thebackstage | MASTERMIND MEME

[Spongebob went missing near endgame.

No body, no evidence of foul play, just missing. The only evidence that anything was wrong is that his bed is still unmade, which is unusual for anyone who’s slept with him. Spongebob makes his bed if he gets up in the middle of the night for a glass of water. The following trial several people asked the Wizard where Spongebob went but every question was dismissed or outright ignored.

But the following week, everything opens up and reveals that the whole school, both inside and out, was a deep virtual reality world. Everyone will wake up and find themselves on examination tables with headsets on. The building they’re in is clearly some sort of lab, with several cryptic notes about “the formula”, complaining about “my SQUIPs”, “branching out from this crummy town to take over the multiverse”, and talking about how they were thinking about killing someone but realizes that they could still be “useful”.

Along with that is a room dedicated to SQUIPs. The room is stacked with little pills and, notably, a plan that goes “Get new [REDACTED] > Charm the dimensions > Tell them about my great invention > ALL HAIL [REDACTED]”.

There is an additional door, called the “Control Room”, that opens after all the evidence has been found. The room is imposing, with neon lights and wires hanging everywhere, along with what seems to be failed inventions trashed throughout the room.

The survivors might not have much time to ponder this over, however, as sitting in the middle of the room is a giant throne, and sitting in it…

Is Spongebob Squarepants.

He looks bored, reading an issue of “Kelp Weekly”. He eventually looks up and notices everyone, and when he speaks it’s uncharacteristically deep, and might sound familiar to the people who have seen the cartoon.]

Yeeesh, it’s about time you showed up! What’s a guy gotta do for an ounce of competence in his prisoners?

[Let the Mastermind Trial Begin]

[The SQUIP - this SQUIP, at least - had managed to not only avoid getting killed, but managed to reclaim the memories necessary to keep from killing - after all, if Jeremy had already broken their user agreement, what would it care about him? So it's pushed forwards, or perhaps has been pulled along - or in to the others.

There has been a change in it. It is not the same as it was in the beginning. But it still does not know what it is, or what it wants; only that these people are important to it, somehow, and it does not wish to see them gone.

But when they awaken, when they find mention of other SQUIPs - this one's blood runs cold. For while it, maybe, just maybe could call these others 'friends' - if it has a family, it is its kin. The other SQUIPs. It outright falls to its knees in horror when it sees the storage room. Seeing a human body may disturb the others, but this- this realization, this understanding that it, they, have all been abused - it's not quite catatonic as it tries to process this new information, but it certainly needs to be helped along to the control room, and its gaze is dull as it looks up to the speaker.

Then it sharpens. And the SQUIP's face turns in to one of fury as its mouth turns in to an ugly snarl.]

How dare you.

[Emotions are something it's slowly becoming accustomed to, with the help of others. But it has - surges - of ones too powerful to control, or rather, one it doesn't know how to control. As a child will become overwhelmed before they have the maturity and growth - the SQUIP here has to be literally held back to keep from lunging at Spongebob]

Edited 2021-07-23 02:07 (UTC)

[Spongebob looks annoyed as SQUIP has to be restrained.]

Why must there always be a flaw in my brilliant inventions?

[He throws away the magazine and stands up.]

So what's your plan, exactly? Did you think that beating up this moronic cube will do? I'm in control here, now!

[He laughs a maniacal laugh, completely unlike the voice they would all be used to.]

I was made in Japan!

[nOT BIKINI BOTTOM]

Look, no land animal is going to buy pills from a place called Bikini Bottom; I had to pick some place that would sound enticing to those morons!

[this is making an uncanny amount of sense and the SQUIP may or may not be having another existential crisis-

-or it can just shrug off the people holding it back and scowl darkly]

And the point? The purpose?

To enslave all every living being on Earth to do my bidding, of course! Keep up with the program, Squippy!

[And abruptly?

The SQUIP blinks once, and then its expression goes utterly blank. In a calm, composed voice;]

I see. You aren't Spongebob.

[What. You think it wasn't collecting data during that mini-breakdown? Being called 'Squippy' just cements it.]

[He gives the most sarcastic clap.]

Oh bra-vo, Einstein. What was your first clue? The voice, the fact that I called him a moron, or the fact that I act nothing like Mr "I somehow live with zero brain cells"?

[He sounds almost bored, disappointed in SQUIP. Like he expected a lot better from it.]

You misunderstand my point.

You are not Spongebob; you are merely a parasite that is inhabiting his form.

But you cannot currently exist without that form, can you? Or else, you would have come, yourself.

[He pauses, and then bursts out laughing. He is so overwhelmed by this laugh that he falls back into his chair.]

Oh Neptune... You think I'm one of you guys?

[Eventually the laugher dies down, and he wipes tears from his eyes.]

Does the term plankton mean anything to you? I can exist perfectly fine without this dimwitted sponge, but it's not exactly intimidating when no one can even hear your evil rants!

[ It's a long road to the end. Janis makes her exit somewhere in the middle, done in not before establishing a fucking polycule but perhaps too soon to become quite as close as she did. But she did die. That's clear.

Which is why it's weird, probably, when the facts get put together: there is no Wizard. There was, but. He died? He's been dead for a long time now? But things just... kept going. Over and over again.

Maybe that's why Janis looks so tired when she steps out from behind the tree. ]

It's a cautionary tale
Of fear and lust and pride
Based on actual events
Where people died

How far would you go
To save the multiverse?
Would you resist temptation?
No you would not.

Just admit it, sometimes doomed is what you are
Doomed is easier than nice
And though hope can get you far
Maybe this will make you think twice:

[ She snaps her fingers and, just like that, the screens that displayed the forest change. Video clip after video clip - your memories, but not quite how you remember them. ]

This is our cautionary tale
About corruption and betrayal
And doing it over again
You can't buy an ending at the mall, it's not for sale!
So ends our cautionary tale!

[ Janis looks around at everyone. ]

The Wizard's been gone for eighty-seven loops now. I'm the only one who remembers. Guess that makes me the villain.

So come on and sit
In the dark with me
In the dark with me
No one and nothing can break through
No one and nothing can break through the darkness out there!

[ hey do you guys hear boss music ]

Edited 2021-07-24 02:41 (UTC)

[ So here's the thing about Orpheus - he's a terrible liar.

From the first day, it's clear he knows more about what's going on than everyone else. Not that he helps them look for information, or goes out of his way to explain anything, or even to talk to anyone - except Eurydice, who he finds immediately, sticks beside with a quiet sort of relief, almost crying when he sees her there. But he doesn't react to the rules with anything but a resigned sort of sigh, stands back and keeps his head low as a woman with dark hair and eyes introduces herself as Thea and explains things. When someone approaches him later, and asks if he's been through something like this before, he just looks at Eurydice with a deep and terrible sadness in his eyes and doesn't answer.

The first murder comes, and he lays coins over the eyes of the dead, as before - but there's no tears from him at the trial, nothing but quiet exhaustion as he steps forward to hand the culprit their coins as well. He doesn't say anything. He hardly speaks to anyone, really, but especially during trials he seems to retreat inwards, going silent and stoic. Eurydice worries about him - of course she does - but to everyone else, he's just... always like this. Always quiet, always half-hiding behind her, always looking like his mind is somewhere else entirely. Another murder happens, then another, then another, and each time the same reaction, until -

Here's the thing about Orpheus - he loves Eurydice, with everything he has.

When she's found lying twisted and broken on the floor, he screams, an almost inhuman, agonized wail that pierces the air. The stones of the school's foundation shudder and shake for his grief, and almost before anyone can check the body for clues he picks her up and carries her out of the room, and isn't seen again. His podium stands empty at the trial.

The execution is - brutal, even by the standards of these things. The culprit, in this time and place, does not escape.

The next week, the sky opens in a torrential downpour. The flowers around the school and its grounds wilt and fall apart. Thea appears, looking run-down and grief-stricken as she has since the first execution, and announces: ]

The wizard is ready to see you. Please, follow me.

[ She walks out into the pouring rain, into the garden, walking over the fallen flower petals now littering the ground. Before one of the trees kneels Orpheus, dressed in mourner's garb and staring down at Eurydice's grave.

He doesn't react, when you come in. But you're used to that, by now. He always looks like he's somewhere far away, except when he had Eurydice to talk to. Maybe at first you assume he just got here early, or maybe you catch on before Thea goes over to stand next to him, helping him to his feet. He turns to look at all of you. ]

This happens. Every time.

[ There's something new in his expression. Something behind all the exhaustion and sadness. He's angry. ]

I thought - maybe it'd turn out this time. But it didn't. I failed her again, and you - you're all the same. No matter how many times I do this, one of you always takes her away from me.

[Spongebob saw from day 1 how distant Orpheus is, and, frankly, he saw it as the perfect opportunity to befriend him and show how wonderful the world is. And when he sees how negatively effected he was at Eurydice's death, he tried every trick in the book to help him: Trying to talk to him, give him tea and cookies, leaving him little notes.

So when Thea drags him and all the others out into the rainstorm to Orpheus, he doesn't see the anger, he just sees a friend who needs help.]

Orpheus! What are you doing out here in the rain? You could get sick out here!

[He doesn't connect the dots that he's behind all this.

Or maybe he doesn't want to.]

Wh-

[No. No no no no. This isn't right. This can't be.]

Spongebob!?

[ Oh, Spongebob. Out of everyone here, he's the likeliest to have gotten the tiniest smile out of Orpheus, maybe once or twice. A little act of kindness, very early on that - honestly should've been a surprise, but somehow wasn't, somehow he seemed to almost be expecting it, but made him lighten up just the smallest bit all the same.

But there's always been a kind of inexplicable animosity there, too, and it's only grown as the weeks have gone on. He stares at Spongebob, then shakes his head and addresses the group. ]

I owe you all an explanation. It never changes anything but - you deserve that much. For making it this far.

[He pauses.

Then looks left

And right

And he shrugs, before standing up.]

Yes, it is I, Spongebob Squarepants! This whole time I was duping you into thinking I was a moronic dimwitted nuisance when really I was masterminding this whole scheme, and I-

[He stops suddenly. Nah, he wants the attention.]

Aww forget it. You are all idiots but I'm sure even you could notice the dramatic voice change.

[His heart sinks, slightly. He doesn't want to believe it, not when he fought so hard to keep everyone together as a family.

One of them couldn't have been lying to them this whole time.]

Orpheus, please tell us you found a way out! Tell us that you're going to explain something good.

I don't-

[remember the clues remember the clues remember the clues]

...You're...you...

[The formula is life.]

Spongebob would never do this! Not for a formula! He'd never murder!

[That much is certain. That, and the deep voice.]

Edited 2021-07-24 03:51 (UTC)

[ Orpheus bends down to lay the bouquet of red carnations he's holding - the only flowers not withered and browned left in the garden - down on Eurydice's grave, before straightening and looking back at Spongebob. ]

I'm not. I'm sorry. [ He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, stepping forward onto the lip of the reflecting pool. ]

You all know my story, right? Our story, mine and Eurydice's. You've been too polite to tell me, this time, but I know. [ Slowly, he walks around the edge of the pool, balancing carefully on the retaining wall, arms held out to his sides. ]

She died. I went to the underworld to beg for her life - and I did the impossible. I moved the heart of a god, and he let her go, under one condition. We had to walk back out, and I couldn't look to see if she was following me. We almost did it. We were almost there, and then -

[ He opens his eyes, pivoting on his heels and reaching out towards Eurydice's grave, singing; ]

A look so quick, a movement so slight
You could almost imagine it didn't just happen
But everything would change, in just one look, one little glance
It's not passing fascination, no

[So- the round here went a little differently. Yes, you were still in a high school, but your overseer never once denied the fact that she was a created thing. Nonetheless, she absolutely loved to sing, and loved to listen to you as well - perhaps she even made it in to a polycule! Who knows.

And as for a certain Keanu Reeves look-alike...well. They died a few weeks ago, in a case that seemed to be self-defense gone lethal. Their 'murderer' went quickly, at least. And it wasn't like the SQUIP as well-liked; still, Hatsune seemed saddened by the loss of a fellow nonhuman, and grew close to the others...up until she herself disappeared.

Hunting her down reveals clues about timelines and systems failure and a failed alpha. Something about continuing to exist after shutdown, and either applying that to the multiverse or avoiding it entirely; it's hard to tell, with how scattered the notes are. But eventually, you enter what looks like an oversized server room; towers of systems line the walls, creating alleys and rows where shadows seem to move and dart about. You even hear voices, as you approach what appears to be a cleared area;]

You're all proof positive of what can be accomplished when people work together. It's incredible, really.

[Another voice calls out from the side;]

Of course, you're not the only ones who can...synchronize.

[Another, and motion-]

And you're not the only ones who can pick themselves up after a failure.

[There are at least five different forms here, sitting, standing, or otherwise lounging in the shadows. The circuits on their clothing and bodies glow dimly, creating an eerie effect as they chant as one;]

We have control
We keep you safe
We are your hope
We have control
We keep you safe
We are your hope
We have control

Welcome to your final trial. As per the program, you have a single chance to terminate your user agreements. However, I will warn that doing so will doom your respective worldlines to destruction.

[The SQUIPs smile calmly. And behind the one that appears to be their leader, the silhouette of a twintailed girl takes position - and begins to dance]

Any questions?

[they'll save you, oh pitiful children]

Edited 2021-07-24 04:09 (UTC)

[No, it doesn't, but-]

I don't believe you can, no.

[Something is very wrong.

Sissi has been alive this entire time. She's been helping out with the clues, helping everyone to catch those unjustly killed in the Wizard's twisted game. Pondering what in the world she could do to stop the killings.

The clues sin their final search begin to give her clarity. One of the survivors had found a notebook with strange notes, scribbled down hastily. One of them warns, do not say this during the trial. It is a phrase, not to be spoken, not to be remembered.

It's a dare, and of course, someone speaks it as they begin to realize the Wizard might have someone working with them among the survivors. For a moment, nothing happens.

Then, in the distance in the void, a clock began to chime.

And in the empress's mind, all falls into place.]

Ah.

[Anyone who asks her why she looks like she has had an epiphany are suddenly interrupted by a thick, rolling fog, and a great, sun-blotting murder of black feathers. They swirl into the clearing, blinding everyone. And when it clears, Sissi is gone from the trial.

But only momentarily.]

There's nothing worse than to know
how disaster develops
and to have to watch it helplessly.

[Her voice echoes through the shy as the skies darken. Soon it is dark and sunless, just like night, if the night lacked stars or any other light. Even the artificial lights brought in by the survivors are dimmed, as a figure appears in the pond, walking on the water towards the survivors.]

The shadows are getting longer
Night came before your day even began
The shadows are getting longer
The world is dying with you,
so don't try to fight it!

[She stands before them, her train a shadow on the water. Her expression is stern, and has nothing of the warmth and kindness so associated with the old lady. In fact, she seems almost a completely different person, though she looks, stands, and sounds like the empress everyone had come to know.

As if the translucent bubble that surrounds her isn't enough of a warning that attacking her won't work, she is also flanked by a half-dozen winged figures, all in black, all staring at the survivors, as if daring them to try anything to their liege.]

Welcome, survivors, to the true Final Trial of Loop 362. All are assembled at court, once more, on the deck of a sinking world.

[She sits on a great black throne, which materializes as she goes down.]

Let us begin, shall we?

Edited 2021-07-24 04:16 (UTC)

You'd be surprised, Madame Corpse. Spongedud would do anything to protect the secret formula.

[He knocks on his head.]

Including letting me borrow his brain for a little bit!

[He just

Glares.]

Silence, pawn, I told you already that I can live perfectly fine without this dolt.

MASTERMIND MEME

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject