4th Wall Time!

[puzzledprof]

That was certainly unexpected.

Comments

[lukemahboy]

You're telling me! There are strange people everywhere, and... huh? Where are you, Professor?

[puzzledprof]

Apparently, this sort of --

....Luke?

[lukemahboy]

...Yes, it's me? Professor, where did you go? Are you feeling all right?

[puzzledprof]

I'm alright, yes. You need an explanation, but for the moment, are you safe?

[lukemahboy]

An explanation? Safe? Is it dangerous here!? Wherever here is...

[puzzledprof]

This would be "Discedo". And it's just a bit dangerous outside -- it would be best to stay away from anything that doesn't look human, should you come across it. Hopefully with our sudden rise in number, they should be easier to keep away from everyone.

I'm coming to help you.

[lukemahboy]

Discedo? But how did we-

Y-You're joking, right? Not human?

I don't understand... how were we separated?

[puzzledprof]

This is hardly something I would joke about, I'm afraid.

As for how we were separated, that's something I'm still working on myself... when is the last time you saw me, Luke?

[lukemahboy]

But... not human? You mean animals, then?

We were leaving St. Mystere, with Flora, and the next thing I know I'm standing in the street... wait, Flora! Is she with you?

[puzzledprof]

Not animals, I'm afraid. Most here call them monsters; a crude term, but unfortunately accurate.

So it was not long ago... interesting -- Flora? I sincerely hope she's not here; I haven't seen her, at any rate.

[lukemahboy]

Monsters!? That isn't... Are you sure of that?

Professor! How can you say that? If she's not here, then she's all alone somewhere...!

[puzzledprof]

I've gone up against a few of them myself -- I'm quite sure.

Alone? I wouldn't be so sure of that, my boy.

[lukemahboy]

Uh... W-What kind of monsters are we talking about, here?

What do you mean? Is there something you're not telling me?

[puzzledprof]

All sorts -- if it doesn't look human, it's probably a monster. A few are even invisible, so stay away from any laughter you might hear as well.

Concerning that -- it is a simple matter. You say you have only recently seen me, but I've been here for more than six months. That, along with the words of a few that have left and come back, leads me to one conclusion: Time does not pass at home while we're here. It does not seem possible, but it makes the most sense.

[lukemahboy]

If you say so, Professor...

What? Six months!? You mean- you've been here by yourself for that long?

[puzzledprof]

I'm afraid so. I've grown accustomed to it by this point -- hopefully you won't be here nearly that long.