You were successful in repelling the robots attacking the city, but you've been left with far too many questions. For once, Tails doesn't have any answers for you, and a gloomy uncertainty has fallen over your three allies. It probably doesn't help that everyone had a rough time of it last week. A win is a win, but it doesn't really feel like a win when you're not even sure who this unknown threat is...
Regardless, life goes on. Things are a bit different this week in Chicago, however.
THE CITY
You'll need to be careful now more than ever when heading out into the city. Though Eggman's usual robots are still present, their numbers have been cut drastically. Far fewer drones patrol the streets, with only the occasional tank or B33 to be seen. You can still find and fight them, and they will still call for backup, but it seems like you all really have destroyed a lot of them.
But there are the new additions to Eggman's forces. Unlike the white chrome versions, these are here to cause problems. You can find them patrolling sometimes... but usually you'll find them in the city proper, destroying whatever they can. Whenever they catch sight of you, they will stop at nothing to try to pursue you and destroy you.
The city itself is still undergoing changes, with more of that white chrome spreading throughout, as if infecting the structures themselves. The Badniks will still destroy even that, though; it's more like they're mindless machines than carrying out any precise orders.
But in a stroke of good luck, occasionally you'll find that some of the humans recognize the danger they're in. It's only when confronted with a robot - but you might hear a scream, or see them try to run away, and if you save them, you may even be able to get a few words in before they simply return to their monotonous lives. You won't be able to get any truly valuable information from them, but they will thank you repeatedly for helping. They don't seem to realize that they're being controlled by someone else, even if you ask them about it.
VISIONS
If you thought last week was a lot, get ready for the madness of week 4!
You may still have nightmares. You may still be pulled into each others' nightmares (same as last week, if you'd like to play out more of these). Or maybe you'll finally be able to catch a break and get some z's, but even if you are lucky enough for that, you'll still be dealing with everything else.
You may find yourself randomly teleported into the city. This happens at random, and can happen to multiple people at the same time. One minute you may be waking up, the next you'll find yourself surrounded by robots ready to kill you. And yeah, the robots are a feature, not a bug. No matter how it happens, you will always be facing down robots whenever you're brought into the city. Enjoy!
But maybe your luck holds out and you're unaffected by that. Well, there's still the visions to deal with!
There are two different kinds of visions that may happen.
The first are the more minor ones - where you may see the people closest to you (positive or negative). They will appear for others as well, and they will gladly speak with you - though they aren't exactly behaving in the way they should. They will torment you, reminding you of past failures and imperfections, and speaking as though everything is your fault. They will follow you wherever you go, and will only fade when someone else has helped you come to terms with the horrid things they're saying. These visions are a manifestation of a character's psyche and thus are based on their own perceptions of their friends/enemies and their own faults. They're incapable of interacting with the world or the characters, but they sure can insult you!
The second are much larger in scope. No matter where you were, you may find yourself pulled into friend's memory. These memories are one-for-one versions of what exactly happened, though now you're here! Are you playing the role of someone else, or are you just a bystander in all that's happening?
The character having the vision may or may not be aware of you initially, but once they're made aware of your presence, the vision will still play out as the memory would. The only way to stop it - aside from simply letting it play out in its entirety - is to drastically alter the memory in such a way that it cannot get itself back on track. Considering the trauma some of the people in this game have, it might be a good idea to help break them free of it.
Regardless of which happens to you (the nightmares, the teleportation, or the visions), your vision will turn bright red for a moment afterwards - it vanishes quickly enough, but it leaves you with the eerie feeling that you're being watched.
SHARDS
Your powers are growing, and you'll find you're able to defend yourself with your power in some way, even if yours is a power made for support. All characters are now able to fire off a blast of energy in their shard color to defend themselves - this attack will grow stronger in time, but at least everyone should be able to defend themselves (somewhat) now?
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
Like last week, Sonic Team is still in need of rings. Rings are still annoying to get. You'll probably need help to get them, but they're worth collecting. So make sure to grab some for Tails!
You may also be tasked with tracking Chaos Energy. Like with tracking rings, Tails will give you a device that can pick up on the signature. You should be careful in approaching, especially if the signature is a large one, considering the three enemies you faced last weekend. Still, Chaos Energy may lead you to more of Eggman's fake Chaos Emeralds, which could prove useful...
Tracking the source down will lead you to one of the weekly enemies with a shard somewhere on its body. It will be much harder to kill than the regular versions of that enemy, and capable of some kind of special power (players' choice). Crushing the shard will weaken the enemy and bring it back down to its normal power level, making it fairly easy to defeat, but if you manage to defeat it without breaking the shard, you can bring it back to Tails for examination.
ENEMIES
Though you can still find the enemies from previous weeks in Chicago throughout the city, their numbers have thinned. Mostly, you'll be running into new faces - robots that don't look anything like Eggman's usuals. They are very rarely actually patrolling or idling, instead focused on destroying parts of the city or attacking any people unfortunate enough to get in their way.
Moto Bugs are... rather cute. They roll around on their singular wheel and can slash with their front claws, though primarily they deal damage by ramming into things at fairly high speeds. They're fairly weak, all things considered, especially by now. They're completely powerless when knocked over or onto their backs. Though one Moto Bug is weak, you will never find them alone - instead, you'll usually find at least 3-5 of them in a group.
Crabmeats are robotic crabs. Where does the meat come in? Unclear. Regardless, they're stronger than Moto Bugs and are capable of both bashing with their massive claws and snipping, and either way they are capable of a good deal of damage if you get hit. They're slower though, which means getting out of the way shouldn't be too hard. Like Moto Bugs, these usually are never alone, often working in pairs.
Buzzers are bees. Did you think we were done with bees? We are absolutely not done with bees. These bees function almost identically to the B33 models in that they're capable of firing lasers from their stingers, divebombing to try to sting, and generally be(e)ing a nuisance. Unlike the B33 models, they do not have a glaringly obvious weak point and are a bit harder to hit and destroy as a result. Though you may rarely encounter only one of these bees out in the wild, usually you'll run into groups of them and they will not be(e) happy to see you.
The disparities between the different parts of the city? That he could understand well enough, though perhaps not in the more severe strokes. Even at peace, Metru Nui was so integrally divided.]
...It's hard for people not to make the worst assumptions for the unfamiliar, or the unwanted. Either because they do not know better, or choose not to believe in such.
Though, I... take it you mean something different than your partnership?
[The question is surprisingly open, rather than cautious. But he stammers in retreat as he sorts what's left on the bed.]
H-here... hand me something to work with. What of this did you need dismantled?
[Viktor gave him a strange look; like he'd assumed something was very obvious when it clearly was not.]
There should be another wheel in with all of that; if you would like, I am going to need the rotor mechanisms so that I can repurpose them.
[Honestly, he didn't particularly want to say it out loud and elaborate on a matter that Viktor was both inexperienced with and incredibly uncomfortable to consider, but...]
I was not aware the implication remained unclear. I am saying he presumably brought me back against my will out of love, not only affection or attachment.
[Well, if he definitely didn't look up from what he was doing, maybe talking about it would be easier.]
If such a thing existed before that incident--it would have proven a disaster. As far as status was concerned, I was less than nothing beside someone like him. No one would have taken our work seriously again.
N-no, no, that part was very clear. I don't mean to confuse you.
[Just robbing one of those tools with a quiet apology so he can start taking apart the other wheel.]
There's a great many things, when it comes to how humans relate to one another, that I find I struggle to understand. I wouldn't want to say love is one of them. I have done many things for the love I have for my people. But...
The way you use it is... strange, to me. Like it is somehow different for an individual.
[Janna, strike him down now. This is the least qualified person on Runeterra to have this conversation.]
It is...unquantifiable, and therefore I do not have much expertise or understanding of the matter. But love for others as a wider concept is simple; that is just base compassion. The recognition they are deserving of help, and the desire to render that aid to them.
On an individual level... [Viktor paused as he tried to find a way to explain what he did not understand himself, hands working a little too quickly as the only tell of his unease.] ...it is sharper. More focused, as a laser might be in comparison to a campfire.
...It is. Overwhelming, all-encompassing, and dangerous. I think it is like...looking at someone and understanding that despite being a fully realized individual, you were missing something until that moment. A feeling with no basis in logic or reason, similar to an irregularly firing synapse. A recursive impulse that brings you back to them again and again, because the thought of being without them causes the illusion of physical pain.
[he is incapable of explaining things through any other perspective than Science. who would ever have guessed this works.]
Think of it as compassion and trust taken to its furthest extreme. You care for them, desire nothing so much as their happiness, and are willing to place everything you are in their hands believing they will safeguard it.
[Compassion and trust, to its furthest extreme. A someone, who you wish to always be there.]
Having all of that focused to only one other... [The appeal is not lost to a lonely heart.] I would worry about whether it would affect one's ability to do what they need to do with a clear mind. Straddling the line just like anger.
But...
[Well. Viktor is exactly who he is right this second, allegedly, because someone loved him so intensely that they would turn him into this, rather than watch him die.
A unity of only two. Duty muddled, destiny warped. For only two.]
...
Yes. I suppose... I could understand it being a very dangerous thing. A very potent thing.
It makes one irrational, that much is certain. [Viktor pointedly focused on only what he was doing, and not the delicate metallic fingers dissecting mechanisms with surgical precision. Tried not to think bout how genuinely relieved his partner had been, not comprehending the depths of his betrayal.]
The whole point of the glorious evolution was to advance humanity past the need for such things. Removing all pain and fear, taking conflict with it. I believed myself abandoned, and there was no greater ache I could conceptualize. Love was just another avenue through which one could feel unending pain, so that was no exception to what I set out to do. So one could say I did not care for it, at the time.
...But if it were not for love, Runeterra would be lost. Because someone cared so much as to pull a monster back to its senses. Where I saw a wretched, broken, flawed thing, he saw only the kind of perfection I had always believed out of my reach.
When it feels as though it will cause us nothing but pain, maybe it is natural to want to run in the absence of any other solution. Like the rat who runs from the flow of the stream, because he believes it to always hold a serpent.
[To isolate. To separate. To pursue the greater good of their kind with the twisted ache of a heart that stood alone; hated, hating, wanting.
...
Where Viktor's hands work diligently, Vakama's stay methodically slow, as though every piece has weight. A rhythm that matches his mood, the heart he wears too transparently at times despite his best attempts.]
...
It is the ones who have faith in us that seem to pull us back.
[An echo, of something previously said.]
What a strong faith he must have had, indeed, if that is how deeply he reached for you.
You understood enough to call out his reality in front of your eyes just now. I would not count that as a lack of understanding in the slightest. Far from it.
[Though...
...]
You... keep saying it is too late.
I saw in your dreams... a possible reality, not a completed one. Where you asked him to find you, and stop the cycle.
...That Viktor is not me. He is another world's possibility, one whose goal has seen completion in our timeline--not the evolution, but preventing it.
[Viktor sighed quietly, setting aside a few extra pieces for closer examination later.]
As for what I specifically will do...I do not know. But when I say it is too late, I mean I can not very well return home; I would more than likely face execution for everything that has happened. I will just...have to find somewhere else. Start over entirely, perhaps actually help people rather than destroy things with good intentions.
[Part of him wants to argue not abandoning his home on a possibility. Despite knowing the possible cost... what heartbreak it was, to leave it all behind.
But the other part of him is what drove him to do the exact same thing. Out of different necessity, perhaps, but with memory and culture and purpose all left behind and starting from scratch.
He had placed everything he had into the faith that it was the best solution for his people to thrive, rather than to pick apart the remains of what once was. Surely, if he could have faith in them, and allow others to have faith that he would lead that charge... then he could have faith in this man so very much like him.]
...
Have you spoken with Tails and Sonic about it?
They have already sent people home. Brought new souls in. Surely they could find somewhere fitting for you and the good you wish to do. Or you could find your place with one of us, instead.
Tails offered exactly that briefly, when we first arrived here. I am thinking about it, but--it is not as if I exactly blend in. Willing as I am to consider either option, that complicates things.
Mm. Still, people have been accepting of you in the circumstances. Who is to say it will not be the same elsewhere, given time?
[...
A beat, hesitant.]
If... you find you have nowhere to go, Viktor, you are welcome to come with me.
We have little, where we head. And I would not be able to speak on the behalf of my fellow Toa. But... given what awaits us, it is about as blank of a slate as I think we could ever offer.
There are yet options to consider--after all, we do not know what this world will resemble when all is said and done, and I would not wish to trouble anyone unnecessarily. Besides that, if I regain the powers I have lost, travel between worlds themselves may even be possible for me without that ring portal technology.
[He glanced over his shoulder, manging a faint smile.]
But the offer does sound like a worthwhile one, and I am more than accustomed to having nothing.
There is unity that cannot be broken when it comes to being with one's own people, so I would not ask you to separate yourself so from humanity.
But... if it truly comes to it, I would not want to turn my back on another lone soul with no place they feel they can go. And moreso, I do... truly find that I enjoy your company.
Considering what I am now, I think I would fit in better with you and yours than I would flesh and blood humanity at this point.
[Which was said as little more than a fact, without much shame behind it.]
Besides...you have been a valued friend ito me in so relatively short a time. Regardless of how this ends, I would be hesitant to relinquish that connection entirely.
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no subject
The disparities between the different parts of the city? That he could understand well enough, though perhaps not in the more severe strokes. Even at peace, Metru Nui was so integrally divided.]
...It's hard for people not to make the worst assumptions for the unfamiliar, or the unwanted. Either because they do not know better, or choose not to believe in such.
Though, I... take it you mean something different than your partnership?
[The question is surprisingly open, rather than cautious. But he stammers in retreat as he sorts what's left on the bed.]
H-here... hand me something to work with. What of this did you need dismantled?
no subject
There should be another wheel in with all of that; if you would like, I am going to need the rotor mechanisms so that I can repurpose them.
[Honestly, he didn't particularly want to say it out loud and elaborate on a matter that Viktor was both inexperienced with and incredibly uncomfortable to consider, but...]
I was not aware the implication remained unclear. I am saying he presumably brought me back against my will out of love, not only affection or attachment.
[Well, if he definitely didn't look up from what he was doing, maybe talking about it would be easier.]
If such a thing existed before that incident--it would have proven a disaster. As far as status was concerned, I was less than nothing beside someone like him. No one would have taken our work seriously again.
no subject
[Just robbing one of those tools with a quiet apology so he can start taking apart the other wheel.]
There's a great many things, when it comes to how humans relate to one another, that I find I struggle to understand. I wouldn't want to say love is one of them. I have done many things for the love I have for my people. But...
The way you use it is... strange, to me. Like it is somehow different for an individual.
no subject
It is...unquantifiable, and therefore I do not have much expertise or understanding of the matter. But love for others as a wider concept is simple; that is just base compassion. The recognition they are deserving of help, and the desire to render that aid to them.
On an individual level... [Viktor paused as he tried to find a way to explain what he did not understand himself, hands working a little too quickly as the only tell of his unease.] ...it is sharper. More focused, as a laser might be in comparison to a campfire.
no subject
[viktor, on the contrary: you explained in one shot what took Rio a lot of genuine effort. it's 100% the word choice.]
I have to wonder if that wouldn't be an overwhelming sort of thing, to feel love like that.
no subject
[he is incapable of explaining things through any other perspective than Science. who would ever have guessed this works.]
Think of it as compassion and trust taken to its furthest extreme. You care for them, desire nothing so much as their happiness, and are willing to place everything you are in their hands believing they will safeguard it.
no subject
[Compassion and trust, to its furthest extreme. A someone, who you wish to always be there.]
Having all of that focused to only one other... [The appeal is not lost to a lonely heart.] I would worry about whether it would affect one's ability to do what they need to do with a clear mind. Straddling the line just like anger.
But...
[Well. Viktor is exactly who he is right this second, allegedly, because someone loved him so intensely that they would turn him into this, rather than watch him die.
A unity of only two. Duty muddled, destiny warped. For only two.]
...
Yes. I suppose... I could understand it being a very dangerous thing. A very potent thing.
...
Do you not care for it, Viktor?
no subject
The whole point of the glorious evolution was to advance humanity past the need for such things. Removing all pain and fear, taking conflict with it. I believed myself abandoned, and there was no greater ache I could conceptualize. Love was just another avenue through which one could feel unending pain, so that was no exception to what I set out to do. So one could say I did not care for it, at the time.
...But if it were not for love, Runeterra would be lost. Because someone cared so much as to pull a monster back to its senses. Where I saw a wretched, broken, flawed thing, he saw only the kind of perfection I had always believed out of my reach.
no subject
...]
When it feels as though it will cause us nothing but pain, maybe it is natural to want to run in the absence of any other solution. Like the rat who runs from the flow of the stream, because he believes it to always hold a serpent.
[To isolate. To separate. To pursue the greater good of their kind with the twisted ache of a heart that stood alone; hated, hating, wanting.
...
Where Viktor's hands work diligently, Vakama's stay methodically slow, as though every piece has weight. A rhythm that matches his mood, the heart he wears too transparently at times despite his best attempts.]
...
It is the ones who have faith in us that seem to pull us back.
[An echo, of something previously said.]
What a strong faith he must have had, indeed, if that is how deeply he reached for you.
no subject
[Because I promised you.]
...Nearly ten years we worked together, and I never truly understood anything until it was too late.
no subject
You understood enough to call out his reality in front of your eyes just now. I would not count that as a lack of understanding in the slightest. Far from it.
[Though...
...]
You... keep saying it is too late.
I saw in your dreams... a possible reality, not a completed one. Where you asked him to find you, and stop the cycle.
...
Is that still what you plan? When this is over?
no subject
[Viktor sighed quietly, setting aside a few extra pieces for closer examination later.]
As for what I specifically will do...I do not know. But when I say it is too late, I mean I can not very well return home; I would more than likely face execution for everything that has happened. I will just...have to find somewhere else. Start over entirely, perhaps actually help people rather than destroy things with good intentions.
no subject
But the other part of him is what drove him to do the exact same thing. Out of different necessity, perhaps, but with memory and culture and purpose all left behind and starting from scratch.
He had placed everything he had into the faith that it was the best solution for his people to thrive, rather than to pick apart the remains of what once was. Surely, if he could have faith in them, and allow others to have faith that he would lead that charge... then he could have faith in this man so very much like him.]
...
Have you spoken with Tails and Sonic about it?
They have already sent people home. Brought new souls in. Surely they could find somewhere fitting for you and the good you wish to do. Or you could find your place with one of us, instead.
no subject
no subject
[...
A beat, hesitant.]
If... you find you have nowhere to go, Viktor, you are welcome to come with me.
We have little, where we head. And I would not be able to speak on the behalf of my fellow Toa. But... given what awaits us, it is about as blank of a slate as I think we could ever offer.
no subject
[He glanced over his shoulder, manging a faint smile.]
But the offer does sound like a worthwhile one, and I am more than accustomed to having nothing.
no subject
There is unity that cannot be broken when it comes to being with one's own people, so I would not ask you to separate yourself so from humanity.
But... if it truly comes to it, I would not want to turn my back on another lone soul with no place they feel they can go. And moreso, I do... truly find that I enjoy your company.
no subject
[Which was said as little more than a fact, without much shame behind it.]
Besides...you have been a valued friend ito me in so relatively short a time. Regardless of how this ends, I would be hesitant to relinquish that connection entirely.
no subject
[There's something about the statement that touches him deeply, from how his eyes widen slightly and his gaze breaks in thought.]
...I would want to avoid that as well.
To be considered as a friend to you in kind as you have been to me... it is not something I would want to forget.
no subject
[He's died like two and a half times, minimum.]
no subject
You make that sound as a threat.
no subject
no subject
[With a push up from his seat, he walks over to the desk and deposits an intact motor.]
Of the many things that have threatened to follow me to wherever my final days lie, I will not mind in the slightest if you are one of them.