Archive of Our Own

INT. Aleph’s Room (The Suitcase) - Night

NARRATOR (V/O)
Aleph had been trying to adjust his life under the Timekeepers team, now that he's no longer held in the prison run by himself. During the first few weeks after being sealed in the Foundations walls, he couldn't exactly leave his room without a guard. After a while, the Tear of Comala was graciously returned to him, and he was given shelter and his very own room within the building. Afterwards he was given his own space to occupy in the suitcase. Because of his species as a human, he had to be taken somewhere else during the storm so that it might not sweep him away.

While Aleph was being interrogated by Foundation officials, Merlin was fascinated by the power The Foundation holds, could they really rival those oily headed lunatics?

Despite the numerous interesting inhabitants of the suitcase, he is still isolating himself and finds himself unable to shake the feeling of going back to his foolish pursuit of transcendentality even after everything that happened in the Panopticon. Though he had tried to persist, it became futile in the end as he occasionally ended up thinking of new ways to get to that elusive goal.

The Idealist originally wanted to create a literature club so that they may engage and exchange ideas, but it seems like Marcus, Zima and Recoleta have already beaten him to a punch. Though he doesn’t speak about his disappointment, he thinks of himself as the already unofficial leader. He is still seen occasionally brooding and longs for his fellow inmates despite the knowledge that most of them have run, stumbling back into the world wounding, or have embraced Comala’s tender flames.

Aleph however was debating whether he should reach out to Recoleta again or let her go. For a couple of months now, he's been letting her process the events in Comala. Save for the single letter and book she sent him, it's clear she doesn't really resent him, nor has she forgiven him. The last he heard of her was when she had a job in a cafe, but knowing her she will eventually give that up to pursue literature.

They're still trying to adjust themselves back to society after a decade of isolation, or simply being surrounded by people who aren't prisoners. Merlin has resumed the role of a caretaker for Aleph once more, and Idealist for small, yet unappreciated aspects of life, like socializing and going outside.

Aleph spends most of his time either locking himself up in his room or wandering about to observe the residents and their chosen location. Though he cannot deny that being well fed, sheltered and given comfy bedding certainly helps elevate his stress ever so slightly. When he slept for the first time in the suitcase, the pillow and mattress had a certain softness that beats sleeping on the floor any day of the week.

Today's mindscape however has an air of oddity to it.

ZOOM IN - ALEPH

NARRATOR (V/O)
In reality, Aleph is sitting on his chair, with a desk in front of him, attempting to write another apology letter.

CUT TO:
INT. Communal Room (Aleph’s Mindscape)

NARRATOR (V/O)
However in the vast expanse of his mind, they are in a small prison house that reminds them of the panopticon, a familiar place that is as close as they can get to call home. And yet, all of its windows lead the eyes to an empty void, a singular tree within their view.

Merlin is the first to catch it.

MERLIN
(Tapping his feet)
Usually I do not dwell in such trivialities, however I cannot simply ignore it either.

MERLIN
I'll put it plainly. Something is on the other side of the door.

NARRATOR (V/O)
Aleph, who was playing a board game with Idealist both looked at Merlin before turning to the door before looking back.

IDEALIST
(playing dumb)
Are you sure about that, our hot headed fellow? I do not recall having someone be on our door ever since we've moved here.

IDEALIST
Save for the occasional curious inquiries many inhabitants of this suitcase came and concurred.

NARRATOR (V/O)
Truth be told, the prison house was a recent addition to the fathoms of their mind. It suddenly showed up one day after a few weeks being held in The Foundation's arms. They think it is perhaps a manifestation of the longing to return back to the cell, or a literal interpretation of their mind being a prison. Either way, the inside is much bigger than the outside, so they decided they could live there comfortably even if it's only for a moment.

IDEALIST
Oh and we cannot forget our dear Recoleta and her upcoming new manuscripts, while she hasn’t sent them, she's getting quite better at it, don't you think? And yet she still retains that childish charm of hers, truly aspiring.

MERLIN
(murmuring)
Hypocrite…

MERLIN
Maybe you should take a page or two out of her book then, cause it's clear you are not following your intuition enough.

MERLIN
I'm not talking about the real door, I'm talking about this jailhouse that we have all traversed in.

MERLIN
That door, that reveals the infinite sky, ever long monolith and that solitary tree.

IDEALIST
The perfect language would've eliminated your vagueness, fortunately I was simply just entertaining you by answering incorrectly

MERLIN
And you just so happen to not be my target audience.

IDEALIST
Hah. Another plea that falls on deaf ears. Alas, I too found an odd presence emanating from the door. However, whenever I opened it, I was begrudgingly upset to be met with no soul or thing in sight

MERLIN
Hmph, so you too felt it then? What about you, Aleph?

ALEPH
(Looking at Merlin slowly)
Someone is there, yes.

MERLIN
(Stands up from his seat)
Aha! I knew it! Then why hasn't this mysterious figure come and greeted us?

ALEPH
Its form hasn't fully grasped itself, give it time.
Merlin sits back down to his seat. The idealist rolls the dice and moves his piece.

IDEALIST
Ah, the shadows outside are all upcoming alter egos then. Oh now that I think about it, weren't me and Merlin born at the same time?

MERLIN
No no, you're mistaken. I was born before you have as I was the one who Aleph needed the most when the Foucault society approached him with the concept!

IDEALIST
And yet, I appear. Isn't that fascinating, this implies that the work they put your through isn't fulfilling to the soul, so I was created to fill the gaps

IDEALIST
Isn't that right Aleph?

ALEPH
…

ALEPH
Not exactly wrong.

IDEALIST
And there you go, our judge, jury, and witness has decided!

MERLIN
He didn't decide anything! He was simply merely stating a fact!

IDEALIST
You-

NARRATOR (V/O)
A knock on the door. It was from the outside. Everyone stopped what they were doing and tried to check through the windows on who it was. After checking only to see no one was there, Merlin decided to open the door. However nothing but an empty void greeted him.

MERLIN
(shutting the door)
Must be a visit from hell itself.

MERLIN
(murmuring)
Another phenomenon…

IDEALIST
(looking at the window)
Or.. Perhaps we're getting a new friend? It has been awfully quiet for Aleph with just you and me.

NARRATOR (V/O)
Another knock was heard from the door again, only this time it knocked thrice. The idealist checked from the window only to see nobody was there. Merlin was about to approach the door again before Aleph stood up and walked slowly before opening the door.

The one that greeted him however was a figure with eye-catching clothing, tons of gold accessories and two masks stacked on top of each other. Excessive and flamboyant are the initial thoughts Aleph thought.

MASKED SPECTRE
(cheery tone)
Or, you're just having another episode. Neurosis is manifesting itself again.

MERLIN
(in the background, smugly murmuring)
I was right.

ALEPH
(Deep sigh)
Hello.

MASKED SPECTRE
(looking behind aleph)
I see you have people home

ALEPH
Who exactly are you?

MASKED SPECTRE
(Pointing at himself)
That's a great question, Aleph. Who are we?

 ALEPH
(thinking out loud)
Philosophical | Flamboyant | Dramatic | Excessive

ALEPH
I can't answer that.

MASKED SPECTRE
I know. You used to think about it often as a child, dreaming of what you'll be in the future. Nowadays, you only answer questions that are never yours.

MASKED SPECTRE
Now's the best time to do it however. We should spend it carefully

ALEPH
So that's your purpose.

MASKED SPECTRE
(shaking his head)
There you go again, always treating us as simply an extension of you. It's cruel, you know.

ALEPH
You and I are simply another shadow from a dying light.

MASKED SPECTRE
(frowning)
Pitiful. I could turn around and disappear but something has fueled its flame once more.

MASKED SPECTRE
(smiling)
Something has changed.

ALEPH
…

ALEPH
(Opening the door wide open)
Come in.

MASKED SPECTRE
(Patting his shoulder)
Good to see your heart has erred again. You always had that in you.

ALEPH
…

NARRATOR (V/O)
Aleph closes the door and lets the figure walk in. The masked spectre looks to his surroundings and sees Merlin and Idealist staring at him intensely. Though they’re no strangers to new faces popping up occasionally, not many of them have formed concretely as this one has. They watched him walk around the room, flipping a 20 cent coin in his hand. The Idealist pulls back from the window and is the first of the two who approaches him.

IDEALIST
(disbelief)
Y-you…

MASKED SPECTRE
(Warm smile)
Idealist, there you are. How have you been?

MASKED SPECTRE
Have you found your name yet?

IDEALIST
(shaking his head)
N-No.. But I'm okay with that. I'm fine with being the title of my purpose..

MASKED SPECTRE
(walking closer to him)
I am sure all your attempts of trying to move him to regain his humanity was troubling, wasn't it.

MASKED SPECTRE
(Ready for an embrace)
He's incredibly stubborn, it's like trying to tell a child to eat their vegetables.

IDEALIST
(hugging the Masked Spectre, relieved)
Hah.. Ohh.. You get it. You simply do.

MASKED SPECTRE
(returning the hug)
Hah, it seems I have a lot of catching up to do.

NARRATOR (V/O)
Overjoyed, Idealist hugged Masked Spectre tighter. The masked spectre rubbed circles on Idealists back and looked at Merlin. Merlin was slightly uncomfortable with the sight, not because he hated intimacy but because it’s simply a concept he doesn’t often have the chance to engage with. The Masked Spectre releases Idealist, giving him a head pat before walking to Merlin.

MASKED SPECTRE
Still going strong I see, Merlin

MERLIN
Hmph, your purpose doesn't seem to make any sense. What exactly are you planning to do?

MASKED SPECTRE
(Smiles gently)
It's very simple, my job is to make sure we don't get into any more trouble.

MASKED SPECTRE
(puts his hand on his side)
Those oily headed lunatics and Foucault society had abandoned us. Should the foundation or this very suitcase threaten us, I will make sure we walk away unscathed.

MASKED SPECTRE
Another one is to maintain the importance of decisions, bonds and values in the mundane realm. I am part of his property, therefore you are all precious to me.

MERLIN
(crosses his arms)
Objectifying yourself is not exactly a good impression, but it is strong. However I find your lack of personhood disappointing.

MASKED SPECTRE
(fans using his hand)
Ah it doesn't matter what I want. It's what we need. And better yet, I don't have the need to take over your oh-so-busy schedule.

MERLIN
Good. I already had enough with that blind fool behind you trying to take over my precious time in front.

MASKED SPECTRE
(extending his hand)
That's true, why don't we shake on it?

MERLIN
(turning his head)
Even to this day, it is meaningless courtship. Retract it immediately.

MASKED SPECTRE
(retracting his hand)
Bold as ever.

MERLIN
Naturally. It is a form of disguised oppression

MASKED SPECTRE
And yet it can also symbolize and act of agreement, and tolerance

MASKED SPECTRE
(walking to a different direction)
Small talk was never your thing anyway. But your role as a working man still holds you in chains.

NARRATOR (V/O)
The masked spectre continues to look around in the jailhouse. It was unlike anything they’ve seen in reality, concluding that it must’ve been an effort of the mind. Where he stands, from the communal area, there are 3 available rooms, each decorated with their owners personal flair. The other two doors, one with a tiger and the other with a rose had been closed shut and locked with a bunch of chains.

MASKED SPECTRE
Tell me about the recent happenings. The memories of the past are still a bit foggy.

MASKED SPECTRE
Or, more accurately. Most of these are simply not mine.

IDEALIST
(pushing 2 chairs in front of the Spectre)
Why it would be my pleasure to recount everything that has happened these past few months with excruciating minute details!

MASKED SPECTRE
(waves his hand)
Spare me the spectacle, I’d rather get to the point.

IDEALIST
(pushing Spectre onto the chair)
Regardless, Sit down! You are our latest inmate to this prison we call our mind afterall! No amount of spectacle can truly fog this mind of the curse. The perfect memory, replays everything with the crisp edges of a knife, making us relive it over and over and over again!

IDEALIST
Roll the footage, Hippocampus!

FADE IN:
INT. Comala Prison (Aleph’s Mindscape) - Night

NARRATOR (V/O)
The communal room they were in began to shift to the very scene when Idealist saw her. A never ending dance, with a quiet yet powerful music that rang in all of their heads. The tango of Transcendentality.

IDEALIST
(leaning next the Spectre)
It all started in the year 1991, March 22nd. The end of the era was imminent, but luckily our lonely gaucho knight, Recoleta, has returned home. At 18:55, she met me, about to begin another salon session, gracing La Sociedad de Poetas de Las Americas, another candle to the funeral of Visceral Realism.

IDEALIST
Later, at 21:23 I was shot by none other than The Physician! Merlin had pierced my heart with a bullet, ending my brief fleeting existence and taking away my bodily autonomy.

MERLIN
(interrupting)
He stole the die from me, and I’ve tolerated him for FAR too long.

IDEALIST
Did it really have to be a gun? It hurt quite a lot you know, bleeding and all. I was trying to tell Recoleta something before inevitably perishing, with no breath left for any words.

MERLIN
I know. I think it’s ingenuine, you didn’t need to do that.

IDEALIST
(waving off Merlin)
Oh, piss off Merlin. I was actually quite rooting for you to lose your name. That way we could both wallow in our shared despair.

MERLIN
(laughs)
Hah, and they say I was too cruel. Clearly, you had more sinister intentions! Typical that of a snake.

IDEALIST
Regardless, back to the scene. As you can see, Merlin tried to intimidate the visitors from The Foundation, however he was beaten by a bunch of kids and Recoleta.

MERLIN
(pointing fingers)
Don’t act like they didn’t had to intervene when you and Oktavia were having a debate! Quit skipping the scene!

IDEALIST
(pouting)
It’s replaying by itself! See? Their arcane skill hurts a lot actually, especially Recoleta’s.

NARRATOR (V/O)
The one who is involuntarily controlling the scene playing out at this very moment is trying to look away, however he can still see it as clear as day. While the memory doesn’t exactly harm his fellow alter egos, they still leave a sting in each of their hearts. Aleph puts his hand onto his face, quietly listening to their repetitive arguments. He murmurs to himself something but the Masked Spectre can’t hear what he says as he was too far away.

The footage is now rewinding to a part where Idealist and Oktavia were debating.

MERLIN
(smug)
I like the part where she hit you with her sword pen.

IDEALIST
Grh. It was quite sharp! I almost thought I’d lose my head to the lady of war.

MERLIN
You should be grateful she hit you with the blunt end of it. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have needed to pull out the gun.

MASKED SPECTRE
Okay I get it. Can we please move on to the scene where Aleph was slumped on the floor now?

MASKED SPECTRE
(shaking his head)
Wait no no, nevermind. Can we recall when Recoleta wrote back?

IDEALIST
Why of course we can! The first letter alongside a draft of the Rise and Fall of Sanity! That was sent to us in ages that was of great importance!

FADE IN:
INT. Aleph’s Cell (Comala Prison | Mindscape) - Night

NARRATOR (V/O)
As Aleph was scouring through the mail, of heavy debt and news of the failing prisons being imminent, a bunch of eager yet ultimately transactional letters filled to the brim with questions, and a single letter with a crooked stamp. Reading its contents for the first time, it was clear to Aleph this was written by A Literature Ghost. Having read Recoleta’s original source material, in the attempt to gain a life of its own. Rise and Fall of Sanity had become her story, no longer something any author can dictate on, not even him.

Due to the fact that she is no longer inside the book, how did that happen matters little and frankly speaking because made her story incomplete, it is now burdened with the impossible illusionary weight of having no ending. To remedy this, in his attempt to quench his own curiosity and also write back to this stranger, he begins penning a response.

IDEALIST
Here we see a change in routine, and for once Aleph has something to do!

NARRATOR (V/O)
Day and Night, he reorganizes his thoughts and pauses every time any of them gives suggestions or commentary. It made it look so that even as he was penning, someone pulled him away, impatient to get their reply before he returned to the paper. Idealist has many times where he attempts to rip off and eat some of the pages or responses.

MERLIN
If it weren’t for me doing all of his dirty work, I could’ve been sending letters too.

IDEALIST
Ahhh but you didn’t! As fate would have it, during the 6 months since they’ve met, both of these lonely, saddened hearts exchanged wondrous replies, paper after paper.

NARRATOR (V/O)
Sometimes the question of how is it even possible for her to exist burns in the back of his mind, especially as every single response she gives him, she would forget some critical information, as well as experiencing things in reality for the first time being much different compared to simple things in stories. The world is much too cruel for somethi- no. Someone like her. As every stroke of ink is finished with a single dot, he keeps a bit of hope that she will continue to write, even if no publisher will ever release her books, or no reader will ever truly understand what she is saying. A captivating adventure that no one will remember, like a merciful dream.

Is Amalfitano really gone, or rather, does it now only exist to Recoleta herself?

IDEALIST
It was a no-brainer that Recoleta was not only travelling to our prison with each letter, the papers that she had used all had little tidbits of her life.

IDEALIST
News paper clippings used as additional material to write her contents, sticking together pieces of napkins with staplers and glue, collecting any brochure and recyclable litter all for the sake of writing.

IDEALIST
Her heart sings for none other than the life of a foolish adventurer, tripping over her own cape and landing face first to the realm of reality!

IDEALIST
She complimented us on our quality of paper. I can’t help but be inclined to agree, paper is precious! Which is exactly why for every failed piece, it must be given one last hurrah before torn to pieces. Whether one eats it, burns it, or reuses it to create more paper matters little. The moment its ink is no longer readable, it accumulates to babble.

MASKED SPECTRE
She’s quite the ferocious traveller. I can see why she tugs your heart strings, Aleph. When Paracelsus was around, he’d used to make stories of monsters and heroes in your youth.

NARRATOR (V/O)
It matters not, what happened now is that the Die of Babylon had disappeared and she returned to reality. Now, he must face the consequences of breaking her heart as a person. The footage before them begins to distort ever so slightly.

ALEPH
(guilty)
That naivete is enriching, I’ll admit. But I did not mean to lure her to all of this trouble.

MERLIN
I think you did some of it on purpose, considering the majority of the major changes she got was because of you. You’re responsible for her, Aleph.

ALEPH
(slumping further)
I know, and that is precisely why this apology must be perfect..

IDEALIST & MASKED SPECTRE
(groaning)

IDEALIST
How many times must I advise you to simply go with the first draft!

ALEPH

No.. it’s excessive, full of excuses and doesn’t tackle any of the issues we’ve had. It doesn’t acknowledge her feelings, only mine.

ALEPH
(grasping)
That’s not how apologies work, No… I need more time to think..

CUT TO:
INT. Aleph’s Distorted Cell (Comala Prison | Mindscape) - Night

NARRATOR (V/O)
As he further sinks into despair, the memory flashes into a scene. Aleph was experiencing another phenomenon within his mind. While holding the Tear of Comala, it whispered to the chambers of his heart, and reimagined a different kind of monster. A mask, broken amongst the shattered glass. A blood curling wail sobbing, aches to be free from its shackles. The Ghost of Transcendentality.

Another scene overlaps, of Recoleta tearing herself apart, returning to nothing more than mere words on paper. Paying close attention to the agony as her entire body cracks, her face in tears, the sound of the book being shred, her shaky speech. The declaration of autonomy.

MERLIN
Eughh.. I didn’t like that, not one bit.

MERLIN
(trying to look away)
It was a loss of control, a humiliating exhibit of our fragmented consciousness..

IDEALIST
(gentle manic smile)
I find that when we turned into this ghost, it was exhilarating..

IDEALIST
We were still restrained, yes. But look at us.. For a moment I didn’t have to feel the sickening feeling of my flesh ripping, falling out of my bones. My head, clear as day, I could see the light, a glimpse through a slit in the wall..

IDEALIST
(sudden frown, serious tone)
Look, Merlin, when she finally defeated us. I thought we were dead, we could’ve had our ending!

IDEALIST
(gripping his head)
Our sweet sweet satisfying ending!

MERLIN
Zip your lips! That was madness, not anything even remotely close to Transcendentality!

MERLIN
If we’re dead then none of us would know the answer to our ultimate goal! Everything we do would’ve been a waste!

IDEALIST
Stop kidding yourself, Merlin! Look again! There was fire beneath us, we we’re the ones who BURNED COMALA TO THE GROUND! This is the ending we deserved, the ending that would’ve ended in perfect tragedy.

IDEALIST
Our shimmering star would never be able to shake off this nightmare ever again! And you and I can all finally feel the warmth of the summer sun, and kiss the flames goodnight for one last time!

CUT TO:
INT - Ushuaia Port (Aleph’s Mindscape) - Night

NARRATOR (V/O)
The scene before them was Aleph sitting in the snow, watching as Comala Prison burned, as the inmates danced in bliss to a music he hums, as the jailer watches intently, joining in its final dance. In that moment, the chaos quiets down. Leaving a tender sorrow song that will never continue, a bittersweet end to their life as prisoners of society. As the footage continues to distort, various phenomenal creatures begin to lurk from the back of Aleph’s mind.

The Masked Spectre tries to get up from his seat but Merlin stops him before he has the chance.

MERLIN
(preparing his saw)
No need. I can deal with them myself, focus on changing the scene.

NARRATOR (V/O)
The Masked Spectre sighs and looks at the scene before them. Merlin is pushing back all of the impulsive thoughts into becoming fragments again. Though he acts like he can handle it, despite knowing all too well that reliving all those moments lowered his morale quite a lot. The idealist was clawing his head to a point he was bleeding. And Aleph, with each replay the sound of the cracks become louder and louder. A drops of black liquid begins to leak out of his mask.

MASKED SPECTRE
(murmuring, slightly upset)
I can handle it myself just fine, Merlin..

MASKED SPECTRE
(pulling idealist to his side, stopping him from clawing his head)
Ah.. Idealist. It’s okay, our end will come eventually. When you go to sleep, it’ll be blissful. I promise.

IDEALIST
(breathing heavily)
What was it like being dead?

MASKED SPECTRE
(petting him gently)

It was like I was never even there.. One day.. You will rest..

IDEALIST
What about Aleph?

MASKED SPECTRE
Aleph will also rest one day, rest assured I will make sure we see through it..

MERLIN
(murmuring)|
I don’t want to die.. I’m not ready to become a fragment again…

MASKED SPECTRE
It’s inevitable, Merlin. But you don’t have to suffer before it happens.. It will come to you like a warm blanket after a storm..

MERLIN
(quiet)
That sounds nice…

MASKED SPECTRE
(looking at the back)
Aleph?

ALEPH
(fallen to the floor)
This exhausting suffering will end soon… I know. But time is cruel, both infinitely long and infinitely brief..

ALEPH
Tell me.. Should we ask the question of when will be our due date?

MASKED SPECTRE
Of course not, we don’t need that kind of answer. I think this is simply one of many, our limits as a human have reached.

NARRATOR (V/O)
A terrible response. That’s not what Aleph needs at this moment. The creatures have all subsided, but Merlin is too tired to critique the Masked Spectre. The Masked Spectre scratches his head, trying to come up with something that doesn’t further spiral them into madness. As the scene continues, he can feel himself gradually slipping into obsession. So, out of genuine sentimentality, he begins to remember a special scene.

MASKED SPECTRE
Aleph… Remember the butterfly you saw last Saturday?

FADE IN:
INT. Wilderness (Aleph’s Mindscape | The Suitcase) - Morning

NARRATOR (V/O)
The scene changes again, back to a field of grass and trees. It was the wilderness. A habit they’ve come to develop, early in the morning as the sun shines in its pristine glow, Aleph walks to his designated corner, and sits beneath a tree to enjoy the fleeting scenery. He was watching

MASKED SPECTRE
(caressing Idealist hand)
4 Weeks is how long it takes for that caterpillar to turn into a butterfly.

MASKED SPECTRE
During it’s time, it feared for its life, but it never stopped eating despite the potential of being eaten by predators.

MASKED SPECTRE
It lived long enough to become a butterfly, and it will die as one too.

MASKED SPECTRE
Sometimes it doesn’t fulfill its purpose at all, and that’s not a bad thing.

ALEPH
Do you believe we have the potential to change?

MASKED SPECTRE
Of course, it’s how all living things must be. You and I are no different to that butterfly.

NARRATOR (V/O)
Aleph kept replaying many memories of all the times he’s been in the wilderness. Laying on the grass, the cool breeze of the air, and trudging along on its ever shifting planes. The land itself was made of hexagons, a perfect sturdy reliable structure. All the memories play out until it finally reaches their first time entering such space. Overtaken by curiosity, Aleph walked and pondered its inner machinations, even until it hurt his feet from the rough terrain he traversed through. It was a pleasant day. Part of many, new enjoyable memories.

FADE IN:
INT. Communal Room (Aleph’s Mindscape)

Though it didn't last forever, the scene returned back to their communal area. However, one thing remained. A pinned butterfly frame has been added to one of its walls.

IDEALIST
(quiet, relief)|
Oh, would you look at that.

MERLIN
(sighing)
At least it’s not something triggering.

NARRATOR (V/O)
They all sat silently, Idealist was enjoying the headpats the Masked Spectre was giving. Merlin tried falling asleep from his chair and Aleph was still on the floor. Eventually Aleph went back up on his seat.

MASKED SPECTRE
(quiet, talking to himself)
I wonder what my name will be?

IDEALIST
It’s Zahir, isn’t it?

NARRATOR (V/O)
Aleph and Merlin looked at Idealist, while the Masked Spectre tilted his head. A surge of memories suddenly floods back to Aleph, one of a long dead alter. However, no one knew what he looked like. In the end, the only memory of his appearance was like that of a glitch.

MASKED SPECTRE
Unfortunately, the Zahir you knew is no longer with us. I would've liked to meet him.

IDEALIST
(Stuttering)
The one-sided coin.. Did it eat him?

MASKED SPECTRE
He returned to something much simpler, and a part of him has become part of me.

MASKED SPECTRE
(Showing a coin)
I was given this coin, to commemorate his loss.

MASKED SPECTRE
(giving the coin to idealist)
I'm sorry, I am not the Zahir you need.

NARRATOR (V/O)
The idealist rubs his fingers on the coin before placing it on his forehead. A frown was formed on his lips. The Masked Spectre turns his head to Aleph.

MASKED SPECTRE
So, Aleph. What name will you give me?

ALEPH
Hm. It will be zahir.

MASKED SPECTRE
(shocked)
Huh? Why would you give me such a name? It's already been taken by someone else..

NARRATOR (V/O)
Aleph paused. Everyone waited for an anticipating answer.

ALEPH
The Zahir is an object or person of obsession. The Zahir is in all of us, in the form of seeking Transcendentality.

ALEPH
You all must remember the story, when it was just me and Paracelsus, The Zahir came.

ALEPH
At first like any other, it was simply an intriguing idea, an ultimate truth? Is it really possible? Not even 13 days later, I have fallen for the seed of hell.

ALEPH
This philosopher had not only the rationality to understand the absurdity of its pursuit. He was also the closest one to achieve it by becoming nothing once more.

ALEPH
I'll admit, perhaps he was simply a manifestation of my increasing manic obsession of this boundlessness. And you are a manifestation of this debilitating compulsion to continue even after he is gone.

ALEPH
And your previous remark of being our neurosis, also has some truth in it. I haven't been taking my medication everyday since I've arrived here.

MERLIN
(Angry)
Aleph. How many times must I scold you for that!

ALEPH
And even now, I still see The Zahir in the form of Transcendentality, both singular and multitudes, observing and reversed, never the same, yet unified.

ALEPH
And it is tiring, the telephones, the computers, the letters. They ask the same questions, but their tone, laced with malice, is both sinister and haunting.

ALEPH
Please, help bear this burden of ours.

NARRATOR (V/O)
Everyone in the room paused, quietly thinking of an answer. The idealist opened his mouth, but no words came out. Merlin looked down to the floor, perhaps he's ashamed to admit this obvious flaw. The masked spectre sighs, and smiles gently.

MASKED SPECTRE
(Gentle)
How cruel of you, Aleph. Yet full of humility. Your pride will become your cross.

MASKED SPECTRE
I will help you bear that burden, as you are still oh so precious to me. However, should I be any less valuable than a single coin, discard me.

NARRATOR (V/O)
Merlin and Idealist shuttered at the response, however Aleph remained stoic. He thought about how utterly reckless and selfless Zahir can be, especially when it comes to values of any kind. This trait must be part of it. The quote that he was mostly remembered for still rings true.

“WE ARE ALEPH.”

MASKED SPECTRE
Though, I don't think this utter indifference will be tolerated by Paracelsus. You know how he is.

MERLIN
Paracelsus..

ALEPH
(sighing deeply)
Paracelsus was limited by the fathoms of reality, in the end he too failed. I suppose only Zahir completed his task in his own way.

ALEPH
He was the first to fall, it should be expected that he will be first to rise again too.

NARRATOR (V/O)
Idealist takes the coin from his forehead and gives it back to the Masked Spectre. The Masked Spectre stared at it before accepting the coin. A 20 cent coin. Utterly worthless the moment the Flood arrived and set them all back. The value of this coin should be priceless. But The Masked Spectre sees null.

MASKED SPECTRE
(Looking at the coin)
If another alter comes.. Will you also name them Paracelsus?

ALEPH
(Thinking before replying)
Depends on their purpose.

MASKED SPECTRE
… how much of a difference does the original Zahir and I have?  

IDEALIST
(Hugging masked spectre from the side)
Do you still pursue transcendence?

MASKED SPECTRE
No

IDEALIST
(bewildered)
What?! Why!

MASKED SPECTRE
I'm just a former shell of Zahir. He completed his task, even if he failed in some way. My job now is to take care of whatever is going to happen in our current reality.

MASKED SPECTRE
The eras are reversing further and further, we are living in turbulent times. Not to mention, we are human. Not even the suitcase can save us.

IDEALIST
It's exhausting honestly, the storm kept washing away all our hard work.

MERLIN
Tell me about it.

NARRATOR (V/O)
They all stayed silent for a bit. Reminiscing on the painful times they've had during the panopticon. Merlin being handed the entire prison facility, Idealist dissolving before he eventually shattered, Aleph disassociating day by day as he writhes in pain. The masked spectre speaks again just before the scenery around them changes.

MASKED SPECTRE
I think someone eventually has to be the holder of this compulsion, so I took the task myself. But even then, we can't help but continue this vicious cycle of obsession.

MASKED SPECTRE
So, I propose we stop all our current work and focus on things that bring us happiness and content.

NARRATOR (V/O)
As expected, two of the headmates who constantly bash each other said in unison;

IDEALIST AND MERLIN
NO WAY!

NARRATOR (V/O)
Idealist sat up from the Masked Spectres lap. Merlin raised from his seat and began approaching The Masked Spectre. Both of them began constructing their arguments, and for a moment Aleph seemed small. Aleph rubs his temple, preparing another round a yell match.

IDEALIST
(upset)
How could you possibly say that! That all we worked was for nothing? What about the sacrifices of the poor fools at the panopticon?

IDEALIST
Their deaths were not meaningless, no, it can't be! Their stories have met the bitter sweet end, and yet you're going to say it was unjust murder?!

MERLIN
(yelling)
I was conducting experiment after experiment to try and cure our irrational mind from spiralling further and further!

MERLIN
Your gross ignorance is cruel! I never wanted to let their pain fester, I ran out of anesthesia a long time ago. And this is how you thank me for keeping us alive?

IDEALIST AND MERLIN
(Angry)
I WON'T ACCEPT THIS!

NARRATOR (V/O)
The masked spectre kept his calm demeanour, he was listening to what their hearts desired. He kept his gaze on an invisible horizon, knowing that this is all just empty lies. However, Aleph grew tired hearing the same excuses.

ALEPH
Enough…

NARRATOR (V/O)
Both of them were still arguing, Idealist had hit the masked spectre but it wasn't enough to deal any real damage. Merlin was going back and forth in a circle, stomping his feet and tempting to take out his tools.

ALEPH
(louder)
Enough.

NARRATOR (V/O)
Merlin and Idealist looked at Aleph, shocked. They both became still and waited for his answer, as Aleph was breathing heavily. From the window, it began to rain black liquid.

CUT TO:
INT. Aleph’s Room (The Suitcase) - Night

ALEPH
(Murmuring)
We need to stop this incessant compulsion to drive ourselves further into the void.

ALEPH
(began to write)
“Paracelsus did not have the heart to tell you all, so I will. We all are destined to be destroyed by this sickness. “

ALEPH
(breathing heavily, sniffles)
“I can't lose any more of you, stop this fighting. Please. I can't take anymore of this, all of your misery was caused by me. “

CUT TO:
INT. Communal Room (Aleph’s Mindscape)

NARRATOR (V/O)
Everyone was awestruck. In the back of Merlin's and Idealists' heads, they always knew it was true. But chose to deny it all together as they couldn't handle the reality of it all. Merlin retracts his tools from Idealist and Idealist sits back properly. To the Masked Spectre however, it was as clear as day.

The mask in the mirror cracked once more, and revealed the man behind it in all its sorrow. The rain from the window of their mind grew heavier, the communal room lights became darker. They all began to flicker ever so slightly, like a film stuck in a moment.

ALEPH
(small paused sobbing)
“When.. Merlin shot idealist. I couldn't hear him any longer, and for a moment part of me was gone. Just like that. Gone. “

ALEPH
“The ability to laugh, smile and conquer, stricken down to nothing but ash. “

NARRATOR (V/O)
Idealist wanted to utter a word, but not a single sound came out. He wanted to step closer to Aleph. So he got up very slowly and began approaching him. The Masked Spectre simply walked towards him, and crouched down. Trying to make Aleph sit back up.

ALEPH
“And then when Merlin fell, in that moment. I felt like part of my brain could no longer hold any rational thought, it was like dying. “

ALEPH
“Except I was alive, but barely living. A state of limbo, a pathetic fool who couldn't do anything but wallow on cold tiles. “

NARRATOR (V/O)
Merlin dropped his tool, the scissors. What wound is there left to cut when it was already wide open for him? He tried rationalizing why Aleph would react this way. Then he realized that it was all nothing accumulated grief to a life tossed away into a well. Perhaps the better question, why didn’t this happen sooner?

Was it because of our current circumstance, allowing him to process these feelings? A foreign concept, it might be. But something essential, sentimental. Recalling back to the first introduction of this Masked Spectre, being called “simply extensions of Aleph”. He must be deeply regretting it. Another memory passes by.

“Please forgive them. After all, your fleeting encounters led to the demise of them both.”

In his own way, Aleph did care about them. Though, at the same time, in his own words. He said:

"They fought against their predestined fates, only to be inevitably crushed under their weight. I simply stood by and watched it all unfold. That was the extent of our relationship.”

ALEPH
“You returned again later, yes. But that didn't happen to Zahir, Paracelsus. The idea of you all leaving me. It hurts, it hurts so terribly. “

ALEPH
“That day, I was saved by Vertin, Sonnetto and Recoleta. But that didn't mean anything, to a shell of our former selves. “

ALEPH
(sobbing)
“I can't.. I can't afford to do this anymore. We can't.. It's nothing but a hell of our own making.”

NARRATOR (V/O)
The masked spectre, although quietly in the privacy of his own thoughts, wished Paracelsus was here to say something and comfort Aleph. However he did the next best thing, he leaned in and hugged Aleph. Aleph wanted to reject the hug, but he didn't have the energy to fight back. He grabbed the masked spectre hairs and tried to pull it as much as he could.

ALEPH
(sobbing)
“We all were there that day. When Recoleta vanished after tearing her book apart. During that she said that I've been treating people as if they were fictional characters. “

ALEPH
“At that moment I realized that it's not just them who I've mistreated. I've been mistreating you all too, neglecting. “

ALEPH
“I've been treating you all as characters with a specific purpose that must be pursued.”

ALEPH
“There's no such thing as a “I”. The first person, is gone forever. Fractured elusive phantoms. The Aleph is a symbol of unreachable possibilities. “

CUT TO:
INT. Aleph’s Room (The Suitcase) - Night

NARRATOR (V/O)
In reality, Aleph was crying. His apology letter, 136th attempt, had become not one for Recoleta, but for himself and his headmates. He wrote down the confession, with tears and ink mixed into the paper, his hands were shaking. His breathing slow and heavy, in a rare moment he took off his mask just to attempt to wipe the tears away. In the slightest tear drop, as he watched his own water droplets fall. A small yet faint reflection looks back on him.

The room was dimly lit, and barely accessorized. The paper began to soak and tear. The Tear of Comala was next to him, but he didn’t even notice its presence.

FADE IN:
INT. Communal Room (Aleph’s Mindscape)

NARRATOR (V/O)
Returning to the Mindscape, Idealist began to huddle with the Masked Spectre to comfort Aleph. Merlin watched them from a distance, uncomfortable.

IDEALIST
(hugging aleph, relieved joy)
You really do care!

IDEALIST
The apology that you wrote, is like that of a poem… is this what your heart err-ed?

ALEPH
(sniffling)
It is..

IDEALIST
(tightening the hug)
Oh Aleph! This is making me consider forgiving you for all the times you've ignored me.

IDEALIST
(rubbing his head against Alephs hair)
Actually nevermind, I do actually forgive you. I could never really hate you, you know. You're our closest friend!

MERLIN
(quiet)
He's more than our friend.. There's no word to accurately describe how important you are to us, to me.

MERLIN
Aleph, despite everything, I also can't bring myself to hate you for what you did. But I can't stand seeing you cry. So stop crying.

IDEALIST
Aleph should cry more, instead! I feel compelled to cry with him too, maybe I love him..

NARRATOR (V/O)
The word “Love” is a strong choice, but it's more than accurate to describe how they feel for each other. Despite everything, they had a deep love and cared for those that walked this labyrinth. If Paracelsus was here, the Masked Spectre thought, he'd tell how Aleph was so brave for speaking out. But all the Masked Spectre could do now was try and soothe Aleph to normal breathing. Merlin eventually joined in, although distant, he put his hand on Aleph's shoulder. The crying stopped eventually

ALEPH
Sorry you had to see that on your first day..

MASKED SPECTRE
No it's okay. I think it's healthy for you to cry. I’d thought you'd never cry again.

ALEPH
(sighing deeply)
The only times I've cried is when the pain is too much for my body to handle..

MERLIN
Yeah we know. I was there every time you were experiencing an episode.

IDEALIST
I find it both amazing and terrifying what kind of things our mind shows whenever it happens. The phenomenon always overstays its welcome too.

NARRATOR (V/O)
A moment of silence, Aleph was now lying on the floor. The Masked Spectre and Merlin tried to lift him back up to his chair, but decided to just throw a blanket and pillow on him.

CUT TO:
INT. Aleph’s Room (The Suitcase) - Night

In reality, Aleph had face planted to the table itself, setting aside his soaked apology and watered down ink.

CUT TO:
INT. Communal Room (Aleph’s Mindscape)

NARRATOR (V/O)
Aleph bundled himself up with the pillows and blanket on the floor and the rain outside of their little jailhouse subsided. The Masked Spectre had moved the chair once more so that he now takes 2 chairs, while Idealist was sitting on the floor, below him. Merlin had taken a different kind of chair with cushions on it and sat down. While it was quiet, the Idealist took the opportunity to ask a question.

IDEALIST
(fetal position)
Do you think he'll ever return to being human again?

MASKED SPECTRE
(laying down on the 2 chairs)
There's still hope, even if it's miniscule. I believe our current situation is favourable.

NARRATOR (V/O)
Idealist sighs in relief, he moves side to side in thought for a moment before taking the Masked Spectres hat and wearing it.

IDEALIST
You sound like him, but you don't look or have the same drive as him. It's confusing, I'll admit.

IDEALIST
But.. Your friendliness and philosophical attitude is also very much like him…

IDEALIST
Though I don't think the old Zahir would ever hug Aleph this much. This kind of display of affection was more of Paracelsus’ and my thing really.

MERLIN
(quiet)
Zahir was always the contrarian. Though he always had a knack for “interesting” People and thus wishes to socialize as often.

MERLIN
But you've only just arrived for 3 hours, 17 minutes and 24 seconds, that's barely enough time to create a concrete judgement.

MASKED SPECTRE
(Nodding)
Aleph has been meeting so many new interesting people now that we live in a suitcase of all things

MASKED SPECTRE
Some have caught my eye especially, but I'd rather we'd discuss it later.

MASKED SPECTRE
Though a part of me can't help but wonder, was I created because of this new found curiosity?

NARRATOR (V/O)
Merlin crosses his arms and turns away. He seems to be thinking about this situation. At the moment, the Idealist plays with the Masked Spectre’s hair.

IDEALIST
He was a good friend. I miss him. I see a lot of him in you, so to me you're already Zahir.

MASKED SPECTRE|
(head patting idealist)
Seems you and Aleph have already made up your minds in who I identify as.

MERLIN
(Accusatory)
I'm not sure how much of Zahir is really in you. It's too early to tell. Until I see for it myself, I'm calling you The Masked Spectre

MASKED SPECTRE
(Nodding)
A fair assessment. But it is what Aleph wants so there's no use denying it.

NARRATOR (V/O)
Merlin seemed rather confused by the Masked Spectres answer. In return, Merlin meets his gaze to Aleph instead. Aleph had returned to steady breathing now, he felt his weight has been lifted from him.

MERLIN
You should've given him a different name even if he's like Zahir, Aleph.

IDEALIST
(refusing)
No no, he’s right, Merlin. Maybe because Zahir was dead for so long, he changed and became this new person.

IDEALIST
He even had his coin! Isn't that enough to convince you?!

MERLIN
(Angry)
Of course not! If I started writing poems, would I become The Idealist? Of course not, it has to become a pattern of behaviour in order for it to become essential to one's being

NARRATOR (V/O)
Idealist was practically clawing into the Masked Spectres' clothes, which made the Masked Spectre think he was going to fall and land on the Idealist. While Merlin rose from his seat and was coming too close for comfort. The masked spectre spoke in order to regain some personal space back.

MASKED SPECTRE
I understand where you're coming from Merlin, but must I remind you that each of us are nothing but fragments of a broken mind.

NARRATOR (V/O)
Merlin frowned. Despite his mask being a stationary object, you can tell he's not exactly pleased with the response. After quick thinking, the masked spectre elaborates.

MASKED SPECTRE
(Bargaining)
Your power model failed, that's fine. We can start over again in a closed simulation. A prison was too ambitious anyway.

MERLIN
That ambition is why I had spent so long meticulously adjusting it all according to its inhabitants.

MASKED SPECTRE
The die was not necessary, I believe you were doing a good job already managing it all oh so meticulously.

NARRATOR (V/O)
Merlin paused for a moment. Receiving praise for his hard work was something he could never imagine, but it felt sweet. His work was ever hardly appreciated, with managing the entire prison as a ‘temporary’ warden, having to distribute supplies, keeping an eye on all the inmates, take care of Aleph, and babysit Idealist, not to mention his own experiments. Nobody had ever thanked him for all the things he had to manage.

MERLIN
(thinking and smiling)
A good job? Heh..

NARRATOR (V/O)
The masked spectre seemed to notice the change in expression from the way his shoulder ceased its tension. The Idealist’s rage subsided.

MASKED SPECTRE
Let's view it from a different lense, instead of a prison, what about a school?

MERLIN
(thinking out loud)
… a fascinating proposal.

MASKED SPECTRE
Yes, there's many ways to implement the model, reality will always make it so that its faults equals its strength

MASKED SPECTRE
It's balanced, yes. But not transcendental. It doesn't have to be. Don't lose sight of what's important now, Merlin.

NARRATOR (V/O)
Merlin has seemed to calm down, even sitting next to Masked Spectre after expressing his anger. After a while, Idealist laid his head on Masked Spectre’s belly before pulling him down from the chairs.

IDEALIST
(smug)
I see you’re trying to sleep. But I won’t let that mistake happen again!

MASKED SPECTRE
(Trying to move)
Agh. Idealist, why would you pull me down? There’s plenty of more chairs for you to use.

IDEALIST
(pointing fingers)
The last I’ve heard of Zahir was when he said he was going to sleep. And look what happened! I’m not letting you rest until we all do for the night!

IDEALIST
(Getting closer to the masked spectre)
If you die again, I’m going to join you. I had enough of Merlin being cruel to me.

MERLIN
Shush. You're being rude to our new alter ego.

IDEALIST
(pointing at Merlin)
See! He's such a bully. Last time when I was suffering, all he did was watch me change!

MERLIN
Says you. Have you even finished your poem?

IDEALIST
(trying to grab merlins shoes)
The perfect poem requires a perfect language! We're still 30 years old! We've got plenty of time before that crack on the walls collapses into a gaping hole!

MERLIN
(pushing idealist away)
All you do is watch that thing falter. That's more than a waste of time.

MERLIN
Not to mention, without the linguist, your parasitic tendencies to latch onto whoever you can control sickens me. Look at how La Sociedad ran.

MERLIN
You're always sick in the head

IDEALIST
It's a shame we don't own any mirrors here, but I think you should look into the water for a change, you too are filled with a disease called paranoia.

IDEALIST
You're no different than a wolf pretending to be a dog, all you do is hunt down my sheep!

MASKED SPECTRE
(thinking out loud)
Their arguments are repetitive as ever..

NARRATOR (V/O)
The Masked Spectre looked at Aleph, and then Idealist and Merlin with a displeased expression, then looked around the room again before sighing. Aleph was clearly too tired to think after all that crying, and they've returned to arguing even after that brief moment of cooperation. Soothing his back as he sits up, the Masked Spectre realized something.

MASKED SPECTRE
While our living conditions have improved, why did none of you bother to change your attire?

MERLIN
Because my outfit already matches with my figure

IDEALIST
The floors here are clean and the wilderness doesn't have anything sharp enough to hurt my feet! There's no need to change it. Not to mention, the poems I’ve written on my straight jacket are part of me!

ALEPH
(Whispering)
It's comfortable, both freeing and straining. It's what I deserve.

MASKED SPECTRE
(shocked)
Do none of you have shame? At least have the decency to wear something more appropriate to not scare the other inhabitants

MERLIN
(scoffing)
Precisely why I look the way I do. It's to signal importance, power, and fear. Besides, I think we’re rather harmless.

IDEALIST
(playing with the masked spectres hair)
While I can wash off the blood of my straight jacket to give off a more pristine look, I think the blood should signify well how much blood, sweat and tears I've poured my heart out to literature itself!

ALEPH
(whispering)
The children are quite curious about me.

MASKED SPECTRE
(palming his face)
Unbelievable. Then again, the majority of the inhabitants are arcanists, I suppose seeing a person wearing a straightjacket is not uncommon for them.

MASKED SPECTRE
Though, now that I think about it.. We have a habit of pulling hair and picking on our skin…

MERLIN
Of course. Even with my will power, the itching on our skin and hair pulling induced stress adds up over time. The mental fatigue Paracelsus warns us is at an all time high.

MASKED SPECTRE
And unfortunately he's right. And now I have to help clean this mess up.

MASKED SPECTRE
Also, if any of us remove our masks we all collapse. I find that troublesome.

IDEALIST
Zahir never covered his face though.

MASKED SPECTRE
I suppose that's why we don't have any mental memory of him, most of us have never even seen the flesh behind this mask.

MASKED SPECTRE
Not even Aleph, and the fact that I wear two masks at once is ironic in a sense.

IDEALIST
And yet, it shows your hollow essence compared to him

NARRATOR (V/O)
The Idealist was leaning next to the Masked Spectre. He pushes to the side and gets up from the floor, dusting himself.

IDEALIST
(upset)
Awww..

MASKED SPECTRE
Sorry Idealist. I promise, next time we can enjoy each other's company.

MASKED SPECTRE
For now, I have a bigger question. Did any of you eat today?

ALEPH
(whisper)
I didn't front today.

IDEALIST
I already ate today's daily lunch and dinner! It was quite exquisite. Pulled pork sandwich and a lamb paella! Oh, the flavours were simply divine!

MERLIN
I drank coffee in the morning, with lemon bar cake.

MASKED SPECTRE
(putting his hand on his stomach)
Then why are we still hungry?

MERLIN
We only recently had access to fresh ingredients thanks to the generous cafeteria they have in the suitcase. But constantly fasting during our time in Comala Prison had taken a toll on Aleph's body.

MERLIN
He's been severely malnourished for a while and Idealist likes to go on hunger strikes. Not to mention, the budget for Comala Prison was thin, I could only afford rice porridge and bread.

MERLIN
(motions his index finger and thumb touching)
Despite always blabbering using that mouth of his, the portions Idealists eat is actually quite small.

IDEALIST
(pointing at Merlin)
If I eat too much, I'll puke it out again! And you trying to force feed it to me didn't help! Especially whenever I visit the tower!

MERLIN
(clenching his fist)
You and that mask of incomprehensible riddles can't see that if you didn't eat, all of us would die. You're the only one with a visible mouth. Of course you must be the one to eat.

MASKED SPECTRE|
I can't stand this hunger.. I want to eat. Is there a kitchen I can use to cook?

MERLIN
(pausing before speaking)
We do have a shared kitchen. Yes, it's different from the cafeteria but the ingredients there cycle everyday.

MASKED SPECTRE
Do we not have anything to eat here?

MERLIN
No.

IDEALIST
Eh..

NARRATOR (V/O)
The masked spectre looks bewildered and scratches his head. He considers sleeping it off but is now too committed to being hungry. He taps his chin and looks at Aleph.

MASKED SPECTRE
Can I front for a bit?

NARRATOR (V/O)
Idealist and Merlin looked at Aleph for a response. After a few moments of silence he replies.

ALEPH
(whisper)
Go ahead, I want to sleep now.

ALEPH
Thank you all for listening to me today, it must be difficult being part of this whole thing..

MASKED SPECTRE
Ah don't worry about it, that's why we're here after all.

MERLIN
Good. You should listen to me more often then, starting tomorrow we will all go for a walk.

IDEALIST
Yeah I don't quite like being ignored. I appreciate that you're finally acknowledging that flaw.

NARRATOR (V/O)
Aleph leaves the communal room, takes the dice with him and locks himself in his room. The game that they were playing together initially was abandoned several hours before it had the chance to begin. The others looked at Masked Spectre.

MERLIN
Over three hours have passed since and you're already wanting to front.

IDEALIST
(waging his finger)
Why is that an issue, Merlin? You don't think he can cook? It’s not like your cooking's any better. The porridge you gave us everyday is so mindnumbingly plain, I’m convinced you laced it with another batch of your experimental medication.

MERLIN
(pulling Masked Spectre to his side)
No. You- shut up Idealist. I'm trying to be helpful here.

MERLIN
[First time fronting can be shocking, and he just recently received all of Aleph's collective memories.

MERLIN
Let me co-front with you, Spectre.

IDEALIST
No no! Let me help co-front with Zahir!  

MASKED SPECTRE
Slow down, let me concentrate. You two are making it difficult to focus.

CUT TO:
INT. Aleph’s Room (The Suitcase) - Night

NARRATOR (V/O)
The Masked Spectre takes over for Aleph tonight. He lifts his head off the table and tries to sit up. He then gets up and stumbles out of his chair as he attempts to walk for the first time, the sensation of walking and talking in the real world is foreign even when you have the knowledge. He looks at his hands, sleeves, then hair and then the mirror.

The Masked Spectre attempts to wear the mask but decides not to. He can still feel the dried up tears on his cheek. He walks over to the vanity and reveals the covered shattered mirror. He looks at his stomach, and then holes in his chest, and then the sensation of stepping on cold tiles with nothing but socks. He begins to feel overwhelmed by these sensations, so he starts to breathe in and out very slowly.

MASKED SPECTRE
(whisper)
Ah. He- no. We.. Look terrible.

MASKED SPECTRE
Ahah.. I even sound like him..

MASKED SPECTRE
(putting his hand on his face)
Ough. I didn't expect to immediately get a headache, is switching always this taxing?

MERLIN
(speaking from the mirror)
Yes. You'll get used to it. Today an unexpected phenomenon occurred and Aleph cried. So, we were already at our mental limit.

MERLIN
(waving his hand)
Honestly, I thought it could be worse as he's had worse mental break downs than this.

IDEALIST
(next to Merlin in the mirror)
I'm quite thankful it didn't completely ripple to all of us, but the fact that some of the shadows looked at us through the window when it began to rain.. It was quite peculiar.

IDEALIST
I thought they were going to knock endlessly on our door. Or break into the jailhouse.

NARRATOR (V/O)
While Aleph was sobbing, Merlin and Idealist looked out to the window and saw the shadows outside had surrounded the house. He was scared for a moment, but didn't say a word as it was not important to what Aleph needed right at that moment. However the fear never subsided, as there was a chance they could be another group of impulsive thoughts waiting to tear them all apart.

The Masked Spectre picks up a hair brush.

MASKED SPECTRE
(brushing his hair)
It ripples, huh. Guess having separate bodies made by the Tear of Comala does have its perks.

IDEALIST
If we're lucky, we might get a good dream for once. Lately the nightmare Aleph has was about watching everything we worked for destroyed. Before that, it was mostly about the day the Manus Vindictae and Foucault Society knocking on his door.

MASKED SPECTRE
Do we get involved in his dreams?

MERLIN
Depends. Though I have a feeling we might be spared from it tonight.

IDEALIST
(slightly serious voice)
Ugh. It's always so hard watching 17 year old Aleph cry in his dreams you know. Reliving the days he realized the blessing was a curse.

IDEALIST
And thinking that Paracelsus was a demon, coming to whisper him false truths. The reality is much much sadder. It’s pitiful how it became our current norm.

MASKED SPECTRE
(finished brushing his hair)
Maybe filling this body with warm food and medicine can elevate some of that sadness.

NARRATOR (V/O)
The masked spectre places the brush on to the table, grabs and wears the mask and walks out of Aleph's room.

CUT TO:
INT. Hallway 3rd Floor (The Suitcase) - Night

NARRATOR (V/O)
He walked through the hallway, looking out into the windows revealing the night sky. It was lonely, cold, and quiet. The Masked Spectre had wished they had slippers of any kind, but considers the socks as enough for a small walk.

CUT TO:
INT. Communal Room (Aleph’s Mindscape)

NARRATOR (V/O)
In the Mindscape he flipped a coin. Heads he would get a corn potage with cream and bacon. If he lands tails, he would get a simple tomato, meat and cheese sandwich.

Flipping the coin, they get tails.

CUT TO:
INT. Shared Kitchen (The Suitcase) - Night

NARRATOR (V/O)
When he finally reaches the kitchen. He looks into what's available in the cupboards and fridge. Various ingredients can be found. In the attempt to reduce the stress that is choosing a meal to cook

IDEALIST
I was expecting the coin to land on heads. Soup sounds really good right now actually..

MERLIN
(Merlin looking away)
…

MASKED SPECTRE
You should've told me what you wanted.

IDEALIST
(smiling)
Are you going to cook for us?

MASKED SPECTRE
(cutting the bread)
No, don't be ridiculous, I'm cooking for myself.

NARRATOR (V/O)
Idealist pouts, he moved a chair closer to the Masked Spectre to bother him more. Meanwhile, Merlin is behind them, watching the Masked Spectre prepare a sandwich.

MASKED SPECTRE
(spreading garlic spread on the bread)
We're allowed to eat in our rooms right?

IDEALIST
Oh I thought we were going to sit at the kitchen table to enjoy the sandwich.

MASKED SPECTRE
I've been here for less than 5 hours now. Come on. If anyone talks to me, I'm passing it on to you Idealist.

IDEALIST
Oh, I do hope we'll be meeting some interesting people while we're here. Usually there's a lot of late night travellers going up and about.  

MASKED SPECTRE
(Cooking the meat)
Who do you think we'd run into? It's pretty late here.

IDEALIST
Hmmm. Well all Laplace employees come and go whenever they want though they usually work when the clock past midnight.

IDEALIST
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Regulus sneaking in to steal a cheeky pop. Dr Papper seems to be her favourite drink, though I’m not a fan of it.

IDEALIST
She’s part of the Research Team for studying the Storm. Though even after snooping around, I can’t find anymore information without actually being part of it myself.

IDEALIST
Though I must say it’s very lively there, the cryptography team is quite popular even outside of Laplace for their colourful characters. Humans and Arcanists all under the same roof, in the name of science!

MASKED SPECTRE
(Toasting the bread with eggs on the side)
Peculiar people, and they say arcanists are “mad”. I find these all quite interesting people with varied lives.

IDEALIST
Right? This place also has so many people from various eras! Not to mention there’s so many Awakened here. And the latest member here, Ms Nautika, Is a rare gemstone for discussion! A human who had turned into a 4 legged beast after being sacrificed by the Manus Ritual, and is capable of flying too!

IDEALIST
Makes me wonder even more, what is the Tear of Comala really capable of, should it be cut from the same stone as the gates in Antarctica? Was it because Ms Nautika was human, or was it something else?

IDEALIST
Ah~ All of these wonderful ideas are flowing through me, I have to write these down mentally!

IDEALIST
Though, It makes me miss the prison a little. In a sense, some of these people could fit right in to La Sociedad de Poetas de Las Americas…

MASKED SPECTRE
Are we allowed to go the outside world?

MERLIN
No. We're still being monitored by Foundation staff, you may notice that Aleph's usual singular feet cuffs have been given a fitting pair.

MERLIN
A tracking device, so that they know where the original body is. We're also not allowed to use the Tear of Comala to give each alter their own body unless necessary. For now at least.

MASKED SPECTRE
I can see how that would be an issue.

NARRATOR (V/O)
The masked spectre wraps the sandwich in tinfoil, carefully shaping it so that it is flawless and efficient. He cleans up the dishes used for cooking and puts back unused ingredients to their proper placement.

MERLIN
Wait. Spectre, go back to the refrigerator.

MASKED SPECTRE
Why?

MERLIN
Yogurt, honey, and pecans. We're lacking in probiotics, fiber, calcium and vitamin E.

MASKED SPECTRE
(licking his lips)
Mmm.. That does sound delicious.

MASKED SPECTRE
(rummaging through the fridge)
I'll eat it for you then.

MERLIN
(small but upsetting whine)
Fine..

CUT TO:
INT. Aleph’s Room (The Suitcase) - Night

NARRATOR (V/O)
The masked spectre walks hurriedly to return to his room to eat in peace. He puts the sandwich and yogurt on the table and prepares a tall glass of water to wash everything down, and picks out all the medication necessary for Aleph to reduce his pain. Reading the label, most of them must be eaten after consuming food.

He takes off the mask and sets it aside on the table. Then, he carefully unwraps the sandwich and methodically begins eating its sides first.

MASKED SPECTRE
(muttering to himself)
MMHM! This is really tasty.

IDEALIST
Oh oh! Can I have a bite?

MASKED SPECTRE
Only one small bite.

CUT TO:
INT. Communal Room (Aleph’s Mindscape)

NARRATOR (V/O)
Idealist, while co-fronting, opens his mouth widely and devours a large piece of the sandwich. It disrupts the initial intent of eating all of the sides first before eating the centre of the sandwich, which upsets masked spectre.

MASKED SPECTRE
(Upset)
Idealist! You disturbed the ritual of consuming the ridges first!

IDEALIST
(mouth full, muttering)
It matters not which part is eaten first, in the end the sandwich will become no more.

MASKED SPECTRE
(Turning away from idealist)
And sharing meals with you will become no more.

IDEALIST
(still chewing)
Hah.. All over food of all things.. Very well I'll let you enjoy such worldly things. My daily meals will consist of poetry and ink anyway.

NARRATOR (V/O)
The idealist picks up some paper on the floor and begins writing something, before eventually eating it.

MASKED SPECTRE
(talking with his mouth full)
Is this the reason why we have occasional digestive problems, from the excessive consumption of ink. Of all things?

MERLIN
Yes.

MASKED SPECTRE
I mean, Paracelsus also had the tendency to try and taste some of his own concoctions. Remember when he thought drinking the rose water left over from the reversal potion was a good idea?

MERLIN
A running theme, I know. Even I cannot understand why he would do such a thing, when he of all people knows that the dose makes the poison.

MERLIN
And most of the concoctions he tasted were either bitter or tasted like nothing at all.

MASKED SPECTRE
A bit of sugar does make it go down easier though, I'm also guessing you wanted to try some of this yogurt, no?

MERLIN
(trying to look nonchalant)
I just wanted to fulfill the missing nutrients we lack, that's all.

MASKED SPECTRE
(opening the yogurt and pouring honey)
Oh but look, Merlin, the honey adds to the sweetness of this yogurt. And it's nice and thick consistency gives off an exquisite taste.

MASKED SPECTRE
(Putting in the pecans)
Not to mention the pecans give an extra crunch.. If we had some berries added to it, we could easily fill the quota..

MASKED SPECTRE
(eating the yogurt bowl)
Mmmmm.. This is so good Merlin..

MERLIN
(stuttering)
Y-you’re tempting me.. But I don't need it.. Aleph does..

MASKED SPECTRE
Oh, but he’s sleeping so soundly.. And since you don't want it.. Well.. I guess I can give a bite to the idealist..

IDEALIST
(Mouth full of paper)
Oh ink would go great with the yogurt bowl!

MERLIN
(pushing idealist away)
Don't you dare ruin it with your filthy ink!

MERLIN
(taking the spoon away from the masked spectre)
Give me that!  

NARRATOR (V/O)
Merlin takes a bite from the yogurt bowl and freezes for a bit. The Masked Spectre and The Idealist smiles widely.

MERLIN
(quietly)
Curses. It's really good.

MASKED SPECTRE
(smug)
Since you're so eager, I'll give you 3 bites. How about that?

MERLIN
(Gives the spoon back to him)
No.. No, I just simply don't want the idealist to eat such a delectable dessert... It's your meal, you should be the one to eat it.

MASKED SPECTRE
(happily eating the yogurt)
Oh why thank you, Merlin. You're so kind hearted!

IDEALIST
Now that I think about it, Merlin always drinks his coffee and cake really fast! Like an eager puppy, eating its wet food from a bowl.

IDEALIST
Maybe that's why he never eats lunch, he'd choke from how fast he's eating! He should get a slow feeder if that's really an issue.

MASKED SPECTRE
Or meals with bone in them, seafood especially is quite time consuming.

MERLIN
(scoffs at them)

NARRATOR (V/O)
Merlin watches as the Idealist continues to eat the paper origami with ink and poems, and the Masked Spectre eats the entire sandwich. He saved some of the yogurt, and began consuming all the necessary medication with some water. After he's done, he resumed eating the yogurt bowl. He picks up the bowl and throws all the trash to the trash bin. He cleans his gloves with water and wipes it to the nearest towel.

MASKED SPECTRE
(cleaning the bowl in the sink)
Yawn.. I think after a nice meal, sleep would be good..

MERLIN
Agree. Usually Aleph sleeps around 2:33:18 AM. It's best we get a better sleep schedule.

MASKED SPECTRE
(yawning)
And it's only 12:21 PM.. We're already earlier than usual.

NARRATOR (V/O)
The Masked Spectre fluffs the pillows and turns off the lights, only leaving some light going through the window curtains. He snuggles inside of the warm thick blanket. He yawns before closing his eyes, resting the body.

FADE OUT INTO THE DARK


Doodles based off this fic