etrayamemes | TDM 007

Entry tags:

!tdm

TDM 007

content warnings for this TDM include: violence, potential death, body horror, physical transformation, loss of senses, loss of autonomy

⏵ arrival⏴

Arrival does not happen as Aurora usually plans for it. New characters are introduced to the AI, then informed of a mission that they are required to participate in before they can return to their home base of Etraya. A world called Aphaia is falling apart, and while there is nothing they can do to resolve this broken world, they can participate in the Gamerunner's Stratagem.

Their mission is simple: step through the glowing purple portal that Aurora creates once they've had time to listen to her, and survive until a similar portal reopens in front of them, allowing them to return to Etraya. The Gamerunner's Stratagem is something they have been working on building for quite some time. She informs all newcomers that they will not be present on this world that long: their exit will appear to them exactly when it's meant to, allowing them to meet the others who have been recruited to save their worlds. She provides each and every arrival with an earpiece, allowing them to communicate with the other Etrayans. Aurora suggests taking a bag full of supplies along with them, which she will fill with a few generic items as well as any specific items they may need: synthetic blood for vampires, protein bars for those who may burn through calories faster, medication for anyone who requires it.

⏵ aphaia ⏴

Aphaia is a neon-lit, chaotic planet. Cameras are everywhere, every action and inaction is judged by the 'audience'. Towering holograms advertise upcoming events while flashing leader boards track the most "popular" players. Contestants are thrown into challenges, many of which are games of skill, survival, and deception all to keep the viewers entertained. Not participating is an option! However, avoiding playing along and not putting on a show will quickly cause participants' score to go down, and scores that reach zero? Well.

Unfortunately, there are only so many resources left on Aphaia. Their wildlife has died off, their planet is falling apart, and most others in this galaxy were either destroyed from the inside out, or warring planets trying to gain control of remaining resources destroyed them to avoid others getting involved. Their natural resources are depleted, and only those who manage to keep their scores up are given the luxury of having any supplies. As soon as one steps foot on Aphaia, as soon as they breathe, they intake nanotechnology which tracks their oxygen consumption, their food, everything they do or need. As soon as their scores reach zero?

They disappear. There one moment, and completely gone the next. Their communicators go offline, and while everything they were carrying will be left behind, no one will be able to find them. They are simply--gone, erased from existence.

This is a death and counts as a death as outlined in the game FAQ! Please keep this in mind.

"Points" that go towards their total score will be assigned to contestants from the moment they drop down on planet. This will be visible using the HUD on their earpiece, and will be randomized at the beginning. For the sake of the TDM, we ask that no one be assigned Paragon initially, but you're free to use other ranks!

The possible rankings are:

100: PARAGON
99-80: LUMINARY
79-70: CHAMPION
69-50: CONTENDER
49-30: UNDERLING
30-0: SHADE

Ranks may change daily, or even hourly depending on the kind of situation one has found themselves in. Are they having a very public break up in which it comes out that they wronged their ex? They may go from a Champion to a Shade before they can even blink. Did they save a defenseless reporter from the big bad villain of the week? They may find themselves quickly elevated up to Luminary and given all the benefits that comes with being upper class. The world is their oyster, they only need to figure out how they'd like to utilize it!

Aphaia is broken up into four districts.

The Colosseum is a dynamic battle arena where combatants fight for entertainment, with shifting environments controlled by the audience. Victories earn points, while losses depend on performance.

The Symposium is a lavish social hub for top contestants, where alliances and betrayals are made under the audience’s watchful eye.

The Agora is the public center of Aphaia, where contestants engage with the audience through polls, interviews, and challenges to maintain popularity. It also houses the contestants in high-rise apartments.

And Backalleys provide hidden spaces with intentional blind spots for secret dealings, though the Gamerunner is always aware of what happens there.

⏵ st★rlight soirée ⏴

Something special is happening in the Colosseum. Lights flicker as the arena shifts, rearranging itself into a grand, glittering ballroom - if a ballroom had stadium seating, paparazzi drones, and an ever-changing floor plan designed to disorient those within it. Silver chandeliers pulse with artificial starlight, their glow refracted through the crystalline floors. Music swells, but it sounds - unnatural. It thrums through your veins, setting your blood alight with the urge to dance.

Why is the ballroom designed as if intentionally put together to throw off one's balance? Well, it's time for the Panopticon Prom, of course!

The Panopticon Prom isn't just an adventure in dancing and impressing your most recent crush. It's a test of endurance, cunning, grace, and charm. The floor beneath your feet moves as if it has a mind of it's own, shifting to the beat like a living creature all of it's own. It tilts, undulates, even vanishing in sections to keep dancers on edge. After all, it's difficult to keep up one's pace if they're falling through a hole in the floor to the foam pit below.

Drones zip through the air, catching every stumble, every misstep, and every attempt to throw off others on the dance floor. This is a competition, after all; and what fun is a dance battle without having the freedom to thwart someone else on their road to victory?

The rules are simple:

You must dance with a partner. This can be an ally, an enemy, or someone you intend on using as a stepping stone to victory. It matters not, as long as you have one hand (or limb) on them at all times.
The longer you last, the better your chances. Endurance is the name of the game, meaning one must pace themselves on the dance floor. While epic twirls and impressive moves will garner more attention, it may also hurt your chances in the long run.
You may sabotage others by throwing them off balance, but keep in mind: everything is televised, and it won't stay secret for long.
The arena adapts to the chaos. Expect sudden obstacles, environmental shifts, and sudden changes in the music's tempo. Gravity may shift, walls may close in, but participants can't let that stop them - they must continue to dance, if they wish to win.

The audience is watching. Who will make the final cut and become Prom King and Queen? Everyone is vying for the titles: it doesn't matter what rank you started at when you joined the Panopticon Prom. Whoever wins becomes a Paragon until their points drop. There aren't many opportunities to sail through the rankings, but this is a sure way to do it. As long as they can keep up.

⏵ casino royale ⏴

Out in the Agora, another popular quarterly event is being set up! The Casino Royale has been destroyed countless times, but it seems as if the Gamerunner just can't let it go - every time it gets knocked down, it gets rebuilt.

There is one rule. One must take a turn at the revolving wheel just inside the door as their entry fee, and whatever the wheel lands on, they must maintain until they exit the building for the night. Sometimes, this is easier: an effect they have no control over and cannot undo even if they wanted to. Sometimes, this is more difficult: an assigned task they must complete. Failure to abide by the wheel once means receiving a penalty. Twice? Certain death if caught by any employee.

The wheel's effects are as follows:

1	You must speak entirely in rhyme.	2	Your body has become unnaturally delicate. The smallest injury hurts like a fatal wound.
3	You must avoid stepping into any sources of light. Doing so causes massive burns to appear on any area of your skin where light has touched.	4	You have been transformed into an animal! You can still think as you had before, but you cannot speak or communicate easily.
5	You have been cursed with supernatural strength, but cannot control it.	6	Time doesn't flow normally for you anymore. Each mistake you make makes you visibly younger, slowly erasing your experiences, skills, or even memories.
7	You can no longer form your own words, but only repeat what others have said to you.	8	You cannot meet another person's gaze.
9	You can no longer turn around, physically or metaphorically. If you try to return where you came from, you'll find that the pathway no longer exists.	10	You are given a specific letter that you must avoid using out loud entirely. "A"? Better hope you know enough words without one.
11	Every time you speak, your words come true - but never in the way you intended. Trying to control this is futile; the monkey's paw curls with every new sentence.	12	Within the casino, you lose the ability to feel anything. No pain, no pleasure, no warmth, and no cold. At first it may feel like a blessing - until you realize you cannot feel hunger, or tell if you're injured.
13	Regardless of if you've drunken anything, you still act inebriated. The effect only gets worse the longer you stay.	14	No one can see you. You are invisible, even if you are still able to reach out and touch or converse with those around you.
15	Any special ability you have is gone. You are reduced down to what an average human being is capable of - regardless of if you are human.	16	Violent impulses become impossible to ignore. You are rage incarnate, and you will be heard.
17	Every time you make a decision - to walk into an area, to start a conversation, anything, a small thread pulls loose from your clothing or your skin. Keep making choices, and you may become entirely undone.	18	You may speak freely, but for every syllable you say, your ability to hear slowly fades. You may want to watch your word count - too many, and you may not be able to hear at all.
19	Perhaps you arrived with a friend, or beside a stranger. It matters not: whoever came in either just before or just after you, you feel a powerful urge to protect them to the point of aggression.	20	Love is in the air - at least it is for you. Every time you meet someone's gaze, you feel the need to try and make them fall in love with you, through whatever means necessary.

The casino is alive with the hum of conversation, the clink of glasses, and the steady whirl of the roulette wheels. Golden chandeliers cast a warm glow over velvet-lined tables, where fortunes are made and lost with the flick of a wrist. But something feels. . . off.

The dealers never blink. The cards never seem random. And the house always wins - always. Maybe it's just paranoia, or maybe this casino is something more than just a den of chance. Tonight, you're not here just to play; you're here on a mission.

You've arrived dressed to kill, blending into the sea of bodies filling the casino's floors. But you're not here to win points or boost your social standing - you're here to win intel. Somewhere in this casino is a single flash drive containing information on just how Aphaia maintains their system. The only problem? The House knows someone is coming for it. After all, they're well-aware of the game: whoever retrieves the flash drive will obtain information on how to flip the script, to change the rules of the game to fit their wants and needs, rather than following the current Gamerunner. After all, this is the Gamerunner's Stratagem that Aurora has sent them out on! Many apply for 'employment' within the Casino Royale in hopes of getting insider information on where the flash drive is hidden and what it looks like. However, it seems that even the employees have no clue where it has been hidden.

⏵ NOTES ⏴

This is an extension of our Aphaia Mission! We have included enough information in this post that catching up to current in game logs isn't necessary to play with it, but you are welcome to use any part of the Aphaia setting in your prompts as you'd like. Current players are also welcome to bring the events from this TDM into their in-game threads.

This mission can happen outside of time as needed! Incoming characters will find themselves introduced to Aphaia as they arrive. Current characters may find Aurora calling on them to visit Aphaia after the current mission for the Gamerunner's Stratagem.

Characters already in game are welcome to post to the TDM, too! Please mark them as current characters in your header. Threads can be kept as game canon as long as both characters get into the game!

Please direct all questions relating to this log to our mod queries comment! All other questions can be directed to our FAQ.

⏵FULL NAVIGATION⏴

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[He was upset. He might not be her Shadow, but they were similar enough that Maria could tell instantly. His words clinched it, and she shifted to sit a little closer. Not trying to touch, but to at least offer some kind of warmth.]

I won't. I just wanted you to understand a little. [She said softly, looking at him with nothing but kindness.] Something must have happened to your Maria too. You don't have to say anything and I won't ask. I just...know. [She didn't have to know. She could see it in his body language. The angle of his ears and the tensed line of his body. His fists. She had learned to see those subtle signs in the darker hedgehog - and it translated well to this one too.]

I know I'm not her, but I'd still love to get to know you. You will always find a friend in me Shadow. You aren't alone. [She reached out and rested a hand on one of his fists gently.]

[Oh, he understood more than a little. And none of it sits right, having this information without the other being around. He feels something in gut, like butterflies. A pressure. Hearing her words, her assurance. They were just as kind as she was, just as willing to know him regardless of who or what he is. It hurts. He misses her so much.

His hand immediately jerks away when he felt her hand try to rest on his. Too quickly.] I don't want him to get the wrong idea. [The other seem prone to take action instead of talking. He doesn't want his other to mistakenly think he's taking her from them.]

[Maria flinches a little when he jerks his hand back. Not out of fear though, just the suddenness of the movement. It was clear just by the look in her eyes as she regarded him, that she didn't fear him. She shook her head a little at his words.]

Shadow? He won't. I'll just tell him. I've always been able to confide in him, just as he can with me. And that also extends to you. [The invitation would always be there, whenever he was ready to, she'd be there for him. Always.] He can't tell me who I can and can't be friends with. Just like I'd never do that to him.

[She makes it sound so simple, but this feels more than just "making friends". It's two Shadows, with Marias who are both precious to them. He just has a feeling things won't go that smoothly if the other sees something they don't like.]

If you really want to be friends, fine, but...none of that. [He gestures to her lingering hand.] Not until after you talk to him. [A compromise that she would understand hopefully. But also, he doesn't want to get so close. Her attempts of affection only keeps dredging up those memories. Memories that still hurt him, feel like it was only yesterday he was with her, happy.]

[Maria looked down at her hand, then him, eyes softening a little as she nodded with understanding. Maybe a little sad too. Despite knowing he wasn't 'her' Shadow, she still wanted to comfort him. She folded her hands in her lap, looking down at them. She unconsciously swayed a little to the rhythm of the music thumping from inside the colosseum.]

It's strange to me that there was another me. [She found herself saying with a small smile. Though finding out that there was multiple universes was pretty fascinating too. She was a Robotnik, she'd always nerd out about the sciences.] What was she like? Did she have fun things she liked to do? [In hindsight, she realized that he might not want to talk about her, she hoped her curiousity wouldn't ruin the tentative beginning to a (hopefully) friendship that they may have.]

[Under normal circumstances, he would refuse outright to divulge into his past about her. It's a sensitive subject, a vulnerable chip in his armor he doesn't want others to know about. But this is a Maria, who opened herself to him. It felt like she would get it without needing to explain more than necessary. That she would keep it close to her, respect it.]

...We watched a lot of movies together. [He starts, wondering if at any point he'll break.] She liked to skate. She'd tie a rope around me and I'd pull around the whole base. [Hah, something about that was amusing to him.] Eventhough she wasn't suppose to have her skates at all. [She was such a troublemaker, trying to find ways to bend or break the rules just to spend time with him. To have fun. She did a lot to make his time at the base just a little more bearable. His hand absently brushes against his white patch for a moment. Somehow, just talking like this with this Maria, not about what happened, but what they did, it didn't hurt as much as he thought. Just left with this bittersweetness. His ears swerve slightly to the music still coming out of the colosseum. She loved to dance with him too...

He thinks for a moment, coming to a decision. He moves to stand, then looks to Maria. A hand slowly extends to her, inviting her to stand with him.]

[Maria wasn't sure if he was going to speak about her at first. But then he started to talk, and she simply listened with shining blue eyes. The thought of the other Maria wearing skates and tying a rope to Shadow to be pulled along...her eyes just sparkled and she covered her mouth as she laughed softly.]

She sounds like so much fun. I want to try that skating idea. [She admitted softly, eyes still sparkling with humor. Shadow didn't mention anything about her being sick either. It actually warmed Maria's heart. That a version of herself could live life so freely and have so much fun doing it. She herself always strived to live life to the fullest in whatever time she had left. But, she still had concerns to think about. And to be careful. Always worrying about the next relapse.

She watches him brush at the white fur on his chest. It made her think that she would always brush fingers through Shadow's fur as a source of comfort. She wondered if the other Maria thought the same. Her thoughts were disrupted when Shadow gets up. She looks up at him curiously. Not sure if he was going to go since his other was coming or...

Seeing the hand, she hesitated only a moment before she reached over to take it and push herself up to stand. She wavered a moment to get her balance, brushing her stained dress off a little self consciously with a free hand.] What is it?

[He is patient, waiting until she was stable on her feet before continuing. He slowly guides her up the steps till they're on even ground once more, closer to the colosseum, to the music still from within. It had shifted to a slower melody after all the upbeat songs. A small intermission.

He looks up to Maria, expression neutral, uncertain about whether his current decision is a good idea or not.] ...Nothing. I just remembered you said something about a dance. [He lifts his other hand for her to take.] She would dance with me too.

[Maria allows herself to be led up the steps to a larger flatter area. The vibrations and sounds of the music within were louder up here. She could feel it through the ground. She looked down at Shadow as he answered her, and her cheeks went pink as her eyes lit up in understanding.]

O-oh!

[She faced him and reached for his other offered hand so that they stood with both hands linked.] I-I've never been to a dance before. [She admitted softly, though there was a smile in her eyes.] I was too sick to attend public schooling and attend any dances they might have.

[Huh...strange. Usually he's the nervous one, not the other way around. Now he finds himself in the leading position, and Maria being shy about it. Did he make the right choice...? He just thought it would keep her distracted from everything, something fun. He glances toward the colosseum.] I've never been to one. We can just stay out here. [Who knows what this place thinks a "dance" is. It's not worth the risk when he's been entrusted in keeping this Maria safe.]

...Just move how you feel. [His Maria was very loose and silly whenever they would dance. There was no steps to learn or anything, it just whatever felt right at the time. It could be as simple as them just swaying back and forth right now to the slow melody. First their arms, then their feet, then the rest of the body.]

[Maria nodded at the suggestion to stay outside.] I heard that it's an intense dance competition going on in there. I'd be no good for something like that. [Something like that would be too much for her to handle. But just dancing out here? It should be okay. She noted the slower rhythms to the current song that was playing. It had switched up from the faster beats from before.]

O-okay.

[She started to sway to the music. She liked to listen to music, and she could catch the beat well enough. This was just her first dance with someone else like this. Dancing with Baylene earlier was different because she was a dinosaur and much larger. The experience was still fun though as the larger being copied her movements. She made a mental note to ask the other Shadow if he wanted to try this sometime.

The more she swayed, the more she started to relax and get more into it; moving her feet a little from side to side as her movements got bigger. She couldn't help but smile from ear to ear.]

[He says nothing and lets her do as she feels. Only occasionally making small movements as suggestions for her to follow his lead. His Maria sort of threw himself into this world of dancing back then. It was awkward, having his arm swung around and dragged in a circle. He didn't think that would be the correct approach with someone as frail as this Maria. And he'd feel more silly doing that in public anyway.

This, this isn't so bad. He can tolerate it, especially as Maria starts to smile. Such a beautiful smile...he understands how the other must feel to see it. A small smile dances on his face as he lets her do as she likes. Let her lead him. There is no wrong move when it comes to dancing as his Maria would assure him.]

[Maria saw that small smile on his features and it gladdened her heart to see. He wasn't her Shadow, but she still felt affection for him just the same. Added on to the desire to get to know him more. Him relaxing put her even more at ease, and she started moving them in a circle in place as they swayed to the music with joined hands.

At one point, she couldn't hold in her joy, and she let go of one of Shadow's hands momentarily so she could do a little spin and then take it again. She did it again, but this time held up the hand she was still holding in invitation so that Shadow could spin if he wanted to. She laughed a little, clearly enjoying this.]

[He was ready to let go with the other hand, just so she had an easier time spinning. She did it unprompted as well, a decision all her own. She was having fun, enjoying herself, laughing. That puts the biggest smile on his face to see, one that he hadn't done since he lost her. This Maria's happiness overrides any sadness he feels, wanting her to have this moment that may rarely come again in this god forsaken world.

The invitation is being offered to him now, and his ear perked up as he accepts it. In this moment, nothing and no one around them matters.] If I didn't know any better, I would think you were lying that you've never danced before. [A tease he manages to muster.]

[It was like they were in their own little bubble where nothing could touch them. There were probably camera drones tracking them, but none of that was on Maria's mind. She simply laughed, beaming, as Shadow did his own spin. She grinned at his tease, taking his hands to resume their swaying.]

This is the first time I've danced with someone else. [She admitted.] I do like listening to music. But I always had to be careful with how much I exert myself. But sometimes when I was alone...[Her eyes twinkled mischievously as she leaned in a little. Like she was divulging a secret.] I danced a little anyway.

[He hums amusingly when she tells him her little secret. There's a troublemaker under there too. How strange though. The other never tried to dance with her...? She was holding up just fine right now. But...maybe it's best that they don't overdo it. Now that she reminded him.] Let's not push it then. [She got do a little bit of dancing and had fun. That's more than enough. He moves her in a circle one last time before letting go of her hands. With a flourish of his own hand, he gives her a dramatic bow. Mimicking what his own Maria would do at the end of a performance.]

I feel okay so far. [Maria reassured, a little sad that the fun moment was going to end. But she was so happy to have experienced it in the first place in a place like this. When he let her hands go and did that flourish with a bow, she laughed out loud and clapped before doing a curtsy and dipped.]

Why thank you, good sir! [She couldn't help but play along, giggling.] That was a wonderful dance!

[He lifts a hand near his lips, trying to contain his laughter. A huff of air disguising it. His tail might have wagged a little though.] You're quite welcome, my lady.

[The earpiece beeps, a calculation of points being given or taken for their little performance. Mostly given. A small reminder to bring them back to the reality of their situation. But Shadow doesn't bring attention to it. There's the sound of applause coming from within the colosseum once they finished. Not meant for them and whatever was happening within, right?] I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[ when he said he'd be there soon, he meant it, his speed allows for him to cut a great amount of time to find them at the supposed meeting spot though, if he hadn't made a small spot maybe he could have come here sooner. not exactly where he thought they'd be, nor are they doing what he thought they'd be doing. he's been here for some time now, crimson eyes staring at a distance, his feelings gently shifting between irritation and contentment.

should he be angry at what he sees, it's not exactly anything he's ever asked for or would. maria's health comes first, he knows not to push her strength too far, or use up what energy she has. he's very much aware what will happen because she's sick so he has to account for every single thing that she does when he is around, but there are times like this where it's out of what he can prevent.

especially when this action makes her so... happy, her movements have just a little grace to them but she seems to go with the motion of what feels right. his gaze turns to the fake by her side, it's this moment that he fully takes in his appearance. other shadow... he wouldn't so much call that copy his name, but the way he gently takes care of maria in their shared dance is almost like he understands how precious that young girl is.

he should be angry, he could kill distance and knock him away from her, tell maria not to trust him due to their previous encounter, but he hasn't done anything that warrants shadow's malice. all he's done are unpolished steps, but they make her smile, she's enjoying everything about it.

that copy even has the audacity to wag his tail briefly?

shadow does very well at keeping his feeling at bay, not wanting to interrupt, he turns to the direction he just came from, figuring he can follow up here later. he doesn't want to leave maria here with him but us it because he's kinder and more open to these things that it'd be best?

fio had said people should treat their lives with care, so this could be one of those things. there's a box in his hand that he gently shakes, he can come back once they've had their fun. though, he doesn't realize their fun is being wrapped up as the applause from inside the colosseum leaks to the outside. ]

[Maria giggled again as Shadow played along at being all gallant. Oh he was just too sweet! The applause from inside the colosseum and her earpiece beeping made her pause and look up though. The bubble they had found themselves in had burst and reality set in. It didn't stop her from looking back down at Shadow with a smile, eyes still filled with delight.]

I can't thank you enough. Truly. I hope we can do that again sometime! [She reached out to touch Shadow's shoulder gently before she moved her hand back. She actually wanted to give him a hug, but considering his initial reaction when she first saw him, she didn't want to ruin what she hoped would be the start of a friendship. He hadn't wanted to hold her hand or anything like that, so she would respect his wishes.]

I wonder where...[My Shadow? Other Shadow? Or just Shadow? This situation was really quite strange and she wasn't sure how to address either of them for a moment.] the other Shadow is? I would have thought he'd be here by now...[She frowned slightly in thought.] I hope he's okay. Perhaps I can try contacting him this time.

[To do this again...he wonders about that. He only did this, because the other wasn't present. Something to pass the time until they arrive. He hadn't consider doing anything with her again once the other takes her back. The bit of happiness he felt when they shared the dance, gradually getting hit with reality. This is not the Maria he knows, and he doesn't want to intrude anymore than he already has, between this Maria and her Shadow. So he's goes silent, when she tells him she hopes to do this again, the hand gently touching his shoulder. Do it with your Shadow, not him.

The moment passes and she brings up a good point. It feels unlike that Shadow to take their time getting here. So he starts to check his surroundings and...ah. A certain dark hedgehog, moving away instead of towards them. He frowns. For them to turn away instead of coming to them, to his Maria. How long had they been there?] ...He's over there. [He'll gesture to a spot behind her. His expression turning more serious. Considering their first encounter, he doesn't know what to expect from the other. Surely they wouldn't try to make a scene in front of Maria, but he can't let his guard down. Just come get Maria and he'll leave peacefully.]

Oh?

[Maria turns to look in the direction that Shadow indicated. It took her a few seconds but then she saw her Shadow's unmistakable silhouette. Moving away? She waved, trying to get his attention.]

Shadow!! Over here! [Standing at the top of the steps as they were, there was no way that the other Shadow would miss them, even with people coming in and out of the colosseum and lingering on the steps. Why was he moving away? She glanced back at the Shadow behind her, seeing that he had gotten quiet and serious again. Was he still concerned about the other Shadow? Just how rocky was their first encounter anyway?]

Don't worry. It'll be okay. Trust me. [She reassured, determined. She'd make sure of it. She'll make it clear that this Shadow would never do her harm and that she trusted him.]

[ he was indeed leaving, well, until his name is called and it's not like he wouldn't hear maria. those black ears of his twitch, and he stops in place almost on command, but this is him deciding what would be the best decision.

turning around, that strict expression on his face remains as he walks over, uninterested in the current games being played around him. once he's close enough, he goes as far as to stare at maria while ignoring their surroundings. ]

...

[ his arms crossed, there's no need for the girl to speak first, so he'll take that position. ]

I only came here to make sure you were safe; since you are, I was taking my leave.

[ is that so wrong of him? he would follow up on his threat if something were amiss, but from what he saw, things were fine. ]

[Maria froze in complete surprise at Shadow's response. Maybe there was something she wasn't seeing here, but she was a little confused too. And concerned. Why did he look so grim now? He had been worried enough about her that he had clearly yelled at the other Shadow on the earpiece. It was her that told him that this other Shadow could be trusted. That she was safe. Wouldn't he be relieved?]

I thought....[She started, trying to understand what was going on. She huffed a sigh.] We were just passing the time until you got here. I thought I was going to go with you, now that you found me.

I'm sorry I didn't try the earpiece sooner. I must have worried you and caused upset after we got separated. Shadow behind me has been nothing but kind and good company. There is no need to distrust him.

[They are approaching and he could see their features better. Similar...but there are small differences he could see between them now that they're not at each other's throats.

Shadow is surprised along with Maria. He didn't know what they were going to do or say, but it was...not that. The words play through his mind over and over. Trying to make sense of it. For him to leave, while he's present by her means they're not as bothered by his presence like before? Then again, they are intentionally not looking at him. They had to have been watching. How much, he doesn't know, but it doesn't matter. It effected them.

His gaze falls, noticing they held a box in their hand. His brows furrows, thinking deeply on how to keep them here. It can't have been that easy for them to make the decision to turn away while someone important to them is right there, especially when...knowing a terrible fate awaits this Maria as well.] ...I have somewhere I need to be. [Not a lie, he was going somewhere before running into Maria. He looks to the other, their back to him.] I can't take her with me where I'm going. [Spend what time you have with her. Who knows if she'll still be here tomorrow.]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject