energy. The sixth reel even shows her giving a very serious stern talk to a duck, for some reason. Neither the duck nor she look happy at all, but she even tries to grab him by the neck with a paw, taking advantage of her size. She missed, but the message was clear: fall in line or else there’d be consequences.
Lizbert had done exactly what she said she’d do: she positioned herself as the leader of the bunch.
FILM REEL 8:
Lizbert is once again back in front of the Wall, looking annoyed]
Whoever’s in charge has decided we need an incentive to kill. It’s nothing to sneeze at – we have been told to kill or else some really bad people at home would get aid that would allow them to fulfill their goals. While I’m sure that translates to everyone in my world once again spreading the slander I’m some cheap con artist, I’m not gonna kill for something like that. That said...I’m worried about everyone else.
[She crosses her arms]
Not everyone will be as unaffected by this motive as I am. I’ll have to be vigilant and watch out for the first sign of trouble. No more overlooking red flags, if necessary I’ll stay awake every night until the 72 hours pass. I’m not letting anyone die.
[FILM REEL 9:
Lizbert is in her seat, looking exhausted but satisfied]
It’s done! The time has passed and nobody died. This amazing woman, Byleth, did a great job keeping everybody relatively united, too. I think between the two of us, we can stop anything from happening. We’re not going to kill for some sick bastard’s entertainment. In the meantime I think I’ll focus on taking control of this ship, so we can drive it to a coast. I don’t care how long it’ll take, I will succeed.
Watch out, world, here we come!
[Films #10, #11, #12, #13, #14, #15, #16, #17, #18, #19 show little snippets of life during the next month, as well as some of her thoughts about the state of people on the ship. Every film reel is hopeful, looks like the morale on the ship is high. Threats and offers come and go, but unity stays. It’s pretty clear Lizbert’s influence has managed to keep the softer personalities calm, and the rougher ones on line with the rest of the group.
Elizabert Megafig is good at uniting people and getting the best out of them. Those film reels are proof of it.
However, Lizbert’s mood changes dramatically upon the twentieth reel.
FILM REEL 20: ]
…we…we have gotten another threat. This time it’s about...about getting people from our homes on a ship similar to this one. So they undergo the same experiences we’re having.
[Lizbert looks genuinely worried. Wordlessly, she opens the photo on her device. The image on it isn’t very clear to the camera, but there’s what seems to be a cyan-colored form on it. Probably another grumpus]
...I thought he’d bring up Bell. Bell would survive anything, but instead it’s...it’s...another friend. Somebody I have been thinking about so many times, hoping he’s okay. Would the Captain really...
[At no point before Lizbert had shown signs of hesitation or doubt. She’s holding that device like she fears if she lets go it’ll disappear in thin air. After a pause she shakes her head, a pained expression appearing on her face]
...he would. He would place him on a ship like this one, and he...
[...]
...I have been hiding here in my room for a while already. Some of the others have knocked on the door, asking if I’m okay. Obviously I said I am, but...I don’t know if I can tell them how worried I am right now. They all see me as this incredible person that will stand in the face of everything. It’s Snaktooth Island all over again! I can’t—I won’t stay here forever, but I fear I’ll go out there and everyone will take a look at my face and notice I’m...
...I’m considering it.
[Someone knocks on the door. Lizbert looks in direction to the door and adjusts her hat, putting on her best confident expression, but there’s something hollow about it]
...I must hold strong. I’m not gonna let the Captain defeat me.
[FILM REEL 21:
It’s night. Lizbert is once again at the dock, but something’s really wrong.
One of her paws is covered with blood, the liquid contrasting against her gray fur. She’s holding her hat on her other paw, and she looks resigned, sorrowful. For a moment all she can do is stare at her hat for several long minutes]
...I’m a failure.
[Those words are said so low it’s a miracle the camera picked up on them]
...I worked so hard with everyone else to make sure nobody would kill. I patrolled, listened to others about their problems, fought others. I did everything in my power to keep us all safe and happy. And now the one who started the murders...it was me. I already hid the body and the dagger. It was quick, I made sure it’d be instant, but...
...I really am a failure. I know what will happen. This will wreck us all. And once that happens we...
[...]
This is my confession. I, Elizabert Megafig, have murdered someone on this ship. I don’t know if by the time you come here I’ll still be around, or if I’ll be tied and imprisoned in my room, or if...I’ll have been murdered by someone else, but it doesn’t matter. I have done something unforgivable.
[She puts on her hat. All of her confidence, all of her bluster, are gone, replaced by a deep disappointment at herself]
I couldn’t take any longer the thought that Filbo would be in a ship like this. He’s such a wonderful person; he’s someone I have cared about for a long time. Even before I met Eggabell. And he looks up to me, and he saved everyone in Snaktooth and kept them safe and happy even after I went missing. But if he ever was in a ship like this one, he would...I fear he’d die. Very quickly.
The world isn’t kind for people like Filbo. I want to think he’d hold strong, but what if something happens and he can’t? I don’t want to think about him dying, I just...
[...]
I’m sorry, Filbo. I can’t take any chances. I did what I had to make sure you wouldn’t suffer something so horrible. I hope you never find out.
[Lizbert looks towards the sea. It’s hard to see, but there are tears on her eyes]
Once I finish this recording I’ll throw all of my reels to the sea and hope somebody will find them someday. The world deserves the truth of what happened here. I don’t know what will happen from here on, but no matter what I’ll accept the consequences.
...I’m...I’m sorry, everyone.
[The film ends suddenly]
FILM REEL 1:
The image shows what’s very obviously the railing of a ship. The ocean, the sky, a few white, fluffy clouds, it’s all there. Something’s adjusting the camera, until apparently satisfied, the creature stood right center. What an odd-looking creature , but something’s endearing about her. The moment she opens her mouth, confidence and charisma is what pours out of it:]
Hello! I’m Elizabert Megafig! Explorer extraordinaire, hunter of undiscovered creatures, grumpus trying to bring the wonders of the world a little closer to everyone! Although this time it was the opposite – I was at home, and the next moment I know I’m on this ship in the middle of watery, endless nowhere. And I’m not alone.
[The camera pans around, showing a deck. There are humans lounging around, she gestures at everyone, looking pleased as punch]
These are humans! The dominant species in many different worlds except mine. There is a good chance that humans are also the dominant species in whatever world we’re in right now. Oh, think about the possibilities! It’s unheard of – sapient life, in the flesh! This is the discovery of the century! But I suppose that, to them, I’m just as wondrous. No worries, though, I come in peace!
[Lizbert stands in front of the camera once again, frowning]
But the reason why I’m recording this is because we’re all in danger. We’re being told to kill each other. It’s been five days since we all got kidnapped from our homes and brought here, and the situation is dire. We have plenty of food, but there are far more pressing concerns than our stomachs right now. Listen, if you’re watching this, you must do something. Today is January 5th, I hope this reel will reach you not long after today.
I’m recording this message a dozen times and throwing them overboard, along with a star chart from last night. This should give you an idea of our approximate location at this point. [Lizbert gives some more information such as the speed of the cruise ship and the information found about the Bermuda Triangle. She definitely has the cadence and skill of someone used to handling that sort of information towards a skeptical public] Please, help us. We’re counting on you. And if by the time you find this ship it’s too late...
...then at least spread the word so everybody knows what happened to us.
[FILM REEL 2:
It’s a wall, the wall of a cabin. Looks more like a reality TV confessionary, given the seat someone placed in front of the wall. Takes a moment for Lizbert to come and sit on it, sighing. She looks tired]
Alright, I’m alone right now, so...I guess I should start recording some of these for myself. I have sent eleven of the recordings I made, but I don’t think it’ll reach anyone in time. I can’t believe this is happening...I’m glad to not be on Snaktooth anymore, so in a way this feels like a second chance, in some way. Bell...she must be so scared about what may have happened to me. But she’ll be fine. She has survived just as many horrors as I have, I’m not worried. But I hope she doesn’t lose sleep over my disappearance. I’m sorry, Eggabell, looks like we’re on again separated...
[Lizbert shakes her head]
The mood here on the ship is bleak. A lot of us aren’t taking well the threat. We’re fourteen people, and there are some rather young ones among us. Whoever brought us here is the scum of the earth, I’m telling you. When I think about how something may happen to them, I just...I just get worried sick. It’s so cruel! That’s why I’m thinking of taking charge around here.
...but...should I?
[She’s silent for a moment before squaring her shoulders, determined]
I failed everyone on Snaktooth by letting the situation spiral out of control. I’m not making the same mistake again. I’m promising here and now I’m not letting anyone kill or be killed. I, Elizabert Megafig, will keep everyone on this ship alive no matter what.
Wait for me, Bell. I’ll be back for you someday no matter what, even if I have to shatter the fabric of reality itself to reach you once this is all over. I can’t wait to see your face if I have to bring these other thirteen strange people along with me.
[Film reels #3, #4, #5, #6 and #7 seem to be snippets of Lizbert bonding with everyone else.
It’s a rather sweet collection. Everyone appears at least once. Sparring with some, encouraging them to stay fed, even sitting down to talk to them and try to find out if they need anything and if they’re holding up well. All the time Lizbert keeps exuding that same overwhelmingly strong energy. The sixth reel even shows her giving a very serious stern talk to a duck, for some reason. Neither the duck nor she look happy at all, but she even tries to grab him by the neck with a paw, taking advantage of her size. She missed, but the message was clear: fall in line or else there’d be consequences.
Lizbert had done exactly what she said she’d do: she positioned herself as the leader of the bunch.
FILM REEL 8:
Lizbert is once again back in front of the Wall, looking annoyed]
Whoever’s in charge has decided we need an incentive to kill. It’s nothing to sneeze at – we have been told to kill or else some really bad people at home would get aid that would allow them to fulfill their goals. While I’m sure that translates to everyone in my world once again spreading the slander I’m some cheap con artist, I’m not gonna kill for something like that. That said...I’m worried about everyone else.
[She crosses her arms]
Not everyone will be as unaffected by this motive as I am. I’ll have to be vigilant and watch out for the first sign of trouble. No more overlooking red flags, if necessary I’ll stay awake every night until the 72 hours pass. I’m not letting anyone die.
[FILM REEL 9:
Lizbert is in her seat, looking exhausted but satisfied]
It’s done! The time has passed and nobody died. This amazing woman, Byleth, did a great job keeping everybody relatively united, too. I think between the two of us, we can stop anything from happening. We’re not going to kill for some sick bastard’s entertainment. In the meantime I think I’ll focus on taking control of this ship, so we can drive it to a coast. I don’t care how long it’ll take, I will succeed.
Watch out, world, here we come!
[Films #10, #11, #12, #13, #14, #15, #16, #17, #18, #19 show little snippets of life during the next month, as well as some of her thoughts about the state of people on the ship. Every film reel is hopeful, looks like the morale on the ship is high. Threats and offers come and go, but unity stays. It’s pretty clear Lizbert’s influence has managed to keep the softer personalities calm, and the rougher ones on line with the rest of the group.
Elizabert Megafig is good at uniting people and getting the best out of them. Those film reels are proof of it.
However, Lizbert’s mood changes dramatically upon the twentieth reel.
FILM REEL 20: ]
…we…we have gotten another threat. This time it’s about...about getting people from our homes on a ship similar to this one. So they undergo the same experiences we’re having.
[Lizbert looks genuinely worried. Wordlessly, she opens the photo on her device. The image on it isn’t very clear to the camera, but there’s what seems to be a cyan-colored form on it. Probably another grumpus]
...I thought he’d bring up Bell. Bell would survive anything, but instead it’s...it’s...another friend. Somebody I have been thinking about so many times, hoping he’s okay. Would the Captain really...
[At no point before Lizbert had shown signs of hesitation or doubt. She’s holding that device like she fears if she lets go it’ll disappear in thin air. After a pause she shakes her head, a pained expression appearing on her face]
...he would. He would place him on a ship like this one, and he...
[...]
...I have been hiding here in my room for a while already. Some of the others have knocked on the door, asking if I’m okay. Obviously I said I am, but...I don’t know if I can tell them how worried I am right now. They all see me as this incredible person that will stand in the face of everything. It’s Snaktooth Island all over again! I can’t—I won’t stay here forever, but I fear I’ll go out there and everyone will take a look at my face and notice I’m...
...I’m considering it.
[Someone knocks on the door. Lizbert looks in direction to the door and adjusts her hat, putting on her best confident expression, but there’s something hollow about it]
...I must hold strong. I’m not gonna let the Captain defeat me.
[FILM REEL 21:
It’s night. Lizbert is once again at the dock, but something’s really wrong.
One of her paws is covered with blood, the liquid contrasting against her gray fur. She’s holding her hat on her other paw, and she looks resigned, sorrowful. For a moment all she can do is stare at her hat for several long minutes]
...I’m a failure.
[Those words are said so low it’s a miracle the camera picked up on them]
...I worked so hard with everyone else to make sure nobody would kill. I patrolled, listened to others about their problems, fought others. I did everything in my power to keep us all safe and happy. And now the one who started the murders...it was me. I already hid the body and the dagger. It was quick, I made sure it’d be instant, but...
...I really am a failure. I know what will happen. This will wreck us all. And once that happens we...
[...]
This is my confession. I, Elizabert Megafig, have murdered someone on this ship. I don’t know if by the time you come here I’ll still be around, or if I’ll be tied and imprisoned in my room, or if...I’ll have been murdered by someone else, but it doesn’t matter. I have done something unforgivable.
[She puts on her hat. All of her confidence, all of her bluster, are gone, replaced by a deep disappointment at herself]
I couldn’t take any longer the thought that Filbo would be in a ship like this. He’s such a wonderful person; he’s someone I have cared about for a long time. Even before I met Eggabell. And he looks up to me, and he saved everyone in Snaktooth and kept them safe and happy even after I went missing. But if he ever was in a ship like this one, he would...I fear he’d die. Very quickly.
The world isn’t kind for people like Filbo. I want to think he’d hold strong, but what if something happens and he can’t? I don’t want to think about him dying, I just...
[...]
I’m sorry, Filbo. I can’t take any chances. I did what I had to make sure you wouldn’t suffer something so horrible. I hope you never find out.
[Lizbert looks towards the sea. It’s hard to see, but there are tears on her eyes]
Once I finish this recording I’ll throw all of my reels to the sea and hope somebody will find them someday. The world deserves the truth of what happened here. I don’t know what will happen from here on, but no matter what I’ll accept the consequences.
...I’m...I’m sorry, everyone.
[The film ends suddenly]