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etrayamemes2025-03-28 09:16 am
etrayamods) wrote in etrayamemes2025-03-28 09:16 am
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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:
 ⏵ 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:
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. 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. |
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as much as he wants to go, maria gives him that look that begs he remains. if she speaks then all that may come out is sobs. his eyes glance to the other hedgehog there with them knowing that he probably has nothing to say either. not soon after his eyes fall down to the proffered hand held to him.
what point is there for him to take it? she must know that he'll leave, she's far too aware, and it only makes things harder when she's like this. his hand curls into a fist, then uncurls in a slow motion as he reaches out to wrap his hand around hers gently. he looks down at where she sits, how she holds onto the other hedgehog all the while.
his hold is loose, as if she could slip out from his grasp at any moment. despite this, the look in his eyes is softer than it was before... unsure, not entirely confident in his actions. even in his eyes they read that he understands that the other one needs her much more than he does.
that he knows he doesn't need to be here. and she can let go at any time when she's ready. ]
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Being with her, seeing what the other saw, she was someone precious that needed to be kept safe. The heart won't fully let her in, but it can at least focus on a self-imposed mission. A direction, even when he feels undeserving, this is something he can do while he's alive and she's here. His head leans against hers, eyes falling onto a pair of familiar air shoes a few steps in front of him. He dares not to look up at them, uncertain if they'd react poorly again. Continue to ignore his existence, or look at him? Either options make him uneasy.
Their feet start to move towards them. Take her already, is what he wants to tell them. These loving gestures from Maria weren't meant for him, and yet...he selfishly wanted her to stay. No effort is made to give her back on his part, even when he knows he should be insisting. Then again, would Maria even let him go...? The other was now standing in front of them. Another moment, and he sees the box he had been holding being placed beside Maria, obscured by her figure.
The arm that was around him suddenly moves away as Maria reaches for the other, fearing he would leave her again. Her hand still gripping his while reaching for her Shadow. Her actions answer the question he had been pondering. She wanted them both and she would have it no other way. He wipes something in his eyes, taking a deep breath. Slowly, he looks up towards the other's face. Still with that serious look on his face, but there was a softness when they take Maria's hand.
...They just want her to be safe. They probably meant every word about him, but everything he does is for her sake. Did it still hurt? Of course. He didn't need to be reminded about being unwanted, or accused of being a fake. He'll stay angry about it, but...he gets it now. He quietly observes, the other seemingly lost as to what to do besides stand there and hold her hand. Or maybe he's just imagining it. If they bother to look in his direction, he would have gesture to the empty spot on Maria's other side. Just sit down and be with her. She isn't going to let you go anywhere.]
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Biting her lip, she gives her Shadow's hand a tug, trying to bring him in closer.]
I....I know you want to leave. [She whispered, blue eyes bright as tears slid down her cheeks.] But...I'm just afraid that if you do...I-I'll never see you again. [It was an irrational fear, surely. She knew he lived to protect her and cared for her wellbeing despite his reserved nature. And...all the changes she'd seen in him.] At least let me hold you a little b-before you do.
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he doesn't need the affection right now, he doesn't need anything other than time to himself. but he doesn't want to hurt maria, she's been upset with everything he's done so far so what if he ruins this too. ]
....It could be better that way.
[ that she never has to see him again, he doesn't even care if the other is right next to her and will probably get upset for her. it's not that he's doing this to be cruel to her, but how many times can shadow make a mistake in hurting her. there's only so many times until he feels like he's lost how to handle the situation with her, maybe this is his punishment to be without her.
but he kneels down beside her despite his words betraying his actions.
her tight hold onto his hand wanting to keep him here, he can feel it, she probably doesn't want to go anywhere else. how she yearns for them both to be here but shadow doesn't think of himself as a good person to be here. isn't the other hedgehog the one who needs this more than him.
shadow's silent now, his eyes now staring at the ground between them as he's grown disappointed in himself. even his tail droops against the surface with no energy to be seen. ]
Do what it is that makes you happy. That's all that matters to me.
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He has inkling where it stems from. This one, has done terrible things as well. More than he has for certain, just from how they behave, what he had picked up from that cat. Even so, if his own Maria were here, he has feeling he be in the same position the other is in right now.] . . .Fine. Run away then, if you think it'll be better. But leaving me with her isn't the going to be the solution you're hoping for.
["He felt as if he failed me. But I never thought of it that way. I love him because of who he is. What he can or can't do doesn't matter to me."] Because I will never truly be the cure for her sadness. That's something only you can do for her.
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It was like she had been splashed with ice water. Even her tears stopped.
What have I done?
The other Shadow spoke up in her defense and her chilled fingers gave his hand a squeeze. She hoped this wouldn't cause more conflict. She wouldn't be able to stand it. She had to handle this like a grown up and not cry. She sucked in a breath, squaring narrow shoulders though she still quivered beneath the other Shadow's hold.]
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he knows what he's capable of and what he isn't, as the ultimate lifeform, he should be able to do everything. nothing is outside his grasp, but these instances where she looks at him in disbelief of what's wrong with him to her trembling body. something is wrong. ]
You.
[ his gaze falls to this second individual who wears his face. ]
Do not speak as though you know our circumstances.
[ what does he know, what does shadow know of this person other than to let him be all because maria asks. if it was his way, he would have killed this one already, but the young girl holds him back. ]
If you are going to put that mouth to work, make it useful.
[ shadow would rather not waste his words on something as insignificant as the other, but he's not given that luxury. instead he looks to maria, the way she draws in in on herself, the hedgehog watches with his hand still connected to hers. slowly, his thumb moves to her wrist, resting there as though checking for something. ]
Maria. What does your heart desire?
[ because he can't leave her like this, he wouldn't want to. he was by design made to help her, but his heart would never take it if he left her like this. he would never forgive himself. ]
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But still, she refused to cry. Instead she sucked in a shuddering breath, her icy fingers squeezing both Shadow's hands.]
The safety and warmth that your friendship brings. Your love. [Maria whispered.] Like before. On the Ark. When we dreamed of going to Earth together. [She closed her eyes briefly; the memories as fresh as if they happened yesterday. From her perspective, it did.] The comfort of being held. [She glanced towards the Shadow at her side.] And I'd like to get to know you. [And hopefully forge another bond of friendship just as meaningful. She looked to her Shadow again, still without tears. Still and quiet save for those subtle tremors.]
And I wish to know. Is it me? Did I.....did I do something that created this barrier I feel between us? Did I hurt you? [She had felt this change since they had reunited. She didn't think she was the sole reason for all these changes in him. But she had a feeling she was at the core of it.] If I did I'm so sorry. I'm so, so sorry. I want to fix this...and make things right.
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I have said over and over again that I did not want to hurt you.
[ that is true, but why does it seem like what he tries to do never goes as planned? each and every time he attempts to do something to make her happy, it does the alternative.
there's part of him that hates having a third parry listening, but he'll make do with it, if it's to calm maria's nerves then he doesn't care who hears. ]
But I continue to do so. It makes me angry to fail you again.
[ he emphasizes with every gentle massage against the back of her hand. he thinks of the ark, he remembers his time in the white space, and now he reflects here where he doesn't know if he's ever accomplished what he thinks would make her smile. ]
And when I do... Distance only feels right.
[ because he's distanced himself from others, he doesn't want to be close to anyone but her...
she shouldn't suffer because of his actions. his other hand lifts up to cup maria's face, the hedgehog slowly pushing blonde locks behind her ear. such a lovely girl who has cried because of him, and even that makes him feel horrible. ]
Am I overthinking it or have I hurt you?
[ only she can answer this. ]
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He still thinks he hurt her? He still thinks he failed? She shook her head mutely as he spoke. No no no no. This is why she can't cry. Though she wants to, she refuses to. She could feel his gentle touches to her hand. She knew he did care. She knew his soul desire was to protect her and make her happy. She desperately wanted him to know that he did.
She at least understood now, why he wanted to distance himself. In that dream-like white space...so far away in memory now...he did much the same. But he had been fighting Black Doom and repairing the timeline. And she wasn't alone. She was with Grandfather. So between Shadow's actions and the constant presence of Gerald she wasn't afraid.
But here...
Her thoughts halted when she felt Shadow cup her face and gently smooth her hair from it. She automatically leaned into his touch as she clenched his other hand in hers. She was still very aware of the other Shadow as she held his hand as well, appreciating his silent support in this. She felt that if she didn't have his arm around her she'd keel over from how fast her pulse was racing. She had to concentrate to take deep enough breaths.]
No. You haven't hurt me. [She said, still whisper quiet.] From the moment I first realized you were here, nothing could have made me happier. [No. She mustn't cry. She had to be an adult about this.] I'm just scared. Everything is too much! The last thing I remember...I think I remember...[Gunshots. No. No. She did not want to think about that right now. She scrunched her eyes shut a moment or two and opened them again.]
Then I wake up and...then it's all this. Of course I'd be feeling a lot of things. When I'm overwhelmed and afraid, different intense emotions can make me cry. One doesn't need to be sad to cry.
I-I'm sorry if I hurt you. [Her hand slipped out of his so she could reciprocate the touch to the side of her face. Chilled fingers stroking along the side of his face. She would hug him if she got the chance.] I understand now i-if you wish to leave and I won't stop you. But I promise. You didn't hurt me.
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[ she doesn't have to be brave in front of him, she doesn't have to grow up fast or anything like that. she's still a child no matter what, and even he can't imagine putting her in a position where he had to let go of certain emotions to be able to thrive the way he does now. ]
It's okay to cry.
[ maria is... still a special person even if shadow thinks he has done wrong. has he fixed this? he isn't sure, but he doesn't want maria to hide anything or force herself to act any other way. that's why he squeezes her hand just a little to encourage her that she doesn't have to be strong.
not when he's here. ]
You should get it all out. Express your feelings or you'll get sick.
[ if she's emotionally constipated, if she hides her feelings, then what will happen when she's really troubled.
the hand on her cheek lingers before coming down to her shoulder to ground her. he knows that she wants more than this, a girl of her age probably wants everything that was taken from her. he has a feeling she mostly wants her grandfather, as much love as he has given her, that's the one thing that he fears will be missing. he can never replace him, he doubts that gap will be filled ever, but he can offer his love and support in hopes it's enough to keep her going. ]
Once you feel better. [ he tilts his head to look up at maria, a concerned expression written on his face. ] I don't want to leave you like this and with him, he's already admitted that he is inferior and cannot make you happy.
[ useless hog. ]
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He continues to say nothing as Maria and the other converse. Not because of what the jerk had said. He had no reason to interject between a sensitive discussion between them. With a look of disinteresnt, he glances away while they talk, staying beside Maria as long she felt like she needed him. A dream to go to Earth together...the place called the Ark, is not a place located on Earth? He is still listening. How can he not?
She was being taken care of in space? Was the ARK something like the Eclipse Cannon, a station but not meant to be a weapon? ...How long had it been since she seen Earth, to be wishing she and the other could go to Earth together someday? Both of them?
His ears merely twitch when she tells him she wanted to know more about him as well. A small part of him wanted her to know, understand, but a larger part of him didn't want any of it to come out. Relive it all again, the life after Maria's passing was nothing but more misery and mistakes. The amount of kindness she has given to him, once again feels undeserved. It's probably a good thing he isn't looking at them while they talk. The hollow emptiness he's been feeling would start to overwhelm him, knowing he can't share another intimate moment with his Maria. Would he even be able to face her? After what he had done, the pain he unleashed onto others? What his own existence inevitably led to for her...? He shakes his head. If they weren't such a jerk, he might have considered confiding with him about...all these feelings. What they're going through with their Maria right now.
But no, they continue to be a stuck-up. He rolls his eyes when he was being addressed by them. This is the worse encounter with another like him, is him. Almost missed the constantly yapping blue hedgehog. Almost. Whatever. At this point, their insults are just noises to him. If they're saying something like that, then he got his point across. Probably. They're not going to leave her, that's all that matters.]
We'll find shelter once you're feeling better. [The area has remain relatively calm, but it's still by the colosseum, too out in the open.] Unless you want to do it. [A sideglance to the other. Since he's apparently the "inferior" one.]
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I just don't want you thinking that you are the cause of tears caused by distress. [Sure, there were things that were causing her concern to do with Shadow, but not so badly that it was the core cause of her upset. There was just so many things going on that those concerns got swallowed up by everything else.
The hand that had slipped from his gentle grip curled around his shoulder in an attempt to draw him closer in a desire for a hug. Seeking warmth and comfort. She did manage to meet his eyes, seeing that concern in his expression. Though she heard the barbed comment regarding the other Shadow who was still supporting her. She heard the responding mutter, grateful that neither were trying to escalate.]
Shadow...[Her whispered tones held soft chiding in them.] Trust me. I am as safe with him as I am with you. [She sighed, lowering her eyes as she gave the other Shadow's hand a squeeze of support. This at least helped with keeping her from bursting into tears. She was getting tired from all the crying. She offered a small shaky smile.] He is perfectly capable of lifting my spirits. He certainly did when he danced with me.
What he means is that because I'm not his Maria and doesn't know me as well as you do, you are the most logical choice in being able to provide any care or have insight about my needs. We have a bond you and I, that me and your other do not have yet. [Yet. A soft word of promise. But only if the other Shadow wished it. She wouldn't force or push it, but her arms and friendship would always be open to him when he was ready.] No one is inferior here.
[Most likely due to being surrounded by adults and scientists at that, Maria had a way of speaking sometimes that was way beyond her years.]
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the hedgehog takes a deep breath, using that same arm to wrap around her waist to complete the gesture. it's not a hug he is used to with someone else there in the way, but it's one if maria wished it, he would get used to. besides, her promise of "yet" gives him some pause, but he understands where her sentiment comes from.
now that he thinks about it.
maria...
that person has one too. he doesn't know what type of maria, but are there really other marias? the thought runs like wildfire in his mind, when he's not trying to kill the other, there's unanswered questions. there's also how maria's love is offered to him so easily, is it just a trait to maria in general, are all shadow's deserving?
he thinks about that before parting from her, and finally sitting down on the ground across from them both. ]
Hmph.
[ that doesn't mean he has to play nice, actually, he doesn't know how he should react to knowing he lifted her spirits by a simple dance. part of him wants to scold them both since maria's health doesn't allow for activities that expend her energy.
the look on his face seems like he's weighing the pros and cons, but he'll meet her gaze, a bit stern, but she should know he doesn't approve of things where she could get hurt. ]
Shelter...
[ he mutters to himself, with how this planet runs, he doubts it would be the perfect place.
there's also another issue. ]
This doesn't appear to be the place that we're staying, that woman only sent us here on an errand.
[ he's found many people curious and looking for the same thing, at that point it doesn't feel like a mission with how some hobble around stupid and blind. it must be whoever finds it first just does. ]
I'm searching to make my time here shorter. If only I had...
[ where is his chaos emerald so he can leave this annoying place, space and time bends at his will so it should be enough. ]
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The other moves to sit before them. They were more willing to communicate, start getting somewhere. So he chances to observe them while they figure out how to proced.]
To participate in the Gamerunner's Stratagem. That was all she said, and then an exit would eventually show itself. [When and how is not clarified. He tilts his head as the other starts to say something about shortening their time here. Unsure of what they're referring to, he just thinks on their words and how openly vague Aurora was about their mission.] There could be multiple ways to get an exit to appear. [Their options would broaden if true, if they had an idea of how to meet those requirements. Only two obvious ones he could think of are becoming a Paragon, or get that flash drive he's been hearing about.]
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The hug as it was, did not last for long, and Maria sagged back on her heels and leaned into the other Shadow's warmth when her Shadow sat before them on the pavement. It was thankfully quiet despite the pounding music from within the colosseum. There were still beings wandering about and keeping their distance as they traversed the square at the base of the stairs or went in and out of the colosseum itself. Of course there were the ever present camera drones keeping tabs on everything.
Oh, Shadow was giving her the look after she spoke of the other Shadow dancing with her. She recognized it as the one he always had when he was chiding her for overexerting herself. Since it had been a slow dance, she didn't get any adverse effects and looked forward for another opportunity at a later time. Due to the serious nature of the conversation, Maria refrained from doing her usual playful responses such as winking or sticking out her tongue. She simply looked down at her lap.
She was quiet as she worked on centering herself as she held onto the other Shadow's hand. She resisted the urge to wrap an arm around him like before, not wanting him to be uncomfortable. She was grateful that he was still at her side through all this. The pair conversed, speaking of shelter, but also about the mission that sent them all here and how an exit could present itself.]
Aurora had told me that we wouldn't be here long. [She confirmed.] I don't know anything of this Gamerunner's Stratagem. But...as for shelter, I found out there were apartments in the Agora for competitors. I...I think what kind of room and amenities you get depends on the amount of points.
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maria is here, she's alive somehow, again. is this because of aurora or some other being that he doesn't understand? normally he'd have an understanding of what keeps her here, but it's all a mystery, so even he fears that if he blinks one too many times she'll be gone. he does blink once, then twice, but she's still there.
he hopes no one noticed such an odd gesture, it's just unbelievable to him.
and then there's ... shadow. robot? organic lifeform? is he also imbued with alien dna or is he separate from that. he has a maria too which is also... weird, but with how active he is and willing to do these certain things without a care in the world... why is that? how can he have so much freedom when he has to predict the girl's next move always.
not only that, why hasn't he suggested leaving this world with a chaos emerald? is he choosing to save his embarrassment because he too doesn't have one with him? that could he the case, considering shadow himself hates to appear weak or limited. there's many questions yet to get those answers he would have to speak aloud, then again, there's something else that stands out to him in this conversation. ]
Competitors? I'd rather you not be one at all.
[ even if she's racked up points, he doesn't find the idea appealing of her needing to continue to gain them.
there's only so much reunion they can offer to the audience until they'll want to see them break one another's hearts. ]
I was searching for the flash drive in order to gain an advantage, but my attempt was cut short.
[ despite sounding annoyed, his eyes are kept on maria and not looking over to the other hedgehog to blame him for his insolence as a liability. ]
Through my search, I've lost points but this world runs backwards. Hmph, as much as they desire fights in the arena, they frown upon them outside.
[ that's when he picks up the box that he had, holding it to maria for her to take. ]
I don't have enough points to shelter you.
[ he's disappointed in himself, don't worry. ]
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His ears might have twitched at the mention of the flashdrive. He really wanted to tell them that was what he was doing too, until someone interrupted his search cause they thought he was them, and needed to clean up their damn mess. He shakes his head, but it's not important right now. The mistaken identity thing is going to be a continuous problem. He has a feeling that's not going to change anytime soon.]
I have enough. [He will speak when it came to the points. He might even have more than enough, having hardly used any. They haven't dipped as hard as the others and just been steadily increasing. He stares at the box being offered to Maria once more. Something they used their points on presumably.
...More than likely, they've been using whatever points they had just for her now.] I'll get her a place. Then...are you expecting me to stay with her the whole time? [So now the question comes up. Are they willing to take turns?]
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[She met Shadow's eyes as he spoke. This 'flash drive' must be something to do with the Gamerunner's Stratagem she heard mentioned. Before she could ask, her Shadow picked up and held out the box that he had placed near her. She had known it was there, but with everything going on and the conversation she hadn't fully acknowledged it. A combination of the other Shadow's comforting warmth and the civil conversation did wonders with helping her calm. Even some color returned to her pale cheeks as she looked down at the box.]
Oh? What's this? [She reached out to take the box, bringing it to her lap. Though she did reluctantly let go of the other Shadow's hand so she could slowly shift to sit directly on the ground and stretch her numbed legs. She had been sitting on them too long. She rubbed at her knees with a hand. She still kept close to the warm body next to her though. Still craving contact. The other Shadow spoke up about having enough points to help get shelter.]
I probably do too. [Maria added, though she didn't know the exact number of what she had. She looked from the Shadow next to her, to her Shadow before them. She knew it was futile to say that they shouldn't worry about her so much. But it was in her Shadow's nature, and most likely the other's too. While they talked, she proceeded to open the box in her lap to see what was inside.]
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all mapped and planned out, they just need to follow it. he extends one hand out, placing it over top of the box so that maria's unable to open it any further. ]
It's not a matter of what I'm expecting, it's that you will. Only for now, [ he turns to look at maria knowing that his words aren't the best, not anything someone wants to hear considering... ] I will return us home, Maria. I just need more time.
[ this can be saved until they get there, it'd work better there than here where there's no opportunity to use it. the fact that the other hedgehog can acquire a room, or both of them can is enough to move on.
it's this desire to not be kept in one place out in the open where drones hover the vicinity that he's ready to take leave. even as one propels nearby them, scanning the area, and for a brief moment looking their direction that shadow glares at the feed that's on them.
it doesn't take much for the video camera to carry on. ]
I'm going back to the casino to try again.
[ that's as much as he's willing to give that makes sense.
should he go back with them, probably, maybe, but there's this nagging feeling as to why he's even suggesting that this other... him even go in the first place, because his skillset is too sloppy.
a novice.
he stares a little longer at the other for some time too long before closing his eyes. trusting maria's intuition on her saying he's not inferior is the only reason he's willing to allow this to pass. ]
If there are any complaints, I don't want to hear them.
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Return home...that is the correct decision. But would it also mean the girl sitting beside him, isn't her time already up? But staying in this dangerous place, having to do what Aurora asks of her, that isn't the right call either, is it? He feels conflicted, even when there should be none. Their choice shouldn't matter to him, they are together, and he is different. Yet he has these feelings, the small bit of connection he's already made with this Maria.
He leans against her without thinking, while her hands were occupied examining the box. This shouldn't have happened. They never should have ran into each other. It'll only make the parting hurt more. Having to see Maria off, again. His expression must have looked troubled when he felt a set of eyes on him.
He looks up to the other who had been staring at him. His expression went from puzzled to glaring. What is it now? He keeps eye contact with them, for not doing so is just asking to get ridicule again. They didn't really answer his question, but they might as well have, about keeping his complaints to himself.] Just don't keep her waiting.
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Her Shadow's promise to return her home pulled a small smile on her face, though it faded as she looked down at her lap. She wasn't certain if he was referring to Etraya (a place she only knew the name of) or her own universe. She didn't want to think about what was waiting for her back on the Ark. Not right now. She clenched chilled fingers until her knuckles were white.]
Just be careful. [Maria said in soft concern to her Shadow.] Fight to defend yourself if you must, but please only to incapacitate. Don't take a life un-necessarily. [The dead aliens in the square when they first reunited came to mind, making her shiver. She could feel the other Shadow leaning into her and she was grateful for that, keeping herself tucked under his arm as she leaned a little back. She heard him say to Shadow to not keep her waiting.
She glanced to the side at him, wondering if she heard right that he'd stay with her while her Shadow went to the Casino to look for this flash drive.]
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shadow walks off, dropping his hands down to his side as he thinks that this would be simpler with a chaos emerald. ]
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Still...it's disheartening that things are like this between them. Not enough to push aside all the insulting things they said to him, about him. He still pissed about that. Closing his eyes for a moment, pushing those thoughts about the other aside, he gives Maria his full attention now.]
Are you well enough to get up and walk? [He glances at the box that is still unopen. Should he ask to hold onto it for her...?]
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She heard the long tired sigh beside her. When he broke the silence, she turned her head to look at him with a small nod.] I think I'll be okay now. [She felt improved from before. But she was still achy and tired both physically and emotionally. It's been a rough day. She studied Shadow for a long moment. She had been going to get up, but had to get this out first.]
I'm really sorry that you had to be put through all that. [She sighed heavily.] I know you wanted to leave.
But in the end, your warmth and support meant so much to me. [His physical presence supporting her kept her grounded. Even now, she wasn't sure if he'd linger once she got to a place to rest.] Are you okay? [She added softly in true concern. That had been a rough landing on the pavement when Shadow threw him down.]
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