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

[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.]

[ maybe they should have let shadow go, it would have kept the tension away, but he's in a position where his heart and his mind want two different things. his brain tells him to finish this, to do what he did before when he first saw this double to protect her, but his heart wants to listen to maria, believe what she says because that would make her happy.

it's either her happiness or her safety. ]

Feh. You expect me to trust a fake.

[ is his response, his gaze stern as he watches maria, as though he's amazed she would even begin to ask this of him. ]

Nothing good comes from another one.

[ the many that he has killed, how many times has he smashed his own face in, what if it's just another one of those bots that a certain someone enjoys making. initially, he thought that it was something from the casino, perhaps some guard with his likeness, but all that leaves from the casino reverts back to normal.

but this, it's still here, and shadow doesn't dare look at it. ]

I should get rid of it like I've done all the others.

[It was Maria's first instinct to flinch back. The Shadow she knew was always on the serious, broody and reserved side. But...this? She drew herself up to her diminutive height, her own face stern, though concerned.]

Shadow that's enough! [Her gasped tones were more incredulous than true anger. Like when she would scold Abe Towers for calling Shadow a freak.] I don't know what happened when you two met. But he was summoned to Etraya just like we were. Just because he's from another universe doesn't mean that makes him a 'fake.' I might not be the Maria he remembers, but that doesn't mean that I don't care for his well being, just like I care for yours. He deserves to live and be happy, just like you do. If his Maria gets summoned to Etraya, I'll welcome her too.

The two of you are your own beings, but you are both Shadow and I deeply care for you both.

[She took a couple deep breaths. That was a lot to say.] We're all summoned together and tossed in this situation. I can't speak for everyone, but This whole situation is pretty frightening. Personally I think it's better if we work together rather than fight amongst ourselves.

[Get rid of it, like all the others. A fake. He clenches his fists at his sides, ears slowly falling flat against his head, no matter how much he tries to resist. The whisperings from the scientists talking about how dangerous he is, questioning whether the tests should continue, the staring. He hates this guy. They won't even acknowledge him. Any inkling he felt that maybe they could at least reach a compromise, snuffed out.

Whatever Maria was telling them, he could hardly follow along. Frustration, anger and hurt building up inside him. It's one thing when he chooses not to engage with anyone, it's another when someone blatantly tells him he's unwanted. So why press it? And now Maria's getting all worked up over him. Forget them, it wasn't his intention to cause her further trouble. Were he of more sound mind, he would agree with her, see the bigger picture. Right now, he doesn't want to be here anymore. She's not his Maria anyway.] Don't waste your breath. I don't have to listen to this imposter.

[This place is massive, they don't need to do anything together. There's a snap as Shadow starts to blip out of existence. He needs to get away from here, too much pain building in this space.]

[ shadow doesn't want to hear it, but blocking out maria isn't something he's capable of. he listens to her, he wants to understand her side of things, but it doesn't seem right.

if his opinion on the matter is being confronted because of hers, then he'll admit his problems with this. ]

You're seeing something I don't see, Maria.

[ because shadow would never give that opportunity, he isn't in the position to see eye to eye because this doesn't make sense from what he knows. what he knows? anything like him is a threat to the world she wants him to protect, kill it now, and there's no consequences later. ]

The last time I let someone go... [ it's like yesterday, believing sonic that mr. tinker was a good person and where did that lead them, where did it leave him but another enslaved pawn by his own judgement? not again, not again, and knowing what the doctor is capable of, what if that is not just another one waiting to strike. ] I won't make the same mistake again.

[ how can she give her affection so easily, but he knows the answer, he knows why she can say these things so honest and so genuine. there's a part of shadow that says he should hold his ground, if he doesn't, it'll be the same. just like last time. he can't allow for it, but those two look at him as though he is wrong.

then he'll have to be "wrong" to them.

the moment he goes to open his mouth, his voice doesn't come but rather the shadow across from him speaks. to call him an imposter, shadow feels that he might start seeing red. and as soon as he disappears, shadow's breath hitches, and in an instant he's gone.

...

he only returns with the scruff of the hedgehog in his hand, they're overhead in the air where shadow makes quick work to throw the younger hedgehog into the ground nearby not caring how hard the impact is. ]

You're going nowhere.

[ the older hedgehog glares down at the one he's prevented from leaving. this will reflect poorly on him, he knows.

more than half of his attention returns to maria, the remain wary of the other hedgehog as he won't let him go. ]

For what reason do you trust him, is it because his face resembles mine?

[ if that is the case, if she knew what life was like now, how many robots wore his expression and are used for destruction, would she care for those two even as they destroy that world she cares for?

in his one hand, there's this box that hasn't left from his grasp, but he grips it tighter as though he's trying to remain calm in some way.

shadow's eyes close, the inner anger of his always flickers at inopportune times. slowly they open to look down at the hedgehog in the ground recalling maria's words. not only does he have his face, apparently he has a maria. why would he believe that farce, but even so... why does the thought bother him? ]

-!? [He was traveling and then no longer was. How could he have seen it coming? No one's ever stopped him during a teleport. Like a fish that got yanked out of the water, the other tosses him back into reality. He hits the pavement, cracks appearing where he lands as the ground shakes slightly by the force. He manages to reorientate himself to get his feet on the ground as he tumbles, a hand gripping to slow his movement.

Golden yellow sparks start to come off his body as he glares at the other. It was a look of someone ready to beat their ass until there's nothing left. Don't tell me what to do, you piece of shit. Don't act like you know me, Other Shadow or not. Were Maria not here, this would have already turned into a battlefied. But he's holding it all back. All he can do is grit his teeth and give a deathly glare, trying to contain the anger and hate building inside him.]

[The Shadow before her wasn't making any sense. The last time he let someone go? She was getting really worried now. Something was wrong here. There was clearly something she missed or didn't understand. She wished that Grandfather were here. He'd know what to do. Know how to fix this and keep it from escalating.

Maria was aware that the Shadow said something behind her and there was a sharp crackling sound. But then everything started happening too fast for her to follow. The Shadow that knew her suddenly disappeared, and the ground shook a little beneath her feet with the impact of one of the Shadow's hitting it. She cried out, hands over her mouth as she turned, seeing it was the one who had danced with her.

She looked up at Shadow who was still in the air.]

Stop this! Please!

[Without a thought, she scurried over to where the other Shadow was, sparking with golden energy. She stood with her arms spread, in an almost identical pose to when she....she...

She had gotten shot. Protecting Shadow so she could get him to safety.]

There is bigger things to worry about than whatever is going on between you two! [She gasped, heart racing, shoving memories aside. Tears filled her eyes. She knew both Shadows were deeply hurting and she also knew that the core of it all was most likely her fault.]

This isn't like you! [She implored to the Shadow above her. Not even in that dream-like white space did he seem like this. He at least fought back and resisted control of Black Doom. Just what was going on here?? She never feared Shadow, but these drastic changes in him did pull up that emotion. Not in fear of her life of course. She never feared him like that. Just...this worried her so much. She feared for him.

Everything was too much! Too much! She was trembling.]

If he truly was a danger to me, he wouldn't have watched over me and danced with me like he did. I saw him smile. He has a good soul.

Just like I see in you.

[ this is him, this is all he has ever been. there's no one controlling him, these are his choices, and as he hovers back down to the ground properly is the same time where the young girl moves as well. she takes stance by spreading her arms to come between them, the pose is ever familiar, but it's not for him in this case.

no, it's for...

is she choosing him? there's a spark of disappointment that washes through him, staring at her confused by her actions. though the box in hand reminds him of other reasons that he's here, pulling him back from those nastier emotions as he feels hurt that she would do this. shadow doesn't particularly hurt anymore nowadays, but these fated encounters always manage to pain him in such a way he wonders why does he even try. ]

Nothing is bigger than my need to protect you.

[ nothing will ever surpass that, that's why he has to remain vigilant, that's why everything he's learned up 'til now must be assessed appropriately to avoid those stupid mistakes of the past.

if he leaves that copy to his own devices, will he turn against them, will maria be hurt again? some could argue now that she's hurting now because of his actions, but he's trying to help her. why doesn't she see?

yet, he doesn't move any closer, his eyes remain on her, they see her, until they don't when his gaze slowly drops to the ground before him. ]

I can't fail you again, if he's a danger...

[ but she swears that he's not, that he danced with her, that he kept her safe. that he even has a good soul.

shadow laughs, emptier this time as he only looks away now off to the side. perhaps what humans have written in detail about heaven isn't entirely right, about how angels watch after you, or when she would always be with him in his heart.

was she not always there watching him strive to do what she requested in his own way?

...

no matter the situation, he does return to what he knows in terms of her actions. ]

Enough. [ he sighs. ] Stop pushing yourself, I said before I don't want to hurt you.

[ if she's too caught up in her emotions and her body is unable to handle it, she might fall into one of those fits of hers.

that's the last thing they need, it's something he wants to avoid. ]

Sit, please.

[Stop. There's suddenly a flurry of a blue dress in his view, blond hair. What was she doing? Don't protect him. He can barely see the other, his tongue clicks.] Don't do this. [He insists with Maria. He can handle himself, don't piss off the other anymore than they already are. But she doesn't want them to be fighting with each other. Being this close to her, he can hear how this was straining her. Dammit.

A good soul? Hah. A sound caught in his throat when he heard that. That's, maybe he believed it once, when another once reassured him in his moment of doubt. Another that was like the one standing before him. All he believes now is that his existence is a curse. He closes his eyes, the intensity of the sparks lessening until they stop. Her well-being is priority right now. She is upset, she is ill. She can't keep acting like this.] Do as he says, please.

[He sits where he was, hands shaking as they form into fists. With anger? pain? sadness? hate? With himself? He was just overwhelmed by the amount of feelings that was weighing him down. Just let him leave, he doesn't want to stay here anymore. It all hurts. Or is this just his punishment to endure, for ever daring to try and do anything outside of what so many think he should be?]

[Shadow is on the ground now and Maria sees that flicker of hurt? Confusion? In his eyes, though it was subtle. She heard the soft protest behind her, but she didn't budge an inch. It was then that she noticed that Shadow was holding a box, but she paid it no mind at the moment. She was more concerned with what he was saying. The tears that had gathered in her eyes slipped down her cheeks.]

I know. I know you'll do whatever you can to protect me, Shadow. It's a part of you. Just like how I will always be with you in here. [She touched her chest since she couldn't reach his. She had seen him look down and she prayed she was getting through to him.] Nothing will ever change that, or change how I feel about you.

Just please. Trust me.

[When he told her enough, to stop pushing herself and that he didn't want to hurt her, she lowered her arms. She could hear the other Shadow behind her telling her to do as he said. Shuddering, she slowly moved to kneel right where she stood on the pavement. She would have wanted to go to Shadow directly, but she didn't trust her legs on the stairs at the moment now that the adrenaline was fading. She huddled there, hugging her arms about her middle as she sought comfort.]

I know you won't hurt me. [Her voice was a little breathless as she wept silently.] But please, stop fighting each other.

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