tabularasa_rp | 003 - Memories of a False History

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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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code bases by tricklet

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A) The Sound | Merlaut Apartments (Outside)

[Izuku is just outside of the apartments when it happens. That deafening, awful sound. It hits Izuku so suddenly, all around him with no relief, that the only thing he can think to do is cover his head and duck. It feels very much like something bearing down on him, and Toshi- the Thunderbird companion who appeared back to him earlier in the month- screeches with alarm in his own right and covers Izuku with a massive wing.

As soon as the sound began, it feels, it finally stops. Izuku lacks any real sense of time in this place, so he couldn't say how long it lasted...only that it's overwhelming presence reminded him of something he thought he left behind in another world.

War.]

What...what was that?

B) Disaster(ish, it may come up in conversation here!) | Chicago L Station

[It comes to him eventually, and it's about what he had envisioned had happened. The destruction of Hammerlocke, previously a mystery to everyone, now a reality with such complete clarity it makes Izuku's heart ache to think about it as he heads toward a location he hasn't seen before: the Chicago L Station. He's on toshi's back, but the bird trots on foot instead of flies. It's not as fast this way, but that sound from earlier has left them both uneasy. Best to stay low, for now.

They make it eventually to the station no matter how long it takes, and Izuku instructs Toshi to stay behind whle he takes the line himself. At first the bird is reluctant, but eventually has no choice but to stay. It's not like he can take the train...so he takes off, intending to burn some restless energy with hunting.

It seems Izuku isn't the first to come by this way, though, as someone else is at the station with him.]

Where do you think this leads?

C) Shibumenosaki Underground Academy | Open to Memory Sharing

[At least this place is a little less ominous for exploring, and way more familiar to Izuku besides. Still though...the fact it's so empty is a little concerning? Spooky, even. And he can't even really focus on anything since he keeps getting the nagging feeling he's...forgetting something. A lot of somethings, actually. Things mundane, but also things incredibly important to him.

But what?

By the time he finds the shops proper is when he starts being struck with flashes of things he's only just now remembering, as vividly as if he were there, but with people he's never met....faces he doesn't initially recognize, and some that he does. And that...is worth investigation too, no matter how odd it makes him feel.

So maybe you're looking through the school-shops as well when Izuku approaches you, looking...conflicted, somehow.]

Hey, um...do you have time to talk? I think there's a cafeteria nearby we can sit at.

D) Wildcard

[My plotting comment is here! If you haven't swapped a memory with Izuku yet and still would like to, I'm game for some last minute swaps! Or just giving some of his to you if you'd rather not give one in return, I'm not picky. Otherwise you can catch me on

winterbolt for plotting!]

(Clear his head, that was the aim in his walking until he found the new place that spawned in the Void. He can do both, right? Recon and think. It's somewhat familiar, but not familiar enough, Ren has gotten used to the feeling of dejavu the Void imposes on him often enough.

He was concentrated going through the shops' items - see whether he can actually use anything when he hears the voice. Izuku...? He doesn't seem to be doing well, but who is, really?)

Of course. Are you ok? (He asks with a motion for them to start walking.)

Um...I think so? Well...no, actually.

[Izuku shakes his head a little as he walks, bringing a hand to his temple.]

I don't know what's going on, but my mind feels all...mixed up, today. I feel like I'm forgetting something really important.

Yeah. It's been like this for plenty of people. (Himself included, but comforting Izuku was more important. When they reach the cafeteria, Ren finds them a place to sit.)

[It sure does seem that way! Izuku is glad that Ren seems open for talking though as they find somewhere to sit, moving to fold his hands in his lap.]

So like...I keep remembering things that I don't think...were something I knew, before? But at the same time, it feels like I was there. Like...I don't actually know which things I'm remembering are real or not.

[Is he going crazy?]

It all started happening after that loud noise this morning. Or...I guess it was this morning. Earlier.

(From his own reaction and many others, Izuku at least seems to be more upset in his confusion than freaked out about it. Seems like he hasn't figured out yet...)

I spoke with some people. Our memories have been transferred around, it seems. (Ren keeps his eyes on the other, just to catch whether he'll be ok with the information given.)

Our memories...

[It makes sense, given what Izuku thinks he's seen. What else could they be, other than misplaced memories. They still...feel as vivid as if he were there for them, but...

He straightens, looking back over to Ren after he's thought this over for a moment with a hand to his chin.]

In that case, I think I've accidentally gotten one of yours, Amamiya-san.

"It's a date!"

★☆★

[Tifa has been browsing the shops in the new underground mall, albeit absentmindedly, for some time now. It was some good time alone to try and recall missing memories, and on top of that, she hoped that the arrival of a mall meant she could find things to help decorate her apartment. Sure, she can go rooting through Takoba beach, and has with success, but it's much more comfortable to do her shopping where it's meant to be done. Sadly, that doesn't seem to be the case...

She's pulling a school uniform off the rack and pressing it against herself, frowning at how silly it looks, when she hears a familiar voice from behind. Quickly, she hangs it and turns, hands behind her back.]

Oh. Hey.

[She has a feeling she knows what this is about...

There had been a moment earlier when she remembered one memory that she hasn't been able to figure out. An emotional fight wouldn't be so out of her realm, given everything that's happened until now, but her opponent is a boy she only barely recognizes as a fellow citizen of the Void—one she's never spoken to before. Everything about it, though... it didn't feel like her. It wasn't hers. It was something she feels like she shouldn't be seeing. Something personal.

And it could very well be that it belongs to him.

She smiles, sheepish.]

Yeah. Think there's any food in there? Been feeling a little on the hungry side.

Edited 2020-09-17 18:13 (UTC)

[Izuku has had the same strange sense of remembering something that doesn't quite slot correctly in his head with the rest of the things he knows, though at least on his end the thing he recalls was less...intense. An uplifting and encouraging one on the outset...

Aerith had been there. He'd only spoken to her a small handful of times, but that memory felt like speaking with an old friend. Reassuring him the future wasn't set in stone, lifting his spirits by asking what he wanted to do after "saving sector 7". Saving places wasn't an out of the norm thing for a hero to do, but the first thing he thought of to do after typically wouldn't be going shopping.

Especially not to stock a bar.]

It must. What kind of cafeteria doesn't have food, right?

It'll be worth checking out, at least.

[It was more something to lighten the mood for what could be a heavy conversation, depending on a number of things, but her smile widens anyway when he agrees, and she straightens out the rack of clothes before leaving the shop with him, heading down to the cafeteria where there is indeed an array of food and drinks to choose from.

She doesn't have much interest in a lot of them, especially the Honey Pickled Lemons, but she does take a small sandwich and a drink before finding them a table to sit at.

Not that it's difficult. Besides them, there's no one else down here.]

Lemme guess, she begins, uncapping her drink. You saw something that isn't yours, right?

[Izuku will pick out something similar, even if he isn't particularly hungry at the moment with all of this weirdness going on. He should at least drink something though, so he'll focus on some water for now.

That question has his brows raising before he looks mildly sheepish.]

Either it was that obvious from my expression...or you're going through the same thing, too?

I think a lot of us are... if that's any consolation.

[She hopes it is. At the very least, none of them seem to be going through this experience alone.]

I think I've got something that belongs to you, too. There's another boy here that you know, right? Recognized him in the memory—that was the only way I could tell that it was yours.

[The way Izuku's expression shifts with immediate recognition probably says everything.]

Kacchan. Yes, I...it was actually the same for yours. Aerith-san was in mine.

[Tifa freezes up.]

She was, huh...? What exactly did you see?

[There aren't a lot of happy memories involving Aerith, and if there were, it wasn't riddled with anxiety on Tifa's part. The whole time they've known each other, it's been one thing after another—if not Don Corneo, then it's the plate, or getting Aerith out of Hojo's lab, or even all of the things that came after they escaped Shinra.

Her biggest fear is that this poor kid has had to see something he really shouldn't be...]

[It's lucky then that Izuku managed to accidentally take one of the nicer ones. He still remembers it as if it had just happened to him, so it's easy to recall.]

She asked me what "I" wanted to do after I saved sector 7.

[It takes a moment for her to realize what memory he's talking about, and when she does, her eyes go wide with surprise. That's... better than she was expecting this to be!]

Must be right after we got kicked out of Corneo's place... down in the sewers!

[She remembers that moment well. Tension was high and her anxieties were flaring, worrying about the fate of Sector Seven, and Aerith had come to her rescue, knowing just the right things to say to calm her down enough to focus on the issue at hand.

Her expression turns warm, a smile surfacing.]

You've met Aerith then, yeah?

[Izuku nods, fidgeting a bit with the sandwich he got but hasn't quite managed to open yet.]

Mmhm. I met her when we all first arrived here. We looked around the Hammerlocke ruins together.

So then you know the kind of person she is.

[Even without knowing her that well, it's easy to tell. The kind who'll stick by someone's side, and who can make any grim situation feel less so.]

Yeah... turns out we didn't make it to the bar in time. [Her expression droops a bit, but only for a moment before she lifts her gaze to meet his again.] But once we're all finished with Shinra, we're gonna rebuild it, and then go shopping. Just like we promised.

[ Aerith, another resident of the apartment, blinks at the sound of the question as her ears stop ringing. Slowly, she turns to look at the semi-familiar face, brows knit lightly in confusion. ]

Don't know... [ She gives her head a little shake before walking over to Izuku, expression shifting to one of concern. ] You okay? That was pretty intense...

[ To say the least. Clearly he'd heard it to, which is...some small reassurance... ]

[Aerith. Izuku sees her occasionally since she lives nearby, so he's glad to see that she's at least physically okay in the wake of whatever that was just now.]

I'm fine. At first I thought something was happening to the building, but...it's okay, isn't it?

[It looks fine...]

Seems like it. [ She glances around at the building herself, but there are no signs of damage. ] So it wasn't a weird earthquake, or anything like that. Maybe it was the cry of some kind of creature?

[ The void is full of weird animals, apparently, so this might just be a new - and particularly vocal - one. ]

It could be...there are always strange things showing up...but if that were the case, maybe we would have seen it by now?

[Izuku winces as he brings a hand to the side of his face. And why does he feel so...]

Something...feels off.

I dunno... Creatures and places just kinda appear out of nowhere here, don't they? [ Aerith frowns lightly, glancing upward. ] I don't disagree that it feels off, though...

[ That's sort of the baseline here, but...this is a little different. ]

Either way... [ She begins, expression softening to one more of concern. ] That was pretty scary.

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003 - Memories of a False History

Izuku Midoriya | OTA

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omg i forgot some brackets in that tag 😱

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