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.
[This feels so surreal. Chicago free of Eggman's influence leading right into Dahngrest... but this shouldn't be happening, because they haven't defeated Eggman yet, which means he wouldn't be returning to Dahngrest. And even then, he's probably still banned from the city (not that there's many people to stop him) which is another thing he'll have to sort out when he goes home, but for now...
For now he finds himself in front of that cave, and Yeager wastes no time in entering. He has a feeling he knows who he'll find inside, after all.]
[There's no immediate response from inside the cave itself; it seems like you're going to have to go a little deeper. The cave you wander seems to be full of shards just like the Void, but they're a dim pink in color that guides you down further and further into the cave system.
It isn't quite sprawling as one would expect a cave to be, but it's actually surprisingly safe to walk through. You can see little glimpses of things through those crystals if you touch them, sort of playing like little recordings; little inane thoughts from Dorothy about people, little memories, just small things if you want to see them.
But eventually, your path will be blocked off by a bigger crystal. It's brighter than the rest, and you can see inside of it; there's Dorothy, of course, but there seems to be woman with her, too.
Maybe you should try touching the crystal? It's worth a shot at least.]
[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?]
[A warm sensation courses through you as the memory plays within the crystal, and the woman with white hair speaks up.]
...Your NIMPH has been removed, as you have requested. There were no complications in the procedure; you should be able to take the field if you need to in the next few days. As you've requested, I did not go 'poking around your brain' for anymore than necessary.
Splendid work, Cecil. [Dorothy checks herself over briefly, nodding her head in some form of approval at least.] I will be expecting much of you in your contributions to Eden, going forward. I do not want a single Nikke who passes through these walls with their NIMPH activated, if they intend on staying with us for an extended period of time. The Ark would be far too excited to get their ungrateful hands upon what we've built, and frankly, the sooner they rot? The better.
[Cecil doesn't say anything in approval nor denial of that, at least. But something in her brows knit momentarily, and she does speak up.]
Of course. But Dorothy...you're certain that you do not want any sort of enhancement to your memory?
...I told you once before, that I do not want you anywhere near my brain until I can be certain you've discarded your loyalty to the Ark. [Dorothy's tone is harsh, and something almost threatening despite the smile on her face. Her eyes have gone dark, cruel almost.] Why exactly are you insisting on trying? Do you want me to leave you for dead?
Considering that I built this structure, aren't you being a little rash?
[Dorothy glares sharply at Cecil, and in an instant and with strength that far exceeds what Dorothy has been capable of here, she grabs Cecil by the throat and holds the much taller woman in the air, her expression shifted to a sneer.]
You would do well to know your place. I could figure out in time just how to keep everything operational, and you'd do well to remember that.
...Dorothy, you only have five more years of memory left in your brain.
[The words from Cecil's throat come out tight, and Dorothy seems to pause, her expression shifting to one of shock for a moment as Dorothy lowers Cecil to the ground.]
W--What? But...there's no...
Human brains were not meant to live for as long as this war has continued for. [Cecil pauses, her gaze averting.] ...You were never meant to live for this long, and the human brain cannot keep up with so many years. It's a wonder you haven't had to start deleting memories now, but that isn't going to remain the case for much longer.
[Something goes blank in Dorothy's expression.]
...And if I were to start deleting memories now?
...That isn't going to work how you want it to. But depending on how much you delete, you could get another couple of decades. Nothing more than that, however.
...I see. So this revenge mission has a time limit, then.
Very well. [Dorothy releases Cecil, her expression still blank, but...] You are dismissed. I will find a way to deal with this myself.
...Very well.
[The two women separate after that, and the large pink crystal shatters to reveal the way to the next destination. It's still lit, but it seems...dimmer, almost.
[Yeager watches silently. Her true strength isn't a surprise, nor is her temper and reaction (hot???) but her memories...
Dorothy clings so desperately to those memories of her past. Deleting them to make way for new ones is unbelievably and unfairly cruel. Did she end up doing this in pursuit of her revenge, or did this happen just before she arrived here? Has she already had to make that decision while she was here?
It... really isn't something he likes, but he suspects he's going to have to keep thinking about it with whatever this place has to show him next. Onward we go. What's next?]
[Crystals continue to illuminate your path further down. They seem the same at first; small memories within those crystals, but it's as Yeager gets further down that something starts to seem...wrong with them.
The memories seem clear at first, but they seem to have...overwritten other memories on some, playing part of one memory before it cuts to the new, clearer memory. Some of them are clearer than others, inane little things that have been overwritten by things slightly more important, but it does seem like Dorothy's brain has had some trouble keeping up already.
But Yeager will come across another set of stones; this time, two large stones block the path forward, with memories held within them.
One of them appears to be in front of a signpost, Dorothy's dark look toward the ground contrasts the almost bright, sunny look outside and the white flowers upon the ground. And it appears she's in front of a sign for the Ark.
The other...well. It seems to be Dorothy pointing a gun at a small girl with brown hair, who's eyes are bright red. Dorothy herself looks utterly distraught.
[The first time he catches it, Yeager hesitates in front of the crystal. He watches the memories play out again and again, frowning at how suddenly the memory cuts out for the new one. Proof that Dorothy has already had to overwrite some of her memories, it seems.
He shakes his head and forces himself to continue. Two choices it seems... May as well take the more upsetting(?) one first; he's going to the one with the little girl.]
cw: The Pinne Incident (suicidal ideation, attempt, hallucinations)
[The memory starts much further back when Yeager touches it. The despair is palpable, overwhelming in it's feeling, in her failure to save Pinne. In what happens afterward; the rest of her Goddesses leave her alone, unsure of what to do. Because they're the only ones left fighting at this point, but they need their leader somehow. They need to take care of everything that they can, because the mission is important. The mission is everything to them.
Perhaps what's worse is what happens afterward. After the voice message plays, and for a brief moment, Dorothy's look brightens and she's...
...She talks to someone who isn't there. She talks to Pinne, like she's still there. Like her mind hasn't utterly snapped in pursuit of the mission, and nobody says a thing about it for the time being.
The memory stops, and the crystal dims, though it doesn't shatter yet. But this time...something speaks up.]
...Even now. Even now, I can't stop thinking about it. I thought I wanted to change. I thought I wanted to look to the future, why am I still reminded...
[It's Dorothy's voice, but it sounds...strange. Despair filled, truth be told.
But there's another memory. Want to test that one next?]
cw: The Pinne Incident (suicidal ideation, attempt, hallucinations)
Not only did she lose someone she loved, but she was forced to do it herself. Forced to take her dear friend's life because she was already losing herself to the corruption. There was no other way, and Dorothy had no way to handle the loss.
And when she finally tries to keep moving, it is only with the strength of Pinne's memory that she does so, even if she clings to it in ways that are truly unhealthy.
Yeager doesn't really have time to process that before he hears Dorothy's voice again, and he needs to reach her—]
Dorothy, listen to me. This is... a dream.
[That's what it has to be, right?]
Please, Dorothy, this isn't reflective of just how far you've come. There's nothing wrong with feeling this pain or remembering what happened - you've still made the decision to move forward and that...
[...]
...That means more to me than I can ever say, truly. So please...
[It won't be, but...there's a pulsation of warm, pink light from those crystals that illuminates the room just a little bit more.]
...You know it means a lot to me too. Don't you, Yeager? That you're...willing to do the same.
[Dorothy's tone is surprisingly warm at that. Kind, though despair filled and almost...staticy seeming, despite feeling so far away.]
It means so much. You've...continued to see me, and chosen to stay. It means so...so much to me. But still, I...
[The voice fades at this point. Seems the only way forward is to touch the other crystal, and this one...the memories play in a reversed order, though it may not be as obvious at first.
The first memory seems to be of long ago; Dorothy's outfit somehow still pristine as she takes temporary shelter on the surface. Her eyes scan for Raptures as she eats her meal, and when one spots her, she's on the run again. The memory feels...faded, janky almost. Like it's an amalgamation of memories left behind by Dorothy, that she's tried to delete.
The next one is clearer; a place she couldn't leave. A place she had been in stasis for so long, until she could find her own way to move forward: to take the Ark back, and destroy those who'd wronged them. (end at 1:13:21)
The next one is just as clear; something someone tries to snap Dorothy out of this. Someone tries very hard to get her to realize who they are and why they need to do this. About how they really didn't walk away; how walking away was, in truth, something she meant in a different way for some of them. But a lie is told; they go their separate ways, and at Pinne's insistence, she stays at the paradise they created. One that eventually fades once Dorothy realizes Pinne is dead, while managing Liliweiss' grave... (54:10 to 58:00, and 58:54 to 1:03:07. if you want extra painful context: 1:05:09 to 1:08:14. :3)
And last but not least, the betrayal that cemented her hatred for the humans who had betrayed her trust, and taken everything from her. The people she devoted herself to, abandoning her on a surface to die.
The thing that broke Dorothy's mind beyond all comprehension. The reason she's been the way she has, because she can't trust them. She can't. She can't. She's so used to everyone walking away, or rejecting her, and...
The crystals finally shatter, allowing you to move forward.]
[Her voice fades out. There's only one way forward and Yeager takes a breath before checking the next crystal.
The memories play out one by one, painting a picture of what exactly it was like. He's heard Dorothy's words and she did a good job of explaining her situation, but it's different seeing it. It's different knowing the pain she went through and how it shaped her into who she is now, and the terrifying idea that she has to slowly open herself up to the people here, whether she wants to or not. That maybe she can find a life worth living again, even if it isn't ever the one she would have wanted. That she can willingly trust people - humans - when they turned their backs on her and left her to die.]
I'm on my way, Dorothy. I won't keep you waiting much longer.
[She shouldn't have to suffer through this alone. It doesn't matter that he's one of those humans; she chose to trust him. So he can return that now, when she needs it most. Dorothy has been trying to move forward and he won't let her be chained back down by her past.
[The path continues downward. Downward into an uncertain underground, but the few crystals that light the way here are brighter somehow. A warmer, inviting light, though the memories inside of the crystals are more jumbled. Overwriting so many memories with...memories of this place. Memories of waking up in space, in a place far beyond all she's ever known. The wariness, the guarded nature, the fake pleasantry she put up...
How it evolved over time into genuine care for others. For Viktor and the kindness he showed, again and again. For Vakama, for reaching for her hand and being so willing to care for her. For so many others, those small gestures of kindness mean the world to her, because they're not what she faced, outside of her commander and that one insipid commander of the modern times.
Yeager in particular can see a lot of the memories he and Dorothy have shared on display as he walks, written so hard into the memory that she'd never let go. That one drunken night an exception, of course.
The end of the cave is lined with pink crystals that play memories past and present, and covered in cobwebs at the end of that is Dorothy herself, though she seems...rusted. Rusted from disuse, from a lack of direction, After all, it isn't like she truly knows how useful she'll be, in a peaceful world, but...
Despite looking asleep, once he steps closer, her eyes open a bit and look up at Yeager. She's in the new outfit she picked for herself, and even that looks discolored from age and use now, but...]
[Yeager finds himself pausing at a few of the memories - not just his own, but some of the others that Dorothy clearly holds dear. The people here truly have changed her and left their marks on her, and it's helped her come to the decision to leave her world behind and start anew. This just confirms that she still holds onto that desire - if she didn't, she wouldn't be overwriting the past memories for these present ones.
And of course, here she is. Yeager wastes no time in approaching, kneeling beside her to get a better look at the rust... Well, at least she isn't actively injured this time, he supposes.]
Did you think I'd leave?
[It's not flippant or dismissive, it's a genuine question. After everything, does she really think something like this would get him to turn away?]
...I wasn't sure. If you would finally see something that would end up making you want to walk away. But...some part of me had a feeling you might be too stubborn.
[It's a struggle to get words out for Dorothy, and she's not moving much; her clothing is torn and old and worn, and it seems like most of the rust is focused in her joints and the like. It's particularly bad in her hands and elbows that are visible, but if he gets a look at her legs, they're pretty bad there too.
Dorothy pauses a bit at that, though. At the apology, at all of it, and she finds herself chuckling a bit.]
...Don't worry too much. These memories are almost always on my mind, if they aren't the subject of my nightmares. Reliving them so vividly, however...I could do without that, all be told.
[...]
I'm glad you're here. I feared letting anyone see how selfish I truly was.
[He doesn't like seeing her rusted like this, but is there anything he can really do about it...? For now, he'd rather remain right here by her side, so that's what he's going to do.]
You aren't the only one. I adopted the twins simply to give my life some meaning, so I truly have no room to talk.
[And the less said about what he was willing to do to them at the end, the better. The important part is that he's gotten enough distance and character development to recognize how badly he nearly fucked everything up, but especially them.]
We don't need to spend any more time here then, do we? Let's go home.
The Void can be it for now, I suppose. But soon, when our battle is won, I...
[Dorothy begins to try and stand, a little shaky and wobbly, but the rust itself seems...less severe, when she moves like this. If anything, void logic seems to be dictating that it's flaking off slow but sure, and even her clothes seem like they're mending themselves a bit.]
...I want to see what the future will be like, beside the both of you. We can find some meaning in the new life we have ahead of us, once the Doctor is defeated.
[Does Yeager mind if she takes his hand? Because...well. She really just wants contact right now, more than anything. Even if it's a little confused and a little uncertain, despite those drunken shenanigans, she's...
She's happy, that he's here with her. That he's elected to stay, despite everything.]
...I'm sorry, if anything, that you had to see firsthand how selfish I am.
[Yeager rises as well, immediately reaching out to offer her an arm to lean on. Though she's probably heavier than him and his scythe combined, but like. It's the thought that counts, okay??]
I'm looking forward to it.
[He really, really is.
Of course she can take his hand, though! He doesn't mind it at all. Well, maybe that's not entirely accurate - he likes the contact a lot more than he thought he would, so it's appreciated.]
You don't need to apologize. As difficult as it is to see, I believe it's a good thing to know. After all, it's made me absolutely certain that you're moving into the Manor of the Wicked as soon as we return to Terca Lumireis. You can stay for as long as you'd like.
[Listen, don't even worry about it. At any rate the weight will definitely feel lessened as they go back through the cave, who's path is much brighter and more illuminated now as they continue.
...
And she's taking the invitation to lean to potentially just lean on his shoulder and leave her head there for a bit because he isn't the only one who likes the contact--along with just. Holding his hand. Congratulations Yeager, you've attracted a slightly demanding lover in this department--but Dorothy does chuckle a bit at that conclusion, a little startled, but...]
You're so kind to me; I'll be certain to do everything I can to earn my place there, then. It...means so very much, that you'd allow such a thing, and I can't express it enough how much it means.
[d-doki]
As long as I can stay by your side, frankly, I don't care where we end up going at the end of it all. You've...made me feel so human. [Dorothy's glance darts away a bit.] I didn't realize how much I've truly needed that.
[Oh come now, as though Dorothy could do anything he wouldn't like at this point?? That's his Goddess of Victory, thank you very much.]
It took far too long for me to remember what it's like. I'm still quite terrible at it!
[Emotional vulnerability is so hard, Dorothy. How the hell did he do this ten years ago??]
But I wouldn't have come this far without your help, so thank you, Dorothy. Honestly, it's a bit impressive just how far we've both come in so short a time... but I suppose being in an entirely different world does have that effect on some people!
Well, lucky for you that you're in good company, hm? I've certainly no place to judge, so we can continue to mess up in good company. Or find our own meaning in it. Whichever comes naturally, of course.
[Trust her, she gets it. She's basically had to pull teeth to even get to this point, and frankly she still sucks at it!
They're almost out of the cave, though, at least. There seems to be a little ways further to walk, but the mindscape seems to have shifted a bit into something a little more comfortable for their final walk.
The sky is bright and blue, and there are an innumerable amount of white flowers all around the field that they walk. Of course, the exit's right ahead, but at least she can thank him in this way. By letting the walk be comfortable, and more reflective of the things she wants to show him now that she can. How comfortable this is, how comfortable she feels...]
It truly does. I think it's truly amazing, how seeing other worlds can change your perspective. How it can prove to you that perhaps...there is hope out there, for those who seek it. In truth, I never thought I'd feel this way.
But...with you, you make it feel so easy. I truly adore that.
[Just a little further to the door back to the real world, and Dorothy's eyes slide slightly closed as she continues to lean on Yeager's shoulder. The rust is gone by now, and she feels...lighter.]
Precisely, we'll have plenty of time to figure it out as we go~
[It's a bit surreal to think that they never would have had this chance - or even wanted it - when they first arrived in space not so long ago. He never would have imagined being here now with Dorothy.
In fact, he's more focused on her than the surroundings. He scarcely notices the changes.]
I'm glad I can do that for you. Seeing you happy like this is truly wonderful, you know~
[It's only barely teasing, because he absolutely means it.]
[That gets Dorothy to flush, and she has to glance away just a bit at that. It...doesn't feel teasing. No, it feels genuine, and she's--
She's really not used to compliments like that being thrown at her and actually feeling something towards them, and it's likely clear from the startled laughter that it gets from her.]
Only because it's you making me this happy. [...She is down so bad.] ...It really means the world that I can make you happy, too. I never really thought of anything like that before, but it's...
It's very welcome, that I can do something outside of the fighting that I'm used to.
[They're back in the void before they know it, but Dorothy doesn't have eyes for anyone but Yeager right now. It's...a strange, overwhelming feeling, but she laces their fingers together if allowed.]
Of course you make me happy, Dorothy. You've been doing it for quite awhile.
[He wasn't really aware of it - and even when he did become aware of it, he wasn't aware of the extent of it - but there's certainly no denying it now. She's become a very important person to him, after all.
The atmosphere changes around them as they return to the Void, and aside from a brief glance, Yeager doesn't take his eyes off of her.]
As though I would leave you after such a thing? Absolutely not. Allow me to worry over you for just a little longer, ja?
Dorothy genuinely looks delighted for a moment when of all things, he asks to stay this time. He asks her to stay, to be with him this time, and for someone who's been so used to being utterly selfish and taking what she wants, it's...
It means so much to her, to have it offered to her.]
I'd be delighted to allow you to. Really, I don't want to separate at all; I...don't know what you've done to make me feel this way, but I like this. Being with you, caring for you, and...being cared for.
[It's so awkward, being genuine like this, but Dorothy's flushed and a little more than delighted--]
Anyway, it isn't as difficult as he thought it'd be to express this much, which is good! It's easier when she's a little flustered instead of the other way around.]
And? Are you going to tell me I shouldn't? I think you deserve it.
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mindfuckery
For now he finds himself in front of that cave, and Yeager wastes no time in entering. He has a feeling he knows who he'll find inside, after all.]
Dorothy, is that you?
no subject
It isn't quite sprawling as one would expect a cave to be, but it's actually surprisingly safe to walk through. You can see little glimpses of things through those crystals if you touch them, sort of playing like little recordings; little inane thoughts from Dorothy about people, little memories, just small things if you want to see them.
But eventually, your path will be blocked off by a bigger crystal. It's brighter than the rest, and you can see inside of it; there's Dorothy, of course, but there seems to be woman with her, too.
Maybe you should try touching the crystal? It's worth a shot at least.]
no subject
cw: memory issues
...Your NIMPH has been removed, as you have requested. There were no complications in the procedure; you should be able to take the field if you need to in the next few days. As you've requested, I did not go 'poking around your brain' for anymore than necessary.
Splendid work, Cecil. [Dorothy checks herself over briefly, nodding her head in some form of approval at least.] I will be expecting much of you in your contributions to Eden, going forward. I do not want a single Nikke who passes through these walls with their NIMPH activated, if they intend on staying with us for an extended period of time. The Ark would be far too excited to get their ungrateful hands upon what we've built, and frankly, the sooner they rot? The better.
[Cecil doesn't say anything in approval nor denial of that, at least. But something in her brows knit momentarily, and she does speak up.]
Of course. But Dorothy...you're certain that you do not want any sort of enhancement to your memory?
...I told you once before, that I do not want you anywhere near my brain until I can be certain you've discarded your loyalty to the Ark. [Dorothy's tone is harsh, and something almost threatening despite the smile on her face. Her eyes have gone dark, cruel almost.] Why exactly are you insisting on trying? Do you want me to leave you for dead?
Considering that I built this structure, aren't you being a little rash?
[Dorothy glares sharply at Cecil, and in an instant and with strength that far exceeds what Dorothy has been capable of here, she grabs Cecil by the throat and holds the much taller woman in the air, her expression shifted to a sneer.]
You would do well to know your place. I could figure out in time just how to keep everything operational, and you'd do well to remember that.
...Dorothy, you only have five more years of memory left in your brain.
[The words from Cecil's throat come out tight, and Dorothy seems to pause, her expression shifting to one of shock for a moment as Dorothy lowers Cecil to the ground.]
W--What? But...there's no...
Human brains were not meant to live for as long as this war has continued for. [Cecil pauses, her gaze averting.] ...You were never meant to live for this long, and the human brain cannot keep up with so many years. It's a wonder you haven't had to start deleting memories now, but that isn't going to remain the case for much longer.
[Something goes blank in Dorothy's expression.]
...And if I were to start deleting memories now?
...That isn't going to work how you want it to. But depending on how much you delete, you could get another couple of decades. Nothing more than that, however.
...I see. So this revenge mission has a time limit, then.
Very well. [Dorothy releases Cecil, her expression still blank, but...] You are dismissed. I will find a way to deal with this myself.
...Very well.
[The two women separate after that, and the large pink crystal shatters to reveal the way to the next destination. It's still lit, but it seems...dimmer, almost.
Proceed?]
cw: memory issues
Dorothy clings so desperately to those memories of her past. Deleting them to make way for new ones is unbelievably and unfairly cruel. Did she end up doing this in pursuit of her revenge, or did this happen just before she arrived here? Has she already had to make that decision while she was here?
It... really isn't something he likes, but he suspects he's going to have to keep thinking about it with whatever this place has to show him next. Onward we go. What's next?]
cw: memory issues
The memories seem clear at first, but they seem to have...overwritten other memories on some, playing part of one memory before it cuts to the new, clearer memory. Some of them are clearer than others, inane little things that have been overwritten by things slightly more important, but it does seem like Dorothy's brain has had some trouble keeping up already.
But Yeager will come across another set of stones; this time, two large stones block the path forward, with memories held within them.
One of them appears to be in front of a signpost, Dorothy's dark look toward the ground contrasts the almost bright, sunny look outside and the white flowers upon the ground. And it appears she's in front of a sign for the Ark.
The other...well. It seems to be Dorothy pointing a gun at a small girl with brown hair, who's eyes are bright red. Dorothy herself looks utterly distraught.
Which do you want to start with?]
Re: cw: memory issues
He shakes his head and forces himself to continue. Two choices it seems... May as well take the more upsetting(?) one first; he's going to the one with the little girl.]
cw: The Pinne Incident (suicidal ideation, attempt, hallucinations)
Perhaps what's worse is what happens afterward. After the voice message plays, and for a brief moment, Dorothy's look brightens and she's...
...She talks to someone who isn't there. She talks to Pinne, like she's still there. Like her mind hasn't utterly snapped in pursuit of the mission, and nobody says a thing about it for the time being.
The memory stops, and the crystal dims, though it doesn't shatter yet. But this time...something speaks up.]
...Even now. Even now, I can't stop thinking about it. I thought I wanted to change. I thought I wanted to look to the future, why am I still reminded...
[It's Dorothy's voice, but it sounds...strange. Despair filled, truth be told.
But there's another memory. Want to test that one next?]
cw: The Pinne Incident (suicidal ideation, attempt, hallucinations)
Not only did she lose someone she loved, but she was forced to do it herself. Forced to take her dear friend's life because she was already losing herself to the corruption. There was no other way, and Dorothy had no way to handle the loss.
And when she finally tries to keep moving, it is only with the strength of Pinne's memory that she does so, even if she clings to it in ways that are truly unhealthy.
Yeager doesn't really have time to process that before he hears Dorothy's voice again, and he needs to reach her—]
Dorothy, listen to me. This is... a dream.
[That's what it has to be, right?]
Please, Dorothy, this isn't reflective of just how far you've come. There's nothing wrong with feeling this pain or remembering what happened - you've still made the decision to move forward and that...
[...]
...That means more to me than I can ever say, truly. So please...
[But it's not going to be that easy, is it?]
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...You know it means a lot to me too. Don't you, Yeager? That you're...willing to do the same.
[Dorothy's tone is surprisingly warm at that. Kind, though despair filled and almost...staticy seeming, despite feeling so far away.]
It means so much. You've...continued to see me, and chosen to stay. It means so...so much to me. But still, I...
[The voice fades at this point. Seems the only way forward is to touch the other crystal, and this one...the memories play in a reversed order, though it may not be as obvious at first.
The first memory seems to be of long ago; Dorothy's outfit somehow still pristine as she takes temporary shelter on the surface. Her eyes scan for Raptures as she eats her meal, and when one spots her, she's on the run again. The memory feels...faded, janky almost. Like it's an amalgamation of memories left behind by Dorothy, that she's tried to delete.
The next one is clearer; a place she couldn't leave. A place she had been in stasis for so long, until she could find her own way to move forward: to take the Ark back, and destroy those who'd wronged them. (end at 1:13:21)
The next one is just as clear; something someone tries to snap Dorothy out of this. Someone tries very hard to get her to realize who they are and why they need to do this. About how they really didn't walk away; how walking away was, in truth, something she meant in a different way for some of them. But a lie is told; they go their separate ways, and at Pinne's insistence, she stays at the paradise they created. One that eventually fades once Dorothy realizes Pinne is dead, while managing Liliweiss' grave... (54:10 to 58:00, and 58:54 to 1:03:07. if you want extra painful context: 1:05:09 to 1:08:14. :3)
And last but not least, the betrayal that cemented her hatred for the humans who had betrayed her trust, and taken everything from her. The people she devoted herself to, abandoning her on a surface to die.
The thing that broke Dorothy's mind beyond all comprehension. The reason she's been the way she has, because she can't trust them. She can't. She can't. She's so used to everyone walking away, or rejecting her, and...
The crystals finally shatter, allowing you to move forward.]
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The memories play out one by one, painting a picture of what exactly it was like. He's heard Dorothy's words and she did a good job of explaining her situation, but it's different seeing it. It's different knowing the pain she went through and how it shaped her into who she is now, and the terrifying idea that she has to slowly open herself up to the people here, whether she wants to or not. That maybe she can find a life worth living again, even if it isn't ever the one she would have wanted. That she can willingly trust people - humans - when they turned their backs on her and left her to die.]
I'm on my way, Dorothy. I won't keep you waiting much longer.
[She shouldn't have to suffer through this alone. It doesn't matter that he's one of those humans; she chose to trust him. So he can return that now, when she needs it most. Dorothy has been trying to move forward and he won't let her be chained back down by her past.
Onward, then. What's next?]
cw: robot body horror (rust)
How it evolved over time into genuine care for others. For Viktor and the kindness he showed, again and again. For Vakama, for reaching for her hand and being so willing to care for her. For so many others, those small gestures of kindness mean the world to her, because they're not what she faced, outside of her commander and that one insipid commander of the modern times.
Yeager in particular can see a lot of the memories he and Dorothy have shared on display as he walks, written so hard into the memory that she'd never let go. That one drunken night an exception, of course.
The end of the cave is lined with pink crystals that play memories past and present, and covered in cobwebs at the end of that is Dorothy herself, though she seems...rusted. Rusted from disuse, from a lack of direction, After all, it isn't like she truly knows how useful she'll be, in a peaceful world, but...
Despite looking asleep, once he steps closer, her eyes open a bit and look up at Yeager. She's in the new outfit she picked for herself, and even that looks discolored from age and use now, but...]
...You really stayed. After all of that?
cw: robot body horror (rust)
And of course, here she is. Yeager wastes no time in approaching, kneeling beside her to get a better look at the rust... Well, at least she isn't actively injured this time, he supposes.]
Did you think I'd leave?
[It's not flippant or dismissive, it's a genuine question. After everything, does she really think something like this would get him to turn away?]
I'm sorry you were forced to relive it all.
cw: robot body horror (rust)
[It's a struggle to get words out for Dorothy, and she's not moving much; her clothing is torn and old and worn, and it seems like most of the rust is focused in her joints and the like. It's particularly bad in her hands and elbows that are visible, but if he gets a look at her legs, they're pretty bad there too.
Dorothy pauses a bit at that, though. At the apology, at all of it, and she finds herself chuckling a bit.]
...Don't worry too much. These memories are almost always on my mind, if they aren't the subject of my nightmares. Reliving them so vividly, however...I could do without that, all be told.
[...]
I'm glad you're here. I feared letting anyone see how selfish I truly was.
cw: robot body horror (rust)
[He doesn't like seeing her rusted like this, but is there anything he can really do about it...? For now, he'd rather remain right here by her side, so that's what he's going to do.]
You aren't the only one. I adopted the twins simply to give my life some meaning, so I truly have no room to talk.
[And the less said about what he was willing to do to them at the end, the better. The important part is that he's gotten enough distance and character development to recognize how badly he nearly fucked everything up, but especially them.]
We don't need to spend any more time here then, do we? Let's go home.
[...well.]
Or back to the Void, I suppose...
[someday we'll get to go to dahngrest...!!]
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[Dorothy begins to try and stand, a little shaky and wobbly, but the rust itself seems...less severe, when she moves like this. If anything, void logic seems to be dictating that it's flaking off slow but sure, and even her clothes seem like they're mending themselves a bit.]
...I want to see what the future will be like, beside the both of you. We can find some meaning in the new life we have ahead of us, once the Doctor is defeated.
[Does Yeager mind if she takes his hand? Because...well. She really just wants contact right now, more than anything. Even if it's a little confused and a little uncertain, despite those drunken shenanigans, she's...
She's happy, that he's here with her. That he's elected to stay, despite everything.]
...I'm sorry, if anything, that you had to see firsthand how selfish I am.
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I'm looking forward to it.
[He really, really is.
Of course she can take his hand, though! He doesn't mind it at all. Well, maybe that's not entirely accurate - he likes the contact a lot more than he thought he would, so it's appreciated.]
You don't need to apologize. As difficult as it is to see, I believe it's a good thing to know. After all, it's made me absolutely certain that you're moving into the Manor of the Wicked as soon as we return to Terca Lumireis. You can stay for as long as you'd like.
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...
And she's taking the invitation to lean to potentially just lean on his shoulder and leave her head there for a bit because he isn't the only one who likes the contact--along with just. Holding his hand. Congratulations Yeager, you've attracted a slightly demanding lover in this department--but Dorothy does chuckle a bit at that conclusion, a little startled, but...]
You're so kind to me; I'll be certain to do everything I can to earn my place there, then. It...means so very much, that you'd allow such a thing, and I can't express it enough how much it means.
[d-doki]
As long as I can stay by your side, frankly, I don't care where we end up going at the end of it all. You've...made me feel so human. [Dorothy's glance darts away a bit.] I didn't realize how much I've truly needed that.
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It took far too long for me to remember what it's like. I'm still quite terrible at it!
[Emotional vulnerability is so hard, Dorothy. How the hell did he do this ten years ago??]
But I wouldn't have come this far without your help, so thank you, Dorothy. Honestly, it's a bit impressive just how far we've both come in so short a time... but I suppose being in an entirely different world does have that effect on some people!
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Well, lucky for you that you're in good company, hm? I've certainly no place to judge, so we can continue to mess up in good company. Or find our own meaning in it. Whichever comes naturally, of course.
[Trust her, she gets it. She's basically had to pull teeth to even get to this point, and frankly she still sucks at it!
They're almost out of the cave, though, at least. There seems to be a little ways further to walk, but the mindscape seems to have shifted a bit into something a little more comfortable for their final walk.
The sky is bright and blue, and there are an innumerable amount of white flowers all around the field that they walk. Of course, the exit's right ahead, but at least she can thank him in this way. By letting the walk be comfortable, and more reflective of the things she wants to show him now that she can. How comfortable this is, how comfortable she feels...]
It truly does. I think it's truly amazing, how seeing other worlds can change your perspective. How it can prove to you that perhaps...there is hope out there, for those who seek it. In truth, I never thought I'd feel this way.
But...with you, you make it feel so easy. I truly adore that.
[Just a little further to the door back to the real world, and Dorothy's eyes slide slightly closed as she continues to lean on Yeager's shoulder. The rust is gone by now, and she feels...lighter.]
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[It's a bit surreal to think that they never would have had this chance - or even wanted it - when they first arrived in space not so long ago. He never would have imagined being here now with Dorothy.
In fact, he's more focused on her than the surroundings. He scarcely notices the changes.]
I'm glad I can do that for you. Seeing you happy like this is truly wonderful, you know~
[It's only barely teasing, because he absolutely means it.]
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She's really not used to compliments like that being thrown at her and actually feeling something towards them, and it's likely clear from the startled laughter that it gets from her.]
Only because it's you making me this happy. [...She is down so bad.] ...It really means the world that I can make you happy, too. I never really thought of anything like that before, but it's...
It's very welcome, that I can do something outside of the fighting that I'm used to.
[They're back in the void before they know it, but Dorothy doesn't have eyes for anyone but Yeager right now. It's...a strange, overwhelming feeling, but she laces their fingers together if allowed.]
...Stay with me a bit longer, won't you?
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Of course you make me happy, Dorothy. You've been doing it for quite awhile.
[He wasn't really aware of it - and even when he did become aware of it, he wasn't aware of the extent of it - but there's certainly no denying it now. She's become a very important person to him, after all.
The atmosphere changes around them as they return to the Void, and aside from a brief glance, Yeager doesn't take his eyes off of her.]
As though I would leave you after such a thing? Absolutely not. Allow me to worry over you for just a little longer, ja?
[This time let him ask her to stay.]
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Dorothy genuinely looks delighted for a moment when of all things, he asks to stay this time. He asks her to stay, to be with him this time, and for someone who's been so used to being utterly selfish and taking what she wants, it's...
It means so much to her, to have it offered to her.]
I'd be delighted to allow you to. Really, I don't want to separate at all; I...don't know what you've done to make me feel this way, but I like this. Being with you, caring for you, and...being cared for.
[It's so awkward, being genuine like this, but Dorothy's flushed and a little more than delighted--]
You're practically spoiling me, you know.
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Anyway, it isn't as difficult as he thought it'd be to express this much, which is good! It's easier when she's a little flustered instead of the other way around.]
And? Are you going to tell me I shouldn't? I think you deserve it.
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