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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?

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thunderwave: (re: johto's elite four)

[personal profile] thunderwave 2020-10-20 11:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[ and here we go. blue slides a glass in his direction, and lance gives it a dubious look, though he does wrap his hands around it. he doesn't lift to drink just yet, though, instead: ]

She isn't a loon.

[ come on, blue, be like . . . 5% nice. and he frowns slightly at his drink before he finally does lift it to try it. it's . . . refreshing, in a weird way. though definitely alcoholic, and lance doesn't really want to day drink -- if there is such thing as a day, in this place.

at any rate: ]


You seem unbothered, by the whole thing.

[ he knows blue isn't actually unbothered, just fronting and delaying the point, but. he did say spit it out, and so here he is. talk about your feelings, you brat. ]
halloflamer: (congrats on the sex)

[personal profile] halloflamer 2020-10-20 11:30 pm (UTC)(link)
[Oh no. Oh no, Turing!! That's not what he meant at all!! Granted, perhaps a ROM shouldn't be expected to know the colloquial differences between calling yourself a 'kid' and... well, being an actual child. (Not that Blue didn't start drinking when he was underage, but, yanno....)]

[Eevee is luckily sated enough with pats not to complain when Turing's attention turns to their drink, and Blue grins as it's pulled closer. Watching Turing, there's some kind of perceivable wonder in their digital gaze as they bring it to their monitor, seeming to hesitate a moment before tasting.]

[(How do they do it?? Blue still doesn't really get it... Like a lot of things in the void, it's like he blinks and the drink suddenly disappears a little.)]

[He grins at Turing's chipper response, and... well, it's not like Blue is the type to have self control either, so uh...]

[Maybe it takes a little longer for Blue to pipe up with anything than it might for most people giving a minor(?) their first drink. He turns to fill another glass with water, and pushes that towards Turing, too.]
Here, you should keep water handy while you're drinking that. Hydration is important! Don't wanna... blow robot chunks everywhere, haha!

[Is that even possible?? Blue doesn't wanna think about any of that too deeply.]
rotomphone: (pic#14274506)

[personal profile] rotomphone 2020-10-20 11:38 pm (UTC)(link)
Yep. My whole team is stuck the way they are - they can't come out of theirs, and Duraludon can't go into his. My guess is that it has something to do with none of the tech around here working, but who's to say for sure?

[ maybe whoever brought them here is just out to make Pokémon Trainers miserable. if that's their goal, they're well on their way!

he gives Duraludon an affectionate stroke on the head, noting his partner's gaze. ]
I know, buddy. I want to see them, too.

[ he wants to say that they'll all be able to see each other soon, but that would be making a promise that he doesn't know that he'll be able to keep. whether or not these Poké Balls open is completely up to the whims of the void.

honestly, Raihan doesn't know much about their ins and outs either - what he understands is the extent of what he told Aerith. he's in the business of using Poké Balls, not teaching people about them. ]


Nope! The environment that's simulated inside is one that makes them feel most comfortable. They might be a little sleepy once they're out, but they're about as cozy as can be.
rotomphone: (pic#14274500)

[personal profile] rotomphone 2020-10-21 12:06 am (UTC)(link)
"Secret mission". [ he smiles even wider. ] Alright, I get it! Just didn't take you for the type, that's all.

[ is this a bro code thing? does it mean that he shouldn't tell Tifa? it sure sounds like it! don't worry, his lips are sealed... probably. whatever Cloud did back home is none of Raihan's business, but if he's making a habit out of being a player here in the void, he'll have to say something eventually!

but in all seriousness, his expression sobers up as he nods over his shoulder to urge him to follow back into the apartment lobby. ]
C'mon. Not that I don't like juicy gossip, but I wanna hear more about whatever memory of mine you have.
halloflamer: (Tactical analysis of Red's ass)

[personal profile] halloflamer 2020-10-21 12:07 am (UTC)(link)
Fiiiine, fiiine, she's just Swoobatshit, [Blue waves his hand, and then beams happily as Lance- reluctantly or not- brings the drink to his lips. He doesn't seem to hate it, either!] I remembered you liked something a little on the zesty side, [He grins, cheeks pinking. Oh, that's right.... Lance would never have sat down and drunk with Blue before, like they had upon reuniting at the PWT. His eyes quickly dart to the floor and he turns back to busy himself at the bar again, as Lance ponders his drink, and his next attempt to push the issue. The one he actually came here for, that is.]

[Blue frowns to himself, cleaning the martini shaker slowly.]


Unbothered, huh. Am I supposed to be surprised or something? I've always known you and Red are just the same. [The trashcan rattles, maybe a little more than necessary, as he slides the remainder of lemonpeel into it.] Of course you wouldn't understand.

[Fine!! You want prickly son, you get prickly son!!]
rotomphone: (pic#14274494)

[personal profile] rotomphone 2020-10-21 12:32 am (UTC)(link)
[ it's never that easy, is it? even when you're certain that your feelings have been resolved, something inevitably comes up that bubbles them to the surface again, like they'd never left. that's the nature of their positions in their respective relationships - always chasing, but always two steps behind. ]

Sure it does. But I'm not about to let it get in the way of the fact that he's my best mate.

[ even though they've talked about Raihan's frustration at the times when it boiled over throughout their rivalry, he had a feeling that Leon didn't quite understand, solely by virtue of not having ever experienced a loss. it was what it was, and he'd learned to cope in his own way... if anything, their rivalry had made Leon become a little more considerate of his opponent's feelings over the years. ]

He finally got a taste of what it's like to lose when the kid took his title, and he'll get another dose when I beat him. That's good enough for me.

[ it's the resolution he's come to, and the one that brings him most comfort. ]
halloflamer: (#POKESWAG)

[personal profile] halloflamer 2020-10-21 01:12 am (UTC)(link)
[That's a pretty big 'when', Blue wants to say, but he doesn't. Maybe the look on his face says it anyway. Blue learned his lesson about letting the pettiness get in the way, painfully, and he'd sworn never to let it happen again.]

[His head tilts back down to glance at Raihan, and hooks on something else curiously, if at least to wrench himself off from the path of getting too gloomy and introspective when they're supposed to be relaxing.]


Kid, huh? So what's the deal with your new champ? Another new dynamo rising star, huh?
begetblue: (💾 - 8)

[personal profile] begetblue 2020-10-21 02:34 am (UTC)(link)
[ Grace immediately sprang to mind. The two situations weren't the same, but the reasoning wasn't. In both cases there were creators punishing their creations because they dared to act and develop on their own terms. ]

I don't care what their intentions were. [ Blunt, but honest. There were so many other things on their mind, but if someone said the same about Hayden, they knew how they would feel.

It was still...a complicated feeling. ]


Knowing that they were your creators only makes things worse than they already are!
bachagain: (pic#10478559)

[personal profile] bachagain 2020-10-21 03:01 am (UTC)(link)
[ STOP ]

It is important! Important enough that I’m trying really, really hard to get it with the way you’re doing it, but I can’t…! You’re the only one I had trouble with, you know?!

[ so obviously it’s add’s fault?????

or maybe add’s right and he is doing something wrong, somehow, but it’s not like he can pinpoint what exactly? he’s no expert in weird, jamjar memshares. it’s actually frustrating him, a little-- ]


I can’t force you to do it in the way that feels like it works. I’m just thinking there’s no point keeping yours because I’m having trouble remembering something I should’ve never forgot… It’s not fair, right? Even if you leave after, maybe it’ll pick itself up out of nowhere if I think about it enough. Like “woah, yeah, that’s how it was--”!

[ yeah no it’s not emotional blackmail

he is, simply, an idiot. in this scenario, anyway

in most scenarios-- ]
bachagain: (pic#13949742)

[personal profile] bachagain 2020-10-21 03:02 am (UTC)(link)
[ right, right. it is difficult to make a painting without paints, huh... just like it was kind of difficult to make this kind of sound without an instrument, so that's a good point that leo absolutely forgot about.

he's still playing as he speaks, the song not finished yet, but he continues to pay earnest attention to turing's question. that's an easy one. the easiest one he's had to answer all day (whatever a day is in this place), actually. ]


Don’t ask, don’t ask, just show me! [ obviously he would, ] You don't needa do that idea just 'cause I said it, though. Paint whaaaatever -- whether it's a regular old scene or how you see the world in your mind's eye. I love taking a peek into other people's creativity -- or, mm, just when people are creative in general? It's fun to see!

[ especially when it’s people he knows. it’s like… he’s getting to know new sides? it's nice-- ]
bachagain: (pic#13394108)

[personal profile] bachagain 2020-10-21 03:04 am (UTC)(link)
[ people really do have a ton of sad memories, huh? though, again, leo is never quite surprised to hear this -- even seemingly cheery people like ann have stuff going on. it’s just life. leo himself is proof of that, right?

it doesn’t take long for him to find a spot on the shoreline with… not as much trash, and he gets to pushing that aside with his foot to give ann and him enough space to sit.

thinking about it, there’s something about what she said that makes leo smile, amused. that is: ]


Is that why you and Ren are friends? You both end up pretty focused on how “other people” haven’t been that lucky, but if you did end up sharing that much of your more painful stuff, I’d say you guys are the ones that ended up with the short end of the stick.

[ those usually are the things that people don’t want to share, after all. their lowest points, their vulnerable moments.

he gestures to the now clean spot on the beach-- ]


Here, take a seat!
Edited 2020-10-21 03:09 (UTC)
psychokinesia: (I-0149)

[personal profile] psychokinesia 2020-10-21 04:11 am (UTC)(link)
What the hell kind of logic is that? If you don't know if it's going to work, that's as good as giving up! Put up a damn fight if it's really that important, don't just quit when things get difficult! If you live your life like that then people are going to walk all over you!

[... wait, what was he trying to do here again?

oh well, whatever. Add huffs, finally releasing Leo from his ironclad grip so he can fold his arms in an equally huffy manner. If Leo wants to try running away now, fine, he can go ahead and try. Otherwise—]


Well? I don't have all day, so if you're going to do it then get it over with already. What's the memory?
sefirot: (27)

[personal profile] sefirot 2020-10-21 09:03 am (UTC)(link)
I am.

[And he's glad to return her memory. He doesn't need so many pointless things cluttering his mind. It's still there of course, but not something to be confused with his other memories.

The look he gives her is mildly amused. She's doing her best to stay strong. He's not surprised given the power he felt from her memory. She is strong. It's curious.
]

They're afraid of you. Of your power. Aren't they?
sefirot: (8)

[personal profile] sefirot 2020-10-21 09:07 am (UTC)(link)
You're correct. This place is vastly different. It's so unfamiliar ... not even the lifestream has the same feel. You would know that though.

[He doesn't need to tell her more about that. Even if she isn't dead he knows about her connection to the planet and lifestream itself.

If she could talk to this world, that'd have made things a little easier. He could find out what this place wants through her -- though he's sure she wouldn't easily give up the information if she did hold it.
]

What about the other lifeforms? The animals? Do they seem natural or are they like us?

[And also displaced?]
sefirot: (246)

[personal profile] sefirot 2020-10-21 09:14 am (UTC)(link)
[It always comes back to Cloud. Zack will find out how deeply that goes soon enough.]

You cannot stop me. But not to worry, the one here is from ... before. He's not the one I want. We haven't shared enough memories yet. Nor has he felt the full pain of complete loss.

The Cloud I seek is back where I came from. Another place. Another time. Waiting no doubt for my inevitable return. Which is why I need to get back. I'd hate to disappoint him.

[He won't turn away from tormenting Cloud here, but it won't be nearly as enjoyable. Not yet anyway.]
obsessiveness: (Default)

[personal profile] obsessiveness 2020-10-21 12:18 pm (UTC)(link)
[ just a long bout of silence, to drive in how pathetically stupid add's epic clapback was.

and then izumi speaks with a deadpan: ]


So you're into that then? Getting stepped on.

[ highkey kinkshames ]
obsessiveness: (pic#12681561)

[personal profile] obsessiveness 2020-10-21 12:24 pm (UTC)(link)
Blink, blink.

"Like, that wizard?"

He knows enough Arthuriana to recognize the name, at least. Izumi's still looking at him weirdly, because --

"No way. You look younger than I usually expect."
psychokinesia: (I-0008)

[personal profile] psychokinesia 2020-10-21 12:30 pm (UTC)(link)
Wh-what? No, of course not! I just think it could be informative in various ways...

[he is....... definitely into it. he can't even properly deny it. but it's still for scientific purposes, okay?? a man of science like him doesn't have time to worry about romantic relationships, let alone a relationship with a machine he's supposed to be studying...!!]


E-enough about that already! Aren't you just mad because you want your stupid memory back?! If you keep bringing up strange things I really will delete it!
obsessiveness: (pic#12783492)

[personal profile] obsessiveness 2020-10-21 12:45 pm (UTC)(link)
[ for once. normally izumi wouldn't take him up on that offer, and in more extreme cases he'd have to kick leo off the bed for making his body ache even more. but like... he needs the massage more than ever? that, and... well, izumi's gotten more used to skinship now.

or maybe izumi's just that touch-starved as usual. he already collapsed on top of leo unceremoniously just now, so why not take it further with this?

ugh.

at least leo hasn't crushed his fuckin spine yet. ]


Mm, just press harder.

[ and that'll be the last time izumi says anything else, because at some point he'll just fall asleep. his burdens may continue to weigh him down, but - so long as he feels leo's hands on his back, he should be fine. ]
obsessiveness: (pic#12739668)

[personal profile] obsessiveness 2020-10-21 12:53 pm (UTC)(link)
Then stop bringing in your stupid turn-ons or I really won't give this memory back!

[ not that he wants to keep it anyway?! but add is right! izumi really is pissed off now!

but they're not really getting anywhere with this, are they. ]
psychokinesia: (I-0048)

[personal profile] psychokinesia 2020-10-21 01:12 pm (UTC)(link)
You're the one who brought it up first! How the hell does that make it my fault?!

Ugh, just tell me the rest of it already! Or are you so reluctant to give it up because you have eyes for Eve now, too?
memorate: (d (72))

[personal profile] memorate 2020-10-21 01:32 pm (UTC)(link)
[ "As long as we can"? That sounds strangely ominous, like something inevitable is going to happen or they're running out of time. Cloud wonders if she's referring to his own eventual cellular degradation, but a SOLDIER's average lifespan has always been a top secret.

She's right either way, he'll fight for as long as he can. It's not only for the people, but for her future, too. ]


What about after we save the Planet? Ever thought about what you'd do after that?
Edited 2020-10-21 13:33 (UTC)
memorate: (d (23))

[personal profile] memorate 2020-10-21 01:32 pm (UTC)(link)
[ "Unfortunately"? That doesn't bode well, although if this also has something to do with Cloud's own memories, then he's already on edge. ]

That sounds like something you'd say before you make someone uncomfortable.

[ Well, he's waiting to hear it. ]
begetblue: (💾 - 15)

[personal profile] begetblue 2020-10-21 03:56 pm (UTC)(link)
I see...

[ Necessary repairs, an inactive central AI, and dead batteries? Just one of those was bad enough, but all three together threatened to be insurmountable. Turing frowned at that, but not at Add's reaction. Being upset at a situation that couldn't be changed would not do any good. That was something Turing knew very well, and giving too much time to those hurt feelings somehow made it all hurt more. But maybe now there was a way to change all that. ]

I don't know what I would be able to do, but if there's anything I can do to help, I'd like to try.

[ They had already come a long way from the Turing who hid behind the front door. That being said-- ]

...Mostly anything, anyway.

[ In other words, "don't get carried away."

It ultimately didn't matter if Dynamo was a ROM or not; they couldn't let a fellow AI drift in a limbo of living and not living. The battery issue was both the most mystifying and potentially the easiest to solve, so Turing started there. Their own batteries had been fine this whole time, but the power from their battery didn't seem to be transferable based on their own experience. Transplanting one of their batteries into a fixed Dynamo might work, but considering how dependent their entire being was on their hardware staying exactly as it was, that was kind of a scary thing to think about. Maybe it was better to focus on other things first. ]


Is it possible that some parts could be salvaged from the appliances at the beach, even if they're not ideal?
anciently: (you'll see)

[personal profile] anciently 2020-10-21 06:58 pm (UTC)(link)
Sure did. [ Aerith replies quickly, face brightening even more. ] In fact, I wanted to ask you about it...

[ It's pretty different in tone from the memory of hers that he'd seen, after all! ]

You were fighting on a beach, and...using an umbrella as a weapon. [ At that, she laughs a bit, recalling the memory as if it had been her own as it starts to flow from her back to him. ] I've never seen anything like it!