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shardmods ([personal profile] shardmods) wrote in [community profile] shardbond2025-01-26 12:00 pm

WEEK 3






Your success in retrieving Knuckles has brought your three colorful allies back together, thus marking it a resounding success. Still, it's highly unlikely Eggman is going to overlook the destruction of his robots at that base or Knuckles going missing... But strangely, it seems as though life goes on as usual in Chicago.

The patrolling robots have had their numbers cut; a sign that you're doing something, at least. Unfortunately, the humans of this world still don't react to your presence at all, and there's no stopping the chroma slowly overtaking the city. More buildings and wildlife have been affected this week, even though Eggman hasn't set foot here. It's not exactly the most encouraging thing even if this weekend was a success.


THE CITY


Now that you're familiar with Chicago and how to find your way back to the base, you're free to explore as you see fit. You want to venture out into the suburbs? You want to take a day trip to wander even further out? Sure thing! Just be sure to let Tails know where you're going so he doesn't have a heart attack if someone goes missing.

While you're out exploring, you'll likely run across Knuckles or Sonic - both of whom will immediately beeline into the nearest robots to smash them with extreme prejudice. Regardless, they'll gladly help you if you need a hand with anything, or will otherwise carry out their tasks for Tails.

Unfortunately, the rest of the city is as lifeless as it was last week. The humans will scarcely pay attention to you, wildlife will go about lifelessly, and Eggman's unique white chrome slowly overtakes more of the city. In fact, some buildings seem to have been entirely renovated from last week - you'll find more and more "Eggman" versions of stores, attractions, and landmarks.

NIGHTMARES


The biggest difference this week has nothing to do with the world around you at large, however. Instead, you'll find your nights are far more difficult - for absolutely no reason that anyone can pinpoint. If you're lucky, you'll have unsettling dreams that leave you feeling a little worried when you wake, but otherwise fairly well rested.

If you're unlucky, you'll have horrific nightmares.

You may dream about an unwinnable battle - is it against hordes of robots? is it against your enemies back home? - where you simply don't have any choice but to fight, even though you know you can't win. The odds are stacked too high against you, no matter what you do. Will you give in? Will you fight?

You may dream about your fears - the things that threaten to seize you in a vicegrip and never let go. Are you scared of failure? Then you will experience your greatest failures in detail. Even the simplest, most mundane fears will be wildly twisted out of control - and you're powerless to wake yourself up, trapped within the dreams until the night is over and you finally, finally wake up.

You may dream about your past - whatever horrible incidents that haunt you or frighten you to think about will return in full force. These are never perfect recreations of the past, instead twisted facsimiles that only make those thoughts worse. Reliving it is one thing, but having the experience changed on you may be even worse.

Regardless of your dreams, you may find that you're not alone. Others here can be pulled into these dreams - trapped with you until either the dream ends and you wake up... or you die in the dream. Those seem to be the only ways out, no matter what you do. Still, having a buddy with you to help fight might help, right?

When you do wake up, you'll see blood red and you'll feel tired no matter how long you slept. Perhaps a nap is in order - but these dreams are just as likely to infect your naps as well.

SHARDS


You should feel fairly comfortable with using your shard power by now. You may also find that the more you use it, the more things you're able to do with it. Starting this week, your shards' powers are more pronounced, allowing you to do more with them than you could before.

As you fight with your allies - particularly those you have a close bond with, positive or negative - you may feel the tug of something in the back of your head; it tells you that you can do more. Together, you can become more powerful. You can use your shards together. Doing so will grant you a new power, or strengthen the one you already have. The more you trust one another, the easier this power will be to use.

It might be good to experiment with these new powers; after all, you never know when you may need them.

TAILS' TASKS


As mentioned to some of you, the rings that Sonic and friends use to hop between worlds have been dwindling in number, given how many were used to visit all of you and bring you in to begin with. Your job - should you choose to accept it - is to track down more rings. Tails will grant you with a tracking device that will allow you to find the exact locations of these rings. All you have to do is figure out how to get them.

Rings, as it turns out, are not quite as easy to collect as one would expect. They can appear anywhere throughout the city or the surrounding areas, but they always appear in some sort of frustrating place. Perhaps one has manifested at the top of a tree, or on top of the bean. Maybe it's hiding behind rows and rows of items in the W*lmart. Maybe you'll have to break into an employees' only room or a restricted area for one. Regardless, no ring is going to be simple to collect, and it's up to you to figure out how to get it. Every single ring counts, after all.


ENEMIES


This week's enemies are the same as last week's, though lesser in number. Like last week, you shouldn't let them escape, but you're growing stronger: they should be easier to beat than last week.

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.

Badnik Tanks are mini... well, tanks. They stand about the size of a large dog and roll around on treads through the city. They're much rarer than the other robots, but it seems some have been sent to Chicago after the destruction of the base. These tanks are capable of shooting a large laser that deals significant damage to anyone it hits, and they're quite durable. When severely damaged, they start sparking - they'll explode when hit, and you probably don't want to be in melee range!



toybombs: ([Look] deny; ignite; and)

[personal profile] toybombs 2025-02-02 06:36 am (UTC)(link)
[There is in fact rope in there! She watches them warily as they go to retrieve it.]

...Why have you decided he deserves the death penalty? Is it just because he tried to kill me?
divinevoid: (🟨 MOCK)

[personal profile] divinevoid 2025-02-02 02:44 pm (UTC)(link)
He made himself a threat in trying to kill you and gunning down the rest. Those who kill others should be prepared to be killed themselves.

Mercy can be such a useless aspect, to the point that I have little care for it whatsoever. It often gets others killed instead - stupidly, at that. Nevermind the fact you spoke that foolishness as well.

[ Void Archives' words do seem to be spoken in something reminiscent of their playful tone, but the slight edge to them indicates that there is a difference. Though perhaps their word choice is an indication as well. ]

Are you going to explain already? I'm at my limit.

[ They swiftly tie the young male up, using their knowledge to make it quick. ]
Edited 2025-02-02 14:44 (UTC)
toybombs: ([Down] garbage dump)

[personal profile] toybombs 2025-02-02 09:11 pm (UTC)(link)
But you already answered yourself.

[She keeps an eye on the process, much more concerned with Kanone than the Void Archives.]

"Those who kill others should be prepared to be killed."

[And her own sins in that regard were undeniably numerous.]
divinevoid: (🟨 ARCANE)

[personal profile] divinevoid 2025-02-03 04:01 am (UTC)(link)
[ He's tied up now, but from what they can tell there is nothing to be spoken about how he was before this. How this came to be; only emotional arguments...yet, what about those people he shot? They can't understand this at all.

They can't understand where she's coming from. As a result, any lingering anger any starts to slip away, leaving something cold, factual, and but perhaps even something considering as they smile. ]


You would throw away the potential safety of others and your own life, in order to stick to your stubborn belief. I had initially presumed it was mercy. Though, upon reevaluation, I am afraid I cannot even call it that.

Really... "I am as terrible as he is if he is killed; therefore, I should also deserve the same if he receives such a fate," is all you can manage? I believe that is quite a shame.

Ahh...I am hardly qualified to truly make myself arbiter of who lives or dies, but what value does he add to you, hm? You want to save his life, but he hardly has done anything for you or anyone else except the little mess earlier, which you have glossed over...out of, what? Your precious idea of "friendship" to him? A bond that he clearly has no interest in reciprocating? Self-satisfaction of your morality in not taking a life?

To that end, I suppose that there's nothing else to speak about, hm? Nothing else to explain; nothing else to defend him with. I suppose I do have my answer, after all.

What else is next to do, except relieve a burden?

[ They are already so close to him that it's easy to instead raise the gun they had collected as well as had nearby try to shoot Kanone in the head at close-range. ]
toybombs: ([Angy] my lungs are)

cw: casual ableism

[personal profile] toybombs 2025-02-03 09:26 am (UTC)(link)
[She just looks up at Void Archives in a sort of flabbergasted disbelief. Not that they'd be so cold, but rather:]

...Do I have to spell it out for you like you're a child?!

[Because they completely misunderstood, apparently, which is why she quickly yanks Kanone out of the path of that bullet even if it's clearly a painful experience for her, carrying all that weight alone.]

We are all murderers, dummy! His goal is to kill us so we can't kill anyone else. He was once one of us; but now he's joined hands with the people who want to put a stop to us by killing us all.

We're the same. That's why, if he can't be saved, neither can I or Ryouko or Kousuke!

You may as well just put us all in the ground!
divinevoid: (🟨 GRIN)

[personal profile] divinevoid 2025-02-03 01:53 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Are they angry she went to the point of acting in such a manner? Not at all. She seems to explain a bit more about the situation, and they don't believe their actions nor their thought process was incorrect.

It isn't satisfactory, nor is it something that they really care about. So what if they were all murderers? Wouldn't she want to guarantee her survival by killing him? Does it matter if she was one of them before or not? But, she gave him proper context, so they will mull over how feel about that first. ]


Finally, you explained the situation in more detail. If only you had bothered to place this much energy into defending your point instead of appealing to myself emotionally with vague statements, we wouldn't be having this issue.

That being said, I do believe you're quite foolish for still thinking that. If reformation and salvation of the soul is what you're looking for...you don't need him to do it. But, I suppose that is no longer my problem.

[ They move slightly so they're properly sitting with the gun instead of kneeling, smirking unrepentantly. ]

How about you explain the next process of your plan? Do try not to leave out any details, alright?
toybombs: ([Angy] pyromaniac)

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[personal profile] toybombs 2025-02-04 03:34 am (UTC)(link)
I suppose asking you to understand such a basic concept was asking too much.

["Why were you prepared to die," "Because those who kill others should be prepared to be killed." - not her fault their own words went over their head.]
toybombs: ([Serious] Try picturing us)

[personal profile] toybombs 2025-02-04 03:35 am (UTC)(link)
...We have connections. I'm sure they've already been observing from afar.

They'll create a cover story for the whole debacle and tie up any loose ends. I'm sure they'll be able to arrange for hospital rooms for those two [She nods at the two still on the floor], and a high-security cell for Kanone.

After that... I suppose we'll see what comes next in God's plans.
divinevoid: (🟨 LISTEN)

[personal profile] divinevoid 2025-02-04 05:35 am (UTC)(link)
[ They merely just let out a chuckle in response to her words, allowing it to be left at that. Things got a little exciting but how they are will always be consistent. ]

Those connections must truly be proud of my efforts! I can't wait to be praised, really.

But more importantly, it sounds like there may actually be consequences for that fool's actions...hmm. That is quite all convenient.

And, essentially, we're in the clear once we're out of this place.

All's well that ends well, then, hm? [ Then they add with a playful tone: ] 'God' willing~

[ They don't particularly care about that sort of thing, but as far as they're concerned, they can choose to be themselves about any subject they wish. This included. ]
toybombs: ([Down] if I don't wanna)

[personal profile] toybombs 2025-02-04 06:39 am (UTC)(link)
[Hoooh.]

You really are like a little kid...

If you want your reward, come over here.

[Beckoning him over, she's still on the ground with Kanone's unconscious ass.]
divinevoid: (🟨 JEER)

[personal profile] divinevoid 2025-02-04 05:11 pm (UTC)(link)
Hmph. That's rich, coming from you.

What kind of reward do you even have in mind?

[ They come over, suspecting shenanigans, but let it never be said that they were some kind of coward or anything like that. ]
toybombs: ([Sigh] now that I would)

[personal profile] toybombs 2025-02-04 10:42 pm (UTC)(link)
[Gesturing at him more, get down on her level.]

Down here, please. Now that he's tied up, I shouldn't move around as much.
divinevoid: (🟨 (X) DOUBT)

[personal profile] divinevoid 2025-02-04 11:55 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Well, the best thing they can do is plop down nearby or something. Though, they have nothing better to do, so here they are. ]

This is as good as it gets.

...You're about to try to do something strange, aren't you?
toybombs: ([Angy] begging please)

[personal profile] toybombs 2025-02-05 05:29 am (UTC)(link)
Of course not.

[She will reach over and give his hair one (1) short ruffle before withdrawing her hand once more.]

There. If you want more, learn to be more sensitive to people's feelings next time.
divinevoid: (🟨 HUFF)

[personal profile] divinevoid 2025-02-05 05:55 am (UTC)(link)
[ Oh...was that a good job head pat...?

They fold their arms. They refuse to admit that they didn't mind it, especially after her saying such words.

(This definitely won't happen again, though, let's be real.) ]


Hmph. I think I'll survive just fine without being "sensitive".

Haven't you seen how well I have done thus far without it?
toybombs: ([Think] Watch it burn)

[personal profile] toybombs 2025-02-05 06:41 am (UTC)(link)
It's not about your own survival, it's about being able to get along with everyone enough to save the world.

So far, you're getting failing marks.
divinevoid: (🟨 MOCK)

[personal profile] divinevoid 2025-02-05 05:59 pm (UTC)(link)
[ They scoff at this with ease, actually. ]

Don't be ridiculous. I've been getting along just enough to help save this pitiful world.

Therefore, there hasn't been any failure.

[ Besides, they don't really need to get along with anyone beyond a surface level. Why should they care about that? ]
toybombs: ([uwu smile] one hundred Fahrenheit)

[personal profile] toybombs 2025-02-05 08:56 pm (UTC)(link)
[Brightly:]

If I didn't already know this was a dream, I would have opened fire along with him.

You only got one head pat because you stunned him like I asked. Do better at listening next time if you want more.
divinevoid: (🟨 SNEER)

[personal profile] divinevoid 2025-02-05 10:54 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh really? I suppose the idea must have truly been quite appealing to you.

[ They seem somehow amused in saying that, though. The idea is suddenly better because Rio is joining in murder...? ]

And please, I listen just fine. I just so happen not to be desperate for getting something as simple as a head pat.
toybombs: ([Down] if I don't wanna)

[personal profile] toybombs 2025-02-06 03:27 am (UTC)(link)
Ehhh, are you sure? You made quite the face when I gave you one.

It almost looked like you liked it...
divinevoid: (🟨 ✨)

[personal profile] divinevoid 2025-02-06 04:57 am (UTC)(link)
...I have no idea what you're talking about.

[ They're not going to admit it easily... ]
toybombs: ([Smirk] Not to play with fire)

[personal profile] toybombs 2025-02-06 10:04 pm (UTC)(link)
You can't fool me. You were blushing!

[Hehehe.]
divinevoid: (🟨 SIGH)

[personal profile] divinevoid 2025-02-07 01:36 am (UTC)(link)
Ugh...a pity that you aren't blind.

[ It's kind of hard to deny a reaction when it's all over one's face. Talk about annoying!! ]
toybombs: ([Smile] It's above)

[personal profile] toybombs 2025-02-07 02:41 am (UTC)(link)
[Innocently:] Is it a problem for people to realize you like headpats?
divinevoid: (🟨 (X) DOUBT)

[personal profile] divinevoid 2025-02-07 04:45 am (UTC)(link)
[ They let out a small huff. ]

It's a problem when it's you.

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