003 - Memories of a False History

[tabularasa_mods]

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

Comments

A GARGANTUAN PROBLEM -- closed to Noctis

[rotomphone]

[ thanks to a certain pair of royal pains looking to stir up trouble in Galar, several of the Dragon-type Pokémon populating the Hammerlocke Gym have Dynamaxed against their will and are on a near rampage. There are four Pokémon in total that need calming down, but three are being taken care of by backup - two young Trainers and a young man in a punk-like outfit. That leaves one Pokémon to Raihan, and he knows it all too well. The gigantic Kommo-o standing before him is a friend - a Pokémon under training at the gym. ]

Hey, Kommo-o! It’s me, Raihan! Can you hear me?

[ the gigantic dragon does not respond, simply taking an intimidating step forward in anticipation to attack. Its scaly armor jingles together as it moves, creating a sharp, metallic sound that makes Raihan cringe and put his hands to his ears. ]

That Wishing Star really got to your head, didn't it? But it’s not like you can help it… so let’s calm you down a little!

[ he throws a Poké Ball to release Duraludon, ready to fight at Raihan’s command. It’s tough to take on an irritated Dynamaxed Pokémon on your own, but Raihan is more than confident in his ace’s abilities. That confidence isn’t unfounded - with the power of a Max Rockfall setting up a raging sandstorm, a Max Steelspike dealing a large amount of damage, and a G-Max Depletion to finish it off, the Kommo-o is finally relaxed from its frenzy and returns to normal size. Duraludon does as well, giving Raihan the space to run up to the defeated Pokémon and kneel next to it. ]

There we are… that must have tuckered you out. [ he gives the dragon’s scales a soothing pet, to which it weakly coos and leans into the touch. While he does, he uses his free hand to take out a berry from his pocket. ] Here. I reckon a good rampage is enough to make you work up an appetite!

[ the Kommo-o takes the offering; the energy from the berry is enough to help it get on its feet, and Raihan gives it a proper petting to soothe any remaining nerves. He looks around at the stadium - the structure looks relatively undamaged, and the other three rampaging Pokémon have been similarly settled. ]

[king_in_dreams]

[Noct knows all too well that Gladio let him win in their race along the beach. It doesn't take much for Gladio to outpace him, after all, considering the other man's longer legs and better fitness, but it also doesn't mean he won't revel in the victory while he can.]

---

[It takes Noct some time to track Raihan down. It would absolutely have been harder if Duraludon hadn't been in the memory, considering he's still learning names and faces around here.]

Hey!

[He waves to Raihan as he calls out.]

Got a second?

[rotomphone]

[ though the memory is mostly a mundane one, it sticks out to Raihan simply for a couple of reasons. the first is the familiarity of rivalry in friendship - whoever these two were, they were clearly pushing each other to be better in a friendly way, and Raihan can relate to that. the second is that the man that the memory owner had raced against was about as tall as Raihan is, which isn't something that he sees often. the rest is unfamiliar, but the early-morning beachside view has him yearning to see a sunrise.

that doesn't help at all in determining who the memory belongs to, though. the voice sounds a bit familiar, but he can't put his finger on it... until Noctis approaches him in the apartment complex lobby, about to head out. this isn't the first time he's been approached seemingly without prompting, so he has a feeling that he knows what it's about. ]

Sure! [ he raises an eyebrow. ] But let me guess, first - you've got a memory that belongs to me, right?

[ it's said in good nature, but it's been happening a lot for the past... day? few hours? time is still confusing, but it's been happening. ]

[king_in_dreams]

I think so? If that's what's going on, I mean. I saw your friend in it, anyway. [He pauses a beat.] Wait. Do you have one of mine?

[That could be really bad - or awkward, at the least.]

[rotomphone]

Duraludon, you mean? [ at the sound of his name, the Pokemon shuffles around to look at Noctis curiously. ] If he was there, I'd say it's a pretty good bet it was mine. I hope we looked cool!

[ the Pokemon shuffles over upon hearing his name, interested in where the conversation might be turning to. Raihan looks a little more relaxed; if it's a memory with Duraludon, it's less likely that it's an embarrassing one. ] I'm pretty sure that's what's happening, yeah... You're not the first person that's come up to me like this.

[ he's also done it a few times himself, to the point where the deja-vu is just just becoming routine. hopefully this doesn't last too long - having memories shared like this feels a little invasive. ]

I wasn't sure at first, but now I'm thinking it's a good bet! Have you got a friend that's about my height, long hair, muscles for days?

[king_in_dreams]

[Noct nods, smiling at Durludon a little before he looks back to Raihan.]

Pretty cool, yeah. There was a giant, like... dragon looking thing, and something about a Wishing Star?

[Noct smiles and nods again.] Oh, yeah, Gladio. Or, Gladiolus. He's my, uh... one of my friends.

[Telling people he's just met that he's the prince always just feels like bragging.]

that last tag somehow ran in thought circles and i apologize (つд⊂)

[rotomphone]

Wishing Stars, eh? [ he considers it; that could mean a lot of things! maybe it was a memory of encountering a Pokémon Den, or helping one of his Pokémon learn to control themselves after Dynamaxing... there's plenty of possibilities. ] Well, working with dragons is pretty much my job back home, so you're gonna have to be way more specific!

[ he spends a lot more time with Dragon Pokémon than without, and that's the way he likes it! every new day is a chance to get stronger, after all. ]

You guys were doing some training down on a beach. [ he's doing his best not to let his smile give away too much, in case the other man isn't aware. he doesn't doubt that Noctis is fast, but he knows by experience of someone of that stature that one of every step that he'd take is two steps for someone of Noctis' height. his friend had let him win, plain and simple. ] You narrowly avoided days of morning workouts, from the looks of it.

You're totally fine! <3

[king_in_dreams]

[Noct gives a little amused noise at the idea of anyone working with dragons full time - but then frowns, trying to think of more details.]

Uh... You called it... Kommo-O?

[He hopes he's not butchering that pronunciation.]

[Noct blinks at Raihan for a minute, trying to place that, too - and then laughs, reaching up to scratch the back of his head sheepishly.]

Oh, yeah. That was... We hadn't been on the road that long, and one of our other friends was kinda riding me to, y'know... not sleep in so much while we were travelling.

[rotomphone]

[ upon hearing the Pokemon's name, Raihan raises a brow in recognition. the pronunciation could use a little work, but he knows exactly what instance he's talking about - it wasn't that far into the past. ]

Ah... I know what you're talking about! Poor girl was forced to Dynamax against her will; she was scared to death. Duraludon and I had to settle her down.

[ "Dynamax" is jargon, but it's not difficult to assume that it's referring to the way she had grown to a gargantuan size. when Duraludon had dealt out the finishing move, she had shrunk down to a more normal size.

Noctis' admission gets a laugh out of him, though it's good-natured. he's honest, and that counts for something. ] Sounds like a pain! Did it end up changing your habits at all, then?

[king_in_dreams]

[Noct tilts his head.] I'm guessing "dynamax"-ing is why she was so big? What caused it?

[He huffs out a laugh, reaching up to scratch the back of his neck.] Uh... not really? But it got Ignis to leave me alone about it for a couple days. I tried to make it up to him by doing dishes a couple times, too.

[rotomphone]

It's a temporary transformation that Pokémon can do - it's caused by a phenomenon that's only been recorded in Galar, the region that I'm from. Normally it's something that can be controlled, but two royal arseholes decided to trigger it by force to stir up some trouble.

[ it's a long story involving false claims to nobility and some legendary wolves, but the important part is that everyone came out of it relatively unscathed. that doesn't mean that it wasn't incredibly irresponsible of the assailants, though... they had called themselves the true heirs to Galar's throne, all based on a false history. the truth coming out about Zacian and Zamazenta had been as much as a surprise to Raihan as anyone else, but fighting against it just seemed selfish to him.

at Noct's admission, he chuckles. ]

I'm the last person to scold anyone about being a heavy sleeper, so you're off scott-free with me. It sounds like you've got a solid group of friends looking out for you, at least.

[king_in_dreams]

[Noct huffs out a laugh.]

I know a lot about royal assholes causing problems.

[He is one, after all, though most of the trouble he caused was either for the bad guys or for the sake of a prank.]

I do, yeah. You, uh... your accent actually kinda sounds like Ignis's.

[rotomphone]

Do you, now? [ he smirks. ] Sounds like the kind of thing to talk about over a drink. We should swap stories one day!

[ talking and ranting about total dickheads is entertaining in itself, but Raihan is also interested to see what kind of person Noctis is. he certainly looked brooding in that all-black outfit, but there seems to be more to him than that. and speaking of being interested, that little tidbit has his eyebrow raising. ]

That so? [ that's very weird. and to make sure his bases are covered-- ] And the name "Galar" doesn't ring any bells to you, right?

[ he hadn't read anything from Noctis' expression when he had said it earlier, but he just wants to make sure. ]

[king_in_dreams]

[Noct's smirk remains, too.] Yeah, definitely.

[He shakes his head at that.] Nah. Closest thing to that I know of is Gralea, but... [It's obviously not the same thing.] Maybe it's just a similar accent, or whatever?

[rotomphone]

[ now that's a man of sensibility! he's definitely the sort that Raihan would like to have for company, even if he seems a little awkward. that's something that time at a bar can easily fix, at least. ]

Never thought that accents of all things would transcend worlds... talk about mundane!

[ what a yawnfest! but it gets him thinking - with so many people from different worlds, they all have to have something that sets them apart! ]

There's got to be some stuff that makes where you come from unique, right? Like how we have Pokémon - no one else around here knows what they are, so I figure that's our thing.