While your conversation with Shadow may have shed light on a few things... it's obvious he doesn't think you all are up to the task of saving the universe from Eggman. Which also means that now you're dealing with his test, starting immediately. Some of you may be whisked away with no time to even blink, while others may find themselves wandering the Void aimlessly. Regardless, it seems this week won't be a particularly easy one.
THE VOID
Nothing has changed in the Void. Nothing ever changes in the Void. It's impossible to track the passage of time in here, and your only escape are the rings... though you should be careful with them, as there's far fewer this week. You're free to travel between worlds as you see fit - Shadow won't stop you - but you can be snatched up from wherever you are at any given moment and pulled back into the Void. Maybe don't plan on spending to long anywhere else, because it won't end well for you if you do.
The hexagonal shards will still show you visions of other worlds... but this time they all show the same thing. You'll see worlds - maybe even your own - taken over by robots and Eggman's chroma, reduced to smoldering ashes or being rebuilt in Eggman's image. Your friends, allies, and enemies may even be going about their lives just as listlessly and dutifully, heedless of their surroundings. You may even see alternate versions of yourself among them. Regardless, it seems all these shards have to show you this week are all the possibilities of failure - that other versions of shardbearers in other timelines have already lost.
MINDSCAPES
Shadow's usage of the Phantom Ruby and his own fake Chaos Emerald shard have caused quite the problem for you all - namely, you'll find yourselves traversing each other's innermost thoughts and dreams. Exactly how this mindscape manifests depends on the individual, but one thing will always remain true: you won't be able to find the owner of the mindscape easily.
As a reflection of these inner thoughts, mindscapes can be any sort of place. Perhaps they are a reflection of the owner's inner demons and fear, or perhaps they showcase a bright future they want to work towards. Regardless, this is a dream and one the owner must be awoken from... which means finding them and bringing them back to reality. That's easier said than done when traversing through this dream-like state, where the rules are made up by the owner and you're a foreign being that the dream recognizes as a threat (even if you aren't).
You may encounter familiar places or people within these mindscapes. You may not. You may end up fighting for your life in here... or you may not. Each one is individual, and the experience can vary wildly from person to person. No matter what you face, you must find the owner of the mindscape and bring them back. You must ensure you're strong enough to support them... and protect yourself.
Curiously, you can activate your shared shard power with the owner of the mindscape at any time - or bolster your own power if you share shard colors - even without them being present. Will this make it easier or harder to help bring them back? It depends on the person, your bond, and the mindscape itself...
Waking them up is as simple as convincing them that they're dreaming - that this isn't real and that they still have things to return to - but that may be easier said than done depending on the person... or the mindscape itself. There's no telling what you'll encounter, after all.
SHARDS
You'll find you're capable of more now than you were before. You're really adapting to using your shard powers and fighting with others. Those of you who share shard colors will feel the strength of your shards increasing even more when working together.
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
Given that your allies are being pulled into mindscapes and are unable to break free of their own, your task this week is to help your friends. Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles are off dealing with their own mindscapes, but whenever they are around, they're adamant about the importance of making sure everyone is freed and prepared for whatever comes next.
ENEMIES
Like last week, you will not encounter any of Eggman's robots. The Void is still free of enemies, though other worlds may possess their own threats. Mindscapes are a bit of a different beast; each one varies, and you may or may not encounter threats of any sort in them. Best be on your guard.
Even through the terror inflicted by the spinechilling laughter, such a simple word is still enough to make things fall into place for More. There are few people he knows who would be considered an object, or less than, and fewer yet who are described as such and come from some variation of Earth.
It's hard to think straight with his pulse racing as it is, but More wills himself to be strong just this once, for just a moment longer.
Though the person behind him is terrifying, More dares to turn his head to try and get a glimpse of them. ]
If they are lost, it is my intention to find them. Void Archives may be merely a tool from where you are standing, but they're a precious friend to me.
[Such oddities weren't really the focus of Jinx's surprise. It was how... lush the nature here was. It was still a surprise for her, seeing places that were so alive and not left to drown in chemical filth. In a way, some part of her was stuck in that world, left behind.
The gem in her hand thrums. Gripping it, she continues forward. Weaving around the creatures she doesn't feel like tangling with today.]
[ The good news is that the cold chill Viktor had been feeling is gone. The bad news is that this is due to the fact that the forest is on fire.
The tranquility of the clearing has been replaced with a dizzying overlay of sounds. The cracking of wood, the screams of the locals, the beltet orders of the invading soldiers. The beautiful green of the forest, the shining white of the flowers... they're replaced by red flame and black ash.
But Viktor may find himself wanting to return to the 'cracking of wood' sound because... that's a burning tree falling right onto the spot he's currently standing. At least his Emerald shard power seems to be amplified here, and though he may not think himself capable of it in his current form, he could still call it forth. ]
[The Hexclaw unfolded as if on its own instinct rather than Viktor's--bronze and silver metal rather than the biomechanics it was usually comprised of, firing a bright blue laser to cut the tree apart before it could do any significant damage. Flinching back from flying splinters and embers, he choked back a sudden sharp panic and tried to keep himself focused. He was not a combatant even in the Herald's body, and this one stood only so much chance with or without his ability.]
Allice, we have to get out of here. What's the quickest way out of this forest?
Th-That's...really impressive. I...I would love to build something like that. If I could replace what's wrong with me, maybe...I could keep up with everyone else.
Indulging you seems quite dangerous. And yet, do you believe I could always resist doing so?
[ A light-hearted jest as they sigh lightly. Then, they assess the hand contained within their covered one - their expression briefly thoughtful, unreadable. Next, they take one step closer, the other (bare) hand going to rest where appropriate - Jasper's side. They then begin to move, knowledge filling in the blanks for what they lack in experience for their first dance - the right turn, the right step - and of course, the right numbers, as a waltz takes two. But their moves are conducted smoothly - deliberate. An imposter of a dancer, feeling the trepidation of uncharted territory; and a hope to guide to a path beyond this shadow world. ]
Boundless curiosity may yet be the key. You and I know memories defy impermanence, narrowly slipping through the cruel hands of fate. But, why should I ever be content with you being a mere memory? I wish for you to see much more, to catch more than a glimpse of stars, worlds, and experiences beyond your imagination.
[ Can they get away with added flares? They would dare to slip in a pull close, but not leave it as such; steps made to continue so it can last. The unpredictable twists and turns going in a flash like the stars in the sky blinking amidst the blanket of darkness. Then, a move for a dip. ]
I wonder, has this Key of Revelation ensnared you within this truth? That such a reality does not exist in a mere fantasy. To you, with every display I have at my disposal, I convey to you and entice you with the feelings and knowledge of perpetuity. It shall not be beyond your grasp...all it begins with is another single step.
[There was no clear impact as the shot connected with the Hexcore; just an instant burst of violet light that blinded, expanded into an endless galaxy of a thousand rushing stars--and then collapsed in upon itself, taking the laboratory along with it.]
[When sight returned and everything cleared, the surroundings were now that of a vibrant and beautiful city, buildings white and gold beneath summer sunlight. People were milling about as if preparing for some kind of event--fortunately taking no real notice of Vakama as anything unusual. On the cobblestone road a short distance away, two figures stood near a carriage: the taller one speaking in obvious suppressed panic as he unloaded a sizeable crate.]
-still need to make adjustments, what if we get up there to present it and the whole thing breaks down?
[Viktor--younger, healthier, leaning on no more than a simple cane--answered with tension in every inch of his otherwise calm demeanor. Just as nervous, but more skilled at hiding it.]
It will not break down, Jayce. Take a deep breath, I can carry neither you nor the prototype if you pass out.
[He scrutinizes More closely for a moment, before turning to walk deeper into the cave. His lab coat swirls behind him; he's dressed more like Turo dressed upon first arriving, not in any of his newer clothes.]
[ More can catch a glimpse of Something, for certain. No, more than glimpse. His eyes can fall upon what appears to be a being covered in darkness, with splotches of red, and a metal claw attached to this strange mass of energy, as this thing pulls it back.
But, after a second, the darkness and crimson peels away, revealing a completely stark white tall, faceless, and eyeless figure. It seems to resemble a human, but has no identifying features. When it speaks, its voice seems quieter, though there is the apparent distortion that still follows. ]
How amusing. It seems that you creatures are stalwart in such beliefs. But, human, inhuman...you're all paradoxical, impatient beings. And to them, there is a limit.
Because I understand such truths, if you wish to play along a little longer and struggle in f̵͖̙̳̲̒͌̒̈́͐͐͛̄̆̇͆̓̕̕͘ͅutility, why should I stop you? YES, DO G̵̺̭̞̫̜̘͚̱͍͚͓̬̰͖̭̈́͒̿̈̀̈́̈́̊͒̔̉͘̕O AHEAD, THEN...
...And witness what has been lost can't be recovered. You'll comprehend that soon enough.
[ Then, right where a mouth should be splits open 'something', resembling a literal razer sharp shark-toothed grin, and it dissipates into nothing.
Leaving More alone in a hallway with only one way forward. What does he do now? ]
[ Annoying...well, it can't be helped. Void Archives simply isn't good at "encouraging faith" or anything like that - especially to a being who is clearly so afraid and scared. Not to mention, their conflict resolution skills are still very bad - but, what isn't terrible is their ability to listen. ]
Tsk. Don't get me wrong. I have no doubts that it is natural to want to protect people that you consider so dear to you - much the same to your home.
However, have you ever considered that if I were a threat in the first place, I would have ruthlessly attacked you instead? And all those others without a single thought, instead of trying to ask questions of you?
Though, since I introduced myself properly...I am curious as to what you call yourself? You call yourself a guard, but I'm not sure exactly how you're supposed to emulate a Toa of Legend, or whatever that may be, without a moniker?
[A sound leaves the shadow's mouth in answer. Garbled, hundreds of names at once.]
Not all threats wear teeth and claws. We cannot look at the Muaka cat draped in the skin of the Mahi goat and expect it to be tame.
Our Turaga has taught us as much. Courage walks with caution for our responsibilities. Our D U T Y.
[There is a flicker, off to Void Archive's side. A break in the surroundings, like cracking glass. Voices, sounds, memories drift. From their own mind, their own experience, of something back home or even in their current space, something that has weighed on their shoulders.
A moment in need of full inner discipline towards a role, a goal, or something outside one's self.
[ who could have expected void archives stating "ignorance is bliss" in reference to themselves? actually, given their last talk about things like this, probably pretty likely. whether it was a front or not, knowing how to deal with one's humanity is clearly not their strong suit and wolfwood is fine to leave it there.
maybe one day. ]
There's no way that the egg-guy would be able to carry out any of his plans if the needle-noggin' was still alive. He would put up a fight until the very end. [ while wolfwood's voice carries a level of fondness the presence of his annoyance can't go ignored. it wouldn't be the first time that wolfwood's referenced his distaste for how quickly vash will give up his life in exchange for another and it won't be the last time. ] He puts his life on the line for far less.
[ however, when void archives speaks highly of all their character, his in particular, wolfwood can't help but find the words to be cutting. after all of this time, no part of wolfwood thinks that they said that with ill-intentions. it's just another example of the person that wolfwood is at his very core—the lengths he will go for those who he cherishes. ]
And sorry to ruin yer opinion of me. [ a humorless and bitter laugh. ] If I'm alive in these shards then it's either because I thought it was the only way to protect what's important to me or by the shitty grace of that idiot.
[ because no matter what wolfwood did or did not do, vash would always see him as person far kinder than he was. ]
Well, that's not the point here. It's a euphemism for a dangerous creature and that's what matters, isn't it? ]
Hah, I suppose being cautious does result in a longer lifespan.
[ Anyway, their attention has already been caught up in the strange sound of voices that shadow had been making when answering. The flicker off to their side does catch their eye, and the sudden alteration in their surroundings. When something familiar begins to edge upon the surface of their consciousness, recalling their previous experience about their mind being altered with, their reaction internally is not really much of a good one. They've since had time to recover from what they perceived to be an invasion of true free will, so the sudden urge to lash out without rhyme or reason doesn't quite happen.
And, it does help that it seems different...by such a slight smidgen that it hardly feels noticeable. But whatever the case, they are more or less probably at first being reminded of how themselves being sealed in the name of the safety of civilization. At fears that they would turn against it.
Yet, their most important goal that they would sacrifice lives without remorse for...that would be for the preservation of humanity. So it's probably all centered around that!! ]
[Fascinating. Yeager ends up looking into several of the crystals, watching Dorothy's little memories play out before moving onto the next, captivated by what she has to share. But eventually he does come across the larger crystal, and he reaches out for it instinctively. Just who is this other mysterious woman, and what will this one show him?]
Yes. I won't pretend to understand the intricacies of it, but my very being is tied to the Phantom Ruby - or at least it was back in my original world. I underwent a... procedure to gain the Phantom Ruby's power, and as a result, it is essentially a part of me.
[So being without it has been Weird, but tolerable because it's the Void and he's had other things to think about. But now that the Phantom Ruby has been found and it's in Shadow's hands...]
My assumption was that with the destruction of the Phantom Ruby, I would cease to exist. But since it remains, so do I, and I need it back.
The cavern path spirals down much like the one above. Water streams down from somewhere high above, down into what seems like an endless open pit below. There's a strange light and iridescence in the air here; the Tera crystals are far more prominent, and seem to make up the entire cavern past a certain point. There's Pokemon as well, but they aren't like the ones outside. These are slightly more kin to Eggman's robots, obviously mechanical with animated screens in place of eyes or faces. These ones...watch More.]
I'm part of the security protocol. I keep all the systems functioning correctly. So don't mess with anything.
[An iron elephant-like thing suddenly curls into a ball and zooms towards More, turning in a wide curve before actually hitting him. Turo continues forward without any interest, not looking back.]
[ ...Void Archives' execution at word choice and/or communication is still hurting them in the sixth week and that is the funniest thing about it.
Though, they make a snort at the sound of Wolfwood calling 'Eggman' 'egg-guy'. Yeah, you know, that fool of a man deserves such a nickname. They keep in mind to call him that whenever they ever see him again; the reaction should be exceedingly hilarious. ]
Hmm...so he wouldn't accept that kind of tyranny, no matter what.
[ But you would, is the immediate implication of such words before they realize it. Which makes them give pause. To consider how Wolfwood immediately goes ahead in bringing himself down in a heartbeat. At this, they fold their arms. They wonder if he will find their words surprising, in light of such admissions. ]
Do I have any right to judge you for self-preservation...? Ah, well, I suppose I always could for fun. [ An inappropriately light-hearted comment. ] But, the joy I would partake in that would be incredibly minimal. Now, whether or not you are the type to do whatever you can to survive for your own sake, or others, whyever would I suddenly change my mind on your character? I won't sing praises, but even I know it's only human to be that level of selfish.
And to that, I ask:
What is wrong with that?
[ It's not the first time Void Archives has said such things; it all actually started in Week four, and even before that. They see nothing wrong with continuing tradition. ]
[ More is just busy puzzling over the meaning of 'part of the security protocol'. Does that mean this is just one of many entities taking the form of Turo here, making up the aspects of his artificial heart? Is--
Well, it's not only pointless but also impossible to puzzle out when the next thing More knows, it's elephant attack time.
The good news is that he's been practicing evasive action quite hard this week! So he's not bowled over entirely, his leg is just grazed... and it hurts intensely. He tries to rush on, both to follow Turo and to get away from his Pokémon assailant, but it causes him to mewl in pain pretty pathetically. ]
[ First, More catches his breath. None of this inspires a grand amount of optimism. For as much as More wants to believe in people and a better world, he is actually a rather weak-willed individual. Knowing what he now does about how his life went, he can easily say that he is the furthest from a paragon of willpower. Giving up on people, the world... He's done it before.
But he should not give up without trying, not again, not now. That's now what Sonic chose him for.
Before making a further move to walk, More is going to attempt to use his amplified shard power Omniscient Narrator with the 'omniscient' part. Theoretically, he should be able to see what any ally is doing by focusing hard enough. The question is, does Void Archives count as an ally right now...? ]
Well I like this body! But if your plan is for everyone to just not go out and experience things in order to avoid pain, then I can say from experience that while that's safe it's also miserable.
Are you the kind of guy who keeps all his collectibles in the packaging or something?
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