Your defeat of "Eggman" has come at a high cost, namely the Egg Fleet in the skies and the looming threat of Neo Metal Sonic. He gave you a week to prepare; best use it wisely.
THE CITY
The massive robot on the horizon is no more - it looks like Neo Metal Sonic truly did rip the whole thing up. If you head back out there, you'll find that there are still pieces of it, and plenty of scrap left behind, but not nearly as much as one would expect.
More pressingly, there are far more robots present than even before. While you recognize all of them at this point, they're all patrolling in larger groups and will once again drop everything to attack you. Definitely don't head into the city alone for any reason, and always be prepared for an ambush. These robots are absolutely determined to kill you.
It seems that the white chroma that has spread throughout the city has reached a standstill - there isn't any more of is present than there was last week, but it hasn't receded any either. Strangely enough, it seems like the animals in the city are feeling more lively than before, though not quite back to their usual levels of being.
THE BASE
The new base is coming along nicely, and should be more or less furnished as needed by now. Still, with more and more robots coming around, you may find groups of them straying toward the base. You can't let them find it and report back to Neo Metal Sonic, so please take care of them! This is also the perfect time to practice with your shardbond powers...
You may also want to start thinking of the future as well. While it certainly isn't a sure thing, Sonic and friends have made it clear that this should be the final battle, that taking out Neo Metal Sonic should be the end of it and that you all will get to go home soon. Or if not home, then to wherever - and whenever - you'd like! Your future is up to you, though you're certainly welcome to stay here in Chicago, if you have nowhere else you want to go. May as well start thinking about what you'd like to bring back with you, or where you'd like to go.
But maybe don't get too caught up on that, as you still do have a battle to win, after all.
SHARDS
Your shard powers are fully unlocked, and with them comes a mastery of your shardbond powers as well. You really have reached the end with what you can do with these bonds - so now it's time to put them to the test.
Knuckles wants you all to practice forming even larger shardbonds and maintaining them for as long as possible - ideally you'll be able to work up to a seven person bond, as that should grant you the full extent of your power. No one knows what exactly will happen when you can achieve that... So you'd better get to work, as it may be very helpful for the final fight.
Those of you with the same color shards have mostly been able to bolster each others' powers rather than actively forming a bond, but now that you're at the very end, that's changed - shards of the same color can now activate each others' powers as well as their own! So for example, Yeager can shoot water like Dorothy, or Dorothy can draw aggro and take reduced damage like Yeager. You can utilize the others' powers alongside your own just as long as the other shard is in the same vicinity!
TAILS' TASKS
As always, rings are incredibly important, and you should collect them, especially if you'd like to bring some home with you so you can travel back to Chicago at any point, or jump to your friends' worlds. Go forth and find those obnoxiously-placed rings!
There's also Knuckles' daily lessons on shardbonds; he'll be overseeing you all while you practice to make sure that everything's going well, though you don't really need his help at this point. Activating a bond with six other shards is the goal, but every single extra shard you can add to the mix is important.
Finally, Tails is working on a teleporter that will jump you guys right up onto the ships above... but he's still fine-tuning it. Turns out that finding the right ship is a bit easier said than done. If you want to help, you can take the jump to test it! You'll be given a ring so you can get back immediately - but if you get the wrong ship, you can stay to clear out the robots. Doing so will net you experience with your shards and bonds, as well as at minimum ten rings. So really, it's a win/win unless you hate fighting.
ENEMIES
The enemies you face this week are the same as the ones you've faced in previous weeks. There are no new robots to fight, though you'll start finding knock-offs of Mecha Sonic, Robo Knuckles, and Tails Doll hanging around in the city as well. Which yes, means you can (and will) get many more rocks at you. Have fun!
[This may well be their last week alive. As per usual, Turo doesn't quite know what to do with that. He spends most of his time in the base sitting near the windows, peering out at the fleet filling the sky. The Neo Metal Sonic fleet...]
Do you think he named himself "Neo Metal Sonic"?
[Probably not, right? It's not as though that's a real name. Maybe that's a point of commonality he could draw on? He's been trying to think of ways he might be able to empathize with, or at least reach out to, Neo Metal Sonic. It is most likely pointless. But Viktor was right; he ought to at least try to talk down this fellow robot, who seems so very similar to him in so many ways.
Sitting here seeing everything the other robot has accomplished, he cannot help but feel a little depressed. He hasn't really changed or evolved at all, has he? Of course he doesn't want to make an invasion fleet about it. He's not sure what that has to do with anything. But what is he doing wrong that he's found less independent drive and identity than an evil Sonic imitation?
Whatever. It's too late to worry about all of that now.
Out in the city outskirts, he's at least pleased to see that the animals seem to be more active! He'll spend as much time as he dares sitting and observing them.]
Look - there's a reptile!
[It's a small lizard on a tree. Turo hasn't seen regular-ass lizards before!
He is, of course, also training off and on throughout the week. He's happy to go out and find a couple of robots to fight with anyone! If you're someone he hasn't already linked with, though, he'll ask:]
Do you want to figure out what our powers do together? I'm trying to observe as many combinations as I can.
[ Void Archives halts in their step when they hear the question floated their way. ]
It can be equally possible he did or didn't~
Why do you ask?
[ They don't particularly care for the deeper aspects regarding the history of that enemy's name, though they suppose it is entirely possible knowing more might expose vulnerabilities in their opposition. Yet, they wonder what exactly is the motivation behind Turo's curiosity in the first place. ]
[That's decidedly not what Turo would have done. He'll explain properly, though, since they've stopped and all.]
I am trying to think of what I ought to say to him. Viktor suggested it - he tried to negotiate with the false doctor based on their similarities, and I am certainly far more similar to Neo Metal Sonic. I know it probably will not work, but it seems unlikely to make things any worse than they are.
Hmm...it does seem like a strange choice, if it was a name he invoked himself.
Though, whether he did or didn't, he probably might even consider it a sense of pride.
[ "Neo" as a form of 'new' can appeal to one's sense of superiority. Which, Void Archives does think that he has, considering his current goal. ]
I doubt he is going to necessarily listen to the point of it make him bring down his arms or something, yes. Though, if you craft your words carefully enough, it could unbalance him in the fight and expose him to more vulnerabilities, so I don't believe it is without merit.
Oh, dear, don't rely on me for that! I'm no wordsmith.
[Though this is a lot more good-humored than most of his self-deprecation. Most humans also can't write stirring speeches or whatnot.]
I cannot imagine being proud of something like that. I suppose Sonic didn't create him, but all the same. It only drives home that you are simply a copy.
[ Now, this they so happen to chuckle at this, amusement coloring their eyes. Oh, they supposed that is what they implied, didn't they? Though, they believe even if someone isn't so known for such things, it isn't impossible for their words to strike true. ]
My, my...I certainly won't place far too much expectations on anyone necessarily achieving it, per say.
We don't know what will bring him down low when it comes to words, truthfully. Yet, shall I suddenly concede that because you are no wordsmith that it is impossible? I don't see a reason to. We will just have to see, won't we~?
[ Void Archives does seem to believe it isn't impossible, though. Therefore, why not believe there is a chance he can achieve it? ]
Whatever the case, your line of thought sounds like that could be the case, yes? Such pride meaning one would indicate that they are potentially only making it clear an unfortunate aspect is key. However, what if you turn it around? That this 'version' of someone is the 'new and improved' version - that all other 'beings' with the same name are more or less 'obsolete' from a certain perspective? Of course, that is where it can become quite the pain point as well.
If, among that pride, is a feeling of inadequacy, that is. It's all speculation, of course. But it can be interesting to test, no?
[Ehhh...he understands where they're coming from, but Turo grimaces reflexively. That's the kind of thinking that would've gotten him decommissioned immediately.]
I suppose so. It would explain why the doctor seemed so focused on Sonic...though, that must have been real at one point. Come to think of it, Neo Metal Sonic has probably not been the true mastermind behind all of this for all that long. Doctor Robotnik has too much known history in this world, and it sounds as though Infinite really did meet him to begin with.
[ They don't seem to be bothered by that line of thinking at all, even if they are listening to what Turo has to say here, all too satisfied look on their face. ]
Hmm, perhaps so.
[ There is a pointed pause, as they seem to consider something else, as an aside. ]
Speaking of Infinite and the Doctor...
I suspect that the "change" in who was the 'mastermind' likely occurred when Infinite observed the change in the Doctor's attitude, and of course, Stone's 'timely' disappearance. It would explain that little discrepancy as well, no?
I do wonder if the fool simply was unprepared for someone usurping his position like that~
[ They don't seem all too perturbed by the sound, at the least.
Though, what Turo has to say does steer them down a potentially interesting train of thought... ]
Ah...wouldn't that be something?
I hypothesized originally that they were likely to be corpses, when that reveal happened as it did. Though, if their intelligence could still be put to use, I don't see why he wouldn't keep them around, I suppose.
[ ...Pause, as if they're considering something, and the other reminder none so pleasant, and yet— ]
After all, there so happens to be that populace still allowed to persist...sans will and all.
However, if they yet live and are being put to use, I believe that they would be somewhere on the base. Likely in a particular room of some kind doing something to put their skills to work. It would make the most sense, yes?
[ More is mostly sticking to the base these days, trying to use his voice to take down approaching drones like the world's weirdest security system, but he and Turo know better than anybody that it's no good to be locked up all the time.
So he's out here with Turo, delighted to be looking at animals. He's got a thermos with tea on him because... his voice....
Maybe he should also shut the fuck up to save it, but he cannot. ]
[Whenever they're supposed to attend that final confrontation. Turo sidles a little bit closer. He sort of wants some physical contact, like before, but he isn't sure how to initiate anything now.]
[ There's a beat here, in which More is trying to figure out where they stand and what's in acceptable bounds and what isn't... but if Turo is sitting close, then... More shuffles some to close the gap. He's not leaning on Turo, but their shoulders are certainly touching. ]
I... Do you wish to hear the answer that I tell myself, or the one that I feel at the bottom of my heart?
Edited (he's whispering but not THAT much) 2025-03-06 20:37 (UTC)
[ More hums thoughtfully, and doesn't respond immediately. He's back to looking at the tree and the lizard and the birds in the sky. ]
I am... admittedly, I am afraid. I do not believe myself to be up to the task we are facing off against, and I am hinging my hopes on the faith I have in my companions instead. We have survived this far, and our powers have grown proportionate to our experiences... I believe we stand a chance, but I do not know if we will make it.
I am not especially confident in my own abilities, especially under the circumstances. He must be confident indeed to summon us in such a way. But, I suppose the group as a whole has been able to survive this long.
[ Well, now that leaning is on the table, More's just going to rest his head on Turo's shoulder. ]
We have been brought here alongside some incredible people - I do see the makings of true heroes in some of them, and I want to believe in their ability to change destiny for us all.
To those ends, I see myself as a supporter more than a main actor - befitting the nature of my power. Maybe a part of me is still stuck in the role of the constant observer.
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Do you think he named himself "Neo Metal Sonic"?
[Probably not, right? It's not as though that's a real name. Maybe that's a point of commonality he could draw on? He's been trying to think of ways he might be able to empathize with, or at least reach out to, Neo Metal Sonic. It is most likely pointless. But Viktor was right; he ought to at least try to talk down this fellow robot, who seems so very similar to him in so many ways.
Sitting here seeing everything the other robot has accomplished, he cannot help but feel a little depressed. He hasn't really changed or evolved at all, has he? Of course he doesn't want to make an invasion fleet about it. He's not sure what that has to do with anything. But what is he doing wrong that he's found less independent drive and identity than an evil Sonic imitation?
Whatever. It's too late to worry about all of that now.
Out in the city outskirts, he's at least pleased to see that the animals seem to be more active! He'll spend as much time as he dares sitting and observing them.]
Look - there's a reptile!
[It's a small lizard on a tree. Turo hasn't seen regular-ass lizards before!
He is, of course, also training off and on throughout the week. He's happy to go out and find a couple of robots to fight with anyone! If you're someone he hasn't already linked with, though, he'll ask:]
Do you want to figure out what our powers do together? I'm trying to observe as many combinations as I can.
base;
It can be equally possible he did or didn't~
Why do you ask?
[ They don't particularly care for the deeper aspects regarding the history of that enemy's name, though they suppose it is entirely possible knowing more might expose vulnerabilities in their opposition. Yet, they wonder what exactly is the motivation behind Turo's curiosity in the first place. ]
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[That's decidedly not what Turo would have done. He'll explain properly, though, since they've stopped and all.]
I am trying to think of what I ought to say to him. Viktor suggested it - he tried to negotiate with the false doctor based on their similarities, and I am certainly far more similar to Neo Metal Sonic. I know it probably will not work, but it seems unlikely to make things any worse than they are.
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Though, whether he did or didn't, he probably might even consider it a sense of pride.
[ "Neo" as a form of 'new' can appeal to one's sense of superiority. Which, Void Archives does think that he has, considering his current goal. ]
I doubt he is going to necessarily listen to the point of it make him bring down his arms or something, yes. Though, if you craft your words carefully enough, it could unbalance him in the fight and expose him to more vulnerabilities, so I don't believe it is without merit.
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[Though this is a lot more good-humored than most of his self-deprecation. Most humans also can't write stirring speeches or whatnot.]
I cannot imagine being proud of something like that. I suppose Sonic didn't create him, but all the same. It only drives home that you are simply a copy.
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My, my...I certainly won't place far too much expectations on anyone necessarily achieving it, per say.
We don't know what will bring him down low when it comes to words, truthfully. Yet, shall I suddenly concede that because you are no wordsmith that it is impossible? I don't see a reason to. We will just have to see, won't we~?
[ Void Archives does seem to believe it isn't impossible, though. Therefore, why not believe there is a chance he can achieve it? ]
Whatever the case, your line of thought sounds like that could be the case, yes? Such pride meaning one would indicate that they are potentially only making it clear an unfortunate aspect is key. However, what if you turn it around? That this 'version' of someone is the 'new and improved' version - that all other 'beings' with the same name are more or less 'obsolete' from a certain perspective? Of course, that is where it can become quite the pain point as well.
If, among that pride, is a feeling of inadequacy, that is. It's all speculation, of course. But it can be interesting to test, no?
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I suppose so. It would explain why the doctor seemed so focused on Sonic...though, that must have been real at one point. Come to think of it, Neo Metal Sonic has probably not been the true mastermind behind all of this for all that long. Doctor Robotnik has too much known history in this world, and it sounds as though Infinite really did meet him to begin with.
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Hmm, perhaps so.
[ There is a pointed pause, as they seem to consider something else, as an aside. ]
Speaking of Infinite and the Doctor...
I suspect that the "change" in who was the 'mastermind' likely occurred when Infinite observed the change in the Doctor's attitude, and of course, Stone's 'timely' disappearance. It would explain that little discrepancy as well, no?
I do wonder if the fool simply was unprepared for someone usurping his position like that~
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[That much seems obvious.]
He ought to have known it was dangerous, searching other dimensions for allies like that. What did any of them owe to him?
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Now, I have to wonder about that.
When one is far too egotistical and considers themselves in a position above everyone else, there is little room for concern.
All the intelligence in the world doesn't make up for an individual's lack of common sense - or inability to keep from being so stupid.
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I wonder if he's still got him somewhere. Him and Stone, even. Robbed of their own wills, they could be useful.
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Though, what Turo has to say does steer them down a potentially interesting train of thought... ]
Ah...wouldn't that be something?
I hypothesized originally that they were likely to be corpses, when that reveal happened as it did. Though, if their intelligence could still be put to use, I don't see why he wouldn't keep them around, I suppose.
[ ...Pause, as if they're considering something, and the other reminder none so pleasant, and yet— ]
After all, there so happens to be that populace still allowed to persist...sans will and all.
However, if they yet live and are being put to use, I believe that they would be somewhere on the base. Likely in a particular room of some kind doing something to put their skills to work. It would make the most sense, yes?
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City Outskirts
So he's out here with Turo, delighted to be looking at animals. He's got a thermos with tea on him because... his voice....
Maybe he should also shut the fuck up to save it, but he cannot. ]
Oh my, what a sweetheart! It's quite tiny!
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You should save your voice.
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[ And then as a whisper: ] I do quite enjoy conversing... my fatal flaw, as it turns out?
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That's alright. You just need to take care of yourself.
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[ There's lizards to chat about, how could he be silent! So no, he's not shutting up, but he's trying to talk very softly. IT'S SOMETHING. ]
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[Whenever they're supposed to attend that final confrontation. Turo sidles a little bit closer. He sort of wants some physical contact, like before, but he isn't sure how to initiate anything now.]
What do you make of our chances?
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I... Do you wish to hear the answer that I tell myself, or the one that I feel at the bottom of my heart?
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[He'd like to hear both of them, really, but he supposes he can guess the former. Who wants to tell themself that they're going to fail?]
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I am... admittedly, I am afraid. I do not believe myself to be up to the task we are facing off against, and I am hinging my hopes on the faith I have in my companions instead. We have survived this far, and our powers have grown proportionate to our experiences... I believe we stand a chance, but I do not know if we will make it.
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[He leans against More.]
I am not especially confident in my own abilities, especially under the circumstances. He must be confident indeed to summon us in such a way. But, I suppose the group as a whole has been able to survive this long.
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We have been brought here alongside some incredible people - I do see the makings of true heroes in some of them, and I want to believe in their ability to change destiny for us all.
To those ends, I see myself as a supporter more than a main actor - befitting the nature of my power. Maybe a part of me is still stuck in the role of the constant observer.
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outskirts
...Probably don't want me to shoot that.
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[what the fuck!]