Between the mysteries of last weekend, the increasing number of visions and unexplained phenomena, and the attack on Vakama yesterday, everyone is likely on edge. When Tails calls you into his lab around noon, you all are likely already aware of how this is going to go.
Once again, a surge of Chaos Energy in the city is what draws you in, though this time it is a much larger burst than before. Sonic and Knuckles are here with you as usual, with Tails remaining behind to look after Vakama and the base. Unlike before, you aren't met with robots or destruction. In fact, this city block looks remarkably peaceful, aside from where Eggman's chroma has overtaken most of the buildings.
"So good of you all to finally arrive."
The voice comes from up above. You recognize it as the one you heard last week, through that gemstone the Tails Doll had. Perched on one of the buildings is a... fox? No, he's larger than Tails, and wearing a large silver mask that obscures most of his features. In one hand he holds Vakama's missing mask; his other is extended with six gemstones floating around it, a soft teal glow from beneath his black glove marking the seventh. There's a different gemstone on the center of his chest as well, though it doesn't look like the fake Chaos Emeralds you've seen before.
"You all have the pleasure of fighting me, Infinite. I am the Doctor's trusted ally... and I have been watching you all. Your struggles with my nightmares and illusions were so... delicious. You have my thanks for the show."
He kicks off the building, floating towards you all and the ground, though stopping high enough up, still out of reach. And for those of you getting any bright ideas, a deep red begins to fill your vision, tinting the corners of it as the very world itself begins to warp around you - this isn't exactly Chicago anymore, you see. The buildings still exist, wrapped in white chroma, though they bend and twist in ways they shouldn't, making it hard to tell what's real and what isn't.
"I'll snuff out your lives here and now for the Doctor's ambitions! Let's see what you're made of!"
[Unlike last time, you do not have the luxury of time. You won't have a chance to try to come up with a plan or prepare yourselves for battle - Infinite isn't giving you that opportunity.
Instead, he summons four other enemies for you to fight. They appear in a moment, a glitchy red effect being replaced with them as Infinite creates a barrier of that same bizarre-looking energy around him. These Phantom Copies are of beings you don't recognize - a black and red hedgehog, a robotic hedgehog, a watery creature, and some kind of devil? You'll be facing Shadow, Metal Sonic, Chaos, and Zavok this phase. Infinite himself will automatically dodge or dispel all attacks aimed his way.
Though these copies look like the originals, occasionally their bodies will glitch out into red particles before reforming themselves immediately, so quick you'd miss it if you blinked. They are ultimately just illusions - though they're very physical illusions, capable of beating you to a pulp.
Speaking of.
Shadow uses Chaos Control - a power that will freeze Gyles and Lark, preventing them from all action this round. This is immediately followed up by Zavok going in to smash them both with a fierce punch - though they cannot move this round, others can use their actions to protect them or otherwise try to stop the damage (roll a 1d20 for success)!
Chaos shoots water jets from his body, aiming at Dorothy (x2) and Percy while Metal Sonic's speed allows him to simply vanish from sight - trying to strike Raven and Dorothy (again) from behind with his claws when he returns.
Your current enemies are: Shadow, Metal Sonic, Chaos, and Zavok. You may dodge and attack this turn, even if you fail your dodge roll(s).]
[Oscar and Percy take the hits from Zavok for Lark and Gyles, and the attacks from Void, Rio, and Viktor hit Shadow, breaking his concentration and freeing Lark and Gyles from Chaos Control.
The hits cause the illusions to temporarily lose their form, but they're quickly reformed, as if those hits didn't do anything at all.
Shadow attempts to use Chaos Control on Oscar and Mafuyu (Mafuyu can roll a 1d20 to dodge thanks to Ashley's warning) - Zavok doesn't follow up again this time, instead he takes a page out of Robo Knuckles' book and breaks the concrete... you know what that means. Everyone roll a 1d20 to dodge rocks again! At least you're not at a disadvantage this time?
Chaos attacks Basilio, Fukuda, and Wednesday with watery jets. Metal Sonic breaks free from Yves' vines (16) and zips out of sight. It's not clear exactly where he went or what it is he's going to do... You'll have to find out next round.]
[Metal Sonic reappears in a flash, landing hard enough to break pavement before Zavok. He activates a dark shield that catches all attacks aimed at the big guy and safely dispels them. This is immediately followed by a laser shot at Gyles (x2 attacks).
Shadow takes quite a bit of damage and it's harder for him to regain his form after glitching out again. You're obviously managing something even though the Phantom Copy does manage to put himself together again and acts like nothing happened. Here's another Chaos Control - watch out Ashley and Basilio!
Thankfully, Zavok does not throw rocks this turn. That's because he's more focused on punching the living daylights out of Oscar and Ashley. Those hits will hurt if they aren't dodged or no one stops them!
And to make matters worse, Chaos has clearly decided to stop playing around - he slams a fist into the ground which practically explodes in water damage: Wolfwood, Sunday, Raven, Viktor and More you'd better hope you can dodge!
Though he's been sitting idle this whole time (when he's not yelling at you), Infinite is still here. Unfortunately, that means Infinite can also attack you. Rio, Void Archives, and Wednesday will be pulled into nightmares. Roll an 11 or higher to escape, otherwise someone else will have to get an 11 or higher to break you free! Breaking free (or not) is your action for this round.
Your current enemies are: Shadow, Metal Sonic, Chaos, and Zavok. You may dodge and attack this turn, even if you fail your dodge roll(s).]
[Mafuyu's attack starts to freeze Chaos's legs. He struggles, nearly frozen straight to the ground - but he breaks free, immediately firing off another ranged water attack at Mafuyu, More, Lucifer, Void Archives, and Basilio.
Zavok and Shadow are taking an absolute beating on all sides - the latter is now routinely glitching and struggling to maintain his form, while the former is starting to show some wear. Neither of them are down and out just yet, though. Since he's weakened, Shadow can only manage Chaos Control on Raven.
Metal Sonic and Zavok gang up on Mafuyu (x2), Lark (x2), and Viktor (x2) so you might want to heal or shield them? Yikes.
And of course, there's still Infinite, causing nightmares on Gyles, Ashley, and Percy. Fun times all around! Rio is still trapped in nightmare hell, so someone please save her.
Your current enemies are: Shadow, Metal Sonic, Chaos, and Zavok. You may dodge and attack this turn, even if you fail your dodge roll(s).]
[This time Mafuyu manages to freeze Chaos. This time he's unable to get free. The ice travels up from his legs, across his chest and out through his arms, then up to the core in his head, freezing him completely solid. There's a brief moment where he shakes violently, as though trying to free himself, before he falls still.
And then (because this is Shardbond and I am nothing if not predictable), Chaos explodes in that red, glitchy energy. Everyone roll to see how well you're dodging that watery explosion!
The hits on Shadow are also enough to take him out and while he does explode into the same glitchy effects, he does not actually cause explosion damage. Thank god.
That leaves Metal Sonic and Zavok, and while the latter is definitely looking worse for the wear and glitching all the hell over, he's still standing. And still ready to punch! In fact, he's going to go back to everyone's favorite attack - throwing rocks. Yeah. Everyone roll for rocks again, because what else would you expect from me.
At least Metal Sonic is actually attacking? Look out for a drive-by slash of his claws, Percy, Dorothy, and More! Oh yeah, and Infinite exists too. I almost forgot about him. Look at the time, it's nightmare o'clock for More, Viktor, and Lucifer, have fun!
Your current enemies are: Metal Sonic and Zavok. You may dodge and attack this turn, even if you fail your dodge roll(s).]
[There's entirely too much damage on Zavok and the illusion can no longer keep himself in one piece. Like Shadow, he fades into those glitchy effects without causing an explosion and thankfully without throwing any more rocks.
Metal Sonic is immediately caught up in Yves' vines, and the rest of the damage takes him down remarkably quick. It's not like a 1 vs 28 was ever going to go well for him, after all. But unlike Zavok, Metal Sonic's got one last "fuck you" to the gang... because yeah, you guessed it, he's going to explode. Everyone roll a 1d20 for damage, you know the drill.
For once, Infinite is silent. He watches all of you from his position floating above and it's impossible to tell what his expression is doing beneath that mask. You have a brief moment to heal after the explosions - you might want to make use of it.]
[With the last of the Phantom Copies breaking down into nothingness, Infinite growls.]
Is that all you have? Pathetic! Even the weaklings of the resistance put on a better show!
[The gems around his hand glow as Infinite gestures towards you all.]
You believe you can stand against me? I have seen your deepest, darkest fears and regrets, the things that give you pause and shape and define you - and you think to challenge me?
[He presses a hand to the gemstone on his chest and it flashes red.]
With this, the Phantom Ruby, I will make you bow - your very minds are mine to do with as I see fit!
I will not lose to weaklings like you. I cannot lose.
[The world fades to red.
When you open your eyes, you find yourself in a place you love dearly, facing a person who is exceptionally important to you, alive or dead. They approach you - asking if you're okay, where you've been, how you've been doing, or any number of other questions they might ask - and maybe for just a moment, you can forget where you are and what you're facing.
Or maybe not. After all, it depends on a 1d20 roll. A 15 or above will break the illusion. Feel free to roll with disadvantage (or not roll at all) if your character would be reluctant to try to break it.
But even if you do succeed in freeing yourself, you aren't exactly out of the woods just yet. A corrupted version of that person in your vision stands before you, wielding your power, your weapon, and out for your blood.
For this section, I will be replying to you all individually instead of in the usual round format. Once you have successfully freed yourself and defeated your illusion, you may help your friends with theirs. Please provide me with the name and a description/image of the character yours is facing so I know what to work with! Infinite floats above, still protected by that barrier.]
[How many times does she have to face off against Kanone this week?
His smile is sweet and his voice is gentle, and it's all too alluring to pretend they're fourteen again, still friends and allies and - sure, they may have to fight, may have to kill, but-
[Dorothy wants nothing more than to harm. Than to finally shut that yapping jackal up and break him into five million pieces, than to finally just hurt him for everything he's done, and Dorothy's into the dream in an instant...
...She isn't even home; she's somehow in Chicago, at one of those bars that she'd been seeking out to go with Raven and Yeager so long ago. Dorothy blinks a little bit, lifting her head up from the bar and some familiar laughter rings out from next to her.]
Oh my, miss Dorothy! Careful now; we can't have you falling asleep before the night is over, ja?
[Dorothy looks over to Yeager and she's stunlocked for a moment. (9) There's a part of her that knows something is weird and off and--]
Where's--where's Raven? What are we doing...
Ah, having another nightmare, I take it?
[It's surprisingly gentle when he says it.]
It's alright, you know. Our battle is long won, after all! Raven will be right back with a few more drinks, and we're going to enjoy this night properly!
[...She doesn't want to leave. This is everything she's ever wanted, she's even in her new outfit and not her combat uniform at all.]
It's Lia. Lia approaches, hesitant and reluctant to see him again but it's so obvious that unlike her nightmare counterpart in the week, she cares. She's worried. That's the Lia he knows, the Lia he loved – loved. They're over, but the way she looks at him makes him remember why he cared so deeply for her in the first place.
He has people he needs to return to, but he can't find it in himself to leave. ]
Oh my god, Percy! PERCY!
[ She runs in and hugs him very, very tightly. She's crying. That's right, she...must have known, right? That he died.
He's hesitant, but he hugs her, too. It's lighter than he used to hug her, that's for sure, but he is glad to see her again regardless. ]
I...I'm okay, I – everything is pretty bad, but I'll be alright. [ His breathing is very shaky. ] You were worried?
[ It's Enid. Of course it's Enid. Who else would it be - her mother? In all of her excitable, pink, cheery glory. Of course she'd worry about Wednesday first. She's the one who should have been here in the first place, the one who it would make sense for Sonic to have picked. She has the personality to worry about things like the power of friendship, she's outgoing, she works together with others so naturally...
Perhaps that's why, on a 10, Wednesday's mind doesn't go to the fact that she can't really be in their dorm room with her right now. ]
[Staring up at Infinite, in the moment before he acts, Turo thinks - well, of course. His mind has never been his own.
So maybe it's no surprise that he does not break out of the illusion (13). He finds himself in...for a moment, he's not sure where he is. The Lab and the crater have long since been more of a prison than a home to him, and he has not been in Chicago long enough to care for anyplace here. He's never been anywhere else before. Though, back in the Lab, he used to watch the cameras and dream of -
He's in an open field, standing outside a Pokemon Center waypost. It's a route that students often follow when they're heading out on their Treasure Hunts, and the Centers all have security cameras that he can hack. He's seen this place before. He watched Juliana stop on the grass there once for lunch, with Miraidon. It seemed so much happier than it had ever been while it was down in the Lab with him. Naturally, right? It's free, it has friends, it's going on adventures. That's what it deserved, so...so he doesn't have any right to feel so jealous as he does.
Now, though, neither the girl nor the dragon are present. Arven is here. Mabostiff is at his side, of course, and he hefts his big hiking pack onto his shoulders and approaches Turo with a smile.]
Hey! You finally ready to go?
[Turo blinks at him. What are they to each other? Nothing, really. Why would...but he seems happy to see him for once, and the road stretches on into the horizon.]
[ It's been months since he's actually been back to his apartment in North Harbor. But it's become such a familiar sight lately, thanks to the nightmares. There's no place he's loved more than this cozy little space, with his shitty homemade furniture and the stunning view of the sea.
Gyles isn't surprised to be here. He isn't even surprised to see Hune - his beloved husband of over 20 years, his light and savior, the one he'll love the most no matter what world he finds himself in. It's always been the two of them. In all his years, Gyles has never let it be more than the two of them.
He takes a breath, and turns to face the honey badger with the kind eyes, the gentle smile, and the domino he's currently wearing on his right ear dangling from a chain around his neck, where it rightfully belongs. ]
Welcome home, my love. Why don't you sit down? I just finished brewing tea for the both of us.
... I shouldn't.
[ Those words aren't enough to break him free, though (7). Perhaps there's more he needs to say. ]
[A figure in dark clothes stood opposite him, in a laboratory lit by single tall sunlit window.]
I asked if you were okay. It's over--the Hexcore collapsed, most everyone is back to normal now. We can just go back to the way things used to be, where both of us belong. Here, in the lab--just you and me.
No--no, this is not... [Not real. He knew it wasn't, but...]
[Jayce stepped closer and put a hand on a thin shoulder, and Viktor's resolve instantly crumbled (9).]
[ Void Archives doesn't really have a place they love...? Or, rather, the faint images of a place in space do come into view, and then there is a man in dark clothing wearing glasses - his expression is severe, serious.
Though they have had their clashes, though they stared down each other, wondering what the other would think of the other - Void Archives had approached him first, extending the hand to him.
Then, here and now, Welt Yang smiles gently, extending a hand to them (8)
They want to resist, because they know that he'd never look at them like that, like they're the most important thing in the universe, and it is a fact that will be more powerful than any illusion, but they can't. ]
[There’s never been a place that Joker’s loved—his entire life was spent with Hullabaloo, traveling from place to place before they settled in Moonlit River Park, and he hated that place. It hasn’t been that much time since the massacre, and his life of drifting was interrupted with the invitation to Oletus Manor… which was just as horrible as the circus.
Still, the where doesn’t matter, not when Natalie is there. He can’t quite place the emotion he feels when he sees her again, and he rushes to meet her.]
Natalie, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to…
[He trails off, the oddity of this settling in. Natalie is dead. He saw her jump into that icy river himself, the way she claimed it was the exit made for her. The scent of that perfume had been clinging to her that entire day, something insidious and subtle that wasn’t what it seemed, though her fear wasn’t entirely to blame on whatever was inside that perfume. Even as a liar, as someone who claimed she understood what needed to be done, Joker had ended up someone to be afraid of, just like Sergi.
(He was going to follow her, until that little blue hedgehog showed up. Funny, how life works out.)
His teeth click together, and he closes his eyes. Shakes his head. He doesn’t need to think of a dead woman who was using him for her own needs, as much as he still thinks he loves her. The illusion breaks (15), but when he still sees Natalie across from him when he opens his eyes ago, he can’t help but laugh. (It’s a little manic, a little hysterical, but hey. The show must go on.)]
and kanade... she smiles as gently as always. as warmly as always. to be expected from a girl with no hate in her heart, with no self-love in her soul- always the fire must burn for another, and mafuyu is her designated target, the girl she must save and make smile no matter what.
Mafuyu... you've been trying hard, right? You must be tired. Have you come any closer...? To the answers that you seek.
Of course, just go ahead and reveal all of your abilities to--
[...and then he's in his room in Heliodor Castle, sitting on his little couch with some tea and sweets on the table in front of him, and Hendrik is sitting across from him, and it feels like... before sixteen years ago.
"It is good to see you hale and whole, Jasper."
...it really does. There's no hostility. Just that genuine sincerity of his. Like nothing had ever happened. Like Mordegon had never existed, or at least had never turned his gaze on Heliodor's king as a potential host. Jasper knows this cannot be real, and yet... even if he wasn't rolling a 2 to resist, he doesn't know if he would. He... doesn't say anything for a moment.]
[ Ashley finds herself in a completely intact Washington Lodge, a place filled with many years of memories. She's slowly sitting up on the couch where she'd spent weekend after weekend.
Ashley! God, Ash, thank goodness you're awake. [ He's fretting over her, looking at her like that terrible night never happened, alive and open. ] Don't try to stand yet.
[ More finds himself in a beautiful forest, and a woman with regal features looks at him warmly. ]
'Oh More, I have waited far too long for your return. I am sure your duties have kept you busy, but you can cast all of that aside here. Tell me another one of your tales, won't you, my love?'
[ But More has only just awoken from a horrid nightmare. He's seen her burn, the lush green forest rendered a flaming hellscape. There's no way she would be here. (18) ]
Allice... Allice, my sweet... You would no longer look at me so fondly, if you were truly yourself.
[Even with seven false Chaos Emeralds, maintaining this many Phantom Copies is not easy. Infinite already looks like he's struggling. Some of those gems have already cracked, or are no longer glowing quite as brightly, and either way, it seems this battle is drawing to an end.]
Enough of this. [His voice shakes.] You should have died already, but I'll be merciful. I'll make this quick.
[He raises his arms above him and the very sky begins to shift. Red glitch-like particles spread outward, enveloping everything as far as you can see, until the sky is nothing but glitchy textures and no hint of blue. When you blink, the glitches are replaced with... well, it looks like it's simply the sun itself.
Infinite intends to completely crush you. Though it may be an illusion, these visions have proven to be very real this battle.
This is your one turn to prepare. Attacks against Infinite will still hit that barrier of his or will not connect. What do you do with your final turn?]
[The sun crashes down. The world around you fades to red.
...
You don't die. You aren't in pain.
When you blink, the world around you now stands in its usual bright color, the glitchy, red world replaced by the Chicago you've all grown familiar with.
It's far too soon to celebrate, however, given that Infinite is still here, now firmly in the grasp of an unfamiliar man. He's a tall, thin, dangerous-looking human with a bristling mustache and googles on his head, wearing a jet black coat lined with glowing, green energy.
He seems far more concerned with Infinite than with the rest of you, given that he has the jackal by the throat in one hand.]
Doctor—
Infinite, Infinite, Infinite. My dearest, darling little peon. I believe I gave you exactly one little order to follow, didn't I?
You... You aren't— You can't be—
[Eggman's grip tightens on Infinite's neck, choking the words out of the jackal. Bright green energy crackles around his hand.]
I don't recall asking for your response. I told you to kill all of them but that blithering blue rodent, and what do you do? You blatantly ignore my one order.
[His second hand comes up, gripping that gemstone on Infinite's chest - the Phantom Ruby. With a surge of that green energy, Eggman crushes it in his bare hand. Infinite makes a strangled noise of pain.]
I don't tolerate failures. I don't tolerate losers. And you, Infinite? Why, you might just be the greatest loser I've ever had the misfortune of dealing with!
[A jolt of green energy tears itself open beside Eggman, ripping a hole into the fabric of reality and forming shortly into a dark portal, not entirely unlike that of the rings. Instead of the familiar gold light, all you can see is sparking green energy surrounding a dark void present within.]
So I think it's time I handed you your termination slip. Starting today, at this exact point in time, you are officially, permanently terminated.
[Eggman flings Infinite aside with incredible ease, and as the jackal falls into the portal, the rest of his fake Chaos Emeralds are snatched up by the Doctor at remarkable speeds. All of them are crushed in hand as the portal closes.]
This is why free will is worthless. I should have entrusted this to a machine.
An incredible evil genius's work is never done... Now then, what shall I do with all of you?
[Eggman turns to you now, with a grin that's somewhere between manically pleased and maniacally devious.]
I would say it's a pleasure to meet you, but let's not kid ourselves here. You can have the momentary joy of meeting me, Doctor Ivo Robotnik, esteemed genius and conqueror of this world - and soon to be many, many more.
[He holds up a hand, as if to keep anyone from interrupting.]
Not that I care about any of your names, so don't bother introducing yourselves. After all, you're all going to die, right here, right now. I allowed Infinite to toy with you, but like that useless idiot, you've stopped entertaining me.
[With a snap of his fingers, you find yourselves suddenly surrounded by that sparking green energy. One by one, machines snap into view. Some of them are familiar - drones and tanks and B33s, or the Moto Bugs and Buzzers you've been fighting this week - but most of them are not. They're larger, more dangerous, or entirely unfamiliar from Eggman's usual white chrome designs, standing out starkly against the buildings that have been taken over here. Regardless of size or shape, they are all robots, and they are all pointing their lasers at you.
Eggman still floats above you, now moving as if to sit down in midair, crossing one leg over the other. The machines all gear up to start attacking, and there is not a single potential escape or exit in sight.]
Oh, and do be sure not to destroy our little pal Sonic. I'll deal with him personally.
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BOSS BATTLE: INFINITE
PHASE 1
ROUND 1
Instead, he summons four other enemies for you to fight. They appear in a moment, a glitchy red effect being replaced with them as Infinite creates a barrier of that same bizarre-looking energy around him. These Phantom Copies are of beings you don't recognize - a black and red hedgehog, a robotic hedgehog, a watery creature, and some kind of devil? You'll be facing Shadow, Metal Sonic, Chaos, and Zavok this phase. Infinite himself will automatically dodge or dispel all attacks aimed his way.
Though these copies look like the originals, occasionally their bodies will glitch out into red particles before reforming themselves immediately, so quick you'd miss it if you blinked. They are ultimately just illusions - though they're very physical illusions, capable of beating you to a pulp.
Speaking of.
Shadow uses Chaos Control - a power that will freeze Gyles and Lark, preventing them from all action this round. This is immediately followed up by Zavok going in to smash them both with a fierce punch - though they cannot move this round, others can use their actions to protect them or otherwise try to stop the damage (roll a 1d20 for success)!
Chaos shoots water jets from his body, aiming at Dorothy (x2) and Percy while Metal Sonic's speed allows him to simply vanish from sight - trying to strike Raven and Dorothy (again) from behind with his claws when he returns.
Your current enemies are: Shadow, Metal Sonic, Chaos, and Zavok. You may dodge and attack this turn, even if you fail your dodge roll(s).]
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ROUND 2
The hits cause the illusions to temporarily lose their form, but they're quickly reformed, as if those hits didn't do anything at all.
Shadow attempts to use Chaos Control on Oscar and Mafuyu (Mafuyu can roll a 1d20 to dodge thanks to Ashley's warning) - Zavok doesn't follow up again this time, instead he takes a page out of Robo Knuckles' book and breaks the concrete... you know what that means. Everyone roll a 1d20 to dodge rocks again! At least you're not at a disadvantage this time?
Chaos attacks Basilio, Fukuda, and Wednesday with watery jets. Metal Sonic breaks free from Yves' vines (16) and zips out of sight. It's not clear exactly where he went or what it is he's going to do... You'll have to find out next round.]
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ROUND 3
Shadow takes quite a bit of damage and it's harder for him to regain his form after glitching out again. You're obviously managing something even though the Phantom Copy does manage to put himself together again and acts like nothing happened. Here's another Chaos Control - watch out Ashley and Basilio!
Thankfully, Zavok does not throw rocks this turn. That's because he's more focused on punching the living daylights out of Oscar and Ashley. Those hits will hurt if they aren't dodged or no one stops them!
And to make matters worse, Chaos has clearly decided to stop playing around - he slams a fist into the ground which practically explodes in water damage: Wolfwood, Sunday, Raven, Viktor and More you'd better hope you can dodge!
Though he's been sitting idle this whole time (when he's not yelling at you), Infinite is still here. Unfortunately, that means Infinite can also attack you. Rio, Void Archives, and Wednesday will be pulled into nightmares. Roll an 11 or higher to escape, otherwise someone else will have to get an 11 or higher to break you free! Breaking free (or not) is your action for this round.
Your current enemies are: Shadow, Metal Sonic, Chaos, and Zavok. You may dodge and attack this turn, even if you fail your dodge roll(s).]
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WAIT NVM I FAILED THE CHAOS CONTROL
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ROUND 4
Zavok and Shadow are taking an absolute beating on all sides - the latter is now routinely glitching and struggling to maintain his form, while the former is starting to show some wear. Neither of them are down and out just yet, though. Since he's weakened, Shadow can only manage Chaos Control on Raven.
Metal Sonic and Zavok gang up on Mafuyu (x2), Lark (x2), and Viktor (x2) so you might want to heal or shield them? Yikes.
And of course, there's still Infinite, causing nightmares on Gyles, Ashley, and Percy. Fun times all around! Rio is still trapped in nightmare hell, so someone please save her.
Your current enemies are: Shadow, Metal Sonic, Chaos, and Zavok. You may dodge and attack this turn, even if you fail your dodge roll(s).]
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ROUND 5
And then (because this is Shardbond and I am nothing if not predictable), Chaos explodes in that red, glitchy energy. Everyone roll to see how well you're dodging that watery explosion!
The hits on Shadow are also enough to take him out and while he does explode into the same glitchy effects, he does not actually cause explosion damage. Thank god.
That leaves Metal Sonic and Zavok, and while the latter is definitely looking worse for the wear and glitching all the hell over, he's still standing. And still ready to punch! In fact, he's going to go back to everyone's favorite attack - throwing rocks. Yeah. Everyone roll for rocks again, because what else would you expect from me.
At least Metal Sonic is actually attacking? Look out for a drive-by slash of his claws, Percy, Dorothy, and More! Oh yeah, and Infinite exists too. I almost forgot about him. Look at the time, it's nightmare o'clock for More, Viktor, and Lucifer, have fun!
Your current enemies are: Metal Sonic and Zavok. You may dodge and attack this turn, even if you fail your dodge roll(s).]
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implied metaphor spoilers
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END PHASE 1
Metal Sonic is immediately caught up in Yves' vines, and the rest of the damage takes him down remarkably quick. It's not like a 1 vs 28 was ever going to go well for him, after all. But unlike Zavok, Metal Sonic's got one last "fuck you" to the gang... because yeah, you guessed it, he's going to explode. Everyone roll a 1d20 for damage, you know the drill.
For once, Infinite is silent. He watches all of you from his position floating above and it's impossible to tell what his expression is doing beneath that mask. You have a brief moment to heal after the explosions - you might want to make use of it.]
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PHASE 2
Is that all you have? Pathetic! Even the weaklings of the resistance put on a better show!
[The gems around his hand glow as Infinite gestures towards you all.]
You believe you can stand against me? I have seen your deepest, darkest fears and regrets, the things that give you pause and shape and define you - and you think to challenge me?
[He presses a hand to the gemstone on his chest and it flashes red.]
With this, the Phantom Ruby, I will make you bow - your very minds are mine to do with as I see fit!
I will not lose to weaklings like you. I cannot lose.
[The world fades to red.
When you open your eyes, you find yourself in a place you love dearly, facing a person who is exceptionally important to you, alive or dead. They approach you - asking if you're okay, where you've been, how you've been doing, or any number of other questions they might ask - and maybe for just a moment, you can forget where you are and what you're facing.
Or maybe not. After all, it depends on a 1d20 roll. A 15 or above will break the illusion. Feel free to roll with disadvantage (or not roll at all) if your character would be reluctant to try to break it.
But even if you do succeed in freeing yourself, you aren't exactly out of the woods just yet. A corrupted version of that person in your vision stands before you, wielding your power, your weapon, and out for your blood.
For this section, I will be replying to you all individually instead of in the usual round format. Once you have successfully freed yourself and defeated your illusion, you may help your friends with theirs. Please provide me with the name and a description/image of the character yours is facing so I know what to work with! Infinite floats above, still protected by that barrier.]
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His smile is sweet and his voice is gentle, and it's all too alluring to pretend they're fourteen again, still friends and allies and - sure, they may have to fight, may have to kill, but-
At least they aren't fighting alone.
The vision persists (7).]
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...She isn't even home; she's somehow in Chicago, at one of those bars that she'd been seeking out to go with Raven and Yeager so long ago. Dorothy blinks a little bit, lifting her head up from the bar and some familiar laughter rings out from next to her.]
Oh my, miss Dorothy! Careful now; we can't have you falling asleep before the night is over, ja?
[Dorothy looks over to Yeager and she's stunlocked for a moment. (9) There's a part of her that knows something is weird and off and--]
Where's--where's Raven? What are we doing...
Ah, having another nightmare, I take it?
[It's surprisingly gentle when he says it.]
It's alright, you know. Our battle is long won, after all! Raven will be right back with a few more drinks, and we're going to enjoy this night properly!
[...She doesn't want to leave. This is everything she's ever wanted, she's even in her new outfit and not her combat uniform at all.]
roll: 15
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When the world fades, Percy tells himself that whatever happening isn't real. It's not real, it's fake, it's –
it's her home.
It's Lia. Lia approaches, hesitant and reluctant to see him again but it's so obvious that unlike her nightmare counterpart in the week, she cares. She's worried. That's the Lia he knows, the Lia he loved – loved. They're over, but the way she looks at him makes him remember why he cared so deeply for her in the first place.
He has people he needs to return to, but he can't find it in himself to leave. ]
Oh my god, Percy! PERCY!
[ She runs in and hugs him very, very tightly. She's crying. That's right, she...must have known, right? That he died.
He's hesitant, but he hugs her, too. It's lighter than he used to hug her, that's for sure, but he is glad to see her again regardless. ]
I...I'm okay, I – everything is pretty bad, but I'll be alright. [ His breathing is very shaky. ] You were worried?
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Perhaps that's why, on a 10, Wednesday's mind doesn't go to the fact that she can't really be in their dorm room with her right now. ]
... Enid? You're... how?
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So maybe it's no surprise that he does not break out of the illusion (13). He finds himself in...for a moment, he's not sure where he is. The Lab and the crater have long since been more of a prison than a home to him, and he has not been in Chicago long enough to care for anyplace here. He's never been anywhere else before. Though, back in the Lab, he used to watch the cameras and dream of -
He's in an open field, standing outside a Pokemon Center waypost. It's a route that students often follow when they're heading out on their Treasure Hunts, and the Centers all have security cameras that he can hack. He's seen this place before. He watched Juliana stop on the grass there once for lunch, with Miraidon. It seemed so much happier than it had ever been while it was down in the Lab with him. Naturally, right? It's free, it has friends, it's going on adventures. That's what it deserved, so...so he doesn't have any right to feel so jealous as he does.
Now, though, neither the girl nor the dragon are present. Arven is here. Mabostiff is at his side, of course, and he hefts his big hiking pack onto his shoulders and approaches Turo with a smile.]
Hey! You finally ready to go?
[Turo blinks at him. What are they to each other? Nothing, really. Why would...but he seems happy to see him for once, and the road stretches on into the horizon.]
I...yes.
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Gyles isn't surprised to be here. He isn't even surprised to see Hune - his beloved husband of over 20 years, his light and savior, the one he'll love the most no matter what world he finds himself in. It's always been the two of them. In all his years, Gyles has never let it be more than the two of them.
He takes a breath, and turns to face the honey badger with the kind eyes, the gentle smile, and the domino he's currently wearing on his right ear dangling from a chain around his neck, where it rightfully belongs. ]
Welcome home, my love. Why don't you sit down? I just finished brewing tea for the both of us.
... I shouldn't.
[ Those words aren't enough to break him free, though (7). Perhaps there's more he needs to say. ]
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[A figure in dark clothes stood opposite him, in a laboratory lit by single tall sunlit window.]
I asked if you were okay. It's over--the Hexcore collapsed, most everyone is back to normal now. We can just go back to the way things used to be, where both of us belong. Here, in the lab--just you and me.
No--no, this is not... [Not real. He knew it wasn't, but...]
[Jayce stepped closer and put a hand on a thin shoulder, and Viktor's resolve instantly crumbled (9).]
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Though they have had their clashes, though they stared down each other, wondering what the other would think of the other - Void Archives had approached him first, extending the hand to him.
Then, here and now, Welt Yang smiles gently, extending a hand to them (8)
They want to resist, because they know that he'd never look at them like that, like they're the most important thing in the universe, and it is a fact that will be more powerful than any illusion, but they can't. ]
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cw suicide, drugs/hallucinations mention
Still, the where doesn’t matter, not when Natalie is there. He can’t quite place the emotion he feels when he sees her again, and he rushes to meet her.]
Natalie, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to…
[He trails off, the oddity of this settling in. Natalie is dead. He saw her jump into that icy river himself, the way she claimed it was the exit made for her. The scent of that perfume had been clinging to her that entire day, something insidious and subtle that wasn’t what it seemed, though her fear wasn’t entirely to blame on whatever was inside that perfume. Even as a liar, as someone who claimed she understood what needed to be done, Joker had ended up someone to be afraid of, just like Sergi.
(He was going to follow her, until that little blue hedgehog showed up. Funny, how life works out.)
His teeth click together, and he closes his eyes. Shakes his head. He doesn’t need to think of a dead woman who was using him for her own needs, as much as he still thinks he loves her. The illusion breaks (15), but when he still sees Natalie across from him when he opens his eyes ago, he can’t help but laugh. (It’s a little manic, a little hysterical, but hey. The show must go on.)]
Of course this won’t be so simple…
cw suicide
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roll: 17
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and kanade... she smiles as gently as always. as warmly as always. to be expected from a girl with no hate in her heart, with no self-love in her soul- always the fire must burn for another, and mafuyu is her designated target, the girl she must save and make smile no matter what.
Mafuyu... you've been trying hard, right? You must be tired. Have you come any closer...? To the answers that you seek.
mafuyu wants to- to... she's not sure. something forbidden, maybe. but-
kanade keeps going.
We miss you. And we've been working on a new song for you, won't you listen? Your work is important, too... )
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I think... if I had something important to do... you would respect that. Wouldn't you? I have to go back. They're all counting on me.
( she has to get out of the sekai- but...
it's cold. and it's not mafuyu's doing. )
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I'm going to freeze his heart.
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[...and then he's in his room in Heliodor Castle, sitting on his little couch with some tea and sweets on the table in front of him, and Hendrik is sitting across from him, and it feels like... before sixteen years ago.
"It is good to see you hale and whole, Jasper."
...it really does. There's no hostility. Just that genuine sincerity of his. Like nothing had ever happened. Like Mordegon had never existed, or at least had never turned his gaze on Heliodor's king as a potential host. Jasper knows this cannot be real, and yet... even if he wasn't rolling a 2 to resist, he doesn't know if he would. He... doesn't say anything for a moment.]
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And the person? Well.
It's Chris.
Of course it's Chris. ]
Ashley! God, Ash, thank goodness you're awake. [ He's fretting over her, looking at her like that terrible night never happened, alive and open. ] Don't try to stand yet.
Chris...? What-?
You don't remember? You hit your head.
...I did?
[ Ashley can't break free (11). ]
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METAPHOR SPOILERS
'Oh More, I have waited far too long for your return. I am sure your duties have kept you busy, but you can cast all of that aside here. Tell me another one of your tales, won't you, my love?'
[ But More has only just awoken from a horrid nightmare. He's seen her burn, the lush green forest rendered a flaming hellscape. There's no way she would be here. (18) ]
Allice... Allice, my sweet... You would no longer look at me so fondly, if you were truly yourself.
[ ... so. Combat engaged? ]
METAPHOR SPOILERS probably, just assume them for this whole thread to be safe
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Rolled a 1.............
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roll: 13
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cw: mention of terminal ilness and parental death
You don't want to know how many low numbers I rolled for this
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9 LOL
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FINALE
Enough of this. [His voice shakes.] You should have died already, but I'll be merciful. I'll make this quick.
[He raises his arms above him and the very sky begins to shift. Red glitch-like particles spread outward, enveloping everything as far as you can see, until the sky is nothing but glitchy textures and no hint of blue. When you blink, the glitches are replaced with... well, it looks like it's simply the sun itself.
Infinite intends to completely crush you. Though it may be an illusion, these visions have proven to be very real this battle.
This is your one turn to prepare. Attacks against Infinite will still hit that barrier of his or will not connect. What do you do with your final turn?]
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1/? cw: choking
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You don't die. You aren't in pain.
When you blink, the world around you now stands in its usual bright color, the glitchy, red world replaced by the Chicago you've all grown familiar with.
It's far too soon to celebrate, however, given that Infinite is still here, now firmly in the grasp of an unfamiliar man. He's a tall, thin, dangerous-looking human with a bristling mustache and googles on his head, wearing a jet black coat lined with glowing, green energy.
He seems far more concerned with Infinite than with the rest of you, given that he has the jackal by the throat in one hand.]
Doctor—
Infinite, Infinite, Infinite. My dearest, darling little peon. I believe I gave you exactly one little order to follow, didn't I?
You... You aren't— You can't be—
[Eggman's grip tightens on Infinite's neck, choking the words out of the jackal. Bright green energy crackles around his hand.]
I don't recall asking for your response. I told you to kill all of them but that blithering blue rodent, and what do you do? You blatantly ignore my one order.
[His second hand comes up, gripping that gemstone on Infinite's chest - the Phantom Ruby. With a surge of that green energy, Eggman crushes it in his bare hand. Infinite makes a strangled noise of pain.]
I don't tolerate failures. I don't tolerate losers. And you, Infinite? Why, you might just be the greatest loser I've ever had the misfortune of dealing with!
[A jolt of green energy tears itself open beside Eggman, ripping a hole into the fabric of reality and forming shortly into a dark portal, not entirely unlike that of the rings. Instead of the familiar gold light, all you can see is sparking green energy surrounding a dark void present within.]
So I think it's time I handed you your termination slip. Starting today, at this exact point in time, you are officially, permanently terminated.
[Eggman flings Infinite aside with incredible ease, and as the jackal falls into the portal, the rest of his fake Chaos Emeralds are snatched up by the Doctor at remarkable speeds. All of them are crushed in hand as the portal closes.]
This is why free will is worthless. I should have entrusted this to a machine.
2/?
[Eggman turns to you now, with a grin that's somewhere between manically pleased and maniacally devious.]
I would say it's a pleasure to meet you, but let's not kid ourselves here. You can have the momentary joy of meeting me, Doctor Ivo Robotnik, esteemed genius and conqueror of this world - and soon to be many, many more.
[He holds up a hand, as if to keep anyone from interrupting.]
Not that I care about any of your names, so don't bother introducing yourselves. After all, you're all going to die, right here, right now. I allowed Infinite to toy with you, but like that useless idiot, you've stopped entertaining me.
[With a snap of his fingers, you find yourselves suddenly surrounded by that sparking green energy. One by one, machines snap into view. Some of them are familiar - drones and tanks and B33s, or the Moto Bugs and Buzzers you've been fighting this week - but most of them are not. They're larger, more dangerous, or entirely unfamiliar from Eggman's usual white chrome designs, standing out starkly against the buildings that have been taken over here. Regardless of size or shape, they are all robots, and they are all pointing their lasers at you.
Eggman still floats above you, now moving as if to sit down in midair, crossing one leg over the other. The machines all gear up to start attacking, and there is not a single potential escape or exit in sight.]
Oh, and do be sure not to destroy our little pal Sonic. I'll deal with him personally.
3/3
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cw: robot gore! again!!!
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thank you redd. 1/2
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