good god what am i doing.

[bloodwritten]

This isn't how the tables turn! The puppet master does not simply become a puppet, you silly, silly girl!

I am not a character in your stories - I'm the one who creates them!

Unless, of course, you've a particularly good one for me.

In which case, start spinning.

[oh the uproarious laughter.]

Comments

oh my god yes??

[motioned]

...It's not true, that any of us are puppets.

fjlaksejf.

[bloodwritten]

[a pause. and then - oh. he's laughing again.]

Oh? But wouldn't you say that each of us is, indeed, the protagonist of our own tale?

a beautiful thing, that is what you're doing

[motioned]

[She's too nervous to be very bold towards him directly, of course, but... She thinks of what Fakir would say in a situation like this.]

Isn't there a difference between a protagonist and a puppet?

i extend the same sentiment toward you.

[bloodwritten]

But if we are in a tale, as we all are, it would mean that the ending has already been decided, and we merely are going through the motions of fate. Someone is always pulling the strings, my little duck.

omgggg

[ex_storied375]

I would've expected you to be able to appreciate the irony.

fjeisijakjcjf

[bloodwritten]

[should he look this happy or]

Oh, more than able, make no mistake. Things are made infinitely more difficult, however, when I am not the one crafting it.

kljsldf mo_om

[ex_storied375]

Perhaps you'll gain a little consideration for people you put in that same position.

[ HAHA NOT THAT HE REALLY BELIEVES THAT ]

ain't no party like a drosselmeyer party

[bloodwritten]

Consideration, you say? When you are the ones who defied me?

[seriously let's be real right now]

[genuine_human]

There's never a shortage of entertainment in being the conductor of an opera, but I have found it is just as exciting to play a starring role. Whether you believe yourself to be the hero or the villain is up to you, but I, myself, have preferred the latter far more.

[bloodwritten]

But don't forget - even the most corrupt of villains believes themselves to be right. We are all heroes in our own eyes.

[genuine_human]

Nein. You see, there are certain people in this world who fully understand themselves to be irredeemable, immoral, depraved, and completely morally bankrupt. As the world points fingers at these gentlemen, calling them all insane, they question... could madness be this enjoyable?

I speak, of course, of myself.

[bloodwritten]

Yourself, sir? [commence beard-stroking. he talks more to himself than to the man in front of him.] A villain perfectly aware of his own villainy, yes, that is quite a concept.

oh god why what is wrong with you

[flowing_kinetics]

Oh great. More crazies.

i'm sorry i'll try harder next time. don't be that way.

[bloodwritten]

Crazy? I certainly don't know what you mean.

it is okay i forgive you because this his hilarious

[flowing_kinetics]

Suuuure you ain't.

[He's watched your canon over his Mun's shoulder, buddy.]

yes good i like this plan.

[bloodwritten]

I'm merely a humble storyteller.

[LOOK HE'S BOWING POLITELY LOOK AT HOW POLITE HE IS.]

[ghostintheanimus]

We're all puppets. It's embedded in our blood, in our brain waves. What do you think's really in the adhesive on the back of stamps?!

[bloodwritten]

At least you understand, good sir! [more of that overdone laughter.] It certainly is easier to accept that way.

[ghostintheanimus]

They rely on our acceptance of their reality because we don't even know that we have the choice to reject, but the truth's between every line of the Pentagon Papers!

[16 stares hard at the old man in the weird hat]

You're one of them, aren't you.

[bloodwritten]

[he thinks he understands what this boy is getting at. maybe not thinks - he can infer it quite well, actually, but let's not let on.]

Whatever do you mean?

OH YES PLEASE

[swordofswans]

[What can the prince say? This man engineered his torment, pushed everyone he cares for down a path to tragedy. And all for his own amusement.

...In fact, he has quite a bit to say.]

Perhaps it would serve you well to experience what you have inflicted upon others.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN HE COLLECTS ALL FOUR?

[bloodwritten]

[that might just have the slightest effect on him - though probably not in the way the prince wants. those gears? oh, they are turning.]

The chance to be involved in my own great drama? Involving the rest of the players with direct confrontation? Perhaps more troublesome, but you may be onto something, young prince.

HE IS NOT GETTING ANYWHERE NEAR RUE. The prince forbids it. 8l

[swordofswans]

No, that is...

[Siegfried's mouth tightens. No, that most certainly is not what he wants. To provide inspiration for Drosselmeyer would be, at best, a dangerous thing to do. He wants no part in the creation of more tragedies. However, his response is mild.]

...I believe you could do to learn... prudence.

[His eyes narrow, though all that is apparent in them is thoughtfulness. However, his words carry the the unmistakable hint of a reprimand.]

You shouldn't involve yourself so quickly.

[formerly_known_as_prince]

I'm never going to be a puppet again! I'm out of the story! [She sounds as much like she's trying to convince herself as she is him. She practically reeks of heroic archetype.]

[neverwasaravensdaughter]

Aren't we all living a story?