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

[halloflamer]

It's not the quiet, [Blue laughs, although he doesn't disagree. Mt. Silver certainly was a quiet place.... Normally- when it didn't also contain a vibrant and attractive marketplace in the basement.]

[...He should know, right...? It's the same sort of frustration. Red was just simple. He had no underlying intentions; there were no devious machinations he had in mind. When it came to that sort of person, you couldn't apply the same logic as with others; that was what was so frustrating about them. That was why it was so easy to hate them.]

[Blue's lips purse into the same kind of foolish, oblivious smirk he usually puts on as he watches Akechi react, tilting his head slightly. He doesn't seem bothered by it, at least.]

[Well, that's good. Akechi's kind of a scary person, if Blue's being honest with himself; he doesn't really want him to react badly, but he just can't help himself when it comes to pushing buttons, either......]

Ummm, that's one way to put it, but.... I'm not really worried about asking all that stuff right away, and it seems kind of boringly complicated, if I'm honest.....

[Blue could choose to be simple too, when he wanted to.]

...Ren-chan probably still doesn't get it at all, does he? Even though you said it to his face, he probably thinks something like, 'oh, where did that come from?' Ah, I don't think he's dumb enough to think you were just having a bad day either, though....

[Blue rubs a hand up in the back of his spikes, thinking. How to put this..... He speaks as if to himself, crossing his arms over his chest.] How annoying. Some people really really have it all handed to them...!

[simulatio]

[There's something absurdly funny about Blue deeming the Metaverse too complicated and boring to try to understand, and honestly? Akechi's more than fine with it. The less he has to explain about all of that, the better. It's not supposed to be something that the general public has knowledge of, after all, so the less he has to say, the better.

He stills, frowns, as Blue starts speaking though. What on Earth had he seen...?

Then again, now he does truly know what he's talking about. He moves to take a seat on his own bed, gesturing for Blue to sit at the desk, if he wants. It feels weird to just stand and talk, and Blue isn't overtly hostile or panicked, like some of his other visitors.]

He and Red-san do seem to be rather similar, [he agrees, still watching Blue carefully as he brings a hand to his lips.] I... forgive me, but I saw you... waiting for him? For a battle of a sort. If I'm being honest with you, I still can't fathom what Ren thinks most of the time.

[halloflamer]

[Blue feels equally frustrated at trying to comprehend other people's complicated worlds as he does having to explain basic concepts of his own- it was too confusing, and too irrelevant. It'd be easier anyway when they could get their Pokéballs to work and have real battles, so why tell what you can show!?]

[...And from that memory, Blue thinks he's seen more than enough.]

[Akechi doesn't seem put off by Blue's rambling, so it seems he's willing to engage with it.... After a moment, Blue parks himself on the edge of the desk chair, leaning chin in hand.]

Waiting for him, huh? ...That doesn't narrow it down, much. [Scoffing with slight distaste, he runs it through mind. It must have been a long time ago, though.... So nothing good.] He's too direct, isn't he? Reckless.... But, it's annoying when they don't even realize how direct they are....

And then you get direct with them and they gawk at you, like, 'the hell!?'!

[Blue crosses his leg as he scoffs again. He just needs to get this all off his chest, alright.] ...But, you understand it better now yourself, right? So I guess he was right not to believe you hated him, if he didn't take it to heart.

[simulatio]

As Champion, [he clarifies, though that is interesting. That's right, he's known Red his whole life- or, well, no. That isn't quite right. Blue has known Red his entire life.

But then, he laughs, because Blue isn't wrong. He's not wrong at all, even though Akechi can't claim to have had years worth of experience. He hadn't even had more than a few months before it was all ripped away from him, but it was fun to play at for a time.

Hated him, combined with seeing Ren as Joker, without the horrors of the Black Mask? That could only be one circumstance, then, their duel in Mementos. Something deeply personal, and yet, not the worst thing someone else could witness through his own eyes.]

Are you trying to psychoanalyze me, Blue-san? [He quirks an eyebrow, snorts a little with resigned amusement. Even just earlier, he'd tried to shove Ren away from him as hard as he could, and it was still so hard for the other to understand.] Do you think we're similar?

[halloflamer]

Ah.

...Aren't we?

[Blue arches one brow, turning with another scoff. Well. Now he knows they're similar.... Guess who else can't help being an antagonizing little shit?]

Not the same, obviously. [There's a certain wary sort of glance tossed Akechi's way that makes it very obvious just what he's dancing around, but he continues.] Well, I've had a lot more time than you have to mull all that kind of stuff over...

Hmmm... I'll be a hypocrite saying this, but I'm gonna do it anyway. There's no point in pushing away anymore. Ren-chan's a total idiot, and he's over the moon for you. [Blue prods at the flowers in the vase on the desk, flicking a petal.] I saw it myself~ ...So the only reason to keep that wall up now would be... to protect him, right? From what?

Yourself? [He rests his chin on his hand, folded on the back of the chair now, watching Akechi.]

[simulatio]

[His heart sinks at that wary stare, though he keeps it from his face. Ah. Blue does know something of his true self. It would be too much to hope that with all that hatred and resentment, none of that murderous intent would leak through, too.

But he lets Blue prattle on, because antagonizing him at this point is more a liability than an asset. If Blue does know something that personal about him, it's going to be a problem, sooner or later.

A muscle in his jaw tightens. He knows. He's well aware of how Ren feels for him now, just as aware as he is that it shouldn't happen, that he shouldn't allow it. Even just a few hours before, he'd lashed out and hurt Ren because he's a broken excuse of a human being. Someone like Ren...

He doesn't look away as Blue speaks, meeting his eyes and answering softly,] Surely you've seen why I would.

[Whatever he remembers, even a glimpse into his mind has to be enough to prove to anyone with even a little sense that Akechi is the last person anyone should get involved with.

It's also to protect himself, of course, but like hell he'd ever admit that aloud.]

[halloflamer]

[He doesn't have to admit that part. Blue knows it very well; having your defenses raised was for your own benefit, before anyone else's. Emotions were the easiest weakness to exploit; especially so when they flew off on a hairtrigger, like Blue's did. But he also felt it was obvious that someone like Ren didn't need to be defended from- not directly, and not when his feelings were returned. There was no risk of either exploitation or betrayal, at that point.]

[But he heaves a deep sigh at Akechi's honest response, because he does know. And he knows the feeling, too; although he had to admit that... in the scheme of things, Akechi had far more reason to think that of himself than Blue did. Fair.]

Yeah, [He admits, working his jaw.] Guess I can't disagree with that. What's the play- letting yourself have what you want- what he wants- at his expense? Or do you keep denying him and yourself?

[Blue tilts his head thoughtfully.] ...When I was a kid, there was this gang called the Rockets that controlled a lot of my region. Red took it upon himself to take 'em down. You know, just cuz.

['Because it's the right thing to do' 'because Pokémon are suffering'; there were all kinds of perfectly legitimate reasons he had. But nah. Just because.]

....I've never been the self-righteous type, so I figured it was none of my business to interfere, but once I left him and his team half-beaten in the middle of their hideout, just to see how he was doing. If he could really take their boss down.

[Well, he managed it- somehow or another. So Blue supposes his little 'test' didn't matter, anyway.] That's just one more story you didn't see, behind all that. Anyway, somehow, Red still wants to be my friend, all this time later...... I guess what 'm saying is that they're idiots, so it doesn't matter how much you abuse 'em cuz they're just gonna forgive you. So it's up to you to become the better person for him, right?

Least, that's what I decided for me. You're you, and there's a pretty big difference in what we're trying to make up for.

[simulatio]

[Something he's learning from all this is that everyone has their dirty little secrets. Their regrets. Some, like him and Damien, are hidden destructiveness, the kinds of things that simply can't be forgiven in a court of law. Some, like Blue, are more personal aggressions.

Everyone makes mistakes. Some worse than others, but all weighing them down in similar ways.

To Blue's credit, Akechi doesn't immediately dismiss what he's saying; he's listening, out of respect which until recently he wouldn't have said Blue deserves. And it's in deference to that, in light of what he'd just done to Ren a few hours ago, that he keeps his eyes on Blue's to give him his full attention.]

Such faith, [he comments, voice still soft as he steeples his fingers before his lips.] As you said, there's quite a difference between us. What makes you think I'm even capable of becoming a better person?

[halloflamer]

I don't, [Blue shrugs his shoulders listlessly, still slumped over the back of the chair.] For all I know you're a shitty Bastiodon through and through and that's never gonna change. But that's not really my problem; whatever you're doing, it's for you and him, right?

The heck is my faith worth, anyway? I'm just another hopeless jerk like you.

[He cracks a crooked grin at Akechi. Foolish he was indeed; he had to be, to knowingly carry himself through the daily weight of his own constant self-flagellation.]

[There's a part of Blue that still feels that raw anger and bitterness for the way things went down, when he was growing up. And he wonders if he oughtn't be a little angrier for himself even now- finding himself slightly jealous of the level of destructiveness that Akechi indulged in. He could chalk it up to a difference in age and experience that he was able to bury it down better now, sure, but growing older didn't make all of those unresolved feelings go away.]

[Lashing out felt good, sometimes, before it felt inevitably worse. The freshly turned over memories remind him of that.]

[simulatio]

[He snorts at Blue's assessment, lowers his hands sits back up with a hint of a grin. It's a genuine one this time, not the pleasant, polished smile of a Detective Prince, but something a little more, well. Like a shitty Bastiodon.]

Perhaps you're right, [he admits, very quietly. It's a concession of defeat, more or less, and as the grin fades, his gaze drifts sideways. Something in his chest aches at the thought of how he'd lashed out at Ren. Logically, he knows it's not the right thing to do. Emotionally, he doesn't know what else he could have done in the moment. Everything in his life felt like it was something he had to do, from shooting Ren in the head to their final battle together. A series of unavoidable choices. Maybe for Blue it felt the same.]

And yet, you of all people should know that it is far more easily said than done to change who you are.

[halloflamer]

I don't really think I have, [Blue admits, reaching up to rub at the back of his nape again.] ....But I guess self-control is kind of like changing. When I was a kid, I definitely had none of it.

Way less than you, even. [He flashes Akechi that grin again. In a way, it was trying to be reassuring, like an older brother might offer casual calm in order to ease fears.] That was like, 10 years ago, already... Baby steps is fine, though, right? Progress is progress. Probably.

[That is, unless your efforts were deemed not good enough and you lost your chance anyways. Even if Blue wasn't really such an optimistic person, deep down, he didn't try to drag others down with him.... So it was better to say something more hopeful, he thinks. Ah, maybe Akechi isn't the type to be fooled by that, though....]

[If Blue had been asked pointblank, he'd agree, without details. But that was just how desperation was, right? It was desperation like survival- emotional survival, keeping yourself mentally afloat under the weight of whatever pressure was forcing your hand. Sometimes it really was life and death. Sometimes it was just the histrionic, narrow worldview of a child. The stakes always feel higher when you don't know how much worse it could be.]

...If I'm being honest, between you and me, I don't really care about 'being a better person' and all that junk just for the sake of it, [Even though he says that, he can't help but be self-aware enough to look a little guilty at admitting it, mouth twisting.] I mean, I can't be bothered to sit around and think about morals and all that boring stuff. I kind of just decided that I should try to be a little more like Red, I guess. There's a lot of things I admire about that guy.

[His eyes turn down, just the slightest hint of bashfulness he can't avoid.] Uhh, so maybe you could think of it that way, if it feels weird to you, too.