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Tabula Rasa Mods ([personal profile] tabularasa_mods) wrote in [community profile] tabularasa_rp2020-09-15 10:58 pm

003 - Memories of a False History

Memories of a False History State of the World Locations Bestiary
OOC Comments
Please refer to the original Event Announcement for more information or to ask any questions you might have! For the disaster prompt, players are not restricted to the versions given, but they are intended to be the most common. Feel free to borrow ideas from the disaster suggestions thread as well!

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The Sound of All Things Bad
The sound comes without warning. What the sound is cannot quite be made out - it is at once artificial and natural, bestial and mechanical, rumbling and roaring and crunching, shattering and crashing and screaming. Everything about it feels like a threat, warning of danger. The cacophony of noise reaches throughout the entire Void, loud and inescapable, the mangling and clashing of different sounds leaving each individual with a different idea of what it could possibly have been. It sounds different to everyone, each person able to pick out a part of the sound that ties to their own fears.

What if...?

How long the sound lasts would depend on how the individual perceives time. It might last for seconds, or it might last for minutes, but once it stops it does not repeat. Where it came from or what it is does not become the slightest bit clearer, and people are left to only speculate.

Disaster
No one can quite be sure what has prompted them to remember that day. It might have been that noise of approaching doom, or perhaps it is seeing the crumbling ruins of Hammerlocke itself. Once a stray memory surfaces, it is easy enough to look into the details and recall in full the vivid memory of Hammerlocke’s destruction - the ‘truth’ of what caused the mountainside city to crumble into ruins, as so many have wondered since their first appearance. Though the memory is clear and detailed, vivid enough to have been witnessed in person, it is out of place and does not belong, and anyone who can recall the events knows it.

Attempting to discuss the matter will soon reveal that while others recall the event with similar clarity, the details vary from person to person. Over time, their own memory changes and adapts, occasionally changing to something new entirely, yet the original is never completely forgotten. Memory is a strange and fickle thing, so easy to influence and manipulate, that the truth is difficult to find.

While memories differ from person to person, there are three particular tales that recur:

From the Sky

Though the sky above did not change from its paper-like blank white, the land grew darker and darker as though cast in shadow. The source of the shadow was clear: above, slowly descending towards the wings of the castle, was... something. Something immense, yet shrouded in crackling storm clouds.

As it continued to grow closer and closer, something in the clouds began to swell. It grew larger and larger, an electric hum of energy in the air, until with a resounding crack it burst and a great shadowy beast fell to the ground, landing with such force that the resulting shockwave shook the earth and tore through the stone buildings, causing so much of the city to tumble in an instant. It moves, and it screeches, raising its head up as the great storm above continues to swell and crackle.

This would not be the only beast.

(Based upon: Meteor, the Lunar Cry, and the Darkest Day)
The Battlefield

It was never clear why the fighting eventually made its way to this defenseless city, but it came without warning. The chaos was heralded only by explosions as the city walls were blasted through by tanks that had somehow made their way along the treacherous and narrow mountain path that simply was not meant for such heavy machines. The thundering explosions and the collapse of buildings could surely be heard for miles, and people and animals alike were quick to flee.

Though they reached Hammerlocke first, the tanks seemed like nothing compared to the enemy. The enormous shadowy monstrosity that swooped in from the sky seemed to be made from far more advanced technology. Even just the one towering machine, as large as the castle falling to ruins beneath its feet as it lands, proves deadly as it fires upon the approaching tanks, blasting them all to pieces within an instant before turning fire on whichever buildings remain standing.

(Based upon: Tanks, and Reapers)
The Mysterious Storm

There had been no way to predict the change in the weather, never mind how destructive it would prove. One moment, everything had been still and quiet, and the next the city was assailed by howling, violent winds and freezing, glittering snow and ice. Though the city was built of stone and had stood the test of time for centuries, it could not stand against these combined forces. The only shelter was underground, for the furious storm was so powerful it could rip through earth, lift up and fling any object in its path with devastating force, shattering windows and toppling buildings.

Propelled by such force, the ice and hail proved destructive in its own right. As the storm froze everything in its path, the hailstones became like bullets and great chunks of ice became missiles. By the time the winds began to grow calm, there was little left standing.

Something about the storm seemed somehow unnatural, but where it came from was anyone’s guess. Some, however, may have spied a vague figure through the tempest, of unclear appearance but its presence somehow threatening.

(Based upon: Weather, El shortage, and Diamond Dust)

Misplaced Memories
Worries about whatever disaster must have befallen the ruined city of Hammerlocke aside, people quickly become aware that memories of the disaster are not the only invasive, foreign memories. How the other memories come to them seems, on the surface, to be very similar: a connected thought occurs, and upon realizing the memory is not theirs, people are compelled to think more about it until the memory is uncovered in full detail. Unlike the memory of the disaster, however, this one quite clearly belongs to someone else. Someone who is here.

On puzzling this out, some might find they have more than one stray memory sitting in their minds. More importantly, however, is the feeling that something from their own memory is missing, and whatever memory is missing feels like it is something important. It could just be their own phone number, or it could be their name, or the face of whoever is most important to them. It could be something small, it could be something big, but all people know is that it’s something important and it’s gone.

There is no clear, immediate answer as to what people can do about their lost memories. With regards to their new memories, however, the path might seem a tiny bit clearer, for surely it seems a bit unfair that they can see into someone’s past in such a manner without their knowing. Perhaps it’s best to talk to them about it?

Although the lost memory is not always the same as the ones borrowed, taking the memory back to its source and prompting them to discuss and think about it proves a great help - as they talk, the invasive memory leaves, a lost memory is restored, and those who succeed are able to tell others the solution.

While the invasive memory is gone, people can still recall having it, and can still recall the details, but they will no longer remember it from the other’s point of view. Perhaps it might change how they see each other from now on?

back to top

First of all- it's a HUGE assumption that I even have a heart. Secondly....

[personal profile] blue_eyed_obsession 2020-09-23 02:26 am (UTC)(link)
[If Kaiba would look at his own situation more constructively he'd realize that his ideology was indeed flawed. He'd be removing the bad and the good indiscriminately leaving him with a cold shell.

Considering how popular the location was, he would still be tempted to take this elsewhere, depending on how personal it's going to get. It wouldn't do either of them any good to have someone just wander in here during the course of it. Still, he can at least indulge in his denial that this will have little to do with him, and be more about her.

Also, he's had years of practice on hiding his emotions, though his mask had cracked twice already, he still had the advantage. OR SO HE THOUGHT
]

... I find it surprising that you'd select me to confide in however... [That fact is what made this all so suspicious. Why not wait for someone else that would be more compassionate? They hadn't hit it off that well- even though she had displayed some intriguing qualities towards the end of that first encounter, so why? The tension felt as if it was mounting. Nothing could have prepared him for what she said next. Time seemed to dilate again as the full weight of her words sunk in. In another moment he burst our at full volume.] What did you say?!

[A wave of negative emotions washed over him, and he lost sense of reason. Dropping his arms to his sides, he stormed over to join her behind the bar. Grabbing her wrist, he forcefully jerked her into facing him.] Just what did you see?! [Eyes narrowing and turning colder than they ever had before, his jaw clenching, his tone accusatory and callous. The compassion he'd felt for her situation was instantly lost as he tried to ascertain the damage.] What you owe me is clarity. Here. Now. [Pressing in close to loom, to pin her against that sink]
indigloaming: (Faceless)

Indigo, Open (cw for mention of senility?)

[personal profile] indigloaming 2020-09-23 02:29 am (UTC)(link)
Looking and Leaping (Near the Underground)

Upon finding and following the tracks, Indigo thinks nothing of simply jumping down with then when they turn sharply into the ground. The bottom of the tunnel rushes up at her, and she expertly engages her Pulse Jump to safely double jump just before she hits it... or would, if it was functioning. Instead her feet collapse under her from the impact, sending her entire body reeling across the tracks.

"Shee-oot!" She curses, once she catches her breath and manages to get back to her feet. Nothing's broken, mostly because she doesn't have anything solid inside her to break, but she's still left slowly hobbling forward for a while, chest heaving from exertion and using the walls to support herself.

The Song of My People (Underground)

The pain in her feet slowly fades as Indigo explores the new location, mostly unimpressed... until the piano catches her eye. She eagerly approaches it, only to be disappointed to see how it's being used.

"Now that ain't right, usin' a nice instrument like this for storage." She busies herself with removing the various objects from the piano, then takes a seat and lifts up the cover for the keys. Her fingertips caress them gently at first, then she gives a few tentative taps; it works! A little more curious tapping later, she decides that it's in tune, too. A shiver of excitement makes her shoulders shake as she removes the fingerless gloves that cover her hands for the sake of mobility, setting them down on the bench beside her.

Now, what to play? But there's only one real answer to that, at least for the song she should play first. A song she knows by heart, that all Novakid know by heart, though none of them know just where it came from (not that that's surprising for most Novakid). The song wasn't really made for piano, and if the notes were translated directly, it would be impossible to play with only two hands, so she's already going over how she'll have to simplify it in her head. One more stroke of the keys to gather her nerves, then a piano rendition of some kind of cowboy song fills the otherwise mostly silent underground.

Forgetful Novakid (Memory share, anywhere)

Indigo growls in frustration as she clasps her head, as if that would bring back the memories that have fallen out of it. Holes in her memory, holes she knows were important, she knows she remembered before. In addition to frustration, there's fear; fear that this isn't the end of her memory loss, that she'll forget more before the end, maybe forget everything. What if she becomes like one of them -- a typical Novakid, with their goldfish memory? Maybe this happens to all Novakid -- maybe they function normally for a while, but then their memory and attention span eventually wither away; like going senile. But... what can she do about it? The answer comes right away, showing that at least her intelligence hasn't been affected, even if it's an answer she doesn't like.

She's going to have start writing things down. She might have it more 'together', mentally, than others of her race, but even she hates desk work. Well, at least she can have a little adventure in looking for something to write with, and on; paper isn't exactly the most common thing in her universe, not when they've got other ways to record things.

Wildcard

((Come at me with something else! If you want to do a memory share, let me know on the plotting meme, my contact post, or PM's so we can arrange something.))
indigloaming: (Faceless)

Memory: Meeting Captain Noble (cw for police?)

[personal profile] indigloaming 2020-09-23 02:37 am (UTC)(link)
((This is for Ren but if you want your character to get this memory too let me know and we can arrange something.))

The hollowed-out asteroid is only the size of a house, with only a simple force field keeping atmosphere and gravity inside and the vacuum of space outside. Indigo pilots her mech, a humanoid little number about the size of a car, through the force field and hops out, looking around inside. This place is really in need of some love and care; the walls are bare rock, with chains and flickering lights hanging from the ceiling. She can make out a loft with a broken bed above her, and farther back, a shower with no privacy leaking all over the floor.

But of course, the most notable thing in this little hunk of rock is the other Novakid, taller than her and glowing bright yellow, with a brand (the chunk of shiny black metal Novakid have on the front of their head instead of a face) in the shape of a shield. He seems to light up as he looks down at the Matter Manipulator in her hand, eagerly holding out his own to shake as she approaches. His handshake is vigorous enough to pump her whole arm up to her shoulder, as she desperately tries to regain control of it, and finally he lets go and begins to speak.

"You there! You're holdin' a Matter Manipulator, ain't yer? Well ain't this my lucky day. One of you managed to escape, huh? Looks like you can take care of yourself as well. The name's Captain Noble, an' I think you and I... are gonna accomplish great things together!

"Let me lay out the facts for yer. Sit tight, partner. When the Terrene Protectorate formed, it aimed to unite the universe with diplomacy - hugs an' kisses an' all that. It was a nice goal, but it don't mean you ain't gonna have some folks wantin' to throw the first punch. That's where we come in.

"The Terrene Peacekeepers, a quiet team of expert detectives an' bounty hunters who dismantled the organizations threatenin' peace on Earth. Out of the public eye, we'd keep Earth safe so that the Protectorate could safely promote their message of unity. It was a darn good time for us all.

"But now Earth is gone, and so are the Peacekeepers. I may be the only Peacekeeper left, but I ain't gonna let that stop me! I wanna rebuild the Peacekeepers! I wanna bust some crime rings! And I wanna look mighty slick doin' it all! Are you with me, partner?!"

The other Novakid works himself up as he speaks, and his enthusiasm is so infectious that Indigo can't help but giggle, covering her lack of mouth with her hands as she does so. After she agrees to help him, Captain Noble begins showing her how to track down criminals, as well as how to handcuff someone while fighting them. The second is more of a practical demonstration, though he does at least explain what he's doing while he does it. When it's Indigo's turn to try, there's a few fumbles, including somehow handcuffing herself to Noble a few times... but she eventually gets it. After refusing her offer of better furniture, Noble waves her away, and she beams back to her ship, ready to take on the first mission he's given her.

((NOVAKID ACCENT TRANSLATION FOR CITY-SLICKERS:

"You there! You're holding a Matter Manipulator, aren't you? Well, isn't this my lucky day. One of you managed to escape, huh? Looks like you can take care of yourself as well. The name's Captain Noble, and I think you and I... are going to accomplish great things together!

"Let me lay out the facts for you. Sit tight, partner. When the Terrene Protectorate formed, it aimed to unite the universe with diplomacy -- hugs and kisses and all that. It was a nice goal, but that doesn't mean you aren't going to have some folks wanting to throw the first punch. That's where we come in.

"The Terrene Peacekeepers, a quiet team of expert detectives and bounty hunters who dismantled the organizations threatening peace on Earth. Out of the public eye, we'd keep Earth safe so that the Protectorate could safely promote their message of unity. It was a darn good time for us all.

"But now Earth is gone, and so are the Peacekeepers. I may be the only Peacekeeper left, but I'm not going to let that stop me! I want to rebuild the Peacekeepers! I want to bust some crime rings! And I want to look really cool doing it all! Are you with me, partner?!"))
Edited 2020-09-23 02:38 (UTC)
menaretrash: (pic#14317393)

MISTAKES WERE MADE--

[personal profile] menaretrash 2020-09-23 02:41 am (UTC)(link)
[ Not flawed, necessarily... everyone is different. Everyone has to do what works for them. It works both ways, really.

His words make her laugh, but unfortunately, it's a hollow sound, no mirth or amusement to be found. ]


I didn't choose you for this, believe me. I don't know what is going on, but I didn't do this on purpose. [ She doesn't think. She's been bombarded with so many different visions and feelings, most of them on the negative side, that she's just about done with all of this. Now more than ever she wishes that she could sleep, curl up in a little ball and just sleep all of this away like it never happened.

Her posture stiffens, though, because she's struck a chord even though she didn't particularly mean to this time. It has to be said, she knows that much, and he's not the nicest person, not that she could really blame him. ]


I said-- [ She never gets the chance to finish that sentence, though, because he's fast. She can hear him storming over, and before she's got the chance to turn around herself, he's doing it for her. It all happens so quickly that she's left stunned for a moment, looking up at him with large, watery eyes. For a split second, she actually looks terrified, because this isn't the first time this has happened. She's already had to relive that today, too.

She's so scared, for those brief few seconds, that she can't say anything. Fortunately for them both, her brain kicks back into gear, and she shakes it off, gently nudging at him to step back. ]


Let me go, you're hurting me. [ That's the only warning he's going to get, because while she does feel bad for him, she's not the same person she was a year ago. If he doesn't let her go, she is going to end up getting violent, and she doesn't want to do that, either. She hasn't done anything wrong, and she's not going to put up with this shit. ] I didn't want to see it, but I saw you... and your step dad. You were little... and he was awful to you. You didn't deserve that... neither did... [ She shifts a little, looking thoughtful. ] Mokuba? Your brother. I'm... sorry. I don't know how I saw that, or why... but I'm sorry.
bachagain: (pic#13380623)

[personal profile] bachagain 2020-09-23 02:57 am (UTC)(link)
[ he'll shuffle on over to give her better view of it. there isn't much to see on the map, anyway, so he's all but committed the name to mind...

memory jumbles really are a theme. it's still on the back of his conscious thought as he speaks... aerith is a suitable enough distraction that he's not diving too deeply into it, just yet, though his mind seems to want to wander back to that wagon and those flowers. mmmm. ]


If it's from me, it's actually called Yumenosaki. They replaced the "yume", which is funny since it means dreams...! That's probably the last part of the name you'd wanna replace?

[ is,

is that funny. though sometimes that school was where dreams went to die. anyway, ]


What it got replaced with... I've got zeeero clue about! It's hard to say what it got blended with until we see the product for ourselves, you know? [ then, playfully: ] Sooo, you up for a trip with me?
blue_eyed_obsession: (♙ spare me all your lame advice)

THEY MOST CERTAINLY WERE

[personal profile] blue_eyed_obsession 2020-09-23 03:07 am (UTC)(link)
[I didn't choose you for this. The words add to the increasing dread of what she might be about to say.]

Why does that sound like a veiled excuse...? [Kaiba didn't have to wait long to receive his answer, snapping as he did so. It was bad enough that his step brother had the unmitigated gall to dredge up the past in his virtual world, but to have to go through it again it was too much and this time he didn't have Mokuba standing right beside him as a deterrent to keep him in line.]

[If only he could see the irony of his actions before undertaking them. The revulsion he'd felt at having parallels drawn between himself and that monster- and yet, here he was lending credence to the comparison. He wasn't thinking, he was letting his emotions dominate his words and actions, gripping her wrist tightly- too tightly. The expression on her face should have been enough to snap him out of it but the blind rage was making him otherwise immune.

As she tried to push him back he remained steadfast but when she spoke up and voiced that he was hurting her, he internally started having an existential crisis. Staggering away from her, terror overtaking his expression, he did let go. What am I doing?. Images of both Gozaburo and Kamoshida resurfaced and he could see the horrifying truth for himself. When he felt the bar to his back, it was the only thing that prevented further retreat. Doubling over, he started trembling, once again no longer aware that there was anyone else in the room, muttering incoherently to himself.
] I........I'm just like them! [Clearly, the images flashing through his mind were having an adverse effect, but this was literally one of his worst fears. He wanted to be strong and independent but not at the expense of resembling his step father and his heinous practices. Ann- didn't deserve the physical pain or emotional anymore than he had] ....a monster...
menaretrash: (pic#14317398)

SETO NO

[personal profile] menaretrash 2020-09-23 03:20 am (UTC)(link)
It's not... I don't have an explanation. [ No, really. She doesn't, and apparently, neither does anyone else experiencing this.

Fortunately for them both, her words have gotten through. She can see a change on his expression, and he lets her go and backs off, something she's grateful for. She generally doesn't let anyone that close, save for her little group of friends, let alone touch her like that. She's done with being treated like some sort of meat puppet, but she doesn't really need to linger on that right now. Her temporary annoyance is replaced, first, by confusion as he staggers backwards, to horror, and then legit concern when he doubles over and says that.

She pushes away from the sink, but keeps her distance from him, not wanting to crowd him or get into his personal space. ]


Hey, wait! That's not... that's not true at all. You're not a monster, stop that. Why would you think something like that? You're not a monster, Kaiba-san. You couldn't be.
blue_eyed_obsession: (♙ This isn't what I planned)

TOO LATE

[personal profile] blue_eyed_obsession 2020-09-23 03:34 am (UTC)(link)
[Unfortunately answers are always something they are short on.

It was one thing to act brutish to an assailant or another guy, and quite another to take that aggression out on an unwitting target. Especially one of the female persuasion, cough. Even one that was capable of defending herself.. He was out of control, and realizing it. He appreciated the space, since he was desperately seeking it like a wounded animal, though he couldn't voice it.
]

[When he does respond his voice comes out ragged]

How can you say that? [Righting himself, blue eyes flashing in the light] After what I just did- what I could have been about to do... [A brief pause before he added the following] ... after what I saw. [Images of Ann being strained resurfaced, making his point for him. How could he have treated her this way when he knew that she had been a victim before?]

You don't know me... you don't know what I'm capable of. [Well- at least he was talking again?]
menaretrash: (pic#14317403)

#exTRA

[personal profile] menaretrash 2020-09-23 03:51 am (UTC)(link)
[ Boy... are they ever.

Ann just sort of stands there for a moment, keeping her concerned gaze on him as he struggles to pull himself together. He calls himself a monster, and that actually stings to hear, she can admit that much, because he might be a jerk with a big ego, but comparing him to Kamoshida on their first meeting was a mistake. He's nothing like that asshole, and he's certainly nothing like that piece of shit that called himself step-father.

Her eyes widen again, and she glances off to the side for a second. Right... that. She'd been so focused on his thing, that she'd forgot that he'd seen something, too. ]


Because monsters don't have any filter, they don't stop. They don't care, they don't think about their actions. Monsters are shitty people... you're not any of the above. So, don't compare yourself to either of those dicks. Because you're not.

[ He is talking again, yes, and that's a good thing. ] You're right, I don't know the first thing about you. But I do know that you're nothing like those two. You're a protector, if anything.
blue_eyed_obsession: (♙ Give it up)

[personal profile] blue_eyed_obsession 2020-09-23 04:19 am (UTC)(link)
[Ann was able to read between the lines of the implication, knowing that this experience of sharing memories had been mutual. They would still have to get to that- if this situation was ever defused.

Kaiba was oddly reluctant to believe that he was not a horribly flawed individual which might have been surprising given his usual egotistical bravado. Still, as she continued to speak it at least had more of a calming effect over time. Had she convinced him, possibly not, but he needed to reign this in. He was making a spectacle of himself and a fool.

They don't stop, they don't care. Truer words had never been spoken. He grew silent giving a short snerk at the appellation of dicks.
]

... So.... you saw Mokuba too, huh? [Voice finally resuming it's usual even timbre. That was a safer subject, though he was starting to realize the more they spoke the less muddled his mind felt. This place was forcing them to have these conversations. Feeling oddly exposed, as if she could see the scars that remained he huffed out an exasperated breath.] Tell me that loser in the sequined cape, and speedo that left nothing to the imagination is dead.
menaretrash: (pic#14317433)

[personal profile] menaretrash 2020-09-23 04:27 am (UTC)(link)
[ He may not be able to see it, but that's what Ann believes. Everyone has flaws, no one can be perfect, as much as they may think they are, and that's okay. She gets it. She just hopes that he can see that, in time, too.

Fortunately, the subjects changes, and she visibly brightens at the mention of Mokuba. The little boy is a bit fuzzy in her mind, but he's there with that frizzy black hair and that sweet smile and those bright ,innocent eyes. ]


Yeah, he's really cute! He seems so sweet, how old is he? [ This is a safer subject, at least, and she's being genuine. She doesn't have any siblings or immediate family to dote on, but Mokuba really is adorable and she thinks that if she did have a younger sibling, she'd like for he or she to be like that. ] Ah... no. Mr. Kamoshida is still alive. But he'll never hurt anyone again.
forwearemany: (Side)

[personal profile] forwearemany 2020-09-23 04:27 am (UTC)(link)
(Hugging Legion is probably an odd experience. Though they're warm the same way a human would be the feel is totally different: rubbery and smooth except for the scratches, pits, and dents that cover them, like tiny scars. Also, they smell. Not badly, but definitely noticeably, that sort of warm plastic smell a laptop might have, with undertones of blood and salt spray.

The sudden attempt to communicate in binary has them chattering in surprise--and also worry. Is this new understanding a good or bad thing? Has experiencing their perspective caused her lasting harm?)


The creators who tried to destroy us died a long time ago. Their descendants were persecuted by galactic society, prevented from finding a new homeworld until they felt forced to destroy us and retake Rannoch.

(She's right that they don't hate the Quarians, but they aren't completely incapable: it's just something they prefer to reserve for the Reapers.

But that's not the point.)


We are also displeased over your circumstances.
Edited 2020-09-23 06:19 (UTC)
blue_eyed_obsession: (♘You couldn't wait to move right in)

[personal profile] blue_eyed_obsession 2020-09-23 04:43 am (UTC)(link)
[Returning to the subject of his younger brother, he's notable intrigued by the shift in her demeanor. Sure, he knows that Mokuba is the literal best, but she'd gotten that impression out of what must have been a short glimpse.]

Depends... if you were seeing that far back, then he would have been about 5.. [Leaning his head back and sighing again] Has it been that long? [Hell with it, reaching down to his neck, he pulled on a cord taking the card-shaped locket into his palm. Pressing the clasp he opened it revealing a picture that was taken back at the orphanage. It was cropped off to only show Mokuba. After some hesitation, he held it out for Ann to see] He's 13 now. [... and who knows what condition he's in. If that bastard Dartz added Mokuba's soul to his 10,000 years worth collection.. so help him] ... he's a great kid...

[Just like that he flipped on a dime to murder] Feh- if he's alive then there's no insurance. What makes you so sure?
menaretrash: (pic#14317412)

[personal profile] menaretrash 2020-09-23 05:23 am (UTC)(link)
[ Listen. The kid was cute, and honestly... he seemed to make Seto happy. She can get behind that, because she has someone at home who makes her that happy, too. Or, had. Shiho's gone now, after all, but she'd promised to come visit Ann once she could smile again. Not that she.. can visit her here. ]

Just a baby, then. He seemed really sweet. Mm? [ She watches Seto as he reaches up and takes his necklace off. There's hesitation, which means this is something very close to him, and as he opens it and finally shows it, she can see why. Of course, a photo of the most precious person in his life. And he's being kind enough to share it with her. ] He's really cute! Thirteen, huh? [ She smiles fondly at the photo. ] He seems like it. You must miss him terribly.

[ Because something tells her that those two have only ever truly relied on each other, and she gets that 100%. ]

Because... [ She shifts again, unsure of how much she should really say. On one hand, technically, if he saw things, he likely already knows that there's something up. Also, if they ever return home, it's not like he'll be able to run to the cops and shout 'PHANTOM THIEVES' at them, because they're from different worlds. On the other hand... she doesn't know how much Ren has let slip to people. ] ...because we made him confess everything. I was given the choice to finish him off if I wanted, and I did want to...

[ She looks down, balling her hands into fists. Part of her still wishes that she could have, but-- ] ...but if I killed him, he wouldn't have been able to confess what he did to Shiho. He made a big deal of it, too, during a school assembly. He said he was going to kill himself... what a coward. But I told him that wasn't fair, and he agreed and turned himself into the police.

[ Her hands unclench, and her shoulders drop. ]

...Sometimes, there are things worse than death. Rotting in a small cell and going insane, knowing what he did, that someone tried to kill themselves because of his actions, that he ruined not only her life but the lives of many other students... that's good enough for me.
blue_eyed_obsession: (♙You had it all under control)

[personal profile] blue_eyed_obsession 2020-09-23 05:56 am (UTC)(link)
[The assessment was correct, though there were times when even Seto needed the reminder of what was most important. Deep down, he always knew that his brother held this coveted place in his heart but with all the day-to-day activities and the stress of running a large corporation he could lose sight of it. His brother was always patient with him, despite the times when Seto should have placed work aside and dedicated more time to family.]

Don't let him hear you saying that... [Being called a baby, even at a time when you technically would have been wasn't all that flattering.] He's... something else. [The closest Seto would get to gushing, but the fondness is present in his words. Honestly, he's not sure what even prompts him to show her the photo, maybe he needed confirmation that she recognized the boy in the photo, either way after a few moments, he retrieves the item and refastens it around his neck.] Mm. [Answering sedately in the affirmative] ... but you have someone you miss as well... [Not feeling entirely comfortable saying the name, besides he wasn't entirely sure that Shiho survived. He couldn't imagine what it would be like to have the person closest to you try to end their life...]

[It was always the Kaiba brothers vs. the World]

So.. his word. [Sneering at that] That's it? [Voicing his feelings on the subject clearly at the grievous injustice. Sure, she was trying to keep the whole phantom thieves thing under wraps but he'd seen other details he was 100% going to question. Though honestly, he couldn't envision her killing anyone.] ... and a jail sentence where he might get let out early to be put on probation. [Look at how unimpressed he was with the legal system. The police sure didn't involve themselves in most the situations that should have warranted their attention back in Domino..

Still, he didn't want to harp on the outcome too long, it was likely hard enough to think back on
] So...... are we just going to ignore the elephant in the room or are you going to tell me what all that was about? What's with the getup, the masks and the otherworldly protector...?
menaretrash: (pic#14317402)

[personal profile] menaretrash 2020-09-23 06:12 am (UTC)(link)
[ Everyone needs that reminder sometimes. Though, Seto's got an extremely busy life. It must be hard to balance family and work and everything that comes in between. Her parents seem to have that difficulty as well, it just happens when you've got a business to run. ]

Yeah, something tells me he wouldn't want to hear it. [ She giggles in amusement, because honestly, that's a typical kid thing. At Mokuba's age, she'd have felt the same way. ] He's great, and I hope that you get to go home to him soon. [ Little brothers should not be running around unsupervised, although, it brings something else up that she hasn't really voiced to anyone just yet, something that maybe a little later she'll bring up. She smiles wearily at the mention of missing someone, too, and nods. ] Yeah... but, even if we were at home, I couldn't see Shiho again anyways. She's out of the hospital, but... she said she didn't want to come back to our school, and I don't blame her. So, she switched schools and moved. It was still nice to get a text from her every now and then, though.

[ Saying goodbye to Shiho that last time had been one of the hardest things she'd ever had to do, but she'd been lucky that she had Ren there. Not only for moral support, but to remind her that she wasn't really alone anymore, she had the rest of the thieves now, too. ]

Kind of... but. I'll make sure that he never sees the light of day again. I'll be at every hearing, no matter what. Assuming I'm not... you know. Here. [ Or, if she's lucky, he'll pull his bitch move and kill himself in prison. He's confessed, after all. It's not her problem to keep him alive anymore. She agrees, though... the police seem to go after the wrong people, and if it's not the wrong people, they just don't... really seem to care most of the time.

She visibly winces when he asks that, because, of course he would. Now she's got a big decision to make: she can tell him who they are, what they are and what they do, or she can make up a lie and laugh it off. Even she knows she can't act, though. ]


...If I tell you, it has to stay between us. I mean it, you can't tell anyone. It's sort of... a weird thing to talk about, but also, on the off chance that we go home, if anyone outside of our group found out? We'd go to jail. We're... sorta criminals.
symbolofstrength: (wait what)

Samuel Oak, Open

[personal profile] symbolofstrength 2020-09-23 08:54 am (UTC)(link)
Wandering Companionless (Anywhere)

Professor Oak is not himself. His eyes are blank, the usual bright spark of kindness and intelligence muted by some unknown fog, and survey the world as if here for the first time, his expression closer to that of a newborn than a stranger in a strange land. He can be found exploring everything all over again, though not with any particular urgency, regarding everything with the same detached curiosity. He seems to have lost his sense of propriety as well, thinking nothing of walking right into others' homes while they're gone and searching the place, looking through books and searching drawers.

At some point, he discovers the contents of his own pockets, sitting down to look through them all. At least he knows his own name now, thanks to his ID. His notebook draws his curiosity as well, and he slowly flips through it with zero recognition on his face. Is this his handwriting, did he draw these pictures? He has no idea. The photos capture his attention as well, and it appears that even without his memory, he's still quick to put things together: The people in these photos obviously know him, and if he can find them, they can tell him who he is! Now he has a goal, a way to find clues and know they actually have something to do with him.

So he's up and about again, perking up when he sees another person. If they stay still long enough, he'll approach, holding out the photos: A red-haired woman, a black-haired boy, a brown-haired boy... there are others, but those are the main three.

"Excuse me, do you know these people? Where can I find them?" He gives the other person a hopeful smile, though it's clear that he doesn't remember them, even if they've spoken before.

The Pieces that Remain (Memory share, anywhere)

It's hard enough for him to figure out who he is without memories that aren't his own bouncing around in his head. Snippets with zero context from different people, places and times that don't even fit together, like pieces of different puzzles. But fit them together is just what Sam is going to try to do, even if the end result doesn't make any sense; better a muddled, patchwork picture than none at all.

So he can be found mumbling to himself somewhere, using some paper and a pen to try and diagram how these various strange memories could be related, when they occurred in relation to each other, how one could lead to another and what would have happened in-between, trying to piece together some kind of coherent narrative. Come bring him some of his own memories and help him out?

Wildcard

((Come at me with something else! If you want to do a memory share, let me know on the plotting meme, my contact post, or PM's so we can arrange something.))
symbolofstrength: (affectionate)

Memory: Becoming a Grandfather (cw: childbirth and use of the word 'daddy')

[personal profile] symbolofstrength 2020-09-23 09:03 am (UTC)(link)
((This is for Leo but if you want your character to get this memory too let me know and we can arrange something.))

A very pregnant brown-haired woman pants and strains as she reclines on a hospital bed; a man in scrubs at the end of the bed busies himself between her legs, telling her to breathe and push. At her side, supporting her and holding her hand, is her father-in-law, already grey-haired but not yet as old as he will someday be. Eventually a baby's cry mingles with her sounds of exertion, and the grey-haired man turns toward the sound, unable to keep a wide smile from forming across his face. A grandchild! And him, a grandfather!

"It's a boy!" The doctor announces; a grandchild, and a grandson!

"You hear that? You have a son!" Samuel turns back toward his daughter, who wears her exhaustion plainly on her face, but is smiling just as widely as him.

...Mother and child are cleaned up, afterbirth is taken care of, and the pink wrinkly baby is now wrapped up and in her arms, while the proud grandfather peeks over her shoulder. The baby wiggles, vaguely waving an arm in his direction.

"Do you want to hold him, Professor?" The woman offers, and Samuel nods; she carefully passes the baby over, and he cradles him to his chest. There's a look of pure love on his face as he carefully peels back the blanket to get a clear look at the baby's face, as he offers a finger for him to grasp. But something else is bothering him, and his face sobers slightly as he looks back up at his daughter-in-law... no, his daughter.

"You know... you're the mother of my grandson. I think you've earned the right to call me 'Dad'." Having his grandchild's mother address him as 'Professor' and not by some fatherly title, or even just his name... it doesn't seem right. They haven't spent much time together, he doesn't really know her that well... but they're family now.

The woman is surprised by the offer, but soon gives him a tired smile and leans toward him, resting her head on his broad shoulder to look down at her son.

"Okay, Daddy." Sam feels his face grow warm, but says nothing, instead looking back down at his grandson as the smile softly returns to his face, slowly waving the finger the baby is grasping and gently pulling his arm along with the movement. For the moment, for mother, son, and grandfather, there is peace.
gardenerofavalon: (individuals don't really matter)

[personal profile] gardenerofavalon 2020-09-23 09:04 am (UTC)(link)
"Oh, I don't know, perhaps a feeling that you can't remember something significant?"

Or a conspicuous hole or gap in one's memory. That sort of thing.

"As it happens, I came here to see just what sort of place this was that appeared this time. Whether it has anything to do with everyone's memories being affected or is just coincidence though is hard to say."
gardenerofavalon: (individuals don't really matter)

[personal profile] gardenerofavalon 2020-09-23 09:06 am (UTC)(link)
"Oh, so you're a tailor, then?"

Merlin typically cheats and uses magic, himself. Probably exactly because modifying clothing and making it look good can be easier said than done. But in any case, as for that question...

"My name is Merlin."
memorate: (u (20))

[personal profile] memorate 2020-09-23 12:45 pm (UTC)(link)
How...

[ So he was right. Not that he wanted to be correct about his hunch, not this time. ]

Those are my memories! What did you see anyway?!
memorate: (u (5))

[personal profile] memorate 2020-09-23 12:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Personal and intrusive, yes, but not her fault. Cloud himself has peered into a memory that he suspects belongs to her, so he's not at all surprised when she seeks him out. ]

Ahsoka. [ Yeah, this is gonna be awkward... ] You alright? That sound from before...

[ Just what the hell was it? ]
memorate: (u (21))

[personal profile] memorate 2020-09-23 12:47 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Cloud definitely gets the sense that he knows too much of something that he's not supposed to, and while the invitation might be cause for alarm for someone else, Cloud is confident enough to take him up on the offer. Perhaps this is best discussed in private after all.

He enters the apartment quietly, and waits for Ren to shut the door. ]


So it's true.

[ Not even gonna deny it, huh... ]
forethinking: (3646477)

[personal profile] forethinking 2020-09-23 01:19 pm (UTC)(link)
(Of course he is. Look at the size of the sword against Ren's knife! Ren at least appreciates he just did it without much debate. Whether he has seen the interrogation room or anything regarding Ren's probation, Ren is worried. Has he told Tifa? While there's overwhelming panic clogging his brain, his face remains with its usual calmness, a touch of intensity and it's clear how unpleased he is. Does Cloud really believe Ren is capable of murder?)

No. (He didn't even touch Shido, if that's what Cloud is referring to.

Obstruction of justice and possession of weapons, sure, but everything else? Not the case.)


Have you told her?
Edited 2020-09-23 13:20 (UTC)
realway: (UityMwI)

[personal profile] realway 2020-09-23 02:15 pm (UTC)(link)
Do I... I'd like mine.

[ she squints just a little! young man, you sure can go from 100 to 0 real quick on the temper huh? but anyway- ]

Listen, I was actually looking for you. I don't have my memories, but I have a lot of other people's. You're one of them. Do you mind if we talk?