maskormenace | 2 ☄ Video

[The video opens on a guy with a mass of long hair that's being tied behind with both hands. The feed captures his medical coat, and the dim blue hue of monitors to his back. Their light reflects off the metal shelf by his right, whilst his desk sits in darkness, save for a lamp pointed down at the papers on its surface.

Machines hum in the background; together with the ticking of a clock and nearby footfall. He takes a hasty glance and, unsure of how to begin things, shuts his eyes. Does he introduce himself? Does he jump straight to his question? His fingers pull the tie taut then tap his sides. Last month's events were a strange twist of fate - a collapse of logic - that did not allow them peace. Alas! They had raised a question he could not solve alone.

It takes a moment of thought before he talks. His voice is calm but his speech? Noticably slow.]

On examining the situation with the rise of native superheroes, as you call them, I find myself puzzled. We beheld those who were ordinary become capable of the extraordinary. I request you answer one question that's on my mind:

What is the place of imPorts in this world now?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I don't know - I guess it all depends on how long these new guys stick around. I mean, if they got powers all of a sudden, then they can be taken away, right? Well, maybe not taken, but... I guess what I'm trying to say is, we don't know how long this is going to last, so it's hard to say how things are going to change for us.

I fear, whoever you are, that questioning what may change for us might only lead to speculation. What can they do? What can we do about it? And what of them can be of use for us? But why do you question how things are going to change for us? The greatest shock is to those newly empowered. Must we not soothe their concerns first?

[Utena blinks, and realization dawns on her face.]

So what you're saying is, we need to be teachers to these guys. I can understand that - I mean, I know a few imPorts were pretty scared by what happened to them. But do you really think they'd listen to us? I mean, we're pretty popular here, but not with everybody. There's still people here who look at us like we're ticking time bombs.

Their opinions will gradually improve when we lead by example. Are we not, all at once, human beings capable of emotion and reason? These events affect everybody. We have similarity in that if nothing else. I believe some will learn that they cannot rely on their efforts alone. There will indeed be those who shun help but it is their choice; we must respect that.

[Utena glances down and away from the camera, distracted by old memories, and when she speaks her voice softens]

I guess that's how people are, even without powers. But why do you care so much about this?

[She glances back, and her voice finds its strength. However, it's not accusatory; no, it's more curious than anything]

Don't get me wrong - I don't think it's a bad thing. If we can help people, then we should, right? But a lot of people would just ignore these guys and act like it's not their problem.

[He accordingly runs a hand behind his neck and massages it gently; and realizes then that he's expected to give an answer.

Right.]

I know that full well; it is why I am concerned, as you question, with the issue as a whole. I sincerely believe that we should help people, like you say; but if they don't want our help then what?

I guess...hmn. I guess it depends on whether or not they're hurting anyone - or themselves.

[The question passes through him peacefully as he imagines himself elsewhere - dealing with that exact situation.

He answers late.]

You pose a good point; but if they are hurting anyone else or themselves - what then? It's hardly so simple. Sometimes those hurting others and themselves cannot control their actions.

[Utena frowns, furrowing her brow in frustration.]

But why can't they? What's stopping them from... well, stopping?

Illness. It is not always possible for the mind to persuade itself to be calm. And where do I begin to describe the physical reasons? We must appreciate how fortunate we are to be well.

Not a lot of people appreciate how fortunate they are to have good health.

[She pauses a bit, thinking, when something strikes her]

Hey... what kind of place are you from? Is it anything like here? Or is it...

[Behind? Ahead? Do any of those terms matter?]

You know, different. Do you guys have doctors? Hospitals? You know, things like that.

I am happy to remark that we do; however, they are incomparable to those I've visited in this world. They simply have no understanding of magic, which relates to physiology and pathlogy. But I know it is not their fault. For all its advancements, this world seems quite grounded.

[Magic. Another word follows up in her mind: miraculous. Her eyes light up, and she begins to wonder...]

Magic, huh... I bet you could cure anything with a power like that, couldn't you?

[He stares from behind the camera with apathy; a pressed lip hides his frustration with his failure whilst his thoughts force their way through the cracks. A cold tone to rein them in. Not quite successful in hiding them, maybe.]

Such is my belief. The country where I pioneered new ways of medicine is now known as the Land of Immortality. [Though his apathetic tone might give the impression he doesn't care. Except he does. ...It's complicated.] People were struck senseless by my developments; some called them heresy. [Like he's a witch or something, ey.] But yes. In short, so much can be done to make this world better.

[It's strange... what he's talking about is nothing short of miraculous, but he's acting so cold about it. Why is that-ah. Utena's eyes light up in realization, before anger begins to creep across her face.]

That's ridiculous! All you're doing is helping people. What's wrong with-

[Finding something eternal]

-what could possibly be wrong with that?

It bypasses human weakness. I believe in using miraculous power for the benefit of humanity. What do they say to me? It's a desecration. I have no cause to explore profanity; to play God. There's your answer.

[Though those opinions are not the reason he's acting so cold.]

A desecration... but it would only be a desecration if it ruined them, right? I mean, that's what the word means, sort of. Like...

[Suddenly, she remembers one too many scenes from one too many spooky movies. She purses her lips tight, unable to suppress a shudder, before she looks straight in the camera.]

...hey. That magic of yours - how does it work, exactly?

[Victor wrinkles his nose; he feels no love for the people who, in their ignorance, have accursed him of profanity. Though his anger might suggest a more personal motive.]

It transmutes the miraculous energy of creation into an appropriate form. [How to explain it?] For it to do good, magic must be attuned to the white side of the spectrum. To be utelized for offense, it must be attuned to the black. I have attempted to explain that such theories are not the limit of what magic can do; and I have proved a success in that. Does that answer your question?

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