maskormenace | Chapter One [Video]

[When the feed clicks on, someone's obviously showing off. First, a blank notebook opens and turns a few pages of its own volition... before post-it notes stick on it out of nowhere, followed by a few splatters of ink. Castle then turns it on his smiling face.]

Now, as far as superpowers go, throwing ink and paper around isn't the worst thing someone could have. In fact, it's quite fitting for a writer and avid reader like myself. Just imagine all the possibilities... reading without needing to turn the pages, writing a grocery list with a few twists of the finger, putting up wallpaper... okay, maybe it's not THAT cool. But look what else I can do.

[Castle holds the phone up with one hand while writing WAFFLES in his notebook with the other. And lo and behold- a plate of waffles appears. Except one is still frozen and one is slightly burnt, and they only linger a few moments before vanishing.]

... I'm failing at demonstrating my abilities and looking halfway-competent at them, aren't I? Anybody willing to help a writer-turned-sudden-superhero out? You'd have my eternal gratitude as well as a dedication in my next novel.

[He then signs RICHARD CASTLE on the notebook page, and awaits replies.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Nah, that's just something I was born with. I am Cheesy McJokester.

Uh-huh. You sure are. [She's very deadpan.]

Seriously though, what else did the file tell you about your powers? [At least this time she's less deadpan and a bit more curious.]

It's a gift.

Well, just that I can move ink and paper, no other objects. I gotta say, even with my imagination I'm coming up with limited uses for it, though. Maybe I just need more fine control before I start slicing things.

[Her expression becomes thoughtful as she leans against the tree, raising one arm and folding it behind her head in a relaxed pose.]

Hmm...maybe. I've been doing this...well, for as long as I can remember, so it's different for me.

Ahh, so you came from a place where other people had powers, too? It's different for me... I was a pretty ordinary human.

Yep. Too bad for you, this place hates ordinary humans from other worlds, so everyone's gotta have some sort of power.

Ahhh, I was wondering why I was given such a generous gift. Knew there had to be a catch somewhere.

[A snicker. Bad puns aside, he seems like an okay guy.]

You'd be called a Paper Master where I come from. My sisters and I have the same power.

Sounds like a pretty awesome title to me. I think right now I'm just a Paper Novice, though.

Well, I guess you gotta start somewhere. [Anita doesn't know where and how SHE started, though.]

They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but I'll do my best to learn.

Good. You'd get along pretty well with my sisters. They could teach you more tricks.

Are they here, too?

[...she pauses, now melancholy. She kind of wishes she didn't bring her sisters up.]

No.

Man, that sucks. I haven't seen anybody I know here yet, either.

Tell me about it. It's been months since I got here and I haven't seen my sisters.

[Anita sighs.]

Months? People stay here for that long...?

Yeah. [Her expression is somber, almost sad.]

I've been here...since July, I think.

Damn... I guess... I should prepare for that. Just in case. [That's weighing heavily on him, considering what's about to happen back home.]

I'm...sorry about that, but yeah. You can cross your fingers and hope you get sent back home soon, though.

Hey, being an optimist is definitely something I can do. And I can make the best of the time I do have here.

Sounds like you're gonna be fine, then.

I'll enjoy having superpowers in the meantime- it has been a longtime dream of mine.

...Just don't give yourself too many papercuts.

By the way, I'm Anita.

Thanks, Anita. I'll make sure I have a supply of band-aids on hand just in case, because man, do those sting.

[video]

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