火 1

[sofaultless]

[there's a voice, mature and confident.]

This is Princess Azula speaking.

I've read your book for long enough to figure out how it works, but I'm finding it makes for particularly boring reading. I would like this place explained, clearly and concisely, and without all the unnecessary drivel.

Go.

Comments

1/2

[cricketycricket]

[is silent for a long moment, while he tries to figure out whether he should say something, or not. because, well. he did enjoy the intellectual conversations. but she was a bit ... well ... AZULA.

... maybe this time, without the Master's prior influence, without the memories ...

... maybe she'll be different.]

2/2

[cricketycricket]

[finally, he clears his throat quietly, and speaks up]

Ah, Your Highness. Welcome to Paradisa... again. You've been here before, I'm afraid, but this place tends to play with the memories of those who come and go. I've been through it, myself, you see.

Where would you like me to begin? There's quite a lot to explain, after all.

[sofaultless]

Other people have covered the castle itself, but you appear to know me. I want details on who you are.

[cricketycricket]

[same old Azula. nods to himself, and speaks slowly but evenly] I'm the Doctor ... a Time Lord, from the planet of Gallifrey. Before I was brought here, I traveled in space and time, with a ship that's come along with me. My species doesn't die when killed - we regenerate a set number of times before death, so there has been more than one reincarnation of me, here. I am in my fifth, currently, though my eleventh is here, as well.

You were one of the people who welcomed me back, when I left and returned, and so I do not know as much of you as some here who remember you will ... but I thought it prudent, at the very least, to return the same courtesy you showed to me.

[sofaultless]

[That's pretty weird, but she keeps that to herself. Diplomacy, and all.]

I see. I wasn't aware there was life beyond our planet.

[pause]

So neither of us know each other now.

[cheerupemoborg]

Welcome to Paradisa, princess.

As far as I can tell, it's a sentient world that likes to kidnap people from their homes to be brought here for some unknown purpose.

Apparently, it has the power to grant wishes and bring you back from the dead in two weeks.

[sofaultless]

Back from the dead? Has anyone witnessed this?

[cheerupemoborg]

From what I've been told, many times.

I've yet to see it for myself, however.

[sofaultless]

Do you know who has?

[payback]

[...hm. uh-oh.]

...The castle will change its appearance on occasion, to mimic the form of another world entirely. Often it's one that's foreign to most of us who live here. These changes usually last around a week, sometimes two, usually with successive changes for the worse, although not always. Then we come back to the castle.

Sometimes the castle changes itself in more trivial ways too. Like, residents might be forced to live together and do activities together for a week before being released.

[sofaultless]

This sounds remarkably like some elaborate, juvenile fantasy.

[payback]

I suppose a child might have dreamed up the castle somehow. It's as good a theory as anything.

Hello, I'm Rin.

[sofaultless]

And as I've said, I'm Princess Azula. I'm pleased to meet someone with a normal name.

What is the popular theory, other than "it's just a magic castle?"

[mmm_paradise]

Welcome back. You're trapped. Have fun.

[sofaultless]

I'm certain I will.