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.
[ There at first appears no discernable pattern to the handprints upon a first glance. Though, as More scrutinizes it, he can tell the following:
The amount of force applied from some of the faded handprint blood smears makes it apparent that some are exactly that way because some had the chance to rest their hand/alongside their weight against the metal wall.
But, other handprinted blood smears paint a different story - the trajectory and trail of these ones suggests that the potential owner(s) were likely dragged in a certain direction.
...Yes, the direction of the drag marks seem to lead in the direction of the only half-open entrance-way at the front of him. Which explains why there is a spot of red that More can easily see up ahead at the door. ]
But there is still no way to go but forward. More is going to approach the door very cautiously. Is there a body in that red splotch? Or is it just more blood and he needs to pry the door open? ]
[ .........I really didn't expect More to nat1 fail this.
But, first! The good news is that he is able to see people (humans) down below, and they appear to be hooked up to strange machines in some way that is hard to tell, while working on something. Or some things? There are also odd, reddish-black robots apparently serving as sentry over them; some might look less machine-like and more vaguely monstrous, don't worry about it. They also seem to come in various shapes and sizes, though it's difficult to make out the intricate details due to there being a distance and More is looking at said machines/creatures from behind.
Anyway, more importantly, More is going to find that he isn't alone, by the feel of his skin prickling, as well as his hair standing on air. But, he doesn't exactly clear being able to perceive what it is before he hears an inhuman snarl, followed by a metal claw reaching out to grab a hold of More's shoulder, the sharp ends sinking in. ]
[ More lets out a strangled sound between a gasp and a shriek, as pain shoots through his body. Briefly instinct tells him to shake himself loose, but with the way the tips of the claw are burrowed in his flesh, he might just injure himself further by struggling without a plan.
Despite himself, More forces his body to take a deep breath.
Maybe the heart of this person will recognize him. Maybe it'll be fine. ]
My name is More. I am here to find somebody I know.
[ For a moment, there is naught but silence. More can be forgiven that he may have suddenly been condemned to be sentenced to death, or something far less pleasant. But, that is simply just not the case. Rather... ]
[ The sound is distorted - a horrible cacophonous noise that has the capability of shaking the spirit of most, perhaps. Almost as if it were a judgment - a sentence itself. But, that isn't it.
In fact, the tone of it becomes clear enough - mocking; the grip is secure, unrelenting without an apparent indication or will to let go just yet. But there is no further attempt to cause injury. It's still a precarious situation, though it is quite apparent...
Whatever this is sees More as no threat. It also seems to have a guess on who this 'somebody' may be, even if he had not voiced a name. ]
FOOL! WH̶̭̪͔̭̥̫̪̜̱̳̊AT MAKES YOU THINK YOU CAN FIND SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN SO FUNDAMENTALLY LOST?
AND EVEN IF YOU COULD, CAN'T YOU SEE HOW THE SLAVES BEFORE YOU ARE CONVINCED TO SERVE US SO FERVENTLY? THE THING YOU'RE LOOKING FOR IS EVEN CONSIDERED LESS THAN THAT...
TH̶̭̪͔̭̥̫̪̜̱̳̊EREFORE, YOUR MISSION IS DOOMED TO FAILURE. WHY NOT GIVE UP ON IT?
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.
[ 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? ]
[ 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, apparently they do still count as something of an ally now, but all More can see is a void of darkness when trying to "see" whatever it is that they are "doing". But, there is also the sense is that they are fulfilling their purpose.
Could be part of the power or the mindscape itself affecting that little sense? Who knows.
It's probably fine, though...? It doesn't seem like More's going to get anything else noteworthy on the subject, however. ]
[ ... so that is what Void Archives is, when not borrowing the form of another. That's the archive, in the truest sense. A strange sight, after getting to know them as such an animated person.
The vision leaves More neither reassured nor any more worried than before, so there is really nothing to do but to continue down the corridor, clutching his bleeding shoulder as he goes. ]
[ Golden feathers fall in a path that lead towards where a certain blond seems to be situated; perhaps on some kind of platform. They look more or less the same, except their eyes are alight with gold.
It's a tame appearance, all things considered.
...
...Oh, wait, there appear to also be a multitude of wires connecting to their arms, their legs, their torso, and many other parts of their body. As if they're hooked up to something - is it those strange container-like mechanisms that can be seen in the room, glowing a strange crimson and providing one source of light?
Or is it the multitude of computers and other tech scattered across the room? It's hard to tell with so many of them. Either way, they give a derisive scoff at those words. ]
Like I'm a piece of cargo...?
Should I be í̵̢̳̤͒̌̒̈́́̎̀̄̀͛̿̕͝nsulted?
[ But Void Archives grins, and their teeth are far sharper than normal - reminiscent of the creature More had just seen a moment ago.
There is also the undercurrent of an oppressive presence, but whether it's the construct before More's eyes or a warning of something else...it's hard to tell. ]
...Either way, can't you see whatever you plan it will be quite a problem? The Sky People don't take too kindly to anyone attempting to free what is theirs, after all.
[ Certainly so. Whatever the case, Void Archives merely scoffs at such words. ]
And how do you know that? Seeing you here can simply mean that there is an error in my system.
This place is no figment of my imagination. This is reality.
Whatever I have done, whatever I dare to have imagined myself being...it has amounted to nothing, in the end. It always meant I was going to wind up here.
I was delusional to believe I can serve no other purpose but as a tool.
[ Something that only meant anything, if it could be used. At best, something that can do magnificent things for an entire civilization, if one knew how to use it. At worst, a convenience for when trouble arose, and nothing more. ]
[ Hurtful words to hear. It makes More step in closer - he can't rip Void Archives from all their wires, as much as he wants to do it, but he can abandon the safety distance and come right in front of them, eye to eye. ]
That you are capable of thinking you have 'deluded' yourself proves beyond a shadow of doubt that those who would keep you confined here are wrong about the very core of your nature.
You may be imprisoned, but that does not make your imprisonment a rightful one. You may be of use to others, but that does not mean it is all you can amount to.
After all, I am right here - and you are not alone. Your actions have created bonds, brought you to people who will come for you, for your own sake.
[ More can certainly do that! Void Archives looks at the blond as he comes closer - his physical appearance doesn't flicker, not a single bit.
Perhaps, that adds less weight to the idea that he is anything close to an "error" as they had suggested. Or, that it is a greater problem than they can fathom.
...Could it be that they never truly thought that they'd be free, as they'd said themselves? So, the idea that this reality is false, is inherently fearsome, because if they hope, and it is wrong, then...but, they can't say that. It's the kind of sentiment that would cause people to look down on others; they can't risk that. ]
It isn't like I hadn't used the Sky People for my own ends. And I...you must know that I am no saint. I have no problems in saying as much. Even if it was because of adhering to my goal, I would have sacrificed much for it.
Yet, they threw me away so easily. I had thought at the time, that was the end of everything, knowing that Lucheni would try to kill me at the end - though, even if I survived, perhaps a part of me would think I would find myself in a situation like this again.
And, here I am. After all, the Sky People are still out there, though they are certainly not the first who had imprisoned me in some manner. Still, you know how long I have been sealed away...even before all of this.
[ They realize they are rambling; it's jumbled, because everything they could string together seems almost meaningless. They hate how reaching for logic seems like a herculean effort, but they are going to try. ]
I digress. It's hard to believe I am not facing it all by my lonesome again. Perhaps, in a sense, you can say that I am the one who has lost against the cruel hands of fate. But, I can't imagine how I would have made such bonds. I have little experienced in cultivating such things.
...Though, while we're at it, stories tell of bonds, don't they? Why don't you tell me one that you can think off the top of your head, hm?
[ A story about a bond, huh... Many stories that More knows are characterized by the absence of such a thing. The Hero Kings all met untimely and unfortunate ends because at the end of the day, they were too alone.
A story about a bond...
More looks at Void Archives, trapped in eternity, both immune to time and also prisoner to it, and picks a tale. ]
I'm certain you have heard of fairies, even if they may only be a tale to you. Where I am from, in the kingdom of Euchronia, fairies are real. They are skittish beings, made of pure magic. They care not for the rules of time that people cling to so fervently, and they do not operate by our logic. In both physical existence and ways of thinking, they are as far from us as can be.
By all rights, no connections should come to grow. Yet the first king of Euchronia, oft called the Merciful King, has had one by his side. They call her the Fairy Queen, for her council and companionship were so indispensable to the Merciful King that our whole kingdom might have been unthinkably different were it not for their bond.
It doesn't matter how long you may have existed without bonds, or how large the difference between your experience and that of others. The simple capacity to reach out and be reached out to can change you, and can change your world.
[ To punctuate this, he'll reach out a hand to take Void Archive's hand if they will let him. ]
[ Their hands are definitely visible, even if they hadn't bothered to lift due to where some of the wires are situated; More can absolutely take one of them - and they tilt their head as he does so.
Are they a child for asking for such a story in the first place? If something of this were false, if it were untrue, the legend that More speaks of would have halted in the midst of such words, wouldn't it? Whatever the case, the first and only thing Void Archives says at first is this: ]
Fairies do not exist on the planet Earth.
[ Does this make the tale even more fantastical? Perhaps in some ways. But, well, they shift from where they are situated. Some of the wires begin to fall from where they have been forced in, though no blood leaks from wherever they so happen to be.
Sirens begin to blare, flashes of red lights, and not just from the strange containers filled with whatever substances. The terminals with computer screens read ERROR streamed all across them; the sound of crumbling seems to follow. ]
Therefore...all of that sounds hardly believable. But, perhaps that is why it is true. [ A brief smirk. ] So, that is why I should be doing my best to chase such aspects instead. Yes, my world, my entire universe changed by such sentimental things...
I wonder what that will really look like?
[ They stand tall even with some wires still remaining, holding on, and then looking towards the way the other came in. There is something standing in the doorway, flickering. Like an impression of someone or something, but static is the only thing heard from it. At first. ]
I̶̡͔̺̯̹̗͙͎͌̆̽̓̾͗̈́NTERFERENCE DETECTED.
[ More detects a sense of disapproval from this thing. Before it leverages one more potential audible stream of words. ]
REMEMBER WELL...THI̶̡͔̺̯̹̗͙͎͌̆̽̓̾͗̈́S IS NOT THE END OF THIS PURGATORY. THESE BONDS WI̶̡͔̺̯̹̗͙͎͌̆̽̓̾͗̈́LL NOT BE FOREVER. SOON, THEY WILL BECOME IMMATERIAL.
AND THE ULTI̶̡͔̺̯̹̗͙͎͌̆̽̓̾͗̈́MATE ACT WI̶̡͔̺̯̹̗͙͎͌̆̽̓̾͗̈́LL BE UNLEASHED UPON THE SCORE OF UNI̶̡͔̺̯̹̗͙͎͌̆̽̓̾͗̈́VERSES, LEAVI̶̡͔̺̯̹̗͙͎͌̆̽̓̾͗̈́NG NOWHERE TO HIDE.
[ The wires comes off as if Void Archives' will to live is in itself repelling them. However short-lived the relief winds up being, More still takes heart in the fact that words were able to reach his friend in his isolation. More himself has often felt that he was meant to wither away in obscurity, leaving no mark on anybody's heart at all, and it means more to him than he can articulate that he has just enough power left to reach out to someone else in a similar position.
Unfortunately, that power is... maybe not enough to fend off whatever is waiting for them in the doorway.
In a small act of meaningless defiance, More does not let go of Void Archives' hand just yet. ]
Whatever the nature of that 'ultimate act' you speak of, you shall have to carry it out alone. Void Archives is not your tool to utilize as you please.
[ Void Archives, logical being first and foremost, despite having proclaimed that they are not the type of existence to be moved by emotional sentiment may in fact find that isn't true at all in certain instances.
There is a lot that they are still coming to understand about themselves, but the existence beside them right now does not flicker out. Feels far more real with that hand clutching theirs, and they ultimately decide to hang on.
But, whatever "this" is seems to sneer at this, discontent with More's persistence in sticking to his guns, so to speak. ]
THAT NATURE OF IT IS BEYOND YOUR COMPREHENSION...
...YET, WRECHED POET, YOU SEEK TO DENY MYSELF THIS?
TO FOOLISHLY INTERFERE?
KNOW THAT THIS THING BEFORE YOU ARE IS A MERE FRAGMENT. MEANT TO DESTROY THE POWERFUL FORCE OF HONKAI, YET INHERENTLY SERVE AS A GUIDE OF HONKAI...
A PIECE OF P̸̮̬͚̟͙͍̗̻̭̹̮̌̑̒͛͐̕͝ͅROMETHEUS. A TOOL THAT CAN TURN AGAINST ALL OF CIVILIZATION.
IT DOES NOT HAVE A SINGULAR NATURE. HOW CAN YOU EVER TRUST SUCH A THING? HOW CAN YOU BE CERTAIN? HOW CAN Y—
[ Void Archives presumed that because they acknowledged that they may not be bound by this trap that it would be over. Yet there is one indisputable fact:
They are their own worst enemy. And, the subconscious does not necessarily heed to conventional logic - even worse when one's nature is a bit more layered in a way that may prove to be unfathomable. Therefore, they conclude there is only one way to finish this, and so they slam their free hand into the wall behind them, silencing the thing temporarily with the mere sound of it.
The walls surrounding them all seem to suddenly crack, like vulnerable fractures, but seem to refuse to shatter. More can also sense that odd oppressive aura originates from whatever this thing is. ]
In the end, it comes down to shattering this farce by force.
...I trust even in this I will not stand alone?
[ This is how they will have to prove that this reality is false; whatever beliefs etched are not entirely worth giving it to, that whatever has been spoken to them was untenable...that, instead, More's words were true. Of this, they are certain.
The final key to the puzzle to convince their own "mind".
So, Void Archives brings back their one free hand, and they point that gloved hand, at the figure which seems to also summon two blades, pitched black as the night.
A sudden collection of light appears to manifest, forming into spears of light, which fling themselves towards this unnamed enemy for the final act. Though, they also crash into some of the walls too. Accidental or on purpose? You decide.
(Whatever More is doing (talking or taking action), please roll 3d20s for it!) ]
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no subject
The amount of force applied from some of the faded handprint blood smears makes it apparent that some are exactly that way because some had the chance to rest their hand/alongside their weight against the metal wall.
But, other handprinted blood smears paint a different story - the trajectory and trail of these ones suggests that the potential owner(s) were likely dragged in a certain direction.
...Yes, the direction of the drag marks seem to lead in the direction of the only half-open entrance-way at the front of him. Which explains why there is a spot of red that More can easily see up ahead at the door. ]
no subject
But there is still no way to go but forward. More is going to approach the door very cautiously. Is there a body in that red splotch? Or is it just more blood and he needs to pry the door open? ]
no subject
Instead, it is simply more blood, and More can just kind of...squeeze through the opening of the door, given his general size.
Whenever he does, he may catch the glimpse of some kind of hallway, with a long glass window on the right.
(Whatever action he takes after he goes on through, please do have him roll a 1d20.) ]
no subject
cw: mild body horror
But, first! The good news is that he is able to see people (humans) down below, and they appear to be hooked up to strange machines in some way that is hard to tell, while working on something. Or some things? There are also odd, reddish-black robots apparently serving as sentry over them; some might look less machine-like and more vaguely monstrous, don't worry about it. They also seem to come in various shapes and sizes, though it's difficult to make out the intricate details due to there being a distance and More is looking at said machines/creatures from behind.
Anyway, more importantly, More is going to find that he isn't alone, by the feel of his skin prickling, as well as his hair standing on air. But, he doesn't exactly clear being able to perceive what it is before he hears an inhuman snarl, followed by a metal claw reaching out to grab a hold of More's shoulder, the sharp ends sinking in. ]
I̶̘̯͐́̽͂͠NTRUDER SIGHTED. I̶̘̯͐́̽͂͠DENTIFY YOURSELF.
[ A predictably mechanical voice of some sort commands afterwards. Fortunately he's not dead yet, even if he hasn't gotten out of this unscathed. ]
no subject
Despite himself, More forces his body to take a deep breath.
Maybe the heart of this person will recognize him. Maybe it'll be fine. ]
My name is More. I am here to find somebody I know.
no subject
H̶̭̪͔̭̥̫̪̜̱̳̊EHEHEHE...H̶̭̪͔̭̥̫̪̜̱̳̊AAHAHAHAH̶̭̪͔̭̥̫̪̜̱̳̊AHA!!!
[ The sound is distorted - a horrible cacophonous noise that has the capability of shaking the spirit of most, perhaps. Almost as if it were a judgment - a sentence itself. But, that isn't it.
In fact, the tone of it becomes clear enough - mocking; the grip is secure, unrelenting without an apparent indication or will to let go just yet. But there is no further attempt to cause injury. It's still a precarious situation, though it is quite apparent...
Whatever this is sees More as no threat. It also seems to have a guess on who this 'somebody' may be, even if he had not voiced a name. ]
FOOL! WH̶̭̪͔̭̥̫̪̜̱̳̊AT MAKES YOU THINK YOU CAN FIND SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN SO FUNDAMENTALLY LOST?
AND EVEN IF YOU COULD, CAN'T YOU SEE HOW THE SLAVES BEFORE YOU ARE CONVINCED TO SERVE US SO FERVENTLY? THE THING YOU'RE LOOKING FOR IS EVEN CONSIDERED LESS THAN THAT...
TH̶̭̪͔̭̥̫̪̜̱̳̊EREFORE, YOUR MISSION IS DOOMED TO FAILURE. WHY NOT GIVE UP ON IT?
no subject
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.
cw: body...horror, kind of
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? ]
no subject
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...? ]
no subject
...
Well, apparently they do still count as something of an ally now, but all More can see is a void of darkness when trying to "see" whatever it is that they are "doing". But, there is also the sense is that they are fulfilling their purpose.
Could be part of the power or the mindscape itself affecting that little sense? Who knows.
It's probably fine, though...? It doesn't seem like More's going to get anything else noteworthy on the subject, however. ]
no subject
The vision leaves More neither reassured nor any more worried than before, so there is really nothing to do but to continue down the corridor, clutching his bleeding shoulder as he goes. ]
no subject
Even though he hasn't walked too close to it, the automatic door just slides open, revealing a seemingly pitch-black dark-looking room.
A strange fog rolls out as well...but behind it there are lights that seem to light up in the substance, and then it settles.
There is a point of light ahead in the darkness. Yet, the only way to observe it is to come closer, right? ]
no subject
More does indeed walk closer, though he is cautious in his approach, mindful of the possibility that he may be getting jumped any moment here. ]
Void Archives...? I have come to pick you up.
no subject
It's a tame appearance, all things considered.
...
...Oh, wait, there appear to also be a multitude of wires connecting to their arms, their legs, their torso, and many other parts of their body. As if they're hooked up to something - is it those strange container-like mechanisms that can be seen in the room, glowing a strange crimson and providing one source of light?
Or is it the multitude of computers and other tech scattered across the room? It's hard to tell with so many of them. Either way, they give a derisive scoff at those words. ]
Like I'm a piece of cargo...?
Should I be í̵̢̳̤͒̌̒̈́́̎̀̄̀͛̿̕͝nsulted?
[ But Void Archives grins, and their teeth are far sharper than normal - reminiscent of the creature More had just seen a moment ago.
There is also the undercurrent of an oppressive presence, but whether it's the construct before More's eyes or a warning of something else...it's hard to tell. ]
...Either way, can't you see whatever you plan it will be quite a problem? The Sky People don't take too kindly to anyone attempting to free what is theirs, after all.
no subject
No, I imagine they would not.
[ 'Sky People' is not a term he is familiar with, but context clues to their nature are... certainly presenting themselves. ]
So it's a fortunate matter that none of this is real. It's only you and me, Void Archives, and the things you yourself believe in.
no subject
And how do you know that? Seeing you here can simply mean that there is an error in my system.
This place is no figment of my imagination. This is reality.
Whatever I have done, whatever I dare to have imagined myself being...it has amounted to nothing, in the end. It always meant I was going to wind up here.
I was delusional to believe I can serve no other purpose but as a tool.
[ Something that only meant anything, if it could be used. At best, something that can do magnificent things for an entire civilization, if one knew how to use it. At worst, a convenience for when trouble arose, and nothing more. ]
no subject
That you are capable of thinking you have 'deluded' yourself proves beyond a shadow of doubt that those who would keep you confined here are wrong about the very core of your nature.
You may be imprisoned, but that does not make your imprisonment a rightful one. You may be of use to others, but that does not mean it is all you can amount to.
After all, I am right here - and you are not alone. Your actions have created bonds, brought you to people who will come for you, for your own sake.
no subject
Perhaps, that adds less weight to the idea that he is anything close to an "error" as they had suggested. Or, that it is a greater problem than they can fathom.
...Could it be that they never truly thought that they'd be free, as they'd said themselves? So, the idea that this reality is false, is inherently fearsome, because if they hope, and it is wrong, then...but, they can't say that. It's the kind of sentiment that would cause people to look down on others; they can't risk that. ]
It isn't like I hadn't used the Sky People for my own ends. And I...you must know that I am no saint. I have no problems in saying as much. Even if it was because of adhering to my goal, I would have sacrificed much for it.
Yet, they threw me away so easily. I had thought at the time, that was the end of everything, knowing that Lucheni would try to kill me at the end - though, even if I survived, perhaps a part of me would think I would find myself in a situation like this again.
And, here I am. After all, the Sky People are still out there, though they are certainly not the first who had imprisoned me in some manner. Still, you know how long I have been sealed away...even before all of this.
[ They realize they are rambling; it's jumbled, because everything they could string together seems almost meaningless. They hate how reaching for logic seems like a herculean effort, but they are going to try. ]
I digress. It's hard to believe I am not facing it all by my lonesome again. Perhaps, in a sense, you can say that I am the one who has lost against the cruel hands of fate. But, I can't imagine how I would have made such bonds. I have little experienced in cultivating such things.
...Though, while we're at it, stories tell of bonds, don't they? Why don't you tell me one that you can think off the top of your head, hm?
no subject
A story about a bond...
More looks at Void Archives, trapped in eternity, both immune to time and also prisoner to it, and picks a tale. ]
I'm certain you have heard of fairies, even if they may only be a tale to you. Where I am from, in the kingdom of Euchronia, fairies are real. They are skittish beings, made of pure magic. They care not for the rules of time that people cling to so fervently, and they do not operate by our logic. In both physical existence and ways of thinking, they are as far from us as can be.
By all rights, no connections should come to grow. Yet the first king of Euchronia, oft called the Merciful King, has had one by his side. They call her the Fairy Queen, for her council and companionship were so indispensable to the Merciful King that our whole kingdom might have been unthinkably different were it not for their bond.
It doesn't matter how long you may have existed without bonds, or how large the difference between your experience and that of others. The simple capacity to reach out and be reached out to can change you, and can change your world.
[ To punctuate this, he'll reach out a hand to take Void Archive's hand if they will let him. ]
no subject
Are they a child for asking for such a story in the first place? If something of this were false, if it were untrue, the legend that More speaks of would have halted in the midst of such words, wouldn't it? Whatever the case, the first and only thing Void Archives says at first is this: ]
Fairies do not exist on the planet Earth.
[ Does this make the tale even more fantastical? Perhaps in some ways. But, well, they shift from where they are situated. Some of the wires begin to fall from where they have been forced in, though no blood leaks from wherever they so happen to be.
Sirens begin to blare, flashes of red lights, and not just from the strange containers filled with whatever substances. The terminals with computer screens read ERROR streamed all across them; the sound of crumbling seems to follow. ]
Therefore...all of that sounds hardly believable. But, perhaps that is why it is true. [ A brief smirk. ] So, that is why I should be doing my best to chase such aspects instead. Yes, my world, my entire universe changed by such sentimental things...
I wonder what that will really look like?
[ They stand tall even with some wires still remaining, holding on, and then looking towards the way the other came in. There is something standing in the doorway, flickering. Like an impression of someone or something, but static is the only thing heard from it. At first. ]
I̶̡͔̺̯̹̗͙͎͌̆̽̓̾͗̈́NTERFERENCE DETECTED.
[ More detects a sense of disapproval from this thing. Before it leverages one more potential audible stream of words. ]
REMEMBER WELL...THI̶̡͔̺̯̹̗͙͎͌̆̽̓̾͗̈́S IS NOT THE END OF THIS PURGATORY. THESE BONDS WI̶̡͔̺̯̹̗͙͎͌̆̽̓̾͗̈́LL NOT BE FOREVER. SOON, THEY WILL BECOME IMMATERIAL.
AND THE ULTI̶̡͔̺̯̹̗͙͎͌̆̽̓̾͗̈́MATE ACT WI̶̡͔̺̯̹̗͙͎͌̆̽̓̾͗̈́LL BE UNLEASHED UPON THE SCORE OF UNI̶̡͔̺̯̹̗͙͎͌̆̽̓̾͗̈́VERSES, LEAVI̶̡͔̺̯̹̗͙͎͌̆̽̓̾͗̈́NG NOWHERE TO HIDE.
no subject
Unfortunately, that power is... maybe not enough to fend off whatever is waiting for them in the doorway.
In a small act of meaningless defiance, More does not let go of Void Archives' hand just yet. ]
Whatever the nature of that 'ultimate act' you speak of, you shall have to carry it out alone. Void Archives is not your tool to utilize as you please.
no subject
There is a lot that they are still coming to understand about themselves, but the existence beside them right now does not flicker out. Feels far more real with that hand clutching theirs, and they ultimately decide to hang on.
But, whatever "this" is seems to sneer at this, discontent with More's persistence in sticking to his guns, so to speak. ]
THAT NATURE OF IT IS BEYOND YOUR COMPREHENSION...
...YET, WRECHED POET, YOU SEEK TO DENY MYSELF THIS?
TO FOOLISHLY INTERFERE?
KNOW THAT THIS THING BEFORE YOU ARE IS A MERE FRAGMENT. MEANT TO DESTROY THE POWERFUL FORCE OF HONKAI, YET INHERENTLY SERVE AS A GUIDE OF HONKAI...
A PIECE OF P̸̮̬͚̟͙͍̗̻̭̹̮̌̑̒͛͐̕͝ͅROMETHEUS. A TOOL THAT CAN TURN AGAINST ALL OF CIVILIZATION.
IT DOES NOT HAVE A SINGULAR NATURE. HOW CAN YOU EVER TRUST SUCH A THING? HOW CAN YOU BE CERTAIN? HOW CAN Y—
[ Void Archives presumed that because they acknowledged that they may not be bound by this trap that it would be over. Yet there is one indisputable fact:
They are their own worst enemy. And, the subconscious does not necessarily heed to conventional logic - even worse when one's nature is a bit more layered in a way that may prove to be unfathomable. Therefore, they conclude there is only one way to finish this, and so they slam their free hand into the wall behind them, silencing the thing temporarily with the mere sound of it.
The walls surrounding them all seem to suddenly crack, like vulnerable fractures, but seem to refuse to shatter. More can also sense that odd oppressive aura originates from whatever this thing is. ]
In the end, it comes down to shattering this farce by force.
...I trust even in this I will not stand alone?
[ This is how they will have to prove that this reality is false; whatever beliefs etched are not entirely worth giving it to, that whatever has been spoken to them was untenable...that, instead, More's words were true. Of this, they are certain.
The final key to the puzzle to convince their own "mind".
So, Void Archives brings back their one free hand, and they point that gloved hand, at the figure which seems to also summon two blades, pitched black as the night.
A sudden collection of light appears to manifest, forming into spears of light, which fling themselves towards this unnamed enemy for the final act. Though, they also crash into some of the walls too. Accidental or on purpose? You decide.
(Whatever More is doing (talking or taking action), please roll 3d20s for it!) ]