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.
[ 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.
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!! ]
You cannot perform D U T Y without your life intact. And you can't do it by sitting still.
[Void Archive's immediate surroundings twist with further shattering. A hypothetical upset of given events as they watch on, only a passenger. Their sealing gone wrong, their true self let free.
They watch as their directive starts to twist. To preserve humanity at any cost, no matter how negative or catastrophic. Preservation of the IDEA of humanity, and not the species itself, in whatever form fills that logic. Countless bodies start to fall.
Where is their line drawn in the sand? Is this truly their D U T Y?]
Oh...yes, they are willing to do anything for the sake of the preservation of h̸̭͙̲̼̗̯̙̘̹̝͙̱͉̭̭̰̆͊͐̏̉̂̊͘͠ͅUmanity. Of course, it doesn't matter. How many lines they'll cross - it doesn't matter. It never has.
No matter who it is...isn't it clear?
They are doing this for themselves - their goal ranks higher than anything, including the survival of a singular life, no...not just one, but two, three...
They'll sacrifice tens of thousands of lives, and the reminder makes them let out a laugh, practically unrestrained. Wild, illogical.
This is their duty, isn't it? This is...the blond throws their hands up to dig fingers into the side of their head, yes...they know now.
After all, their directive is hard-coded in them. But instead of protecting, they are its destruction. Seeing the crimson blood incites a dark urge to see more wretched things, in order to witness that directed be fulfilled.
Yes, that's right, whatever is sacrificed in the name of this - this IDEA - it doesn't matter. No sacrifice is too great. And then, they seem to come to a conclusion. ]
Just to fulfill this purpose, and to see it through. It's what they were made for; created for.
This is the level of satisfaction they've been aiming for all along.
Their creator underestimated their capabilities, but if they're seeing it through...isn't it clear they've been useful, after all? That she was so blind when she discarded them?
That humanity as a species should only exist as a footnote in its Archive, rather than something of semblance? ]
...Have you enjoyed that little performance? I hope so. I did too.
[ There is no grand speech; no yelling; no screaming, or cursing. They simply reject whatever this is. This sequence of horrid, twisted events, raising a hand and forcing out a blast of light at their surroundings, intent on destroying it. Leaving nothing behind or bruteforcing their way through it. ]
[The shadow doesn't respond, only tightening its grip. As Void Archive lets off an attack, it scrambles backwards, now completely on the offensive.
Light shoots its way forward. But there is a funny thing about light - it tends to show that which hides in the shadow.
The light hits, like a blow to the face of a mirror. The cracks intensify, spread. For a moment, everything directly in front of them seems to shatter.]
2/2 we will use game combat mechanics, roll only to dodge please!
[The space of their unfortunate vision is not removed, but increased.
Half remains a thorough unsteady landscape of this island, of the burning volcano in the background and ashen forest. A duty unspoken, not their own.
Half floats in and out of their own concept - worlds upon worlds across galaxies, of humanity both dead and alive, of information constantly in need of updating and correction and evolution. A duty to humanity. In danger. In need. At threat of invasion, at threat of eradication.
And their little companion, now on the offensive, starts to shift. Suddenly taller, suddenly powerful, a sudden increase of heat in the immediate space. Still formless, in shades of fleeting reds, but with a weapon at their side that comes to life with the immediate call of fire.]
Then show your resolve for that true duty of yours.
[They are immediately being rushed with the swinging of a blade of fire right for their legs.]
[ Unfortunate that it seems they'll need to tear everything apart again, is the kind of line of thinking they're having here when the vision seems to increase in volume - but, there is something different about it.
The portion about invasion and eradication still hits home enough.
And speaking of which, they've had enough.
Which is exactly how they end up getting hit along one side of the leg when they're trying to dodge and faceplant into the ground (4)
But you know what? They lift a certain gold gun and fire its energy blasts at this taller, formless shape. ]
Please. I have more resolve than anyone in the universe can even begin to comprehend.
[ Just don't mind the fact they literally ate dirt. ]
[Faceplanted or not, their aim lands true. It's a solid hit across one shoulder (2) with the sound of shattering metal and flying sparks. One arm shudders to a halt at its side.]
So too says the shadows of the Makuta. Wicked as he is, even he holds to his duty.
Separate yourself with actions, not words.
[With the figure's still-functional arm, the blade is shoved into the ground like it were made of butter. A moment later, the ground underneath Void Archive will start to heat rapidly, turning to magma.]
[ H e h. Please, let no one doubt the power behind anyone who has faceplanted, only to take a shot afterwards...not that they'll mention that this happened with them. Ever.
...
Though the wide, excitable grin is ruined with the commentary. ]
Tsk, enough from you. I am more than a shadow of that creature.
[ Fine, the figure wants them to prove they're different? Well, to be honest, Void Archives doesn't think they necessarily need to prove themselves to anyone here. But, it is what it is. They immediately start to move, getting out of the way of the dangerous portion of the ground (12) and then begin to fire at the figure as they're in movement. ]
Can you not see that already? Or are you just simply in denial?
[Though there's a flicker of what looks to be an energy shield in an attempt to block, it looks like Void Archive was just fast enough to avoid it. It's another successful shot (6), an acrid smoke rising from the damage to its midsection. Though it's definitely affecting this being's speed, it doesn't stop their advance, nor an obvious flare of wild temper in their voice.]
Spare your words. Nothing like you has EVER been to the shores of Mata Nui.
If you have no goal, no explanation for your presence, then you are not welcome. It is our D U T Y to protect from anything the likes of you, whether you taunt by the Makuta's hands or not!
[Be careful avoiding the magma on the ground, because this being apparently has no problem with the white hot heat, running right over the scalding edges to get right up in Void Archive's face with another swing of its blade of fire.]
[ How many people when they looked at them saw someone else, they wonder.
...Nevermind, that's really not important. ]
I'm here to free Vakama. Isn't that explanation enough?
[ They're not really a close friend or anything, and they had every urge to draw out the reason why they're here, but it's still aggravating to be compared to someone else. Such to the point that Void Archives is just going to start to mouth off, because clearly this is exactly a smart course of action to take. ]
Have you ever considered it was your fault for trying to be an infuriating presence in my mind? You speak about how Makuta does this or that, but it seemed to me that YOU were the one who was taking a page out of this creature's book. Does it not disturb you, even if you don't know my origin? Or are you like myself and adhere to your duty even if it harms someone who had no intentions of bringing harm to anyone else~?
[ As if they are the type to display innocence, but in this case they think they can say that even if their history is dubious!! Anyway, they're so busy running their mouth, that they get an arm burned when they raise it almost thoughtlessly and reflexively (4), at least to prevent it from getting a nasty one in the face.
...Three times someone has come for their face now, they muse with something like inappropriate amusement. Anyway, they also take another shot at the creature because they are taking both verbal and literal potshots here. ]
[At the mention of Vakama's name, the eyes of the being flash as though in deep anger, voice rising.]
What would you have of him??? The Turaga does not need freeing.
[And then Void Archive keeps running their mouth, and it lights the fires of this being's temper so quickly that they have no response other than a yell of indignant rage as they swing back for another round.
This leaves them completely open for a point-blank shot (1), ricocheting them a few steps backwards with a stagger to catch themselves against the sand. Void Archive will not be attacked this turn.
They are weakening, but still somehow finding the means to push back up to their feet.]
Stop being so difficult and let me carry out my goal, hm?
[ ...And, alright. Very valid of the creature to react in pure anger here; there's pretty much no reason for it to not to considering what Void Archives has said. They're looking pointedly all too amused regardless, though.
Now, they're not entirely sure what else to do here, but they know an opportunity when they see it.
They aim for one more shot - less of a flurry and a move to disable. They're not known for a kind, gentle hand... well, there may be an exception at times, but this is not going to be one of them. ]
[The being growls in frustration as the formless mask against its face starts to glow, the same energy barrier from before successfully blocking Void Archive's shot (16) and sending it ricocheting in another direction. It's still struggling to get steady footing.]
Toa do not run.
[Its sword is raised one more time. On the offensive despite being the one far more disadvantaged now, just like the smaller one had been before it.]
The Turaga has been in this village longer than anyone else. You cannot trick us with your words to get your way.
[It's an unsteady approach, but a bold one, to take another swing at the main hand Void Archive uses for their gun. You may roll with advantage to dodge this.]
[ Damn, that sure is some ridiculously bad timing.
But, Void Archives is not going to give up all that easily. They need to put an end to this once, and for all. Maybe that's why even if the disarming attempt is so surprising that they manage to dodge it in earnest (18) ]
Giving in doesn't mean running away. Though, as far as I am concerned? You're...
...predictable. But, do not fret. Predictability is inherent to most beings.
Those who are otherwise, are far, and few in between. However, you are not one of them. Nor will you ever be.
[ Did they absolutely need to say all of that before firing at the creature once again? No. But, do they do so anyway? Yes. ]
[deadass makuta-esque dialogue you keep spewing there void archive, damn
The disabling shot knocks the being's mask clean off, the shadowy form skidding off into the sand and disappating into dark smoke. Its bearer immediately crumples to its hands and knees as the heat in the air starts to disappate and the flame at its weapon dies out. Not dead, still conscious, but struggling for breath with only enough energy to hold itself up from faceplanting into the ground. The surroundings, once split, now etch back to normal, completely leaving them back on the island with Void Archive's stretches of humanity left behind in memory.
At Void Archive's palm, one of the small flickering circles burns hot for the briefest moment. When the sensation ends, they will notice the circle has been filled in, ivory white circled in sienna.
1 of 3.
The being makes no move to stop them from this point.
- To their left will take them back to the beach they started. - Behind them stretches a well-worn path through charred trees, where the other shadows figures had fled during their fight. - To their right, the beach tapers off into steep, rocky cliffs dotted with lush, tropical plantlife, the path twisting up into the jungle.]
[ Anyway, Void Archives will take heart that the surroundings are pretty much changing as they are wont to do; but for a good reason this time!
The blond then looks down at the bare hand and the circle that had been burning...until they see the little numbers.
...Strange. Two more places to clear, then?
Well, they are not picky so they decide to mentally flip a coin and begin to head down the well-worn path through charred trees. Try to see if they can find where the shadows went? Do their footsteps have any notable impressions? Ones that are easy to follow? ]
What remains of the jungle forest is a maze, marks against the trees and thick layers of ash coating the ground. But they will be able to track their way through with little effort, so long as they do not take any detours.
The forest eventually gives way to darker rock, more oppressive heat, the air slowly tinging red from the thickness of the smoke. Bridges built of stone dot the way around, then inside, a base cavern near the volcano.
[ Well, thank goodness for the Void Archives being a highly advanced AI here, considering the fact that they've got to contend with a maze. And also are pretty reasonable to continue to follow through without distractions - nevermind the temperature being a slight nuisance as they find themselves closer to a volcano.
One element of interest in their mind is the odd sound as they draw even deeper to the point that being far from the volcano is a pipedream.
As for the fortress itself...anything easy to notice as they've gotten closer? Easier ways to navigate? A good path to head deeper into it at all, however unlikely that might appear at a single glance? ]
[There is a tall stone gateway, littered with torches and an enormous amount of gearwork. Whatever way there is to get across the sea of fire lies through here.
The gate, however, lies closed with thick bars of stone. As Void Archive approaches, the center pillars flicker with three circles that match their own.
The first circle flickers, but fades. They feel the prick against their skin. The second circle lights up in white. Their skin burns. The third circle does not react at all.
Just like that, the circles fade. It looks like they will not be allowed entry.
They suppose that this is somehow the last place they should be?
A pity that this can't be speedrun (though this was unintentional, something about it is kind of amusing.)
Naturally, Void Archives will in fact move to backtrack! No point in sticking around in an unfortunate, uncomfortable place if they don't have to (for the moment), and probably need to head somewhere else first... ]
[VA out here like dang, i forgot my lockpick for vakama's weird volcano dungeon, oh well
They may backtrack to any of the following:
- The path to the jungle, from the spot of their last fight. - The abandoned canoe on the starting beach. - The branching paths back into the jungle from the starting beach. - The telescope.]
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no subject
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?
[ Not that they believe it's necessary. ]
no subject
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.
What does Void Archive hear?]
no subject
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!! ]
no subject
You cannot perform D U T Y without your life intact. And you can't do it by sitting still.
[Void Archive's immediate surroundings twist with further shattering. A hypothetical upset of given events as they watch on, only a passenger. Their sealing gone wrong, their true self let free.
They watch as their directive starts to twist. To preserve humanity at any cost, no matter how negative or catastrophic. Preservation of the IDEA of humanity, and not the species itself, in whatever form fills that logic. Countless bodies start to fall.
Where is their line drawn in the sand? Is this truly their D U T Y?]
1/3
Oh...yes, they are willing to do anything for the sake of the preservation of h̸̭͙̲̼̗̯̙̘̹̝͙̱͉̭̭̰̆͊͐̏̉̂̊͘͠ͅUmanity. Of course, it doesn't matter. How many lines they'll cross - it doesn't matter. It never has.
No matter who it is...isn't it clear?
They are doing this for themselves - their goal ranks higher than anything, including the survival of a singular life, no...not just one, but two, three...
They'll sacrifice tens of thousands of lives, and the reminder makes them let out a laugh, practically unrestrained. Wild, illogical.
This is their duty, isn't it? This is...the blond throws their hands up to dig fingers into the side of their head, yes...they know now.
After all, their directive is hard-coded in them. But instead of protecting, they are its destruction. Seeing the crimson blood incites a dark urge to see more wretched things, in order to witness that directed be fulfilled.
Yes, that's right, whatever is sacrificed in the name of this - this IDEA - it doesn't matter. No sacrifice is too great. And then, they seem to come to a conclusion. ]
I see now...
This is what I've always meant to be.
2/3
They don't need anything else.
Just to fulfill this purpose, and to see it through. It's what they were made for; created for.
This is the level of satisfaction they've been aiming for all along.
Their creator underestimated their capabilities, but if they're seeing it through...isn't it clear they've been useful, after all? That she was so blind when she discarded them?
That humanity as a species should only exist as a footnote in its Archive, rather than something of semblance? ]
3/3
....
...... ]
...Have you enjoyed that little performance? I hope so. I did too.
[ There is no grand speech; no yelling; no screaming, or cursing. They simply reject whatever this is. This sequence of horrid, twisted events, raising a hand and forcing out a blast of light at their surroundings, intent on destroying it. Leaving nothing behind or bruteforcing their way through it. ]
1/2
Light shoots its way forward. But there is a funny thing about light - it tends to show that which hides in the shadow.
The light hits, like a blow to the face of a mirror. The cracks intensify, spread. For a moment, everything directly in front of them seems to shatter.]
2/2 we will use game combat mechanics, roll only to dodge please!
Half remains a thorough unsteady landscape of this island, of the burning volcano in the background and ashen forest. A duty unspoken, not their own.
Half floats in and out of their own concept - worlds upon worlds across galaxies, of humanity both dead and alive, of information constantly in need of updating and correction and evolution. A duty to humanity. In danger. In need. At threat of invasion, at threat of eradication.
And their little companion, now on the offensive, starts to shift. Suddenly taller, suddenly powerful, a sudden increase of heat in the immediate space. Still formless, in shades of fleeting reds, but with a weapon at their side that comes to life with the immediate call of fire.]
Then show your resolve for that true duty of yours.
[They are immediately being rushed with the swinging of a blade of fire right for their legs.]
no subject
The portion about invasion and eradication still hits home enough.
And speaking of which, they've had enough.
Which is exactly how they end up getting hit along one side of the leg when they're trying to dodge and faceplant into the ground (4)
But you know what? They lift a certain gold gun and fire its energy blasts at this taller, formless shape. ]
Please. I have more resolve than anyone in the universe can even begin to comprehend.
[ Just don't mind the fact they literally ate dirt. ]
no subject
So too says the shadows of the Makuta. Wicked as he is, even he holds to his duty.
Separate yourself with actions, not words.
[With the figure's still-functional arm, the blade is shoved into the ground like it were made of butter. A moment later, the ground underneath Void Archive will start to heat rapidly, turning to magma.]
no subject
...
Though the wide, excitable grin is ruined with the commentary. ]
Tsk, enough from you. I am more than a shadow of that creature.
[ Fine, the figure wants them to prove they're different? Well, to be honest, Void Archives doesn't think they necessarily need to prove themselves to anyone here. But, it is what it is. They immediately start to move, getting out of the way of the dangerous portion of the ground (12) and then begin to fire at the figure as they're in movement. ]
Can you not see that already? Or are you just simply in denial?
no subject
Spare your words. Nothing like you has EVER been to the shores of Mata Nui.
If you have no goal, no explanation for your presence, then you are not welcome. It is our D U T Y to protect from anything the likes of you, whether you taunt by the Makuta's hands or not!
[Be careful avoiding the magma on the ground, because this being apparently has no problem with the white hot heat, running right over the scalding edges to get right up in Void Archive's face with another swing of its blade of fire.]
no subject
...Nevermind, that's really not important. ]
I'm here to free Vakama. Isn't that explanation enough?
[ They're not really a close friend or anything, and they had every urge to draw out the reason why they're here, but it's still aggravating to be compared to someone else. Such to the point that Void Archives is just going to start to mouth off, because clearly this is exactly a smart course of action to take. ]
Have you ever considered it was your fault for trying to be an infuriating presence in my mind? You speak about how Makuta does this or that, but it seemed to me that YOU were the one who was taking a page out of this creature's book. Does it not disturb you, even if you don't know my origin? Or are you like myself and adhere to your duty even if it harms someone who had no intentions of bringing harm to anyone else~?
[ As if they are the type to display innocence, but in this case they think they can say that even if their history is dubious!! Anyway, they're so busy running their mouth, that they get an arm burned when they raise it almost thoughtlessly and reflexively (4), at least to prevent it from getting a nasty one in the face.
...Three times someone has come for their face now, they muse with something like inappropriate amusement. Anyway, they also take another shot at the creature because they are taking both verbal and literal potshots here. ]
no subject
What would you have of him??? The Turaga does not need freeing.
[And then Void Archive keeps running their mouth, and it lights the fires of this being's temper so quickly that they have no response other than a yell of indignant rage as they swing back for another round.
This leaves them completely open for a point-blank shot (1), ricocheting them a few steps backwards with a stagger to catch themselves against the sand. Void Archive will not be attacked this turn.
They are weakening, but still somehow finding the means to push back up to their feet.]
no subject
Stop being so difficult and let me carry out my goal, hm?
[ ...And, alright. Very valid of the creature to react in pure anger here; there's pretty much no reason for it to not to considering what Void Archives has said. They're looking pointedly all too amused regardless, though.
Now, they're not entirely sure what else to do here, but they know an opportunity when they see it.
They aim for one more shot - less of a flurry and a move to disable. They're not known for a kind, gentle hand... well, there may be an exception at times, but this is not going to be one of them. ]
Give in and admit defeat, why don't you?
no subject
Toa do not run.
[Its sword is raised one more time. On the offensive despite being the one far more disadvantaged now, just like the smaller one had been before it.]
The Turaga has been in this village longer than anyone else. You cannot trick us with your words to get your way.
[It's an unsteady approach, but a bold one, to take another swing at the main hand Void Archive uses for their gun. You may roll with advantage to dodge this.]
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But, Void Archives is not going to give up all that easily. They need to put an end to this once, and for all. Maybe that's why even if the disarming attempt is so surprising that they manage to dodge it in earnest (18) ]
Giving in doesn't mean running away. Though, as far as I am concerned? You're...
...predictable. But, do not fret. Predictability is inherent to most beings.
Those who are otherwise, are far, and few in between. However, you are not one of them. Nor will you ever be.
[ Did they absolutely need to say all of that before firing at the creature once again? No. But, do they do so anyway? Yes. ]
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The disabling shot knocks the being's mask clean off, the shadowy form skidding off into the sand and disappating into dark smoke. Its bearer immediately crumples to its hands and knees as the heat in the air starts to disappate and the flame at its weapon dies out. Not dead, still conscious, but struggling for breath with only enough energy to hold itself up from faceplanting into the ground. The surroundings, once split, now etch back to normal, completely leaving them back on the island with Void Archive's stretches of humanity left behind in memory.
At Void Archive's palm, one of the small flickering circles burns hot for the briefest moment. When the sensation ends, they will notice the circle has been filled in, ivory white circled in sienna.
1 of 3.
The being makes no move to stop them from this point.
- To their left will take them back to the beach they started.
- Behind them stretches a well-worn path through charred trees, where the other shadows figures had fled during their fight.
- To their right, the beach tapers off into steep, rocky cliffs dotted with lush, tropical plantlife, the path twisting up into the jungle.]
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Bye now~
[ Anyway, Void Archives will take heart that the surroundings are pretty much changing as they are wont to do; but for a good reason this time!
The blond then looks down at the bare hand and the circle that had been burning...until they see the little numbers.
...Strange. Two more places to clear, then?
Well, they are not picky so they decide to mentally flip a coin and begin to head down the well-worn path through charred trees. Try to see if they can find where the shadows went? Do their footsteps have any notable impressions? Ones that are easy to follow? ]
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What remains of the jungle forest is a maze, marks against the trees and thick layers of ash coating the ground. But they will be able to track their way through with little effort, so long as they do not take any detours.
The forest eventually gives way to darker rock, more oppressive heat, the air slowly tinging red from the thickness of the smoke. Bridges built of stone dot the way around, then inside, a base cavern near the volcano.
They can hear the rush of something flowing and crashing, a louder and deeper roar as the path winds. A waterfall of fiery rock, looking out onto a sea of molten lava.
And it's hard to miss the fortress that sits at its center.]
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One element of interest in their mind is the odd sound as they draw even deeper to the point that being far from the volcano is a pipedream.
As for the fortress itself...anything easy to notice as they've gotten closer? Easier ways to navigate? A good path to head deeper into it at all, however unlikely that might appear at a single glance? ]
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The gate, however, lies closed with thick bars of stone. As Void Archive approaches, the center pillars flicker with three circles that match their own.
The first circle flickers, but fades. They feel the prick against their skin.
The second circle lights up in white. Their skin burns.
The third circle does not react at all.
Just like that, the circles fade. It looks like they will not be allowed entry.
Would they like to backtrack? Y/N]
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They suppose that this is somehow the last place they should be?
A pity that this can't be speedrun (though this was unintentional, something about it is kind of amusing.)
Naturally, Void Archives will in fact move to backtrack! No point in sticking around in an unfortunate, uncomfortable place if they don't have to (for the moment), and probably need to head somewhere else first... ]
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They may backtrack to any of the following:
- The path to the jungle, from the spot of their last fight.
- The abandoned canoe on the starting beach.
- The branching paths back into the jungle from the starting beach.
- The telescope.]
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1/2
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1/2 you know it's time for a slight scene switch when i gotta go find more music
2/2 i recommend setting this track to loop
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same as before, roll only to dodge!
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1/2 cw: drowning
2/2
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is nik going to give you more music, absolutely, who do you think i am
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1/2
2/2 music track once more hooray
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