After eight long, difficult weeks of fighting, you've finally done it. You've put an end to Neo Metal Sonic's dreams of conquest and with it, you've saved not only this world, but all worlds. Perhaps not everything is wrapped up as neatly as some of you would like, but you've done what you set out to do, and now you can breathe a sigh of relief.
In the hours that follow the immediate aftermath of Neo Metal Sonic's defeat, Tails sets about figuring out how to control the Egg Fleet and recall them to where Neo Metal Sonic had them stationed. Sonic heads out into the city - and then even further beyond - to ensure that the people are starting to regain their senses without anyone to suppress their free will anymore. Knuckles escorts you back to the base, then takes a ring to hop into the Void to let Shadow and Infinite know what's going on.
As for you all? You aren't expected to do any work, because you've done so much today. Take a load off and take the time to rest - you deserve it.
For those of you who can't wait to get home, you're welcome to grab a ring from one of your colorful friends and head straight back, but for those of you willing to take the night off and regroup in the morning, you'll find that said colorful friends have put together a party for you - or, well, they tried their best. The decorations are store-bought (or not) and simple, Sonic seems to have thought confetti is the best way to throw a party and there is so much of it getting showered on all of you the moment you walk into the room, and someone obtained a sheet cake that did not have any sort of message on it, so an awkwardly scrawled message of "THANKS FOR HELP" is written in bright green icing that clashes with the cake's soft pink and red color scheme. An attempt was made.
You're welcome to hang out here - both in the new base and in this world as a whole - for as long as you'd like. Permanently, even, if you don't have any intention of going home. After all, you've more than earned it. Sonic and friends will gladly help you figure out a way to get settled here.
If you do choose to stay for any length of time and head out into the city, you'll find that people are indeed starting to return to their daily lives. They don't really understand - or remember - what happened, but they do recognize you as someone they have some innate fondness for, regardless of how startling your appearance may be to them. The city itself has seen better days thanks to the spread of Eggman's chroma, but thankfully the natural elements are recovering from that just fine. The buildings, streets, and the like will not naturally recover, so it seems Chicago's going to require some pretty intensive rebuilding...
But for the time being, everything is going smoothly, and you've done everything that was asked of you. You're free to return home. If you do, your shard may eventually come loose and simply fall off, ridding you of both the shard and its powers. Or maybe it won't, and you'll have that memory of your time in this world forever, along with the power innate to you and the ones you can activate from your fellow shardbearers whenever you're near each other.
Congratulations, shardbearers. You've done the impossible, and maybe even formed some new bonds along the way.
( Welcome to the final log of Shardbond! With this, you have successfully navigated your way through the Sonic friendship game and no one died! Hooray!!! For this final log, you may do whatever you'd like - if you want to use this to do an immediate aftermath top level, go for it! Party top level? Sure? Post-game top level? Have fun! You want to bring a castmate in and NPC them or have someone else play them? Also cool! Generally speaking, you are now free to do what you will with the setting as a whole - your fuzzy little friends will be hard at work making sure that you all are able to get home and/or get settled just fine, and they'll also be keeping an eye out for one (1) Neo Metal Sonic. And also Infinite, I guess, unless someone wants to take that stray jackal with them but like, no one needs that. )
[Maybe it's a robot thing, but Turo's also sort of enchanted by the idea of hanging out on roofs at night! He'd do it during the day too, but people don't seem to love it? He thinks this may be the lack of flying-type Pokemon around; they aren't used to people being up that high.
He'll sit next to them, leaning forward to watch the streets.]
...when I was still trapped in the crater, I used to watch public-facing security cameras. I'm used to seeing people from above like this.
[ Maybe it is, it'll explain why it is a constant on a night basis of sorts - Void Archives has definitely gotten into the habit themselves, and there's something about staring up at the night sky, even if to gaze into the abyss above or watch below. Or even just to find something to read to occupy oneself and enjoy the air up on high. ]
Is that so? I imagine that it was your only way to witness other people for awhile, wasn't it?
[ They put one hand underneath their chin, keeping this pertinent point in mind - Turo had only one point of contact, the Professor. Much the same as they interacted with one singular mind at a time for such long stretches of time. ]
...though, it does remind me that I normally only saw people in real time only through the lenses of others. Or rather, the mind I was inhabiting - or entrapped in - at the time. I can't quite say it was always from above - though, there is something to it, isn't it? Whether watching the stars or other people - perhaps even moreso, now that we are free to do more than just observe others, hm?
Oh, yes - it used to feel a little bit sad, but it doesn't really now. I could go down there and talk to them if I really wanted.
[Though he doesn't seem inclined, at least not now. It was never about wanting to befriend any of the people he saw in particular; he didn't know them. Just having the freedom to choose is enough.]
[ Void Archives does pass something like a knowing little smile. They actually do like to talk to people, but despite their own acknowledgement, they don't see ever a reason to go hunt down and talk to everyday individuals. Well, not as 'themselves' anyway.
Still, at the question, they give pause. Sometimes, they do tend to forget - even if logically they shouldn't - that their experience might be still quite a bit out there. ]
Oh yes. I will give you quick run down of my timeline and some additional details on my circumstances. The last person who was in possession of myself entrapped myself in his mind for about five hundred years - a terrible example of humanity, at its worst, if I do say so myself. Then, before that, there was someone who utilized me in such a manner for about two thousand years [ A spiritual leader who Void Archives doesn't care to talk about or mention much. Thanks canon. ] even if I was in a technically sealed state, and he ensured it stayed that way by the time he was done. The total time I persisted while sealed before I met the first individual I mentioned was about 48,000 years or so. So, you know, I have definitely been around for quite awhile.
Though, it is clear that I had been enjoying my freedom for a tad by the time Sonic had approached myself, at the least.
[ They let out a little chuckle, although maybe they shouldn't. They never thought they would reach the day they could sincerely have a small laugh at it. ]
Length of time is definitely quite a factor, but believe me when I say I am also appreciative that I have as well.
Ah, but I'll give my own expression of the same to you. And, I do hope you are able to at least get your own situation squared away before leaving Chicago.
[ Guess who remembers the discussion at the beach for awhile ago? ]
You helped quite a big deal in the end. Not just my sake, though I am also very grateful for that as well. [ A little smile, at that. ] I mean, for tackling that issue of programming. Yet, I feel that it is only fair that you receive assistance yourself...at least, someday.
[ Which is precisely why Void Archives figured it can't hurt to bring up once more - and in the grand scheme of things, they were surprised that Neo accepted it so readily. But, well, there were also additional extenuating circumstances... ]
Well, I don't think it is without merit.
Tails could assist you. Though, if not him or if you wish to have a second set of an eyes besides him, I certainly also have the skill for it.
[He knows they know that. He just feels weirdly guilty about it? Though - Void Archives has not offered that before. It makes him pause.]
I...I'd like for you to be there, at the very least. Or I would be happy to have you do it. I know that I could trust him too, no doubt, but...it's different when it is like this.
[From someone similar, who understands. Who wouldn't take advantage because they understand. Maybe that's what it was like for Neo, too.]
[ ...oh, they certainly do. Which is why they definitely know when he says such it is nothing less than the truth.
Though, they truly wish to help - before, Void Archives for all that they are wouldn't exactly call themselves trustworthy. But, here, they think that changes - has changed, and so for once they feel confident to have suggested such a thing. They both know each other well, and they understand each's struggle, which is something that Tails doesn't entirely have. The similarities too have piled up to be more than a few things making this ultimately fundamental; nothing to scoff at. ]
...Well, I suppose I do not have to say this, but for what it is worth, I do understand. Not to mention, however intelligent he is, I have more faith in my own capabilities as well. The scope of my knowledge and capability - along with that understanding - certainly eclipses his with laughable ease, besides of course the other important elements in mind.
I'm not going to immediately leave the city, though I plan for it to be relatively soon. Perhaps after we're done speaking, we can have myself seeing to it, hm?
[Turo considers for a moment. He trusts Void Archives, both their character and their capability. Still, he remains a little bit nervous. His programming has loomed over his life for a long time, even before he knew about the Protocol. It feels a little impossible that someone could just take it away - like some sort of magical power would just reach out and crush them both for trying.
That's ridiculous, of course. Even if the Professor were still alive somewhere, he did not have that kind of power.
Maybe sooner is better. Less time to worry about it.]
...okay. Yes. We can do that. I don't believe there are any particular protections on it, and of course, I would have to shut down anyway...it should be fine.
[Even if he sprang to life and attacked them, though, he knows they could handle it. That's another plus.]
[ Void Archives can only imagine how much...it has troubled Turo so to be saddled with a burden that could return even if inadvertently - from their own point of view that sort of programming can be, anyway. Whether or not this is true in practice, nothing is predictable - even the solid build of what makes up artificial beings like themselves or Turo or anyone else. Especially as long as something that can be "switched on" remains.
Even if there are hidden protections on it, though, Void Archives is very certain that they can crack it. ]
It certainly shall be. Even in the worst case scenario, I can easily combat whatever potential issues may arise.
Both within the data or otherwise. I am very glad you accepted my help, Turo~
[ Now, this they pass something like a smile that exudes confidence, and perhaps a reassurance all on its own. ]
Well, if there is anything else you wish to mention on the subject, I will hear it. Otherwise, perhaps we should talk about our current separate plans ahead? It could be fun.
[ Including planning reunions! But maybe they are getting ahead of themselves. ]
[ At least that suits the both of them well enough.
They do recall More having mentioned that he would be traveling with Turo, though they are glad to hear that it hasn't changed. ]
The universe is your oyster, so to speak.
So different versions of certain worlds should be ripe - finding a similar world that is not even a different version should also be quite.
Dear Jasper and I are heading first back into space, so I can wrap up some business, as well as for fun, and then I shall head to his for the very same reasons - though after that, I do plan on presenting the prospect of world travel. I have a feeling both of us are aligned in many things, including this.
That being said, do you hope for the similarity to your world to at least have...ah, those Pokemon?
[He knew they were friends, them and Jasper, but let's be real - Turo's not the sort to pick up on other's relationships that easily unless it's made explicit.]
I - well, yes. I admit I would like to spend some time around Pokemon again. It's been very strange without them - even as isolated as I was, there were always some of them around.
Mm...well, the Pokemon that lived in the crater were typically powerful species. There's some use to that, of course, but I would not mind finding something a little more ordinary for once. A flying-type capable of carrying a person might be nice...or a psychic who could just teleport.
[He doesn't really plan to get into any more fights for a long while, but there's been so many of them here that he's still sort of thinking about what to do if the same thing happens again.]
I had a good time training with those rock-types I met, while we were in the void. Maybe a Lycanroc. They are...a bit like the wolves here, I think? I've never met one of those, but I've seen pictures online.
There is something to cherishing the simplicity of a variation you are very much used to. Though, it does sound as if there is an inherent convenient aspect to it as well...
[ The whole entire psychic teleportation thing at least - moreso even the flying-type, at the least. It kind of sounds neat more than simply convenience, though.
Something like that can certainly come handy in a pinch. ]
Oh? Wolves are quite loyal creatures, and appear solitary at a glance, except that they are truly those who find themselves more inclined to function in a proper pack. But, I shouldn't presume that those traits may, in actuality, carry over besides in the likeness of appearance. Different worlds, different animals, after all~
I'd say that carries over fairly well! But of course, among Pokemon, a pack might just as easily include non-conspecifics - other species of Pokemon who they just happen to have befriended. Animals seem a little more wary of others, just from my recent observations.
There is a small difference to consider. I'm still not quite overly familiar with Pokemon, and haven't had the opportunity to compare the two, but it does not surprise me that animals would be a touch more warier in comparison.
After all, nothing is ever quite the same between worlds. Including the whole lack of journeying with animals wherever one pleases a child...and everything that entails.
[ He gets the impression from what Turo spoke on the matter before that it's a bit more loose where that entails. Whereas on Earth, people might be concerned to see a child running around, doing that. ]
I can certainly understand why that isn't something done in other worlds. But it's so common in mine - it has been for generations.
[And of course it's not like there's zero risk to a serious Pokemon journey. But there's risk to everything. In a world with Pokemon, you're really better going out and learning how to handle yourself than sitting at home - something may well come and happen to you there.]
Of course, Pokemon tend to mature more quickly than humans. Often, it isn't as though they're entirely without adult supervision. It's just adult Pokemon.
Different worlds, different beings, different customs, and different dangers, of course.
Though, it is quite interesting - the difference, that is. I do have to wonder if there are Pokemon who can't be tamed, however. After all, I can't imagine every one of them is suitable for a journeying partner, or otherwise.
[ Void Archives is certain that it'd be like how one can't necessarily domesticate every wild animal to the fullest extent. But, since he doesn't know... well, it is what it is. ]
Oh, no. There's certain species that are common first partners for children, and some that are...very much not recommended. But of course there's always outliers. Like...well, dragons are rare and typically difficult to train. Specific and unusual care needs, temperamental, very powerful and unlikely to listen to someone they don't respect.
[He numbers these off on his fingers.]
But there's a few species known for being easy-going, and of course some children come from traditional dragon-tamer families. If they grew up alongside a young dragon, perhaps the hatchling of their parent's partner, that's very different from simply handing one to a random child.
[ Void Archives finds themselves a bit unsurprised that dragons are a toughie. In some cases, they imagine the whole entire ability to respect another person is also a sign of the fabled intelligence that they are depicted in holding in even tales. ]
Oh, that does sound like quite the different story.
Perhaps I should have anticipated that there would be familial lineages that devoted themselves to a particular branch of Pokemon species, given how much it seems people deepening bonds between creatures are encouraged in your home world.
It all is quite fascinating. Ah, yes, I believe that for those who would hold such special interest and dedication could be said to have eventually...meticulously clawed their way towards a successful way to tame such creatures~
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city
He'll sit next to them, leaning forward to watch the streets.]
...when I was still trapped in the crater, I used to watch public-facing security cameras. I'm used to seeing people from above like this.
no subject
Is that so? I imagine that it was your only way to witness other people for awhile, wasn't it?
[ They put one hand underneath their chin, keeping this pertinent point in mind - Turo had only one point of contact, the Professor. Much the same as they interacted with one singular mind at a time for such long stretches of time. ]
...though, it does remind me that I normally only saw people in real time only through the lenses of others. Or rather, the mind I was inhabiting - or entrapped in - at the time. I can't quite say it was always from above - though, there is something to it, isn't it? Whether watching the stars or other people - perhaps even moreso, now that we are free to do more than just observe others, hm?
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[Though he doesn't seem inclined, at least not now. It was never about wanting to befriend any of the people he saw in particular; he didn't know them. Just having the freedom to choose is enough.]
You were...trapped in other peoples' minds?
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[ Void Archives does pass something like a knowing little smile. They actually do like to talk to people, but despite their own acknowledgement, they don't see ever a reason to go hunt down and talk to everyday individuals. Well, not as 'themselves' anyway.
Still, at the question, they give pause. Sometimes, they do tend to forget - even if logically they shouldn't - that their experience might be still quite a bit out there. ]
Oh yes. I will give you quick run down of my timeline and some additional details on my circumstances. The last person who was in possession of myself entrapped myself in his mind for about five hundred years - a terrible example of humanity, at its worst, if I do say so myself. Then, before that, there was someone who utilized me in such a manner for about two thousand years [ A spiritual leader who Void Archives doesn't care to talk about or mention much. Thanks canon. ] even if I was in a technically sealed state, and he ensured it stayed that way by the time he was done. The total time I persisted while sealed before I met the first individual I mentioned was about 48,000 years or so. So, you know, I have definitely been around for quite awhile.
Though, it is clear that I had been enjoying my freedom for a tad by the time Sonic had approached myself, at the least.
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[It's beyond his ability to really understand! Turo's very young chronologically, and the Professor's life is still short compared to Void Archives'.]
That's awful...I'm glad you were able to finally have your freedom!
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Length of time is definitely quite a factor, but believe me when I say I am also appreciative that I have as well.
Ah, but I'll give my own expression of the same to you. And, I do hope you are able to at least get your own situation squared away before leaving Chicago.
[ Guess who remembers the discussion at the beach for awhile ago? ]
You helped quite a big deal in the end. Not just my sake, though I am also very grateful for that as well. [ A little smile, at that. ] I mean, for tackling that issue of programming. Yet, I feel that it is only fair that you receive assistance yourself...at least, someday.
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[They'd been enemies, too. Maybe he should consider just putting that amount of faith into one of his own allies here.]
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Well, I don't think it is without merit.
Tails could assist you. Though, if not him or if you wish to have a second set of an eyes besides him, I certainly also have the skill for it.
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It's not about Tails, it's just me.
[He knows they know that. He just feels weirdly guilty about it? Though - Void Archives has not offered that before. It makes him pause.]
I...I'd like for you to be there, at the very least. Or I would be happy to have you do it. I know that I could trust him too, no doubt, but...it's different when it is like this.
[From someone similar, who understands. Who wouldn't take advantage because they understand. Maybe that's what it was like for Neo, too.]
no subject
Though, they truly wish to help - before, Void Archives for all that they are wouldn't exactly call themselves trustworthy. But, here, they think that changes - has changed, and so for once they feel confident to have suggested such a thing. They both know each other well, and they understand each's struggle, which is something that Tails doesn't entirely have. The similarities too have piled up to be more than a few things making this ultimately fundamental; nothing to scoff at. ]
...Well, I suppose I do not have to say this, but for what it is worth, I do understand. Not to mention, however intelligent he is, I have more faith in my own capabilities as well. The scope of my knowledge and capability - along with that understanding - certainly eclipses his with laughable ease, besides of course the other important elements in mind.
I'm not going to immediately leave the city, though I plan for it to be relatively soon. Perhaps after we're done speaking, we can have myself seeing to it, hm?
no subject
That's ridiculous, of course. Even if the Professor were still alive somewhere, he did not have that kind of power.
Maybe sooner is better. Less time to worry about it.]
...okay. Yes. We can do that. I don't believe there are any particular protections on it, and of course, I would have to shut down anyway...it should be fine.
[Even if he sprang to life and attacked them, though, he knows they could handle it. That's another plus.]
no subject
Even if there are hidden protections on it, though, Void Archives is very certain that they can crack it. ]
It certainly shall be. Even in the worst case scenario, I can easily combat whatever potential issues may arise.
Both within the data or otherwise. I am very glad you accepted my help, Turo~
[ Now, this they pass something like a smile that exudes confidence, and perhaps a reassurance all on its own. ]
Well, if there is anything else you wish to mention on the subject, I will hear it. Otherwise, perhaps we should talk about our current separate plans ahead? It could be fun.
[ Including planning reunions! But maybe they are getting ahead of themselves. ]
no subject
[He's fine with discussing something a little lighter for a while!]
We've been talking about where to go - More and I. There’s just so many options! We might try for a world similar to mine.
no subject
They do recall More having mentioned that he would be traveling with Turo, though they are glad to hear that it hasn't changed. ]
The universe is your oyster, so to speak.
So different versions of certain worlds should be ripe - finding a similar world that is not even a different version should also be quite.
Dear Jasper and I are heading first back into space, so I can wrap up some business, as well as for fun, and then I shall head to his for the very same reasons - though after that, I do plan on presenting the prospect of world travel. I have a feeling both of us are aligned in many things, including this.
That being said, do you hope for the similarity to your world to at least have...ah, those Pokemon?
no subject
[He knew they were friends, them and Jasper, but let's be real - Turo's not the sort to pick up on other's relationships that easily unless it's made explicit.]
I - well, yes. I admit I would like to spend some time around Pokemon again. It's been very strange without them - even as isolated as I was, there were always some of them around.
no subject
I wish you more wonderful developments of your own.
[ Evidently, Void Archives is plenty happy to hear congratulations, at least. Such that it is clear on their face no matter the current time of day. ]
I also certainly hope you manage to find one. Pokemon are quite something you are evidently used to, and clearly cherish well.
If you manage, which ones would you hope to see? Any favorites in mind?
no subject
[He doesn't really plan to get into any more fights for a long while, but there's been so many of them here that he's still sort of thinking about what to do if the same thing happens again.]
I had a good time training with those rock-types I met, while we were in the void. Maybe a Lycanroc. They are...a bit like the wolves here, I think? I've never met one of those, but I've seen pictures online.
no subject
[ The whole entire psychic teleportation thing at least - moreso even the flying-type, at the least. It kind of sounds neat more than simply convenience, though.
Something like that can certainly come handy in a pinch. ]
Oh? Wolves are quite loyal creatures, and appear solitary at a glance, except that they are truly those who find themselves more inclined to function in a proper pack. But, I shouldn't presume that those traits may, in actuality, carry over besides in the likeness of appearance. Different worlds, different animals, after all~
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There is a small difference to consider. I'm still not quite overly familiar with Pokemon, and haven't had the opportunity to compare the two, but it does not surprise me that animals would be a touch more warier in comparison.
After all, nothing is ever quite the same between worlds. Including the whole lack of journeying with animals wherever one pleases a child...and everything that entails.
[ He gets the impression from what Turo spoke on the matter before that it's a bit more loose where that entails. Whereas on Earth, people might be concerned to see a child running around, doing that. ]
no subject
[And of course it's not like there's zero risk to a serious Pokemon journey. But there's risk to everything. In a world with Pokemon, you're really better going out and learning how to handle yourself than sitting at home - something may well come and happen to you there.]
Of course, Pokemon tend to mature more quickly than humans. Often, it isn't as though they're entirely without adult supervision. It's just adult Pokemon.
no subject
Though, it is quite interesting - the difference, that is. I do have to wonder if there are Pokemon who can't be tamed, however. After all, I can't imagine every one of them is suitable for a journeying partner, or otherwise.
[ Void Archives is certain that it'd be like how one can't necessarily domesticate every wild animal to the fullest extent. But, since he doesn't know... well, it is what it is. ]
no subject
[He numbers these off on his fingers.]
But there's a few species known for being easy-going, and of course some children come from traditional dragon-tamer families. If they grew up alongside a young dragon, perhaps the hatchling of their parent's partner, that's very different from simply handing one to a random child.
no subject
Oh, that does sound like quite the different story.
Perhaps I should have anticipated that there would be familial lineages that devoted themselves to a particular branch of Pokemon species, given how much it seems people deepening bonds between creatures are encouraged in your home world.
It all is quite fascinating. Ah, yes, I believe that for those who would hold such special interest and dedication could be said to have eventually...meticulously clawed their way towards a successful way to tame such creatures~
[ One last pun for the road. ]
no subject
I suppose that's true! I would like the chance to try it properly myself, at least once.