Now that Tails has spoken with you about your mission, the state of the world, and the threat you're facing, you're free to settle in to life here. While the warehouse isn't exactly the most thrilling place to set up a base, it's clean and well-maintained (despite the only one here being a kid fox?) and Tails encourages you to make it your own as best you can. You're going to be here for awhile, after all. This world needs to be saved, and you're the ones to do it.
The warehouse is thankfully quite large, so there's plenty of space. Aside from the ground floor containing Tails' workshop, there's a room for Tails, Knuckles, and Sonic, as well as your rooms. There's a large bathroom and several nice showers - this time with actual hot water! Though it may not be fancy, it's certainly acceptable accommodations for your time here. Exploring further through the warehouse reveals that there's an upper floor, with several other rooms that have already been furnished for varying purposes; after all, it seems your friendly neighborhood talking animals have been living here for quite a bit themselves.
But outside the walls of the warehouse are where things get particularly dismal. Though life goes on in the city of Chicago, it's without any sort of passion or thought at all. The humans go about their day-to-day lives in monotony, acting as though nothing is wrong or out of the ordinary. They don't acknowledge you, even if you try to talk to them. They don't recognize you as weird, even if you aren't human (or a talking animal). They simply move about, drone-like, heedless of the robots that patrol the streets.
Eggman's robots are high-tech, white chrome and smooth; these are almost a work of art as they are technology. They all come equipped with laser beams regardless of the shape or size of them, and they all seem to be set on keeping an eye on the people. There are robots watching everywhere. You can't turn a street corner without seeing one or two, and they follow pre-determined surveillance paths as they watch over the humans.
Lingering in the distance, you can see a massive robot that takes up the horizon. That seems to be Eggman's base of operations, at least as far as Tails has been able to determine. Though it poses no threat to you right now, it's a looming reminder of what awaits you.
Welcome to Eggman's utopia.
THE BASE
Though he's apologized for the base not being particularly lively, Tails has promised you the freedom to make the place your own. He's even directed you to a "crafts room" if you'd like to decorate! This art studio is surprisingly robust for something put together in an abandoned, worn-down warehouse on the outskirts of the city. You'll find plenty of markers in every color you can think of, sketchbooks and paper and papercrafts, string and glue and everything you could need for your second grade arts and crafts project. Though it may all be a little kiddy, it's here for you to do with as you wish.
The crafts room isn't the only odd one on the upper floors, you'll also find a gymnasium. It's more of a home gym than anything else, with only a couple of beat-up old treadmills, a few exercise bikes, and some weight lifting stations, as well as plenty of weights. It's not exactly the best room in the base, but it's here if you'd like to make use of it.
Next door is an open room with several soft mats - an open room for sparring and training. This one doesn't really have much in it, but you're welcome to make use of it however you'd like.
And next to that is the requisite first aid room! This one is well-stocked and even has a few cots in case of more serious injuries. You'll find plenty of first aid kits, painkillers, and other various medical supplies, though nothing that will allow you to perform home surgery or anything of the sort. Hopefully you don't need to do that, though?
Finally, the last large room is one that a lot of love and care has been put into - an entertainment room! There's a large screen TV mounted on the wall, with many couches and plush chairs. You'll find that you've access to any and all modern day media you could find on a TV, from streaming services (who is paying for these, anyway?) and knock-off YouTube, to your favorite anime and even Twitch. It seems that our three allies have quite the varied interests, given their search history and "previously watched" shows and movies. There's enough seating in here for everyone, so why not have a movie night?
Oh, and you'll find the kitchen on the ground floor behind Tails' workshop is suitable for all your needs - it's not particularly well-furnished, as your pals here aren't exactly master chefs, but you're always welcome to talk to Tails about obtaining something more for the kitchen or any room in the warehouse.
All of the items you had on you at your canon point can be found in one of the storerooms as well. This includes weapons, though anything magical will unfortunately not work properly. Please ask me about anything gamebreaking!
THE CITY
Chicago itself is exactly what you'd expect of a typical American city. Well, apart from the robots patrolling and the lifeless people going about their days endlessly, that is. Anything you'd want to find in a city, you can find here! But be mindful - those robots can and will notice you, unlike the people. Most robots will engage in combat on sight, as you're someone unfamiliar and could possibly pose a threat, but some will try to flee - you probably don't want them getting away and reporting sightings of an unfamiliar person!
While the city may have undergone some major changes in its population, the infrastructure is about what you'd expect. The people clean and maintain everything just as they always have, leaving it to almost seem as though everything's fine... were it not for the construction. Unlike most construction sites, these are clearly being maintained and built by the robots - there are buildings that have been completely taken over by Eggman's white chrome finish, leaving to odd sights of mish-mashed buildings and structures that are half-advanced technology, half-old school building materials. Though it may look like a normal city at first glance, it would seem that Eggman is quite literally transforming everything into his very image. You'll even find a statue in a local park that has been replaced with an Eggman statue.
Sadly, it seems as though the people are not the only ones trapped under Eggman's thumb. Animals - be they pets or wild ones - also go about their usual business, with absolutely none of their usual livelihood. You won't see many people playing at the dog park, just passing through taking their dog on a needed walk and returning home. Squirrels and birds likewise carry on as if nothing is wrong, even if they're perched on something that is clearly Eggman's technology rather than a proper tree. Which yes, means that even some of the trees are being taken over by Eggman's chroma, transforming the very living world around you as well.
Though businesses are still running as usual, the people aren't exactly in any state of mind to notice if you steal something from them - as long as you're careful about it, anyway. While security cameras and the like may still exist, it doesn't seem like anyone's checking them. In fact, it seems like no one's committing crimes either, as the city is remarkably peaceful at all times of the day or night.
SHARDS
You may feel as though you have more control of your powers this week... or you may not. Regardless, things are still prone to going haywire, which could pose a problem if you get into a fight with a robot. Tails has asked you very nicely not to hurt any of the people, so maybe lead the robots somewhere that won't risk causing injury? Or don't, I'm not your mom.
Starting this week, you may attempt to use your shards together with someone you have a strong relationship with, good or bad. Once this has been used for the first time, a page will be opened to explain the mechanic. Regardless, that's going to take even more work than mastering your own power... so perhaps fighting those robots isn't a bad idea after all.
And you do want to fight those robots - Tails has warned you that the robots are searching for the rebels' base. You don't want to let a robot escape to bring information about you and possibly the base back to Eggman, do you? Should you let a robot escape, let me know.
TAILS' TASKS
For those of you willing to help - or if you're just particularly bored - Tails will offer some tasks for you all to help around the base. He can always use help with organizing and gathering supplies, keeping the base clean and in good condition, or even keeping track of the security cameras and communications networks. He'll gladly teach anyone who would like to learn technology as well!
For more specific tasks, this week he will grant you a small, rectangular box with an antennae on top. It's kind of cutesy, but it has a radar function built in and it is tracking some kind of signature. Tails says that it's tracking the Chaos Emeralds, and that some sort of Chaos Energy was detected not too far from the city about a week ago, when Knuckles vanished.
Your mission - should you choose to accept it - is to see if you can find this Chaos Energy reading and determine the direction it's coming from. You are to go in pairs, but you are not to try to track the readings to the source, just determine where they're located and what direction they lead to. Of course, nothing's stopping you from going off on a wild adventure if you really want to...
ENEMIES
This week's enemies are Badniks, Eggman's robots. Specifically, you'll find yourself facing the Badnik Surveillance Unit, the Badnik Drones, and the Badnik Transformer Model B33.
Badnik Surveillance Units are primarily made for reconnaissance. They can be found flying overhead, observing the people go about their lives and following scheduled flight paths and patterns to ensure every inch of the city is being observed. Well, mostly. You can find some back alleys and hidden spots here and there, and these Badniks usually won't go into buildings or out into the woods. They will immediately try to flee upon spotting you. They're easy to take down, though a bit more durable than one would expect, given Eggman's designs. If cornered, they are capable of shooting a simple laser beam that will hurt and possibly leave a burn.
Badnik Drones are the most common combat robot you will find. Small chrome white orbs with red eyes, they are capable of scanning and detecting abnormalities. They are not quite as common as the Badnik Surveillance Units, but you'll still spot several of them floating through the city at any given point in time. Unlike the Badnik Surveillance Units, these come ready for combat. They can fire lasers as well as shoot small homing missiles. The homing missiles thankfully aren't very fast and can be outrun or otherwise blocked, but they pack a punch if they do hit! These robots will stand their ground and fight if they spot you, but they will call for backup - if you aren't fast enough, you'll find yourself facing many of them!
The Badnik Transformer Model B33, more affectionately called Buzz Bombers by Tails and friends, is... well, it looks like a bee. A hornet, rather, as that stinger is actually a precision laser that moves fast. These robots typically look like Badnik Drones, but are capable of shifting and uncoiling themselves to become the B33 units. They are fast, they hit hard, and they are relentless, pursuing you nonstop until they've been destroyed. They will not call for backup, which is possibly the only saving grace about fighting them. Unfortunately, it's impossible to tell if a Badnik is a Drone or a B33 until you're actually in combat - and by then it may be(e) too late.
[ The blond blinks as one of the disks nearly misses them, though they don't seem particularly bothered by the close call, having certainly had worse, and admittedly it takes quite a bit to truly ruffle them. Not to mention, in an outdoors-like area there is a far more negotiable room for error.
Though a near hit is a near hit. Such that they can't help but speak up almost immediately, sing-song tone evident. ]
[Oh here he thought his headache was from the power usage, but no! No, here comes the true scraping against his skull, the second he hears that voice and sees that flash of yellow as he turns.]
...You again.
[A hand curtly extends to call that disk back to him - a far easier task, he's found, than asking it to go somewhere else. There's the sound of metal dragging across stone as the disk dislodges from the building it had hit as it travels back the way it came, intentionally bonking Void Archive up the head in the process unless they decide to pay enough attention to dodge.]
I don't see that you're all that phased. Trying to find something to keep yourself entertained, or do you just not pay attention to your surroundings?
[ Were it fortunate that it'd be something like that. But once again it is only Void Archives to be concerned with in the first place...which, really, is truly indeed headache-induing. ]
Oh, it really can't be that bad.
[ The blond says with a smile; and well, they certainly hear the sound, turning towards it - but, instead of moving entirely they instinctively raise one arm to protect their head, which ends up getting hit instead. That's going to leave a mark - enough that they throw Vakama a Look, which dissipates soon enough as they shake their head in disappointment despite the bright expression on their face. ]
Tsk. I pay enough care to my surroundings. Is it not you who should be more aware and careful of where you're tossing those things around?
[He gets a little derisive scoff out of that as he catches the disk in his waiting palm.]
If I'd really meant to be so clueless, I'd be playing dueler's toss back in the warehouse. Out here, with so much open space -- at least others should be able to use their eyes.
[So like, get good or get out of the way.
With a sigh, he swings his launcher off its resting place hooked against his shoulder, loading the disk back in as he aims off towards the open air, far away from both of them.]
Please. I can use them just fine - though, as you might imagine, I don't have any at the back of my head.
[ They then pause to consider the question sent towards them, and consider playing around, but they can do that at any time. Such as when they first made such a comment in the first place. ]
Fortunately for you, I was mostly only passing by rather than merely seeking you out [ Or so they say. ] but, now that I see you are here, I have to wonder about the last time we spoke where you were having that surface-level incident. I'm sure you can understand what I'm referring to.
[Surface-level incident, huh. What a way to put it... though given that he hasn't collapsed in the last week, he's sure VA has enough of a point, even if it still makes him bristle with a sideglance overtop the aim of his launcher.]
I'm still standing. That should be answer enough.
[Bracing his shoulders, Vakama triggers the launcher, leaning into the knockback as the projectile goes flying with a traceable trail of red energy. His eyes stay trained on it as he immediately reaches a hand back out, working to pull the disk back into a curving path with his telekinesis. His head pounds in protest, just as it had during the fight up in the stars, and the tension leaks through into his voice.]
[ It certainly is, they suppose. Though, in some ways they can imagine that the people here (and elsewhere) have cause to push themselves hard no matter one's condition. But in the end, they don't think Vakama's necessarily lying, so that line of thinking is moot in this case. ]
Hm. I suppose it is answer, however...
[ Still, they give pause, considering their own words, and then merely cross their arms, watching the disk move once again. ]
Isn't it clear why it would concern someone like myself? Do you remember that we are all working towards the same goal? What misfortune might occur if someone is found in quite the unfortunate condition?
It would depend if you expect my "condition" to change despite what I just told you.
[The arc of the disk pulls back unsteadily, clipping the ground where its path inevitably halts as the metal flips end over end through a patch of grass a few yards away from both of them. Clearly frustrated, Vakama moves to go pick it up by hand this time, his other palm pressing against the side of his head.]
If you have questions about me, then stop dancing around them. I'm in no mood to play word games with you.
What are you, exactly? You appear to be some sort of robot. But, I suspect such a definition is lacking, hm?
[ Questions about Vakama? They can easily offer those. Admittedly, they had been a bit curious themselves; while checking on his current state following the battle...why not ask them? Simple enough. ]
I'm a Toa. Not a robot. [It's clipped. It's not the first time someone here has made this comparison, apparently.
He plucks up the disk from the ground, reloading it.]
Robots can be constructed and programmed. They're tools to serve a purpose, not living things. Just because my body is mechanical doesn't make me a machine.
[ But they end up giving a shrug, talking casually on the subject, considering the topic as they imagine he has broached it quite a number of times. But there is only one to no longer remain ignorant, right? ]
You do look like the usual...shape of one, at any rate.
But, you're right. Anything that can be mechanically constructed and programmed like a robot is would be a tool made to serve a purpose.
Though, I would think that you would still have one of your own, whether mechanical or not. Am I wrong? Or...do you see pursuing whatever main goal that you have differently? I'm not sure how it works with a "Toa", exactly.
A difference in opinion, nothing more. Quite a few of you have thought the same.
[Irritating at best, but nothing offensive. If anything, it just drives the wedge that much further in trying to find common ground. Could anyone try to do so, to look past appearances, if they didn't consider him just as much of a living and breathing thing as the rest?
...]
...Whatever destiny I have is by my own hands. That makes no difference no matter what one is, Toa or otherwise.
Yes, that is all it is, isn't it? Though, it won't surprise me if it does have some ripples.
[ It's the kind of presumption that grates; they are surprisingly not wholly certain if it's something that they would like to continue to have persist...hence, their continued questioning.
Though, they give a pause at the answer. ]
I see. You're no fan of everything being a result of simply 'fate' or 'destiny'. Ah, well, those are abstract concepts which implies a sort of lack of agency, though, does it not?
In the end, I suppose even I can find such words understandable.
[dude what the fuck is that first sentence even supposed to MEAN
Though while Vakama has been content to just let Void Archive be nothing but irritating, when they continue to speak and let their assumptions drift into destiny, something in what they say hits a very vibrant, very IMMEDIATE nerve.
His launcher drops. Void Archive now has his entire attention, and he is furious.]
Void Archives lets out a little chuckle, because that is an entirely separate reaction than what they expected. They were not aiming for that kind of response whatsoever...the idea of a lack of agency is botheresome, isn't it? They would know.
Yet, they wonder, what is it that Vakama is supposed to be implying here by saying something like an ask 'not to put words into his mouth'? They don't necessarily care to correct misunderstandings, but this is so wildly out there that they shake their head. ]
...How about you get the cotton out of your ears and try again, hm?
You throw your question in a far more broader stroke than necessary. This is hardly a question of who knows the importance of destiny and fate, but rather one's approach to them, and how they may deal with them as consequences. Consequences which have implications towards a lack of free choice in what is to be played out.
Yet, you clearly displayed hardly much liking for it, did you not? You said you seize your destiny in your own hands...making it more of a choice, rather than something that is forced upon you. Such to the point where I simply made it point that for once I understood the line of thinking.
[The vibrant edge to his temper doesn't let up, even if the understanding of the mixup slides into place between the roaring heat that occupies his chest. His fists clench, but he tries his best to settle his voice - bold, but not snapping.]
You make assumptions.
Destiny is not something so solidly set in stone, nor is it something that exists opposite of choice. However it comes about, to find and follow one's purpose does not make any one person bound to it.
You say my dislike is clear, but if that is what you believe you see, then question your own definition of clarity. It is the absence of freedom - the shackles it brings - that I dislike.
[The phrase isn't even out of his mouth before Vakama's eyes suddenly go pinpoint.
The launcher in his hand drops completely to the ground with an exclamation, his palm once again to his skull. A slam of his hand to the metal, a vicious shaking of his head. Blinking, begging, gasping for breath.
[The air grows cold and empty in the space around him. The ground shakes immediately under his feet like a shuddering final breath.
Vakama stumbles. His hands catch him, and his eyes frantically look up, pinpoint thin at nothing, a manic glance up--
Like the spread of oil on water do the starts blot out in increasing number. Colder and colder still, a shroud of darkness that starts to descend. The waves start to crash in the distant shores with a violence that echoes like grief. The sound of the surf overtakes the streets. The rumbling increases, the buildings start to fall, with a deep-seeded, dreaded fear that hits the chest like an arrow and bleeds in like poison.
It's gone.]
No.
[It's all gone.]
N-no, please--
[The cracking of thousands of trees echo, with splinters and foilage falling dead.
He yells, dodges, scrambling for purchase against the grass--
Echoing howls erupt as the wind whips the earth, colder and colder, deeper and deeper into that shroud of darkness that starts to eat away. The air grows thick and stale. The water rises further in mud and oil, a dark reflection of the dark sky.
He starts to heave for breath, as though choking--
He's prone and yet not, stuck and yet absolutely aware, unable to run or hide. A final breath descending, as all of creation cries out at once, all flickers of light burning out under the cold grip that tightens and the sea the sea the sea that rises up to meet the shroud and drown it all
in the end
With a staggered yell, Vakama comes to still prone on his hands and knees against the grass. He stumbles, ripping himself away, back onto his feet and nearly crashing into Void Archive in the process, eyes now back to normal but wildly travelling the skies, the shoreline, a franticness to his breath as though he'd been held underwater despite nothing actually happening to him for the last fifteen seconds or so.]
[ They let out a soft huff, hearing this. They really hardly cared to debate the subject - they don't necessarily believe those forces to truly be fixed, either. Rather, that they are shackles because they're concepts people adhere to - though even that is different from how Vakama sees it. But, in the end, this is as far as they care to clear things up - and such to the point where they merely decide to let out a sigh. Normally, they don't particularly care; this time it is only awfully grating to be lectured like they were incorrect, when that is not so.
They are the Void Archives. They understand these concepts perfectly, and they were perfectly clear.
That is why, even as they keep their words level, even as they grin (it's far too sharp, too unnatural) their words come out like fangs, pointed, almost intentionally so when Vakama has the very brief moment of silence— ]
What a pity! I made it as simple enough for a c—
[ But, it halts there, because the rest of the words die in their throat at the reaction that they get because the rocket launcher drops suddenly and then there's... ]
[ ...everything happening. They just watch as Vakama goes apparently mad, pleading at literally nothing - it's all quite very senseless, to the point when he yells, they find themselves tense. Then, they just step back, still not certain if they're witnessing a full-on psychotic break or something else, and are immediately trying to re-evaluate a proper course of action.
But then Vakama nearly crashes into them anyway; they don't even seem bothered by it, because of all that - then, when it comes to an end, they will finally speak up. ]
Do you know where you are right now?
[ Going to just...start there, they suppose.
They are the least delicate person here in their approaches, so they are going to adhere to perhaps a simple script. They at least have an advantage over those who would shout, 'What the FUCK is wrong with you?' and it is a very small one, but by god, they will...try. ]
[His breath is still unsteady, eyes dropping to his hands that clench and unclench as though it could remind himself of what he's supposed to be feeling. Reality, not... not...
He turns, if only to see that he still has company, and that they're still standing there. Still there. They must have been the body he felt a moment ago, and--]
Yes. I'm--
[Its transparent and yet so vibrantly mixed at the same time, the emotions that travel his face. A bone-deep fear, a crushing guilt, a shame that drapes it all over and that same flicker of fury that seems so misplaced now, a fire being drowned out by something darker.]
I'm fine. I'm... fine.
[He doesn't believe it, and every word is shaken. But he swipes an arm backward as in warning, brow paining in its tension.
He doesn't want to hear it.]
Get away from me.
[Half a scowl, half a plead. How much like a cornered animal he feels.
He doesn't look back at them again, choosing to instead look for his weapon in the numb aftershocks. He's fine. He's fine. He's fine.]
[ They look at him with an expression that is actually incredulous as he says that. They let out a light 'tsk'. 'I'm fine', he says and he sounds full of it. They don't care they have never given Vakama a reason to trust them; it certainly isn't about that. ]
I'm already standing away from you. I am afraid that counts as 'getting away', hm?
In addition, you are clearly hardly fine. I see no reason for you to try to pretend.
[ There is a pause, trying to find something reasonable to say. ]
I would like to state for the record that in situations like these, it is highly not recommended to leave an individual who has acted out as you did, alone. That hardly makes much sense, and would violate even the idea of being 'innocently negligent'. Therefore, I'm here to linger, even if you may want me to move myself farther away to the point I've completely left the area.
[ The situation is serious enough they don't need to conjure a reason with bluster. If Vakama wants them to leave, he will need to remove them painfully. ]
[He scoffs, a sound that's derisive and disbelieving and desperate. Of all people to see him in the grip of a vision and decide they wouldn't leave well enough alone...]
What does it matter? Why do you care?
[It's practically spit out. His weapon is yanked up, practically slammed onto his back. Nerves are quickly twisting into anger, undeserved but lapping, like the flames he had become so comfortable with.]
[ Their lips press into a thin line. They have crossed boundaries before; they're willing to do it again, and shatter everything. They just can't let this go.
They're not examining the fact that they're sincerely bothered - this is just simply logic driving their motivation. Except even that reasoning seems tenuous - and there's genuine frustration boiling underneath the surface. What does he think he is, some kind of martyr? One who is intent on suffering a psychological death? ]
Tsk, tsk. Wouldn't it be wrong for me to abandon an ally in need? [ ... ] Unfortunately for you, I'm not in the habit of committing such wretched betrayals.
I already said that I wouldn't.
...And, regardless of how our little discussion ends, I won't be forgetting this any time soon.
[ That's a little hint to let him know that they're not the type to brush issues under the rug. They merely fold their arms and shoot Vakama a hard look; he can do whatever he chooses, but they've decided on their course of action. ]
[He can feel himself physically shaking. Just run. Just leave. Disengage and let them decide whatever they wished. It wouldn't change what he had seen. What they had seen of him. No explanation he could give would satisfy this.
And even more so, his chest beats raw, at the idea of once more being torn from a duty here that he wants so badly to complete. A sense of belonging he does not believe he deserves but still strives for anyway, ripped apart every time someone sees him like this.
Cross-wired. Incorrect.]
What do you think you gain by this? What do you think you could possibly help me with by standing in my way?
[Empty words. Angry words. Like an animal snapping its jaws and baring its teeth.
This person. This thing. It doesn't care. He does not want to give them space to make him think otherwise. Not again. He will not fall for that again.]
It is not your concern. I am not your concern.
All your concern should be is the people of this world. What we have to do for them, and what we agreed to do to rescue them.
Spare me the rest.
[He won't wait for an answer. They can follow if they like, but Vakama will turn straight back and start a ferocious pace back to the warehouse.
Leave him alone. Leave him. These haunting thoughts of death and destruction, the ache of his heart and body at the recollections... they were his burden. His "blessing". His, and only his, to bear. He would not have them picked apart under the microscopic gaze of this ego.]
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2 --> out actively on the field;
Though a near hit is a near hit. Such that they can't help but speak up almost immediately, sing-song tone evident. ]
Cutting it quite dangerously close, aren't you?
[ There is a pun in there, however ill-suited. ]
no subject
...You again.
[A hand curtly extends to call that disk back to him - a far easier task, he's found, than asking it to go somewhere else. There's the sound of metal dragging across stone as the disk dislodges from the building it had hit as it travels back the way it came, intentionally bonking Void Archive up the head in the process unless they decide to pay enough attention to dodge.]
I don't see that you're all that phased. Trying to find something to keep yourself entertained, or do you just not pay attention to your surroundings?
no subject
Oh, it really can't be that bad.
[ The blond says with a smile; and well, they certainly hear the sound, turning towards it - but, instead of moving entirely they instinctively raise one arm to protect their head, which ends up getting hit instead. That's going to leave a mark - enough that they throw Vakama a Look, which dissipates soon enough as they shake their head in disappointment despite the bright expression on their face. ]
Tsk. I pay enough care to my surroundings. Is it not you who should be more aware and careful of where you're tossing those things around?
no subject
If I'd really meant to be so clueless, I'd be playing dueler's toss back in the warehouse. Out here, with so much open space -- at least others should be able to use their eyes.
[So like, get good or get out of the way.
With a sigh, he swings his launcher off its resting place hooked against his shoulder, loading the disk back in as he aims off towards the open air, far away from both of them.]
Void Archive, was it?
What do you want?
no subject
Please. I can use them just fine - though, as you might imagine, I don't have any at the back of my head.
[ They then pause to consider the question sent towards them, and consider playing around, but they can do that at any time. Such as when they first made such a comment in the first place. ]
Fortunately for you, I was mostly only passing by rather than merely seeking you out [ Or so they say. ] but, now that I see you are here, I have to wonder about the last time we spoke where you were having that surface-level incident. I'm sure you can understand what I'm referring to.
Nothing else has transpired since then, has it?
no subject
I'm still standing. That should be answer enough.
[Bracing his shoulders, Vakama triggers the launcher, leaning into the knockback as the projectile goes flying with a traceable trail of red energy. His eyes stay trained on it as he immediately reaches a hand back out, working to pull the disk back into a curving path with his telekinesis. His head pounds in protest, just as it had during the fight up in the stars, and the tension leaks through into his voice.]
Why does that concern you?
no subject
Hm. I suppose it is answer, however...
[ Still, they give pause, considering their own words, and then merely cross their arms, watching the disk move once again. ]
Isn't it clear why it would concern someone like myself? Do you remember that we are all working towards the same goal? What misfortune might occur if someone is found in quite the unfortunate condition?
do we want a vision this thread y/n
[The arc of the disk pulls back unsteadily, clipping the ground where its path inevitably halts as the metal flips end over end through a patch of grass a few yards away from both of them. Clearly frustrated, Vakama moves to go pick it up by hand this time, his other palm pressing against the side of his head.]
If you have questions about me, then stop dancing around them. I'm in no mood to play word games with you.
y, go ahead whenever you feel appropriate!
Very well, then.
What are you, exactly? You appear to be some sort of robot. But, I suspect such a definition is lacking, hm?
[ Questions about Vakama? They can easily offer those. Admittedly, they had been a bit curious themselves; while checking on his current state following the battle...why not ask them? Simple enough. ]
yippee, i'll provide a cw as needed
He plucks up the disk from the ground, reloading it.]
Robots can be constructed and programmed. They're tools to serve a purpose, not living things. Just because my body is mechanical doesn't make me a machine.
o7
[ But they end up giving a shrug, talking casually on the subject, considering the topic as they imagine he has broached it quite a number of times. But there is only one to no longer remain ignorant, right? ]
You do look like the usual...shape of one, at any rate.
But, you're right. Anything that can be mechanically constructed and programmed like a robot is would be a tool made to serve a purpose.
Though, I would think that you would still have one of your own, whether mechanical or not. Am I wrong? Or...do you see pursuing whatever main goal that you have differently? I'm not sure how it works with a "Toa", exactly.
no subject
[Irritating at best, but nothing offensive. If anything, it just drives the wedge that much further in trying to find common ground. Could anyone try to do so, to look past appearances, if they didn't consider him just as much of a living and breathing thing as the rest?
...]
...Whatever destiny I have is by my own hands. That makes no difference no matter what one is, Toa or otherwise.
no subject
[ It's the kind of presumption that grates; they are surprisingly not wholly certain if it's something that they would like to continue to have persist...hence, their continued questioning.
Though, they give a pause at the answer. ]
I see. You're no fan of everything being a result of simply 'fate' or 'destiny'. Ah, well, those are abstract concepts which implies a sort of lack of agency, though, does it not?
In the end, I suppose even I can find such words understandable.
no subject
Though while Vakama has been content to just let Void Archive be nothing but irritating, when they continue to speak and let their assumptions drift into destiny, something in what they say hits a very vibrant, very IMMEDIATE nerve.
His launcher drops. Void Archive now has his entire attention, and he is furious.]
Do not put words into my mouth.
What would you know of destiny? Its importance?
no subject
Void Archives lets out a little chuckle, because that is an entirely separate reaction than what they expected. They were not aiming for that kind of response whatsoever...the idea of a lack of agency is botheresome, isn't it? They would know.
Yet, they wonder, what is it that Vakama is supposed to be implying here by saying something like an ask 'not to put words into his mouth'? They don't necessarily care to correct misunderstandings, but this is so wildly out there that they shake their head. ]
...How about you get the cotton out of your ears and try again, hm?
You throw your question in a far more broader stroke than necessary. This is hardly a question of who knows the importance of destiny and fate, but rather one's approach to them, and how they may deal with them as consequences. Consequences which have implications towards a lack of free choice in what is to be played out.
Yet, you clearly displayed hardly much liking for it, did you not? You said you seize your destiny in your own hands...making it more of a choice, rather than something that is forced upon you. Such to the point where I simply made it point that for once I understood the line of thinking.
1/3
You make assumptions.
Destiny is not something so solidly set in stone, nor is it something that exists opposite of choice. However it comes about, to find and follow one's purpose does not make any one person bound to it.
You say my dislike is clear, but if that is what you believe you see, then question your own definition of clarity. It is the absence of freedom - the shackles it brings - that I dislike.
Destiny has nothing to do with that loss.
2/3
The launcher in his hand drops completely to the ground with an exclamation, his palm once again to his skull. A slam of his hand to the metal, a vicious shaking of his head. Blinking, begging, gasping for breath.
Not now. Not--]
3/3 cw: hallucination
Vakama stumbles. His hands catch him, and his eyes frantically look up, pinpoint thin at nothing, a manic glance up--
Like the spread of oil on water do the starts blot out in increasing number. Colder and colder still, a shroud of darkness that starts to descend. The waves start to crash in the distant shores with a violence that echoes like grief. The sound of the surf overtakes the streets. The rumbling increases, the buildings start to fall, with a deep-seeded, dreaded fear that hits the chest like an arrow and bleeds in like poison.
It's gone.]
No.
[It's all gone.]
N-no, please--
[The cracking of thousands of trees echo, with splinters and foilage falling dead.
He yells, dodges, scrambling for purchase against the grass--
Echoing howls erupt as the wind whips the earth, colder and colder, deeper and deeper into that shroud of darkness that starts to eat away. The air grows thick and stale. The water rises further in mud and oil, a dark reflection of the dark sky.
He starts to heave for breath, as though choking--
He's prone and yet not, stuck and yet absolutely aware, unable to run or hide. A final breath descending, as all of creation cries out at once, all flickers of light burning out under the cold grip that tightens and the sea the sea the sea that rises up to meet the shroud and drown it all
in the end
With a staggered yell, Vakama comes to still prone on his hands and knees against the grass. He stumbles, ripping himself away, back onto his feet and nearly crashing into Void Archive in the process, eyes now back to normal but wildly travelling the skies, the shoreline, a franticness to his breath as though he'd been held underwater despite nothing actually happening to him for the last fifteen seconds or so.]
1/2
They are the Void Archives. They understand these concepts perfectly, and they were perfectly clear.
That is why, even as they keep their words level, even as they grin (it's far too sharp, too unnatural) their words come out like fangs, pointed, almost intentionally so when Vakama has the very brief moment of silence— ]
What a pity! I made it as simple enough for a c—
[ But, it halts there, because the rest of the words die in their throat at the reaction that they get because the rocket launcher drops suddenly and then there's... ]
2/2
But then Vakama nearly crashes into them anyway; they don't even seem bothered by it, because of all that - then, when it comes to an end, they will finally speak up. ]
Do you know where you are right now?
[ Going to just...start there, they suppose.
They are the least delicate person here in their approaches, so they are going to adhere to perhaps a simple script. They at least have an advantage over those who would shout, 'What the FUCK is wrong with you?' and it is a very small one, but by god, they will...try. ]
no subject
[His breath is still unsteady, eyes dropping to his hands that clench and unclench as though it could remind himself of what he's supposed to be feeling. Reality, not... not...
He turns, if only to see that he still has company, and that they're still standing there. Still there. They must have been the body he felt a moment ago, and--]
Yes. I'm--
[Its transparent and yet so vibrantly mixed at the same time, the emotions that travel his face. A bone-deep fear, a crushing guilt, a shame that drapes it all over and that same flicker of fury that seems so misplaced now, a fire being drowned out by something darker.]
I'm fine. I'm... fine.
[He doesn't believe it, and every word is shaken. But he swipes an arm backward as in warning, brow paining in its tension.
He doesn't want to hear it.]
Get away from me.
[Half a scowl, half a plead. How much like a cornered animal he feels.
He doesn't look back at them again, choosing to instead look for his weapon in the numb aftershocks. He's fine. He's fine. He's fine.]
no subject
I'm already standing away from you. I am afraid that counts as 'getting away', hm?
In addition, you are clearly hardly fine. I see no reason for you to try to pretend.
[ There is a pause, trying to find something reasonable to say. ]
I would like to state for the record that in situations like these, it is highly not recommended to leave an individual who has acted out as you did, alone. That hardly makes much sense, and would violate even the idea of being 'innocently negligent'. Therefore, I'm here to linger, even if you may want me to move myself farther away to the point I've completely left the area.
[ The situation is serious enough they don't need to conjure a reason with bluster. If Vakama wants them to leave, he will need to remove them painfully. ]
Next question - does this happen often?
no subject
What does it matter? Why do you care?
[It's practically spit out. His weapon is yanked up, practically slammed onto his back. Nerves are quickly twisting into anger, undeserved but lapping, like the flames he had become so comfortable with.]
I told you to get away from me. So leave.
[If they won't? He will.
To run. Like he always did.]
no subject
They're not examining the fact that they're sincerely bothered - this is just simply logic driving their motivation. Except even that reasoning seems tenuous - and there's genuine frustration boiling underneath the surface. What does he think he is, some kind of martyr? One who is intent on suffering a psychological death? ]
Tsk, tsk. Wouldn't it be wrong for me to abandon an ally in need? [ ... ] Unfortunately for you, I'm not in the habit of committing such wretched betrayals.
I already said that I wouldn't.
...And, regardless of how our little discussion ends, I won't be forgetting this any time soon.
[ That's a little hint to let him know that they're not the type to brush issues under the rug. They merely fold their arms and shoot Vakama a hard look; he can do whatever he chooses, but they've decided on their course of action. ]
no subject
[He can feel himself physically shaking. Just run. Just leave. Disengage and let them decide whatever they wished. It wouldn't change what he had seen. What they had seen of him. No explanation he could give would satisfy this.
And even more so, his chest beats raw, at the idea of once more being torn from a duty here that he wants so badly to complete. A sense of belonging he does not believe he deserves but still strives for anyway, ripped apart every time someone sees him like this.
Cross-wired. Incorrect.]
What do you think you gain by this? What do you think you could possibly help me with by standing in my way?
[Empty words. Angry words. Like an animal snapping its jaws and baring its teeth.
This person. This thing. It doesn't care. He does not want to give them space to make him think otherwise. Not again. He will not fall for that again.]
It is not your concern. I am not your concern.
All your concern should be is the people of this world. What we have to do for them, and what we agreed to do to rescue them.
Spare me the rest.
[He won't wait for an answer. They can follow if they like, but Vakama will turn straight back and start a ferocious pace back to the warehouse.
Leave him alone. Leave him. These haunting thoughts of death and destruction, the ache of his heart and body at the recollections... they were his burden. His "blessing". His, and only his, to bear. He would not have them picked apart under the microscopic gaze of this ego.]
(no subject)