It's odd how we don't even think about it. This strange source of power has been around for hundreds of years, and yet no one even bothers to question it. The only documents concerning it say it just 'appeared one day', and that humanity quickly learnt how to harness its energy.

By this point, I'm sure you already know what I am talking about. We give it many names. 'The Source' or 'The Power' is what the more uninventive individuals would call it. A friend of mine would refer to it as 'The Original Energy', though I have reason to question his sanity. The term you are probably the most familiar with is 'Magi-Tech'.

Though I was often sceptical when first using it, Magi-Tech is really quite amazing. It powers almost everything today. Transport, lights, machinery in general… We have all of this thanks to the Magi-Tech. It replenishes itself and, no matter how it is used, it does not damage the environment. I'm sure if we had found another source of power instead then our present would be very different. Some have even found a way to manufacture it into clothes. You would have had this your entire life, but clothes definitely did not have the same properties they do today. Clothes now stretch to fit their owner comfortably, and small tears in the fabric are even automatically repaired.

However, as you know, Magi-Tech is also very, very dangerous. In the last hundred years or so, a large number of scientists have appeared, almost all intent on finding new ways to use Magi-Tech. There are two main categories: biological scientists and mechanical scientists. I'm sure I don't need to explain these terms. The only thing these scientists have in common is the fact they most likely both use Magi-Tech cells.

Just in case you are not the one this letter was truly meant for, I will explain what I mean by 'Magi-Tech cells'. Magi-Tech, in its purest, almost half gaseous half liquid form is too dangerous to use without major protection. You would have to be insane or have a death wish to even try to touch it with your bare hands.

The only way for a scientist to make anything with Magi-Tech without being considered an idiot is to use Magi-Tech cells. The 'cells' are a sort of… container. They are oval shaped and small enough to hold many in your hand, and also glow with a blue light when powered. These cells can fit together to form a sort of wall and are used to power almost all machinery and gadgets.

But the cells used in everyday appliances have to use a very diluted/powerful version of Magi-Tech. The cells scientists need, however, are much more… unstable. They have to be to get the best results. With these particular Magi-Tech cells, scientists can make almost anything they imagine, if they haven't already. After all, a group of biological scientist have already figured out a way to cure most serious injuries and some illnesses. It is only the complete cure for most mental illnesses that continues to elude them.

…Mental illnesses. Ah, that is the main danger from working Magi-Tech cells. Or rather, brain damage. The cells stop any immediate damage, but the Magi-Tech still slowly leeks out. It is a well-known fact that any scientist who uses Magi-Tech for the majority of their life with eventually lose their mind. This is usually referred to as 'Magi-Tech sickness'. It will be subtle at first—forgetfulness, a slightly more eccentric personality being the most common signs—but eventually the symptoms of Magi-Tech sickness will grow so major that the sufferer's personality will be unrecognisable. Though it is true an older scientist who works with Magi-Tech cells will live longer and be possibly more active than someone who didn't, their mind will be too far gone for them to appreciate this.

As a scientist myself, I too will one day fall to insanity. It's too late to stop it. I could live with the forgetfulness, the sudden clumsiness, but I have recently begun to hear voices that don't, no, can't exist, and see strange visions out of the corner of my eye. I have already started to lose my mind. It is only a matter of time before I start to forget who you are…

I am sorry. You are young now, and by the time you find this letter you will surely be an adult. You may even be a scientist yourself. However, I am certain you will have no memory of the man I once was. You will only remember your father as an insane man who will most likely neglect you. For that, I am truly regretful.

For 'that', too. I don't know what I was thinking. You may live your life without even realising what it is, but as long as my mind is sane this will be the one act I regret the most. It was her idea. I wish I could blame agreeing with such an inhumane plan on the Magi-Tech sickness, but I had barely been affected by it when she first appeared. I am so sorry.

You might be wondering who 'she' is. I have decided not to describe her, or explain our bizarre meeting. This is to protect you, you must understand. If you are lucky, you will never meet her…

To put it simply, Arthur Kirkland was very annoyed. Though it wasn't the worst job in the world, having to drive for hours to find a very unspecific location definitely wasn't what he sighed up for. He blamed Francis. That stupid frog was usually the one who was stuck with these types of jobs, but Francis suddenly started begging for a week off work after one incident with a biological scientist and an angry shark. This meant Arthur had to deal with visiting the scientists.

His job was usually rather simple. He worked for the Scientist Centre, a large, worldwide organisation that basically employed all scientists. You needed a license to work with Magi-Tech cells, which you could only apply for if you were at least 18. Once you received this, the Scientist Centre would supply your funding. The more productive and useful scientists received the most money, obviously.

All licensed scientists received yearly visits from members of the Scientist Centre. This was to make sure they were sane enough to continue working with Magi-Tech, considering a scientist with a high level of Magi-Tech sickness would be a danger to themselves and the people around them. That was Arthur's job. Well, partly. Francis was usually the one who visited the scientists. Arthur just wrote and sent the reports.

That was how it worked at the Centre. Members were put in groups of two, one checking on the scientists and the other focusing on the actual reports. But with Francis out of work, Arthur had no choice but to carry out both jobs on his own.

It had been a long day. After going through 7 different scientists, Arthur was currently heading to the last one on his list. Due to his lack of car, Arthur ended up having to take the tunnel train. For those who didn't know, this was a series of underground trains that spanned across the whole country. Every nation was supposed to have some form of this. Most people were found of these trains as they were considered the fastest form of transport and, since they were entirely underground, they didn't clutter up the cities or the countryside.

Though there were no windows, Arthur knew the sun was already setting. He would have to work on those reports all night if he had any chance of finishing them by tomorrow. The fact this particular scientist's lab was located in the middle of nowhere did not help Arthur's mood. He had been on this train for two hours—two hours!—and he wasn't even there yet. His patience was wearing thin.

At least it was a mechanical scientist. Unhinged biological scientists were usually more dangerous, since they would consider almost every organic life form an experiment. Also, according to Arthur's notes this scientist had only been licensed for one year so far. If at all, he shouldn't be too affected by the Magi-Tech sickness. He would probably just ignore Arthur at his worst.

Arthur's phone beeped suddenly. He was nearing his destination. He would have to get off at the next stop.

The clean, tube shaped room looked packed, but that wouldn't worry anyone in this day and age. New trains arrived at the stops every two minutes. Plenty for everyone. And if it was a particularly busy day, some could always try to save room by staying in the beds at the back.

A red light lit up above the door, the only indication that the train was stopping. Arthur stood, holding a clipboard in one hand, and made his way forward. The door would only open once the train stopped completely.

Arthur glanced down at his clipboard. It held a few sheets he would have to fill out, including what level of Magi-Tech sickness the scientist was at. Magi-Tech sickness was usually ranked from 1 to 10, 1 being the least and 10 being the most affected. It was usually if a scientist hit level 8 and up that their license would be immediately revoked.

The red light turned green. With a quiet hissing sound, the door slid open. A set of well-lit stairs leading up was revealed, and Arthur quickly stepped out of the train.

Arthur was half way up the stairs when the door shut behind him. The train seemed to make a humming sound as it slowly started moving away.

Squinting slightly at the sunlight, Arthur emerged from the red rimmed hole at the top of the stairs. There was a similar, green rimmed hole just a little bit away. That was the entry point for the tunnel train, where you had to put in a ticket/money to get in, with the one Arthur stepped out of being the exit point.

The area Arthur was in now was quite empty. There were a few trees around and a large rocky outcrop. Over the horizon, Arthur could see what looked like a city.

As he was the only one to get off the train, Arthur was alone. He simply had a few birds as company. Why did the train even have the option to stop here? Unless you felt like camping, there wasn't anything interesting.

Well, that didn't matter. Arthur had to look for the laboratory. With the sun setting, he didn't have much time. He didn't feel too keen about searching for it in the dark.

And so, for the next few minutes, Arthur searched. Unfortunately for him, this lab wasn't exactly easy to find. He could feel himself growing more and more irritated by the second. The other scientists he visited had at least been thoughtful enough to stand outside and lead him there. This man was just being rude.

Stepping behind one of the outcrops by chance, Arthur stepped on something hollow and metallic. He looked down. What seemed like a huge metal circle with a crack down the middle was embedded in the ground, hidden from any casual glances.

This had to be the entrance. Arthur stared at the circle curiously. What was he supposed to do? Knock? It didn't look like there was a doorbell…

There was a rumble. Arthur suddenly found he had to jump away as the circle split apart and a large flight of stairs was shown.

Besides the initial surprise, Arthur didn't react. He had seen much stranger things before. He simply sighed as he made his way down the steps.

It had taken a while for Arthur to reach the bottom, mainly because of the lack of light. His only guide was a dim glow at the end, but besides that it was practically pitch black once the door above him closed.

Eventually, he managed to find his way to the smooth metal floor. The light wasn't exactly bright, but it was much better than the darkness up there. His footsteps echoed in the large space as he walked.

"Excuse me?" Arthur called, trying to keep his tone polite. "I'm from the Centre. I'm here for your evaluation."

Wires were poking out of the ceiling. One corner held a neat pile of random metal scraps and broken machines. As he continued through what looked like a large metal hallway, Arthur wondered where, exactly, the scientist was.

As if to answer this question, a figure stepped out of the shadows.

"Good evening. I'm sorry for the wait. Um… You said you were from the Centre?"

This wasn't the scientist. The man in front of Arthur looked like an ordinary Asian man, but there was something strange about him. His face looked almost… stiff. It was hard to tell with just a glance, but his skin looked almost artificial.

It was an android.

"Yes, that's right," Arthur said, trying to smile. "My name is Arthur Kirkland. I'm here to interview the professor."

The android bowed. "I am Kiku Honda. Alfre— um, the professor is working on something in the back, I think. Please follow me."

Arthur nodded. While Kiku started leading him further inside, Arthur couldn't help but wonder about the robot. Androids, biological or mechanical, were complicated to build. Some countries had even banned them due to cases of misuse of freewill and emotions. Arthur didn't know much about them, except for the fact mechanical androids were usually just called robots, and biological ones were often referred to as clones.

"This might sound a little, well, rude," Arthur started awkwardly, "but did the professor build you?"

"Oh no, I don't mind." Kiku shook his head. "No, he didn't build me. I believe he said he… found me."

Found…? Arthur would have asked more, but it was at that moment a loud crash sounded up ahead. Kiku stiffened, alarmed, before running on ahead suddenly.

"A-Alfred-san? Are you all right?" Kiku called urgently. Arthur followed. First they entered a much larger room, then turned right and reached a doorway.

A clatter sounded from inside.

"H-hey, um, Kiku?" a voice said. "I kind of need some help here."

Kiku had already gone inside, and Arthur slowly entered to see the android helping a man to his feet. This man was young, younger than Arthur, at least, and was wearing a messy lab coat. His blond hair was dishevelled and his glasses were close to falling off. Behind him was a large pile of small machines and gadgets.

He grinned at Kiku. "Thanks, Kiku. Sorry, I was trying to get something but then it all fell down on top of me…" He trailed off. The scientist had seen Arthur.

"You must be the professor," Arthur said matter-of-factly. "My name is Arthur Kirkland. I'm from the Centre."

"Oh, um, I'm Alfred. Alfred F. Jones." Alfred seemed a little disorientated from his fall. He no longer needed Kiku to help him stand, though. That was a good sign. "What's this about? Am I in trouble?"

"No, no. This is just an evaluation." Arthur frowned. "You should have received a letter a month in advance…"

"Oh!" Kiku's glass eyes widened. "You did get a letter from the Centre about a month ago, Alfred-san. I put it on your desk."

Alfred stared. "I have a desk?"

Arthur resisted the urge to groan. He wasn't in the mood for this. He had hoped they would be able to finish this quickly.

He looked down at his clipboard. Though he seemed confused and a little forgetful, this could have been justified by the accident Alfred just had. Also, Arthur had only known the scientist for a few seconds. It could have been part of his personality.

"Let's just get this over with," Arthur muttered.

-Chapter end.

Well, here I am, starting a new fanfic even though I have tones of unfinished ones… This one has just been going around my head for a while XD

Now then, the plot for this fanfic actually came from a dream 0-0 I dreamt Alfred was a mad scientist, who spent his time turning his dad's old doomsday machines into ice cream makers. And Arthur was a sort of probation officer or something, and Alfred was showing him all of the ice cream makers… There was also something about the moon. That was a weird dream XD But I liked the idea so much I wanted to write about it XD

There are no pairings in this fanfic, just the Stray Trio being friends :) That's my favourite Hetalia trio XD This does have a story line, but it'll probably just come across as some kind of comedy for the first few chapters XD As with most of my fanfics, there will be some confusing things going on with the plot X3

Well, I hope this first chapter was all right :) Please review and tell me what you think ^_^