A Child's Curiosity

I understand why you'd consider this intrusive... But look at this from the police's perspective...

That doesn't sound like a very amiable conversation.

Ah, it's that EGPD cop... The one that arrested the innocent IDAite. Looks like he's got another case on his hands.

There's something weird about this. Let's see how it plays out.

Look, the school isn't happy. Surely you see why it's a problem for them to have students going missing for days?

How many times do we have to repeat ourselves? There's absolutely no call for you to get involved.

Don't interfere in our family matters any further, thanks. Good day to you, sir.

Those two didn't seem very happy with you. Would you mind telling me what that was about?

Oh brother, not the IDEAlist Mary Sue again...

Eh, given how complicated this case is it'd be sensible to get your take. Incidentally... *cough* Schools across Elzion are having problems with their fish not showing up. But when we talk to the manta rays they all insist that this clearly-not-fine situation is actually perfectly fine.

I see what you mean. These must be rough waters for the EGPD.

We're on the same page then, yeah?

It's as you say, when we try and talk to the manta rays they always kick up a storm. Apparently they've left their precious fish in the care of a trustworthy shark. Who this shark is, we don't know, but the key point is that they're trustworthy, all the manta rays insist very strongly on this. The fish have been away from their coral reefs for some time now. It's worrying, but I'm at a loss of what to do.

Fish, manta rays and a shark... You'd lost me at first, but I've got it now.

Would you believe it, even the leader of my reef has fallen for the con. So, I've been out on my own on this one. Now it's starting to look like too big a wave for me to surf alone. Even so, I won't throw in the towel! As a proud manta ray myself, I can't rest easy while a shark is on the loose in Elzionish waters.

The IDEAlists will investigate this fishy business, rest assured.

Just remember: all we did was have a little chat about current affairs in the aquarium.

What sort of self-respecting parent would leave their child in the care of some stranger?

Listening to that has made me feel sea-sick. Everything so far suggests...

What's up, Isuka?

Never mind.

I can't let this go. They should still be in the vicinity. We have to find out what's behind their puzzling decision. Let's hurry, Aldo. If the shark is allowed to do as he pleases, the devastation will surpass that of any tidal wave.

If he's involved personally this time, as appears to be case... The potential consequences don't bear thinking about.

Aldo, I'd like to talk to that couple from earlier. As you can see, this case has me concerned.

They should still be in the vicinity. We have to find out what's behind their puzzling decision. Let's hurry, Aldo. If the shark is allowed to do as he pleases, the devastation will surpass that of any tidal wave.

Good day, sir, madam. A moment of your time, if you'd be so kind? We overheard that you've left your child in someone else's care. Is that true?

Either you've got the ears of a fox, or the EGPD cop filled you in about that.

Just regular humans ears. Anyway, we were surprised by what we heard. Is this person really legitimate, d'you think?

He's more than that, he's a truly special person. Our son had always been rebellious... Yet with him, he stopped misbehaving completely. My husband couldn't stomach the idea of letting our son go at first. Then he met with him just one time, and that got him fully on board.

Frankly I'm ashamed of myself. I was thinking "this has gotta be a crook," but nope, the guy was as nice as can be.

Now that I look at you... There's something about you that reminds me of him.

Oh... I see what you mean.

......

......

What's the matter all of a sudden?! Are you two all right?

You won't get another word out of us. Not until the paradise has been secured, and all the meddlers are out of reach.

Their change of attitude there was pretty unnatural.

No...that's not possible. There's just no way...

Isuka? You don't look well. Is something wrong?

There is one person that comes to mind. Someone who could have brainwashed them into kidnapping kids.

Really? Who?!

Curio. The one from this time layer.

What?!

...It started the first time his flames burned down our home. After that, we knew no peace. We kept getting wrapped up in these awful incidents, one after another. The perpetrators were always caught, but they were like puppets with their strings cut. And... From the very start, I knew who it was who had been pulling those strings from the shadows.

The power of supreme control...

Think about it. Skillful manipulation of others, an appearance like mine. Everything points to it being him.

But, wait, he...

That's right. He died in Iscariot. Right before our very eyes. But that's why I need to see the truth for myself. I need to see who's really behind this...if it really is him.

...I knew it.

Isuka? You don't look well. Is something wrong?

There is one person that comes to mind. Someone who could have brainwashed them into kidnapping kids.

Really? Who?!

It's Curio. The one from this time later.

What?!

...It started the first time his flames burned down our home. After that, we knew no peace. We kept getting wrapped up in these awful incidents, one after another. The perpetrators were always caught, but they were like puppets with their strings cut. And... From the very start, I knew who it was who had been pulling those strings from the shadows.

The power of supreme control...

Think about it. Skillful manipulation of others, an appearance like mine. Everything points to it being him.

The same one who showed up at the hospital to taunt Lotta?

Most likely. He died in Iscariot, right before our very eyes... But that's why I need to see the truth for myself. I need to see who's really behind this...if it really is him.

I failed to conceal the fact that I'm a "meddler."

It's unusual for you to have your intentions read. Usually even I don't know what you're thinking.

I need to get a hold of my emotions. There's a personal element involved this time, but I can't go losing my cool.

Personal element? Care to explain?

An old rival of mine, I have a strong suspicion he's behind this. If it wasn't for him, and his inexplicable act of arson, me and the others... Anyway, his modus operandi is to remain behind the scenes and incite others to commit crimes on his behalf. We've never been able to apprehend him, as he's always had scapegoats to shield him from blame. They always seemed as if they'd been completely brainwashed. It was pitiful. I never wanted to see anyone like that again. That couple just now though, they seemed to have lost all reason.

......

This guy is on another level to any other criminal I've ever dealt with. He's able to manipulate people with words, like a puppet master with strings. It's some kind of special ability. Even people renowned for being wise are powerless but to obey him. The worst part is that people don't realize they've been manipulated. They consider everything to have been their own free will.

Sounds like stopping him will be a challenge then.

I failed to conceal the fact that I'm a "meddler."

It's unusual for you to have your intentions read. Usually even I don't know what you're thinking.

I need to get a hold of my emotions. There's a personal element involved this time, but I can't go losing my cool.

Could that be...

The Curio from this time layer. An old friend...

You told me once that you had a complicated situation. What the heck happened?

If it wasn't for him, and his inexplicable act of arson, me and the others...

What's that?!

Anyway, his modus operandi is to remain behind the scenes and incite others to commit crimes on his behalf. We've never been able to apprehend him, as he's always had scapegoats to shield him from blame. I never wanted to see anyone like that again.

......

This guy is on another level to any other criminal I've ever dealt with. He's able to manipulate people with words, like a puppet master with strings. It's some kind of special ability. Even people renowned for being wise are powerless but to obey him. The worst part is that people don't realize they've been manipulated. They consider everything to have been their own free will.

It's just like the case this time.

We have clues, from that conversation. First and foremost is the "paradise" he said the children are going to. Knowing him, the part about us being "left behind" is no bluff. Either we track the children down in time, or they'll be gone for good. No isolated paradises come to mind straight off the bat though... Urgh...

Okay, so let's see if we can find any other parents who'll talk to us.

Our best bet would be to go to one of the residential districts. Although, if the parents realize IDEA is involved...

Hmm. In that case, how about I handle the talking and you wear a disguise? That way you can listen in still.

That's a good idea, Aldo. All right, let's head for the Theta District first, shall we?

Hi. I've heard about a young man who's been taking children into his care. Have you heard of him?

Oh... And how does this concern you?

I thought this whole thing sounded kind of worrying, but if you could explain it all to me...

Have you met him? If not, you'll scarcely be able to imagine what a wonderful person this is we're talking about. I'd been raising my kid as a single mother. It was tough going! I was always worried I'd be a bad parent, and that he'd end up going down the wrong path.

His intervention has solved all that. I knew from the very first moment we met what kind of person he was... Someone who understood all my problems, and knew all the right solutions.

My boy was excited about what's in store. For him this is like a big adventure. I've said my goodbyes. They'll be taking off fairly soon, then they'll have the rest of their lives to enjoy in paradise. A place free from all the pitiful worries and pointless struggles of our grubby little Elzion.

Hello. I've heard about a young man who's been taking children into his care. Have you heard of him?

As it happens, our Claudian is one of those children.

Is that so... It's fairly unusual to be parents at your age, isn't it?

He's our grandchild. We had been his guardians since he was orphaned.

Forgive my insensitivity.

In any case, do you know where he might be now?

Lemme have a think... Ah yes. Claudian's new guardian is in the process of creating a paradise. Far, far away from our banal city.

He'll be much better off there rather than down here with us old fogies.

He'll undoubtedly have a splendid life up there, together with his trustworthy mentor.

This is seriously disturbing.

I'm sorry. Perhaps it wasn't right of me to drag you into this one.

I've seen my share of messed up stuff. Don't worry about it. Hey, here comes the EGPD cop again.

Oh, it's you again. And who's this with the hood? Well never mind that. It's happy days for me. I've finally tracked down the shady shark.

Seriously? If so, that's great!

Hey, there's no need for the hood anymore, Is...

There is, actually. Keep the conversation going. Something doesn't seem right.

Huh?

Turns out he really is trustworthy. Better than that actually, he's like some kind of saint. A Gary Stu to the IDEAlists' Mary Sue, you could say. So naturally, I had no reservations about letting my own daughter go with him. I almost envy her, she'll get to grow up in a paradise completely secluded from our corrupt society.

Damn... Another puppet... We could have used his help, seeing as we still don't even know where this paradise is.

There's no such location matching the descriptions we heard...

A place free from all the pitiful worries and pointless struggles of our grubby little Elzion.

His new guardian is in the process of creating a paradise. Far, far away from our banal city.

I almost envy her, she'll get to grow up in a paradise completely secluded from our corrupt society.

...At least not on this planet! He can't be... Is he really planning to...

You okay, Isuka?

That paradise isn't anywhere on earth... It's in the sky!

The sky?! But that could only mean...

The most isolated inhabitable area of our modern civilization. The Xeno-Domain.

Let's get to the Babel Space Elevator ASAP, and find out who's been lifting off into space recently.

The programmers must have counted on the floor's restricted access being secure enough. The records for departures are freely available on this terminal.

And here it is! One departure for the Xeno-Domain, just recently.

Hey, Isuka. Supposing it really is Curio, why would he leave any evidence behind?

He didn't bother to delete the data? Wasn't he supposed to be a criminal mastermind?

That's why he isn't concerned about being followed. To him, the idea of being stopped by anyone is inconceivable. Anyway, let's go and see what's up.

Hey, Isuka... If it's not too painful to talk about... would you mind telling me about your history with this guy?

......

I expected I'd have to tell you eventually.

Many years ago, Curio came into our lives, quite out of the blue. When our group first met him, all twelve of us thought he was adorable. He was much younger than us, you see.

All twelve of you? Who is this we're talking about?

Yeah... Did I not tell you about my upbringing? I was raised in a facility. One that produced genetically-enhanced, supremely gifted individuals. The idea was that we'd serve some greater purpose. And when I say produced, I mean in a lab, we didn't have parents.

......

It's fine. Our lifestyles were comfortable, and the researchers rarely required us to do anything strenuous.

At least, that was the case for the others. The researchers took a particular interest in me, and subjected me to regular testing. Nothing extreme, just brain scans and interviews mostly. After Curio showed up, he too was asked to take the tests. On the day he was first due to be tested, the facility was decimated by fire. It began with an explosion. Next thing I knew, I was surrounded by smoke. Hazy as my conscious was, I resolved to find Curio. I made my way through the burning rubble, my awareness constantly growing dimmer, until... At last I find him. Standing amidst the flames, his face lit up by an expression of pure joy. It was obvious to me then and there that the fire hadn't been an accident; that he had caused it. His expression wasn't one of someone with waning sanity. He was simply relishing the spectacle of his achievement. Before I could question him, the roof collapsed and everything went black. My next memory is of waking up in hospital. You know the rest.

So... Ever since then he's been going around using some kind of mind control power to stir up trouble? I can't say that makes a lot of sense to me.

Nor to me, Aldo. He was so sweet and straightforward back in the day. I still don't understand what happened to him.

...But ultimately, the circumstances don't matter. Curio has malicious intentions, and the power to see them to fruition. He's a threat to our society and must be stopped. It's a job that falls to someone cut from the same cloth as him. Someone made from the same blueprint, in other words, someone like me.

Hey...Isuka. If you don't want to talk, that's fine. But what happened to the Curio in this time layer? He looks completely different from the one in the other time layer. Did something happen?

......

You're right. It's hard to answer that but...

Many years ago, Curio came into our lives, quite out of the blue. When our group first met him, all twelve of us thought he was adorable. He was much younger than us, you see.

All twelve of you?

Yeah, when we were in the Lost Laboratory. The place that produced genetically-enhanced, supremely gifted individuals. The idea was that we'd serve some greater purpose. And when I say produced, I mean in a lab, we didn't have parents.

Yeah... Just as I said before. It was when I was in a facility. One that produced genetically-enhanced, supremely gifted individuals. The idea was that we'd serve some greater purpose. And when I say produced, I mean in a lab, we didn't have parents.

......

It's fine. Our lifestyles were comfortable, and the researchers rarely required us to do anything strenuous.

At least, that was the case for the others. The researchers took a particular interest in me, and subjected me to regular testing. Nothing extreme, just brain scans and interviews mostly. After Curio showed up, he too was asked to take the tests. On the day he was first due to be tested, the facility was decimated by fire. It began with an explosion. Next thing I knew, I was surrounded by smoke. Hazy as my conscious was, I resolved to find Curio. I made my way through the burning rubble, my awareness constantly growing dimmer, until... At last I find him. Standing amidst the flames, his face lit up by an expression of pure joy. It was obvious to me then and there that the fire hadn't been an accident; that he had caused it. His expression wasn't one of someone with waning sanity. He was simply relishing the spectacle of his achievement. Before I could question him, the roof collapsed and everything went black. My next memory is of waking up in hospital. You know the rest.

So... Curio's been going around using some kind of mind control power to stir up trouble? For what purpose?

Nor to me, Aldo. He was so sweet and straightforward back in the day. I still don't understand what happened to him.

...But ultimately, the circumstances don't matter. Curio has malicious intentions, and the power to see them to fruition. He's a threat to our society and must be stopped. It's a job that falls to someone cut from the same cloth as him. Someone made from the same blueprint, in other words, someone like me.

Hey...Isuka. If you don't want to talk, that's fine. But what happened to the Curio in this time layer? He looks completely different from the one in the other time layer. Did something happen?

......

You're right. It's hard to answer that but...

Many years ago, Curio came into our lives, quite out of the blue. When our group first met him, all twelve of us thought he was adorable. He was much younger than us, you see.

All twelve of you?

Yeah, when we were in the Lost Laboratory. The place that produced genetically-enhanced, supremely gifted individuals. The idea was that we'd serve some greater purpose. And when I say produced, I mean in a lab, we didn't have parents.

......

It's fine. Our lifestyles were comfortable, and the researchers rarely required us to do anything strenuous.

At least, that was the case for the others. The researchers took a particular interest in me, and subjected me to regular testing. Nothing extreme, just brain scans and interviews mostly. After Curio showed up, he too was asked to take the tests. On the day he was first due to be tested, the facility was decimated by fire. It began with an explosion. Next thing I knew, I was surrounded by smoke. Hazy as my conscious was, I resolved to find Curio. I made my way through the burning rubble, my awareness constantly growing dimmer, until... At last I find him. Standing amidst the flames, his face lit up by an expression of pure joy. It was obvious to me then and there that the fire hadn't been an accident; that he had caused it. His expression wasn't one of someone with waning sanity. He was simply relishing the spectacle of his achievement. Before I could question him, the roof collapsed and everything went black. My next memory is of waking up in hospital. You know the rest.

...

So... Ever since then he's been going around using some kind of mind control power to stir up trouble? I can't say that makes a lot of sense to me.

Nor to me, Aldo. He was so sweet and straightforward back in the day. I still don't understand what happened to him.

...Come on. If he truly has come back to life... If he has, then we need to find out how, and what he's after here.

Seems Curio left the kids here. Let's get them out of here quick, before he shows up!

Long time no see, Seeker! We've been patiently waiting for you. Or made to wait, I should say. I'd have been happy to blast off anyway, but Curiosity insisted.

No way... Folt?!

Foltschritt. Would it pain you so much to call me by my proper name?

This is ridiculous...

What's going on here? Do you know each other?

......

Seeker and myself go way back. Don't we, Seeker?

This is disorientating. Why is she calling you "Seeker"?

The theme of your design may have been different from mine, but clearly that hasn't impacted your prescience whatsoever. I suppose what counts is the DNA we share, my dear prototype.

...!

That voice! He really did survive, then?!

I'm embarrassed of myself. I thought I was ready for this, but... Actually coming face to face with him, I can't shake this fog in my head. This trembling in my arms and legs.

Isuka...

So, before we see who you truly are, I want to know why. Why are you rewriting these children's memories? What are you after... Curio?

Wait, what? You're saying they've had their memories replaced?

Folt was one of the girls in Lab 1. I assume he's overwritten the memories of the others too.

No way! How the heck is that even possible?!

It's a simple enough process, given you have the datafied form of a person. And considering the objectives and methodology of the Sapient Complex... It doesn't surprise me they'd have kept backups of us.

Wouldn't all that have been destroyed in the fire, though?

Yes, unless it had been taken out of harm's way beforehand. Curio, a question: during your time at the institute, did you struggle with loneliness?

If you're asking that to see my reaction, I won't oblige you. Please cease to spout hot air, it depresses me. You're among the few candidates I'd consider a potential conversation partner for me, yet even you're falling painfully short.

What?

...I see. Now it all makes sense. Loneliness is your problem, and so your solution is, effectively, to clone yourself, yes?

And for what purpose have you overwritten these children's memories with those of our old crew, Curio?

Wait, what? You're saying they've had their memories replaced?

Folt was one of the girls at the institute. I assume he's overwritten the memories of the others too.

No way! How the heck is that even possible?!

It's a simple enough process, given you have the datafied form of a person. And considering the objectives and methodology at the institute, it doesn't surprise me they'd have had backups of us.

Wouldn't all that have been destroyed in the fire though?

Yes, unless it had been taken out of harm's way beforehand. Curio, a question: during your time at the institute, did you struggle with loneliness?

If you're asking that to see my reaction, I won't oblige you. Please cease to spout hot air, it depresses me. You're among the few candidates I'd consider a potential conversation partner for me, yet even you're falling painfully short.

And yet you have still very kindly answered my question. Loneliness is your problem, and so your solution is, effectively, to clone yourself, yes?

It's not difficult to put two and two together, is it? I'm personally enjoying this little project titled "Beings of Equal Intellect," there's just so much to be discovered. In fact, I'm making a game of it. And in order to win a game, one creates the perfect strategy; ensures that all the pieces are in place. Now for my next move: vacating this planet for my pristine paradise and stopping any potential meddlers in their tracks!

...... I thought something had changed in you; that you had lost your original, pure self.

But this was your personality all along. You always prioritized your curiosity above all else. You see yourself as the sole player. It's a game of strategic positions and disposable, doll-like pieces, ones you feel entitled to move around as you please.

If this world could be interpreted otherwise, I would be more open-minded. However... I cannot exist anywhere other than above this society, where not a single person within it has intelligence matching my own.

You think you can mess with people just because they're not as smart as you? That's ridiculous!

If this planet's finest academics and philosophers can't hold my interest, there is certainly little point in me exchanging words with you. There had, however, been one man who promised to exceed all the others: the great Professor Chronos. As bad luck would have it, he has inexplicably vanished. Thus I must proceed with this plan. Would you care to see us off, Isuka? Beyond here the children's illustrious, isolated ark awaits. Their departure will be a delightful prelude to the realization of my great scheme.

I didn't take the long ride up the elevator to hear about your "great" scheme, I came put a stop to it. As your...sole family member, it's my duty to help you off this dark path you're on.

You were designed "to seek," were you not? How could it be that you've become so closed-minded? And how could you find contentment with such mediocrity for companionship? It baffles belief. The lab's purpose was to produce us, superior beings, and our powers were meant for controlling others. Not assisting them! Power such as yours is wasted while you continue to deny the truth.

Perhaps a spot of combat will help you come to your senses.

It's your thinking that's baffling. Why do you have to use your abilities to dominate others, just because you can?

......

As a matter of fact, the answer is: you can't. Because I'm going to end this, right now.

Heh. What can you do when your opponent has superior pieces. Your nimble knight had the edge over my lackluster sentries.

I'm not playing the same game as you, Curio. Aldo here isn't a "piece" to me, but a trusted ally.

Now, I'd say you have some returning to do. First, the memories to the children, and then the children to us. After that, we'll be returning to Elzion. With your scheme foiled, you'll have a judge and jury to justify your actions to. And this time...I'll see it sticks.

Now, I'd say you have some returning to do. First, the memories to the children, and then the children to us. After that, we'll be returning to Elzion. With your scheme foiled, you'll have a judge and jury to justify your actions to.

......

Not liking the sound of it...

Really...

Curio isn't supposed to be an android right? Then why...

It was his voice. He must have been operating this android from a safe location.

...Huh? Where's this?

The kids are looking confused all of a sudden. I guess that means...

How gentlemanly of you, Curio.

I don't consider you my equal, Isuka, but I'll concede that you have some worth.

That voice...

I took the precaution of having an android stand in for me, but I by no means expected my plan to crumble in this way. Though I may have been on the wrong side of the upset, it's still heartening to see the underdog win, I suppose. Rest assured that you'll have your work cut out for you on our next encounter too. Do try and keep up.

Oh, I'll do more than keep up. When we next meet I'm going to finally get the better of you. There will be no more games.

What were we thinking, giving our kids away... it's as if we'd completely lost our wits! Thank you so much for saving them.

We did what we could this time, so we can be proud of ourselves. Ideally, we'd have caught the culprit, but...he didn't feel like coming out to play, I suppose.

We never did figure out how it was that Curio came back to life.

True. But we did at least find proof that it really was him. No one but Curio exists who can use that power to that extent, after all.

The power of supreme control... But you went through the same program, didn't you?

There was one thing on my mind: Curio implied you have the same type of mind-manipulation powers as him...

And now you want to verify whether or not I used my powers to usurp the post of Head IDEAlist?

Of course not. You made it really clear earlier. That's Curio's way of doing things, not yours.

Good to know I have your trust, Aldo.

They'll be no letting up from him. It's just a matter of time until we next get word of inexplicable goings-on. We can't count on being as lucky again as we were today. We'll have to act fast, so as to prevent more damage. Then, once we've finally caught him...

I'll be sure to give him the most severe of lectures. It's something I should've done a long time ago, wouldn't you say?