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.
[It's time for another glimpse into someone's dark and twisted mind(scape)- but who's is it this time?
You find yourself in front of a massive shrine. It looks like it's been quite some time since it saw any use. It's fallen into disrepair and much of the marble structure is covered in moss.
Trying to backtrack from this place brings you right back to the entrance, so it looks like there's only one way forward: into the dark depths.
The interior doesn't seem to be faring any better than the exterior, but at least there's light sources in the form of lanterns scattered across the vast expanse of stone and rubble. There's also a dull hum of topaz energy as you begin your exploration.
The main hall branches off into multiple paths, so at first it's difficult to tell where to begin. However, you manage to catch sight of a figure vanishing into the darkened hall straight in front of you. That's a good of a place as any to start, right?]
[Turo's quick to give chase after the retreating figure! He doesn't stop to pick up any of the lanterns. His night vision is better than human standard, and even if it weren't...after a moment, his eyes start to glow blue in the darkness.]
[How very convenient! Though there are more lanterns to be found as he proceeds, there are still plenty of dark halls and corners that Turo will be able to see much more of as he traverses.
Despite Turo's quick pursuit, when he comes out of the hall and into another large chamber, the figure seems to have disappeared entirely.
But Turo will be able to tell he isn't alone. The eerie quiet of these ruins gives way to distant shuffles and sounds- none of them human-sounding. Monsters, no doubt. At least, that's the instinct that Turo will receive from the dream.
Multiple paths lie in front of him, leading to different chambers. Which will he pick? Left, middle, or right?
(Feel free to roll a d20 for perception before choosing a direction. o/)]
["Monsters" is a strange instinct for someone from his world. After the past month, Turo's processors are more likely to sort that instinct into "robot". Badniks, in this case, but the whole thing becomes complicated.
He doesn't want to fight. All of his fights go badly. Still, Turo knows he can't just turn back. He's left-handed, so maybe it's just an embedded preference that leads him left.
[Ah, how unfortunate...Turo doesn't know he's about to enter the room of falling rocks.
Nah I'm just kidding. But a 6 does mean there won't be any noises or sights to pick up on. He's flying blind, but at least he won't be walking into any traps.
As he gets closer to the next chamber, he'll start to hear what sounds like a training session. But who'd be training in a place like this...?]
[Lmao, he sees nothing! When he hears the sound of the training, though, he'll go to check it out. It doesn't exactly bode well for not getting into fights, but...oh, well, that's life.]
[Fortunately, the training session that Turo walks in on is a very obvious illusion- a residual memory of whoever this mindscape belongs to.
Dozens of soldiers fill the chamber, with the man from before at the front of the group leading the session. This seems to be a training session for new recruits, and the man is putting them through rigorous heats to test their mettle.
Interestingly, Turo will be able to pick up on a few moves that Raven taught him not too long ago. However, the way this man instructs is very different. He's stoic, serious and no-nonsense.
The session draws to a close, the recruits are totally wiped out from exhaustion. However, they can't stop going on about how amazing it is to be under the tutelage of the Captain Schwann.]
[Ah - how curious. Turo does not know Raven well enough to draw many conclusions from this. He's certainly never heard any mention of this man before. Once the session is over, he walks down into the chamber, torn between paying attention to the recruits and the captain. Is everyone starting to head out, or are we all staying together here for the moment?]
[While some of the recruits disperse, vanishing from sight in the process, many remain to chatter amongst themselves.
The captain, however, seems to be in a rush to leave. He gently lets down several recruits looking to ask more questions of him in order to make his exit down one of the hallways.
Turo might even catch the man looking straight at him before he turns away.]
[Fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately if they were hoping to get jumped, the hall is empty! Whoever it was that walked in here isn't lying in wait for Void Archives.
It's also very dark, but there is a sign of light in the distance. Looks like it's a straight shot to the next chamber.]
[ Hmm...they take in the mess of things in the general area of the chamber.
But, eventually their attention is in fact drawn to the statue! When they come upon it, anything they immediately notice that so happens to be off or worth taking note of...? ]
When turning around just directs him straight back in, he at least falls in line with the intent for now. The energy feels... familiar, at least. A bond he recognizes, even if he can't place it just yet into words.
[It sure is suspicious. Really fishy, you could even say.
As Vakama ventures forward, he'll find himself in another chamber that mostly resembles the first- lots of rubble and plants growing up through the cracks. The figure from before has completely vanished into thin air, making it difficult to decide where to go next. The chamber branches into three more paths: left, center or right. Which will he choose?
(Feel free to roll a d20 to potentially gain information before deciding!)]
[Since the convenient little shadow has made themselves scarce - yes, let's take a look around (15). Any indication to what this shrine is even for in the first place, outside of being a convenient home for the local lichen?]
[There isn't anything telling in this particular chamber, but that may change as Vakama continues further in.
Speaking of which...with a 15, he'll catch the faintest hint of conversation coming from the rightmost hall. It's hard to tell what's being said, but it's a lead nevertheless.]
[To the right it is! Darn him not having his invisibility anymore so he can't be quite as stealthy as he'd like, but he'll at least be cautious trying to get close enough to either hear those voices, or get a glimpse of his company.]
[As Vakama enters the dark hallway, it'll become very apparent, very quickly that the voices aren't actually coming from within the shrine. They're like echos of the past, heard only for Vakama.]
"...why me?"
[The first voice sounds familiar to someone Vakama knows, but lighter. Younger. The second voice is not familiar.]
"Like I said before, because you are the survivor of your platoon, and I know of your skill. You've experienced a great loss, but isn't this what Casey wants you to do, Damuron?"
[Casey. An unmistakably familiar name.
The likewise familiar voice lets out a hollow laugh.]
"Damuron Atomais is dead."
[And so is Casey. A dead person doesn't want anything.]
"You are alive."
"But I'm a fake, thanks to this device."
"Even if you rely on the blastia to live, it should make no difference."
[Regardless, the owner of the blastia, Damuron, won't budge on his stance.]
"Damuron's dead. He's no longer with us."
[The other voice has had enough.]
"ENOUGH OF THIS!" [They shout.] "Regardless of what anyone wants or doesn't want, we who've been left behind have an obligation to those who have died! You all were my dream! To break down the thousand year-old customs of the Empire and lead us to a new era. Which would've brought true prosperity for all people. That was my wish."
[The other person doesn't respond.]
"If you want to continue insisting that you've died, then fine. But you are alive now. You're ALIVE!"
[They let out a frustrated sigh.]
"Fine. We can say you've died as Damuron. But if you don't want to die again, you'll live a new life! I'll give you any name! Just LOOK at me! Lend me your strength!"
[Finally, the other person speaks, just as hollow as before.]
"...If that's what you want."
"I'm holding you to that."
[The conversation ends, and the next time Vakama hears that familiar voice, it's very much present at the end of the hall.]
"You are one of the few knights who survived the Great War. Even though you are a commoner, you possess great skill and a certain level of pride. Your name is..."
[The figure from before comes into view, and he looks straight through Vakama.]
"I am Schwann Oltorain. I always have been...and I always will be."
[Damuron is gone. Damuron is dead.
And with that, the figure disappears into the dark once more.]
[He has a harder time placing the voice at first. But as soon as Casey is mentioned--
...
Is this what Raven had meant? That dream felt so long ago, so muddled in amidst the exhaustion of those weeks, but... the empathy he'd insisted upon, the claim of losing his way after Casey's death...
A pull to power and belonging in a moment of utter weakness, of guilt and self-hatred. He hates the echo he feels, even with just this.
A million questions enter his mind as Schwann - no, Raven - appears, and then dissipates just like a ghost. How much of this had been his choice? From the sounds of that conversation, that man had not wanted to continue on. So what power, what figure, was enough to convince him otherwise?]
Wait -- Raven, stop--!
[It's calling out to shadows at this point, he knows. But he'll still chase after it.]
[This is... not a place Yeager recognizes. Well, alright, fair enough, there are plenty of people here with plenty of their traumas to go through, so maybe it's better that he doesn't recognize it? Sure. Why not. Off we go!
It's the retreating figure that gets him to pause more than anything else; there's no way that was who he thinks it was, right? No, it couldn't be. Besides, it's not like he's ever met the man in person and he's so damn elusive that all Yeager has to go on are descriptions of him, so...
Well, it's as good a direction as any for what path to take, so he's following after. He figures there's no sense in trying to be stealthy about it, so he'll raise his voice to call out after him:]
Do wait up! I'd appreciate a guide to help me through whatever traps this place may hold~
[Schwann deserves exactly this. Unfortunately, he doesn't have a response for Yeager. In fact, he seems to have disappeared into thin air.
It doesn't help that at the end of the hall is definitely not more of the shrine.
It's the streets of Dahngrest. One that Yeager knows very well, even if he hasn't been allowed in the city for quite some time. He's been placed right in front of the Union headquarters.
A young man is scaling the side of the building. He looks a little like the man from earlier, only younger. But he also resembles a younger version of someone Yeager knows very well by this point. There's no mistaking him. Yeager's met him at this stage of his life, after all.
He watches the Don through one of the windows into the main chamber, which...proves to be a mistake. The Don immediately notices him and catches him by surprise by smashing through the very window the man was looking through. A fierce fight breaks out, but Yeager can probably imagine how it's going to end. It's the Don, after all.
After doling out a serious thrashing, the Don stands over the man.]
"Not bad. What's yer name?"
[The young man simply stares at him, dead-eyed.]
"If ya don't answer, I'll kill ya."
...Kill me.
"So, ya have a death wish, boy?"
[The Don gives him a harsh look.]
"You moron. I hate kids like you."
[He lifts his foot and stomps on the man, knocking him unconscious. Of course, he doesn't just leave him there. He takes him in.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
no subject
[It's time for another glimpse into someone's dark and twisted mind(scape)- but who's is it this time?
You find yourself in front of a massive shrine. It looks like it's been quite some time since it saw any use. It's fallen into disrepair and much of the marble structure is covered in moss.
Trying to backtrack from this place brings you right back to the entrance, so it looks like there's only one way forward: into the dark depths.
The interior doesn't seem to be faring any better than the exterior, but at least there's light sources in the form of lanterns scattered across the vast expanse of stone and rubble. There's also a dull hum of topaz energy as you begin your exploration.
The main hall branches off into multiple paths, so at first it's difficult to tell where to begin. However, you manage to catch sight of a figure vanishing into the darkened hall straight in front of you. That's a good of a place as any to start, right?]
2 - wildcard
[Hit me up for custom threads here! o/]
no subject
[Turo's quick to give chase after the retreating figure! He doesn't stop to pick up any of the lanterns. His night vision is better than human standard, and even if it weren't...after a moment, his eyes start to glow blue in the darkness.]
no subject
Despite Turo's quick pursuit, when he comes out of the hall and into another large chamber, the figure seems to have disappeared entirely.
But Turo will be able to tell he isn't alone. The eerie quiet of these ruins gives way to distant shuffles and sounds- none of them human-sounding. Monsters, no doubt. At least, that's the instinct that Turo will receive from the dream.
Multiple paths lie in front of him, leading to different chambers. Which will he pick? Left, middle, or right?
(Feel free to roll a d20 for perception before choosing a direction. o/)]
no subject
He doesn't want to fight. All of his fights go badly. Still, Turo knows he can't just turn back. He's left-handed, so maybe it's just an embedded preference that leads him left.
Also he rolled a 6, rip]
no subject
Nah I'm just kidding. But a 6 does mean there won't be any noises or sights to pick up on. He's flying blind, but at least he won't be walking into any traps.
As he gets closer to the next chamber, he'll start to hear what sounds like a training session. But who'd be training in a place like this...?]
no subject
no subject
Dozens of soldiers fill the chamber, with the man from before at the front of the group leading the session. This seems to be a training session for new recruits, and the man is putting them through rigorous heats to test their mettle.
Interestingly, Turo will be able to pick up on a few moves that Raven taught him not too long ago. However, the way this man instructs is very different. He's stoic, serious and no-nonsense.
The session draws to a close, the recruits are totally wiped out from exhaustion. However, they can't stop going on about how amazing it is to be under the tutelage of the Captain Schwann.]
no subject
no subject
The captain, however, seems to be in a rush to leave. He gently lets down several recruits looking to ask more questions of him in order to make his exit down one of the hallways.
Turo might even catch the man looking straight at him before he turns away.]
(no subject)
mindscape;
...And, well, there's no time like the present, right? So, yes, at a potentially good starting point, the blond will pay attention to that.
Are they able to get a better look down this darkened hall before considering heading down it in earnest...? ]
no subject
no subject
Anything odd or unfortunate as they scope it out for any peculiarities or oddities? (13) ]
no subject
It's also very dark, but there is a sign of light in the distance. Looks like it's a straight shot to the next chamber.]
no subject
But, hey. They're going to go right on ahead and check the spot of light in the distance, before deciding to allow themselves to follow it.
What kind of chamber are they going to be wandering into, exactly...? ]
no subject
But there is one thing that's different. A massive statue rests in the center of the chamber. Might be worth investigating!]
no subject
But, eventually their attention is in fact drawn to the statue! When they come upon it, anything they immediately notice that so happens to be off or worth taking note of...? ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
replying with this journal from here on :)
(no subject)
mindscape
When turning around just directs him straight back in, he at least falls in line with the intent for now. The energy feels... familiar, at least. A bond he recognizes, even if he can't place it just yet into words.
Straight ahead it is.]
no subject
As Vakama ventures forward, he'll find himself in another chamber that mostly resembles the first- lots of rubble and plants growing up through the cracks. The figure from before has completely vanished into thin air, making it difficult to decide where to go next. The chamber branches into three more paths: left, center or right. Which will he choose?
(Feel free to roll a d20 to potentially gain information before deciding!)]
no subject
no subject
Speaking of which...with a 15, he'll catch the faintest hint of conversation coming from the rightmost hall. It's hard to tell what's being said, but it's a lead nevertheless.]
no subject
no subject
"...why me?"
[The first voice sounds familiar to someone Vakama knows, but lighter. Younger. The second voice is not familiar.]
"Like I said before, because you are the survivor of your platoon, and I know of your skill. You've experienced a great loss, but isn't this what Casey wants you to do, Damuron?"
[Casey. An unmistakably familiar name.
The likewise familiar voice lets out a hollow laugh.]
"Damuron Atomais is dead."
[And so is Casey. A dead person doesn't want anything.]
"You are alive."
"But I'm a fake, thanks to this device."
"Even if you rely on the blastia to live, it should make no difference."
[Regardless, the owner of the blastia, Damuron, won't budge on his stance.]
"Damuron's dead. He's no longer with us."
[The other voice has had enough.]
"ENOUGH OF THIS!" [They shout.] "Regardless of what anyone wants or doesn't want, we who've been left behind have an obligation to those who have died! You all were my dream! To break down the thousand year-old customs of the Empire and lead us to a new era. Which would've brought true prosperity for all people. That was my wish."
[The other person doesn't respond.]
"If you want to continue insisting that you've died, then fine. But you are alive now. You're ALIVE!"
[They let out a frustrated sigh.]
"Fine. We can say you've died as Damuron. But if you don't want to die again, you'll live a new life! I'll give you any name! Just LOOK at me! Lend me your strength!"
[Finally, the other person speaks, just as hollow as before.]
"...If that's what you want."
"I'm holding you to that."
[The conversation ends, and the next time Vakama hears that familiar voice, it's very much present at the end of the hall.]
"You are one of the few knights who survived the Great War. Even though you are a commoner, you possess great skill and a certain level of pride. Your name is..."
[The figure from before comes into view, and he looks straight through Vakama.]
"I am Schwann Oltorain. I always have been...and I always will be."
[Damuron is gone. Damuron is dead.
And with that, the figure disappears into the dark once more.]
no subject
...
Is this what Raven had meant? That dream felt so long ago, so muddled in amidst the exhaustion of those weeks, but... the empathy he'd insisted upon, the claim of losing his way after Casey's death...
A pull to power and belonging in a moment of utter weakness, of guilt and self-hatred. He hates the echo he feels, even with just this.
A million questions enter his mind as Schwann - no, Raven - appears, and then dissipates just like a ghost. How much of this had been his choice? From the sounds of that conversation, that man had not wanted to continue on. So what power, what figure, was enough to convince him otherwise?]
Wait -- Raven, stop--!
[It's calling out to shadows at this point, he knows. But he'll still chase after it.]
cw blood, dead bodies (sorry this is escalating quickly)
cw: blood - i can't talk after the rollercoaster i put u through man, follow ur dreams
tagging with this account from now on hehe
cw: suicidal ideation (:crymeow: hi mr. schwann)
cw suicidal ideation
cw: suicidal ideation
(no subject)
(no subject)
cw: suicide, suicidal ideation
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
shows up late with starbucks
It's the retreating figure that gets him to pause more than anything else; there's no way that was who he thinks it was, right? No, it couldn't be. Besides, it's not like he's ever met the man in person and he's so damn elusive that all Yeager has to go on are descriptions of him, so...
Well, it's as good a direction as any for what path to take, so he's following after. He figures there's no sense in trying to be stealthy about it, so he'll raise his voice to call out after him:]
Do wait up! I'd appreciate a guide to help me through whatever traps this place may hold~
[sorry, schwann.]
no subject
It doesn't help that at the end of the hall is definitely not more of the shrine.
It's the streets of Dahngrest. One that Yeager knows very well, even if he hasn't been allowed in the city for quite some time. He's been placed right in front of the Union headquarters.
A young man is scaling the side of the building. He looks a little like the man from earlier, only younger. But he also resembles a younger version of someone Yeager knows very well by this point. There's no mistaking him. Yeager's met him at this stage of his life, after all.
He watches the Don through one of the windows into the main chamber, which...proves to be a mistake. The Don immediately notices him and catches him by surprise by smashing through the very window the man was looking through. A fierce fight breaks out, but Yeager can probably imagine how it's going to end. It's the Don, after all.
After doling out a serious thrashing, the Don stands over the man.]
"Not bad. What's yer name?"
[The young man simply stares at him, dead-eyed.]
"If ya don't answer, I'll kill ya."
...Kill me.
"So, ya have a death wish, boy?"
[The Don gives him a harsh look.]
"You moron. I hate kids like you."
[He lifts his foot and stomps on the man, knocking him unconscious. Of course, he doesn't just leave him there. He takes him in.
Will Yeager follow?]