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.
[ It's funny, but Void Archives for all of their pretentious and arrogant nature don't actually have a problem reviewing their own thought process and actions; it isn't always the case, but they can. It's not the first time they've reevaluated their opinion, or sought out a potential solution, but there is some kind of development driving the urge to, even if they will always be who they are. They are unfortunately lacking...when it comes to their emotional empathy and dealing with that rather well.
That said, if Vakama was dealing with a certain someone there would be no room for discussion. ]
I will admit, I have shown elements of the behavior that you describe. This individual reminds me far too much of someone else as well...though, once again, I had not anticipated this being the effect to such an extent.
[ ...they've actually acted even worse than they have with Vakama, but they don't see how bringing that up will help either of them, not when they are trying to navigate this, and not backtrack. ]
As it comes to little surprise now since you offered such a conclusion - you're right once more. I shall always hold a great number of confidence when it comes to my intelligence, as being an archive of knowledge is quite a source of great pride. I am also certainly selfish, I will not lie. It'd be foolish of myself to pretend that I was soft, kind, or self-sacrificing all of a sudden; I doubt that aspect will change.
[ Whether it's their programming or not, they prioritize their goals first, even if in their head it rings as necessity, they register it as selfishness as well. ]
However, even besides Makuta to consider, I do not wish to emulate all facets of such behavior at all times of a certain someone. And as I have implied, Makuta shows such qualities. So while I doubt I will shed them all, I have pondered on the idea of some deviation. As well as offer an opportunity for you to know some more about who I am as another branch of some sort.
I never had any interest in ruling over anything or anyone. [ As of yet. The potential is there. But that should give Vakama a clue as to why they never volunteered as a leader, and instead looked towards others. ] And, I was created to ensure that the civilization of my world - humanity - would survive. Though that I pursued mostly on my own...I was used to being in the company for quite a time a person like Makuta - in my world, he is called Otto Apocalypse.
[There is no smugness from Vakama at being told he is correct, no posturing. He has been through so much in the last few months alone, spoken to enough beings that talked in circles, that there felt no need to fuel the fire of their words. He just listens, guarded as ever, picking apart the fluff of Void Archive's many words to try and make sure what needed to be understood still stood out.
Otto Apocalypse, huh...]
A rather unfortunate name to have, when you're working towards survival.
[But even that aside... with the goal of survival and the passing explanation of his view of themselves as an "archive", something finally seems to click for Vakama in passing.
How literal did they mean?]
...If that was your purpose... then what exactly are you?
Hah...he didn't really care about survival of the human race beyond one singular individual, so perhaps it suited him well.
[ They leave it at that for now, if only to answer Vakama, expression turning oddly blank and elucidating as much as they can. ]
To answer your question:
I am the Void Archives. That is more a title rather than a real name - it is the title granted to the First Divine Key, an archive of knowledge composed from information borne of humanity's civilization. This spans well over 50,000 years of humanity's time on the planet Earth, and it is comparable to a log that constantly updates with new knowledge, rather than a static archive that can be accessed. It serves as a tool of humanity's preservation in storing that knowledge due to the threat that dares to try to wipe it out. It was also programmed to destroy all traces of Honkai, and protect against whatever posed a threat to humanity - as well as by extension, the world, by any means necessary. [ Briefly, not to leave Vakama hanging: ] Honkai is a force that wishes to obliterate humanity.
Additionally, as an archive, one can interface with it and benefit accordingly. But, I believe this should suffice.
[ It's an explanation that doesn't cover every single minute detail; it has the important aspects, however, and so they find it satisfactory. ]
Vakama, do you remember when you informed me of the differences between yourself and a robot? Well, nevermind - there are indeed some robots who can be counted as individuals.
But, I would not even dare to consider myself as a part of such a category. I shall always be a tool - a device to be utilized for its purpose. I wouldn't even dare to dream that I could supercede my programming to be anything more than that, in the end.
After all, the reason why I came here in the first place aligns with fulfilling my objective, which is aligned to my purpose, and of course, my function as something that ensures the true preservation of humanity.
[ Which one can't argue is true if humanity is without its will due to Eggman's already vague but apparent plans to doubtlessly invade other worlds. So, it seems that somehow their wordiness has come back from the war, though...even as they say this with what appears to be reminiscent of their usual smirk, there is no humor or pride in it. It appears perhaps more like a mask than anything else. ]
Something about this doesn't sit right, and his expression seems to soften at the realization.
For something that verbally claimed to be completely devoted for a single purpose, they sure had a lot of feelings and reactions that did not involve said purpose. An inner inflexibility that felt strange, for something that would consider itself nothing but a tool.]
Does it bother you? To think of yourself that way?
[ Their expression goes a little unreadable at hearing this, as if being forced to consider something that they normally wouldn't.
Or, maybe they are hesitant to acknowledge a particular element of it. Though, perhaps those definitions and conclusions are still not quite it - because, they have considered the possibility that it has. Yet, if it did, would there be anything they could do about it? They doubt it.
[Such a short answer from someone so verbose. That speaks more than any avalanche of words would, in showing the marked difference in their character over that of Makuta.
[ They can't deny that they are bothered by it, even as they consider it an option. But, it's so strange to grasp the idea that they don't know what to do with it; freedom of mind is an easy concept for them to grasp. So is the idea that they can at least think for themselves.
But to be inherently bothered by the fact that they are at heart a 'tool' of some kind? It feels illogical; even if at some point they at least discussed the fact that the idea of being 'more than what their creator wanted' was more palpable. This is still different. ]
It doesn't serve any purpose to be bothered by such matters. Nor does it change the facts. Therefore, what is the point in it?
But... that is the struggle with feelings. They will happen, with or without reason. A way for our hearts to show that something is comfortable, or that something is wrong. Even if our reasoning does not always support those feelings to be correct.
You can be upset about your circumstance - dissatisfied, confused, angered, or whatever else it may be - while still acknowledging that there are no true changes to be made. It is still an echo of something you want.
I suppose this means I can be quite unfortunately sentimental even if it does not suit me.
[ Void Archives doesn't really like the sound of it. Because they have no idea what this means for them, or they simply don't exactly fancy themselves as an illogical being who stews in emotions in such a manner. It doesn't make sense.
But, they hate the idea of pouting over it even more out of a sense of pride. So, it's just something they will have to...think about. They wonder idly about some other things - ultimately, they think that while Vakama's response is indicated from his own experiences, though, the journey had been different. ]
It's something I will have to ponder over. Though, perhaps I should be fortunate to be given a thoughtful response on the matter...I know that much.
[ They take another look at their surroundings, which have probably quieted down, but they don't think either of them lingering too much will guarantee them continued safety. Yet, instead of immediately walking off, they add: ]
...Speaking of knowledge, I am not certain of the result of all this, but I do hope it has cleared up some matters for you.
[He can tell this conversation is stretching its limit for both of them. But still, he doesn't want to drop one particular point, even if it can't be for right now.]
[ Quite. Void Archives is in a complicated mood right about now...though it isn't necessarily an awful one. They just really need some time to think to themselves. Still, at the inquiry, they let out a chuckle. ]
...Ah, him.
[ Spoken in exactly the tone of 'that motherfucker, that tool'. ]
I shall have no issues in imparting knowledge of the man if you are ever so curious. Feel free to ask me of him next time we speak, in fact.
[ They tried to mask it very well, but the edge in their tone is actually pretty easy to discern because Void Archives is far too expressive and emotes easily to like hide something that may be as close to hatred as they can get. Sometimes it can work well with how they speak...
But this? Nope. ]
We can exchange stories, then. Admittedly, I am still a bit curious about Makuta...
But, for now, I shall leave it at that, and make my departure. If I do see any enemies along the way, well...they will be no issue.
[ Pause. ]
...Until later, Vakama.
[ With that, they will grant a little wave, and walk off! ]
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no subject
That said, if Vakama was dealing with a certain someone there would be no room for discussion. ]
I will admit, I have shown elements of the behavior that you describe. This individual reminds me far too much of someone else as well...though, once again, I had not anticipated this being the effect to such an extent.
[ ...they've actually acted even worse than they have with Vakama, but they don't see how bringing that up will help either of them, not when they are trying to navigate this, and not backtrack. ]
As it comes to little surprise now since you offered such a conclusion - you're right once more. I shall always hold a great number of confidence when it comes to my intelligence, as being an archive of knowledge is quite a source of great pride. I am also certainly selfish, I will not lie. It'd be foolish of myself to pretend that I was soft, kind, or self-sacrificing all of a sudden; I doubt that aspect will change.
[ Whether it's their programming or not, they prioritize their goals first, even if in their head it rings as necessity, they register it as selfishness as well. ]
However, even besides Makuta to consider, I do not wish to emulate all facets of such behavior at all times of a certain someone. And as I have implied, Makuta shows such qualities. So while I doubt I will shed them all, I have pondered on the idea of some deviation. As well as offer an opportunity for you to know some more about who I am as another branch of some sort.
I never had any interest in ruling over anything or anyone. [ As of yet. The potential is there. But that should give Vakama a clue as to why they never volunteered as a leader, and instead looked towards others. ] And, I was created to ensure that the civilization of my world - humanity - would survive. Though that I pursued mostly on my own...I was used to being in the company for quite a time a person like Makuta - in my world, he is called Otto Apocalypse.
no subject
Otto Apocalypse, huh...]
A rather unfortunate name to have, when you're working towards survival.
[But even that aside... with the goal of survival and the passing explanation of his view of themselves as an "archive", something finally seems to click for Vakama in passing.
How literal did they mean?]
...If that was your purpose... then what exactly are you?
no subject
[ They leave it at that for now, if only to answer Vakama, expression turning oddly blank and elucidating as much as they can. ]
To answer your question:
I am the Void Archives. That is more a title rather than a real name - it is the title granted to the First Divine Key, an archive of knowledge composed from information borne of humanity's civilization. This spans well over 50,000 years of humanity's time on the planet Earth, and it is comparable to a log that constantly updates with new knowledge, rather than a static archive that can be accessed. It serves as a tool of humanity's preservation in storing that knowledge due to the threat that dares to try to wipe it out. It was also programmed to destroy all traces of Honkai, and protect against whatever posed a threat to humanity - as well as by extension, the world, by any means necessary. [ Briefly, not to leave Vakama hanging: ] Honkai is a force that wishes to obliterate humanity.
Additionally, as an archive, one can interface with it and benefit accordingly. But, I believe this should suffice.
[ It's an explanation that doesn't cover every single minute detail; it has the important aspects, however, and so they find it satisfactory. ]
no subject
So, something made for humanity, encompassing humanity, but--
...
...]
Would you consider yourself a tool, in that sense?
Or an individual?
no subject
Vakama, do you remember when you informed me of the differences between yourself and a robot? Well, nevermind - there are indeed some robots who can be counted as individuals.
But, I would not even dare to consider myself as a part of such a category. I shall always be a tool - a device to be utilized for its purpose. I wouldn't even dare to dream that I could supercede my programming to be anything more than that, in the end.
After all, the reason why I came here in the first place aligns with fulfilling my objective, which is aligned to my purpose, and of course, my function as something that ensures the true preservation of humanity.
[ Which one can't argue is true if humanity is without its will due to Eggman's already vague but apparent plans to doubtlessly invade other worlds. So, it seems that somehow their wordiness has come back from the war, though...even as they say this with what appears to be reminiscent of their usual smirk, there is no humor or pride in it. It appears perhaps more like a mask than anything else. ]
I CANT BELIEVE I LOST THIS NOOO
Something about this doesn't sit right, and his expression seems to soften at the realization.
For something that verbally claimed to be completely devoted for a single purpose, they sure had a lot of feelings and reactions that did not involve said purpose. An inner inflexibility that felt strange, for something that would consider itself nothing but a tool.]
Does it bother you? To think of yourself that way?
all good!
Or, maybe they are hesitant to acknowledge a particular element of it. Though, perhaps those definitions and conclusions are still not quite it - because, they have considered the possibility that it has. Yet, if it did, would there be anything they could do about it? They doubt it.
Slowly, and carefully, they say: ]
...It shouldn't.
[ It's true. It shouldn't. ]
no subject
Gently, he presses.]
Why do you say that?
no subject
But to be inherently bothered by the fact that they are at heart a 'tool' of some kind? It feels illogical; even if at some point they at least discussed the fact that the idea of being 'more than what their creator wanted' was more palpable. This is still different. ]
It doesn't serve any purpose to be bothered by such matters. Nor does it change the facts. Therefore, what is the point in it?
no subject
Perhaps there is no point, as far as your goals.
But... that is the struggle with feelings. They will happen, with or without reason. A way for our hearts to show that something is comfortable, or that something is wrong. Even if our reasoning does not always support those feelings to be correct.
You can be upset about your circumstance - dissatisfied, confused, angered, or whatever else it may be - while still acknowledging that there are no true changes to be made. It is still an echo of something you want.
no subject
I suppose this means I can be quite unfortunately sentimental even if it does not suit me.
[ Void Archives doesn't really like the sound of it. Because they have no idea what this means for them, or they simply don't exactly fancy themselves as an illogical being who stews in emotions in such a manner. It doesn't make sense.
But, they hate the idea of pouting over it even more out of a sense of pride. So, it's just something they will have to...think about. They wonder idly about some other things - ultimately, they think that while Vakama's response is indicated from his own experiences, though, the journey had been different. ]
It's something I will have to ponder over. Though, perhaps I should be fortunate to be given a thoughtful response on the matter...I know that much.
[ They take another look at their surroundings, which have probably quieted down, but they don't think either of them lingering too much will guarantee them continued safety. Yet, instead of immediately walking off, they add: ]
...Speaking of knowledge, I am not certain of the result of all this, but I do hope it has cleared up some matters for you.
no subject
[He can tell this conversation is stretching its limit for both of them. But still, he doesn't want to drop one particular point, even if it can't be for right now.]
On Otto.
Would you tell me more of him later?
no subject
...Ah, him.
[ Spoken in exactly the tone of 'that motherfucker, that tool'. ]
I shall have no issues in imparting knowledge of the man if you are ever so curious. Feel free to ask me of him next time we speak, in fact.
no subject
Mm. I will hold you to that.
If he was as much a thorn in your side as the Makuta has been for myself, then I believe we'll have much to talk about.
no subject
But this? Nope. ]
We can exchange stories, then. Admittedly, I am still a bit curious about Makuta...
But, for now, I shall leave it at that, and make my departure. If I do see any enemies along the way, well...they will be no issue.
[ Pause. ]
...Until later, Vakama.
[ With that, they will grant a little wave, and walk off! ]
no subject
You have my thanks, Void Archive.
[It's still pretty tensely spoken as they turn and walk away. But at least there is no malice or sarcasm in it.
He'll have to take some time to collect himself and turn over what they've revealed in his mind. But for now, it can wait.]