shardmods: (Default)
shardmods ([personal profile] shardmods) wrote in [community profile] shardbond2025-02-09 12:00 pm

WEEK 5






Your fight against Infinite didn't go as expected. You've now seen what the false Chaos Emeralds are capable of and how their powers can be used by someone accustomed to that power. Though Infinite is no longer a threat, Eggman certainly is - and you're in no position to return to Chicago to try to take him down right now.

Focus on recovering and regrouping; you're going to need a plan to oppose Eggman from here on out.


THE VOID


Maybe you've grown complacent over your time in Chicago. You won't be seeing the city this week. Tails is adamant that it isn't safe to go back and insists that you remain here, within the Void between worlds. It is a still, silent abyss of nothingness, broken up only by gemstone-like shards that serve as platforms or obstacles, with very little else to see.

Gravity doesn't work properly within the Void, meaning you can float and even zip around at high speeds once you've figured out how it works. You can also stick yourself to shards no matter what angle you're at, resulting in walking upside down or otherwise getting stuck to one without being able to escape. Thankfully, this wonky gravity only applies to the Void itself, and you'll naturally come to master it as you spend more time here.

There are some shards that are shaped differently from the ones you can use as platforms, however. These are almost hexagonal, with a dark center that may flicker whenever you approach one. If you're lucky, the surface will flicker like water and show you images of another world - usually you will see Chicago and the robots rampaging through the city streets - but occasionally you may see glimpses of your home world or of other worlds. No matter what you do, you cannot interact with these visions. Since they do seem to be water, punching them will do no good; your hand won't even get wet, as it will go through and dispel the image entirely.

Settle in, it seems like you'll be here for awhile. Oh, and try to ignore that unnerving feeling of being watched - there's no escaping it when you're in the Void, after all.

RINGS


There is one bright spot in being stuck within the Void, and that's that your colorful little pals have rings. If you've been diligent about collecting them from whatever ridiculous places they've ended up in, you may even have a good amount! Though it will take a day or so for the rings to actually work, as the week goes on, you'll be able to world hop to your heart's content.

Which yes, means you could absolutely go home. Be mindful of your mission and just how long you spend there, because you will need to return eventually, right? Though time may work differently in the Void, it mostly works the same between worlds. Try not to spend more than a week back home.

But there is something a bit strange about world hopping; you can't really control where or when you'll end up.

You may arrive back in your home world at the wrong point in time entirely, either in the past or the future. You may end up in an alternate reality of your world (canon AU or fanmade AU) or you may even end up in someone else's world entirely! You all aren't used to using rings just yet, so it makes sense that there's some confusion.

Two of you attempting to use a ring together will have more success... but even then, failures can still happen and you can still be sent to the wrong places.

You may visit any world to exist except any Sonic worlds. Worlds where Sonic shows up as a cameo (Super Smash Bros, for example) are fine. Which yes, means I am barring you from visiting Sonic Underground, you'll have to forgive me.

SHARDS


Though you're stronger now than ever before, your power pales in comparison to Infinite's, let alone Eggman's. You're going to need to be much, much stronger if you want to stand a chance of fighting back. Maybe it would be worth it to visit a world full of monsters to practice using your shards.

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


Rings can only be found in certain worlds, which means your worlds are safe from them. This does mean there are only a limited number of rings, however... so please keep this in mind when world hopping! This week, Tails does not have any tasks for you aside from continuing to train and develop your shard powers. Oh, and to stay safe, of course. Please don't get yourselves killed in some other world.


ENEMIES


Surprisingly, you will encounter none of Eggman's robots this week. The Void remains still and silent for the whole week and your worlds are free from Eggman's influence. You're welcome to beat up any enemies native to your own worlds, of course.



reallyfishy: (★ enigma)

[personal profile] reallyfishy 2025-02-12 03:38 am (UTC)(link)
1 - void

[After a bit of rest following the fight with Infinite, Raven is back to practicing with his shard power. As some maybe remember during the very first week, Raven was having an awful time with his shard power. Even using it for a few seconds would completely exhaust him and cause him a lot of pain.

He's since spoken with Tails about it, and he's been working on himself and his anxieties over the power. Bit by bit, his efforts have paid off. He's able to remain invisible for longer periods of time and doesn't suffer from quite as much exhaustion upon using it as he once did.

He can be seen (or not seen) working on it in his own little piece of void. Alternatively, he might approach anyone who looks bored and in need of something to do.]


Say, ya wouldn't happen ta be up fer a spar, would ya?

[Raven? Putting in effort? Perish the thought! But he's serious. He has plenty of reasons to lock in now.]

2 - A Vow of Unity

[For those hopping into a ring with Raven...

Welcome to Dahngrest, city of guilds and home to the Guild Union. The city is absolutely massive and looks straight out of a medieval fantasy. Up in the sky along with the perpetual gorgeous sunset is a huge array of rings.

There's all sorts of hustle and bustle as guild members go about their business. Raven stands in the thick of it, taking in a deep breath of fresh air.]


Ahh...it's good ta be back, if only fer a little while.

[There doesn't seem to be anything off in the atmosphere, either... Which is strange, considering the circumstances right before Sonic picked him up.

Turns out there's a real good reason for that.

---

If you decide to do some exploring with Raven, you might end up encountering a man whose very presence commands authority. Just the sight of this man freezes Raven in place.]


Don...?

[He shouldn't approach. He knows he shouldn't. But how...?]

3 - wildcard

[Feel free to hit me up with something else!]
scythegun: (FAKE ⇝)

[personal profile] scythegun 2025-02-12 03:50 am (UTC)(link)
[It is so good to be back.

Admittedly, that's also because Yeager hasn't been allowed in Dahngrest for quite some time (for good reason) and the last time he was here was... Well, he'd rather not think about it, so he won't! No reason to ruin a good thing.

He did split off from Raven for a bit to see if he could find a certain pair of girls, but they aren't in the city. Maybe that's for the best. After all, he's not entirely sure how he'd explain... anything to them, really. Telling them he got recruited by a talking blue hedgehog to go save another world just seems like a really dumb idea. So that'll be future Yeager's problem!!

He does happen to find Raven and Dorothy again; he is familiar with the city, even if it isn't quite home to him like it is to Raven. Hope you guys have picked a suitable bar for whatever shenanigans we'll get up to tonight!!]


I trust the two of you didn't miss me too much~?

[Things certainly are far more lively here than he would have thought, given the Don's recent passing... But he's not going to question that too much.]
reallyfishy: (★ smug)

[personal profile] reallyfishy 2025-02-12 06:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[After letting Dorothy do a bit of cursory sightseeing, Raven's taken her to his favorite bar. It's absolutely packed with rowdy merrymaking this evening, with a musical performance in full swing on stage. Raven typically finds his own little private area to unwind whenever he comes here, but this time he asks the hostess for a nice corner booth in the thick of the action. Dorothy deserves to get to soak all of this amazing atmosphere in.

He also lets the hostess know to expect Yeager's appearance and to not make a scene of it. Altosk is back in talks with Leviathan's Claw, he claims. Totally legit stuff. But he's the second in command of Altosk, so who's gonna question him on official business?

(The Don, obviously, but he doesn't have to know. It's still so wild to know he's alive and well in this version of Dahngrest...)

Raven's just finished ordering a round of drinks and appetizers for the three of them when Yeager shows up. He grins and pats a spot at the booth.]


We were positively lost without ya. If you were gone any longer I woulda started bawlin'!

[Kidding, of course.]

Ready ta make this a night ta remember? I got our first round ordered.
ungratefuloz: (🌸 we fight for all)

[personal profile] ungratefuloz 2025-02-13 06:48 am (UTC)(link)
[Dorothy wasn't sure what to expect from Terca Lumireus, all be told. Maybe something a little more on the primitive side, sure, but considering how little Dorothy knows of any actual semblance of a world, well...she's honestly not sure what to expect at all when she entered the ring with them all.

To say that Dahngrest has exceeded any and all expectations is an understatement to say the least. Dorothy thankfully doesn't stand out too much in her usual outfit, but seeing the city in perpetual sunset is absolutely dazzling. The city is bustling with activity, with everyone going about their lives in ways that leave Dorothy awestruck. It's something so novel to her, seeing a world like this in such a normal state...Dorothy has to admit, it's a little overwhelming. But it's...

It's something Dorothy could get used to, and she elects not to examine that part of herself too much by the time Raven comes back to find her and bring her to a rather lovely looking bar. She's practically been teeming with excitement since arriving, likely talking Raven's ear off about what she's seen so far, but then Yeager arrives and...

Well. There's a bit to commit to--]


Indeed, we were so dreadfully lonely without you, you know. But I certainly am ready to rectify this by making this night beautiful, alongside you both.

[Dorothy preens a bit from her side of the booth.]

Truly, this city is even more beautiful than I had heard--is it always like this?
scythegun: (INDIFFERENT ⇝)

[personal profile] scythegun 2025-02-13 06:53 am (UTC)(link)
[Move over, Dorothy, he's joining your side of the table this time. Yeager grins at both of them, pressing a hand to his chest and dipping into a mock bow.]

My apologies for leaving you both to suffer so~ You'll be pleased to know you both have my attention for the rest of the night, though!

[But putting the bit aside...]

Every time I've been here it's just this busy, ja! There's no place like Dahngrest.

[It's not exactly home to him in the way it is to Raven, but there's something far more charming about it than the rather dreary forest surrounding the Manor of the Wicked. This is exactly the sort of environment Dorothy should have the opportunity to experience; this is Terca Lumireis at its best, after all.]
reallyfishy: (★ neutral)

[personal profile] reallyfishy 2025-02-14 08:24 pm (UTC)(link)
[Raven's grin only widens. He's enjoying this bit very much.]

Then I guess I can find it in me ta forgive ya.

[Ah, and here come the goods! Looks like Raven started them off with some fancy wine, as has become tradition. There's also some classic bar appetizers to go with it.

He starts pouring their glasses for them.]


Yep. There's always business ta be done fer one guild or another at all times of the day. Plus this is the hub fer the Union. It's the safest place ya could be if you're a guild member.
ungratefuloz: (🌸 against despair to thrive)

[personal profile] ungratefuloz 2025-02-14 09:03 pm (UTC)(link)
As can I.

[Let her scoot over so Yeager can get in, but yessss, give her that alcohol, Dorothy is so here for this right now! Thankfully she will actually try to pace herself a little bit, but she'll absolutely be taking a sip from the alcohol while they talk and partake. Honestly, these bar appetizers look amazing...where to even begin...!!!]

I can certainly see why! A place as lively as this...it's not only a strategic location to discuss business, but it's certainly a very comfortable one as well. I can see why many people enjoy this place so much...

Truly, Dahngrest is simply beautiful. It's people are so lively in ways I've never even seen before! [Something practically shimmers in Dorothy's eyes when she says that.] I fear I may end up truly taken with this beautiful place before long.
scythegun: (NOD ⇝)

[personal profile] scythegun 2025-02-14 09:09 pm (UTC)(link)
[Oh good, Raven was prepared. But Dorothy has the right idea; no need to rush tonight. Might as well enjoy it!]

The only other city comparable in size is the capital of the Empire, Zaphias. But the difference between the two is like night and day! There you have a clear divide between commoners and nobles, and the nobles will not let you forget it.

[rip in fuck, cumore, you deserved it.]

The entire atmosphere is so much more... restrained as well. Really, I try to avoid going there if I can help it, but sometimes my work does take me to Zaphias...

[But whatever!! He shrugs after that's out there.]

I've always greatly preferred my time here, anyway.
reallyfishy: (★ why)

[personal profile] reallyfishy 2025-02-14 09:29 pm (UTC)(link)
[Yeah he was prepared!! But unlike Dorothy and Yeager, Raven is not going to pace himself nearly as well. Old habits die hard...

He makes a face when Yeager brings up the capital.]


Dorothy, it is so stuffy over there. Ya might find it pretty ta look at, though. The royal castle is especially impressive.

[He takes a big swig from his glass.]

But ya wouldn't catch me dead over there unless I had business.

[And even then, it wouldn't be Raven.]
ungratefuloz: (🌸 fear rises as a guide)

[personal profile] ungratefuloz 2025-02-14 09:55 pm (UTC)(link)
[Can't believe we're gonna have to carry Raven back to the hotel room...

But oh, Dorothy absolutely makes a face at that. It is definitely a disgusted face, but boy does that not sound familiar!! The Ark certainly has plenty of shit like that, even if it doesn't matter...]


My, doesn't that sound familiar. [dorothy, already mentally making a plan to blow up the capital like:] I can certainly see why neither of you would like such a place...though perhaps I would not mind sightseeing in the future, if it is truly as beautiful as Raven claims.

But I suppose I cannot say that I'm surprised; it seems no matter where one goes, there are always people who seek to divide the populace, aren't there?

[...Still, she is going to sample some of that bar food, please ignore how her eyes light up like a kid in a candy shop once she gets it in her mouth--she genuinely looks so joyful for a moment before swallowing and speaking up again.]

Perhaps we should start our eventual tour smaller, then? Surely there are some smaller towns with beautiful things about them. I'd love to see things that make you both happy, I think.
scythegun: (RELAXED ⇝ hahaha wow)

[personal profile] scythegun 2025-02-14 10:11 pm (UTC)(link)
[stop, stop, we already called you hot once!!!]

That's certainly true.

[Ugh, he does not want to think about Alexei right now. He's absolutely drinking more, to forget, thanks!! Anyway...]

There's still plenty of Dahngrest left to see; why, you could spend a solid week here and that still wouldn't be enough! But I suppose I could give you a tour of the Manor of the Wicked if you're interested~
reallyfishy: (★ laidback)

[personal profile] reallyfishy 2025-02-14 10:42 pm (UTC)(link)
[Why do we need to stop at once?

Raven's glad that Dorothy feels the same way about it as they do, though.]


The Empire bein' like that is exactly why the Guild Union exists in the first place. [Also sorry, he's not ignoring Dorothy. It's cute to see her so happy over the bar food.] We broke off from it completely and rely on each other ta get by. It's not always hunky-dory—guilds get into squabbles every now and then—but it's by far a better way ta live.

[It's part of the reason why he enjoys being Raven of Altosk so much.

When the topic of sight-seeing comes up, he nods along with Yeager as he drinks more wine.]


Yeah, and the population is pretty spread out. There are only as many cities and towns as there are barrier blastia. Pretty sure Sonic and the gang would give us an earful if we decided ta go on a proper trek.

[Then Yeager brings up the Manor of the Wicked, which...unfortunately brings up some bad memories as a side effect. He's not going to dwell on it, though.]

I would like a proper tour of the place. Didn't really have the chance ta look around last time I was there.

[Seeing as he and the gang broke in. It's fine.]
ungratefuloz: (🌸 our shoulders bear the ark)

[personal profile] ungratefuloz 2025-02-14 11:25 pm (UTC)(link)
[stop perceiving her over there!!! but please continue to call her hot, her ego absolutely delights in it--]

I think for right now, I'd love to simply stay in Dahngrest; I don't think I could ever tire of a place like this, all be told. Perhaps when our battle is done, you'll both have to show me all that it has to offer. [Another treat down the hatch and she is absolutely in heaven right now.] But I do find it quite interesting, truly. It seems no matter the world, the people will create their own means of helping one another when the higher powers will not. It's very...consistent, I think is the word I want to use; very positively so. Even if they may squabble, it is nice to hear of people coming together to take care of one another.

[It's not something she's used to, really. They both at least know a bit about her own world and how cruel and selfish it can be, but seeing a place like this...it's a little more than overwhelming. Still, she chuckles at Raven a bit, nodding in agreement.]

Oh, they'd have our heads, at minimum. I've already promised Tails I wouldn't scare him again, so we should save that kind of talk for when our battle is won, hm? Something more to look forward to, for all of us.

[Dorothy's gonna take another swig of her drink, at least, but...]

How...curious. What exactly is the Manor of the Wicked, if you don't mind my asking? [She turns to Yeager when she asks that, but she looks to Raven too.] I would not mind a tour myself, but it sounds as if there's history there...
scythegun: (LISTEN ⇝)

[personal profile] scythegun 2025-02-14 11:31 pm (UTC)(link)
Then we can come back and show you more of Terca Lumireis when our battle is won. A suitable compromise, ja?

[She certainly likes it a lot more than he thought she would, which is nice, but... Well, better not to think about it. There's still the whole confrontation with Eggman they'll have to deal with, after all.

As for that question...]


Why, it's my manor, of course. [of course.] It is located outside of town, some ways away, because I was banished from the city for crimes I certainly didn't commit.

[...He would have left it at that if it was just Dorothy here, but... well, there's no avoiding that this is an awkward topic with Raven, so he does at least offer an almost apologetic smile.]

Though I will freely admit that my guild is better suited to be stationed outside of Dahngrest despite being part of the Union.

[he has caused SO many problems—]

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tworo: ([query])

1

[personal profile] tworo 2025-02-12 04:53 am (UTC)(link)
A spar...?

[Turo is obviously surprised to be approached with this! But he's not rejecting it outright. He knows he hasn't been very helpful in the fights; maybe some practice is what's called for? Not that he....particularly knows how to do that....]

How do we do that?
reallyfishy: (★ laidback)

[personal profile] reallyfishy 2025-02-12 06:12 pm (UTC)(link)
It's easy: we fight each other. Only we're not fightin' to the death, obviously. We're just tryin' ta practice.

[He pauses as he reflects on what he remembers Turo doing in previous fights.]

If ya don't have much combat practice, I s'pose I can give ya pointers too.
tworo: ([mild disgust])

[personal profile] tworo 2025-02-12 06:30 pm (UTC)(link)
[FLASHBACK TO ALL OF TURO'S Ls.............]

I don't. But I would appreciate that.
reallyfishy: (★ laidback)

[personal profile] reallyfishy 2025-02-12 06:59 pm (UTC)(link)
[It's okay, Raven didn't see all of them...]

It's no problem. If we're gonna take on Eggman, we're all gonna need ta be stronger. Might as well put in my part ta help with that.

Lemme establish a baseline first. How much combat experience do ya have?
tworo: ([surprise])

[personal profile] tworo 2025-02-12 07:03 pm (UTC)(link)
None.

[Sort of like: why would he have any of that?]

There are organized martial arts in my world, but for people to seriously engage one another in direct combat is rare in this day and age. In any case, I had not really spent any significant time around other people before I ended up here.
reallyfishy: (★ onlooker)

[personal profile] reallyfishy 2025-02-12 07:18 pm (UTC)(link)
Wow, really? It's hard ta imagine a world like that, seein' as my world's practically the exact opposite.

[Imagine it's Legends Arceus and all the Pokemon want to kill you all the time. Terca Lumireis is like that.]

Welp, [He sucks in a breath and rolls up his sleeves...which does nothing because they're loose enough to just slide right back down. Whatever, it's for the effect.] guess we'll start from the ground up!
tworo: ([profile])

[personal profile] tworo 2025-02-12 07:28 pm (UTC)(link)
Very well.

[He watches, and then rolls his own sleeves up in imitation. He's wearing a button-up, so they actually do stay in place.]
reallyfishy: (★ contemplation)

[personal profile] reallyfishy 2025-02-12 08:06 pm (UTC)(link)
[I am not strong enough to figure out a whole training session.

But let's just say Raven proceeds to take Turo through the very basics of combat: correct posturing, the right moves to defend himself, and some simple hand-to-hand moves. He's actually a competent instructor, too. He gives off the impression that he's done this many, many times, which may or may not be surprising considering his usual goofy demeanor.]


We can incorporate a weapon into this later if ya feel like pickin' one up, but let's master this stuff first.
tworo: ([text])

[personal profile] tworo 2025-02-12 08:18 pm (UTC)(link)
This is enough for now, I think! Especially with shard powers. I would probably rely on that before a weapon.

[A person might be disarmed or something, after all, and he has trouble imagining himself carrying a weapon regularly. Anyway, Turo is picking this up quickly! He's a learning machine, after all, so watching Raven alone is often enough for him to mimic the moves and postures directly. It's a little weird how precisely he's imitating, maybe, but those things tend to evolve over time.]
reallyfishy: (★ carefree)

[personal profile] reallyfishy 2025-02-12 08:37 pm (UTC)(link)
Makes sense ta me.

[The shard powers are potent, especially since even the people with more supportive and defensive base powers also have something offensive to work with now.

That aside,]


You're a quick study, Turo! I've got a feelin' you'll have this down pat in no time.

[He shouldn't be too surprised. All the robots in the group are amazing at picking stuff up.]
tworo: ([brusque])

[personal profile] tworo 2025-02-13 12:34 am (UTC)(link)
I am essentially just a learning algorithm. We're meant to replicate input.

[At least he's not some shoddy art AI...]