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Post by foolishfool on Oct 22, 2022 6:50:41 GMT -8
Okay so either he’s very bad at sneaking, this asshole is very perceptive, or he has some kind of bullshit extra sensory sense. Jovin sighed as he stood up, slinging his metal baseball across his shoulder as he strode out from behind the curtain, purple sparks and lighting running up and down his body. “Bugger really hoped ya wouldn’t notice… and I see ya know of me, but ya have me at a disadvantage, for I have no idea who ya shadowy ass is, expect working from VoidCo which… gonna be honest with ya, makes me very disinclined to like ya” he waves at Dylan, keeping his eyes on this shadowy bugger.
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Post by flightlessicarus on Oct 22, 2022 7:22:37 GMT -8
 The dreamscape shifts, the empty rows of seats fade, the baseball diamond's artifacts sink into the ground, and The Stage becomes that much closer to the outfield. "At least you have a sense of reason. Unfortunately, you are too late. The future has been written, and the seed has been planted. Your precious Dylan is fated to follow in my footsteps. A path that you do not approve of, but one that the child will appreciate.""Do you have to call me a child? I'm like... really old."Dylan glances over at Jovin. He has no idea who this guy is. The one in armor however, he remembers quite well. "Old in years, but not in experience. There are tricks you have yet to learn." |
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Post by powerkitten on Oct 22, 2022 13:18:15 GMT -8
“This is a dreambubble! You could just be disguised as Dylan!” Patrick points out, approaching the two batters.
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Post by foolishfool on Oct 22, 2022 13:50:09 GMT -8
Jovin just raises an eyebrow as the possible-evil future version of the person they are trying to rescue. “So you say but… the future is written less in permanent marker and more in erasable pencil lead at times, and a seed when planted, may grow differently even if planted in the same spot.” He glances at Dylan for a second “and oh? How old are ya? If I uh may ask… also uh, terrible at names… what ya two names? And have a feeling this is time stuff…”
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Post by flightlessicarus on Oct 22, 2022 14:28:52 GMT -8
 Dylan answers Jovin's question. "It's... Hard to keep track of the years. I've spent most of my life in the furthest ring. I first got here when I was 16, if that makes any difference."The one in the suit entertains the theories floated about him. "Perhaps I could be disguised, perhaps my path is not the one this one will follow. But what if I am of the canon future? As for my name, my name is Dylan.""...hey, that's my name!""Not to mention... What if you want to become as powerful as me, young Dylan?"Young Dylan thinks for a moment. "I'm... not sure what I want. Like, it would be nice to be powerful, but like, what's the point of being powerful anyway?"Elder Dylan twists his own hair with his fingers. "There is minimal point in most things. What I do with my power is give others purpose when there is none. What use is being a hero if there are none that need to be saved? What use is godly power if all simply follow the laws that mortals write? What would you two from the stage do with your time if you did not have a scapegoat cloaked in darkness to pin your woes upon?"Meanwhile, Rise appears backstage, dreaming. Their black chained pants are yellow, a reminder of their Prospit dreamer roots. They're still trying to figure out what's going on at the moment. |
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Post by powerkitten on Oct 22, 2022 14:37:10 GMT -8
“…I took the Choice to be powerful, to push my abilities as far as I could. And after the war was lost, it left me alone surrounded by the guilt of the ghosts I let down. Power for Power’s Sake will break you.” He says, continuing to approach the two Dylans.
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Post by foolishfool on Oct 22, 2022 16:53:30 GMT -8
Jovin whinches at that mention of not knowing how old they are "Yeah...Get that. Began loosing track of how old I was at a thousand years or so... just know it's been at least 3 eons for me. And Nice to meet ya both, Dylen and Dylen"
"In the longest run, most things don't matter as much but... it's also pretty boring taking that point of view. And sounds like ya define yaself by what others think of you, and yeah... being a modern hero means having people to save which means they must be in danger to be saved from which... kinda sucks but what can you do. And power usually comes at a price, and mortal laws are there for a reason." He thinks for a moment. "...If didn't have that FUCKER to blame for it, probably be long either dead or uh still alive but not having nearly as good a life but still be able to remember my parents faces at least... Instead, got some minor issues,3000 or so years of mostly happy wedded life memories along with some sad ones but hey thats life, and good friends. But yeah, Only Strived for Power cause... had to survive at first, and then just trained cause it's something to do and so I can call upon it if needed"
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Post by flightlessicarus on Oct 23, 2022 0:49:37 GMT -8
 "The power you chose was of combat. The power I chose, was corporate power. The power of the pen and the bottom line."Elder Dylan stands resolute. "But you see, this is exactly why you all need a company like voidco. We offer a valuable service that few are wiling to provide. Without a common enemy, you heroes would destroy yourselves. The game does not build us to so easily coexist in times of peace, only meant to allow it to propagate its cosmic cycle, and then be discarded.""Beyond the scope of Skaia's light, the scars of its eternal wars etch into our souls. Without a direction, we carry strife within us at our own peril."Elder Dylan looks down upon his supposedly younger self. "Young Dylan. Do you not wish to give these warriors direction beyond their original callings?"
 Rise slowly adjusts to their surroundings. A message from Sammcan be felt from across The Network. 'My....busy lately?''...yeah.'She has been away in the kanto region for some time. Rise is too preoccupied with their current situation to ask about much on her end however. Soon, Rise's sister, Brae, begins a correspondence across The Network as well. 'LS wants to share some Light-y stuff with you. Not sure when yet...'
'what's the Mage up to? Sharing lighty stuff?'
'Current theory is that Charles's bad luck transferred to someone else, likely you. So to even the odds, they want to share the Light-y stuff.''wow, that's a new one.' a pause to think. '...how much do they know about what I've been through lately?''Just the big things, and what has appeared in Left Beef. Anything more personal stays here...''I can't access mspfa from here, I don't know what's on there since I left.'
'Rise... we're gonna send you some light, okay? It might feel... strange?''I'll take your word for it.' As Brae usually does, she projects sensations and feelings towards Rise. Sunlight at dawn streaming through leaves, warming the dew on grass and especially the smell of clover. Soft, jingling bells. If Skittles could bottle the real taste of Rainbows, it would probably taste like what is being sent through the Network. Rise takes in these sensations and is left calm and prepared. All dicerolls performed for Rise will now have a +4 modifier!  They walk out onto The Stage and spot Jovin. "Sorry about being late, had to gather my bearings. What's the situation?" "And so The Star finally arrives. You thought you could change things, couldn't you?"Rise manages to keep a grip on their temper, for the most part. "Who the fuck do you think you are?""I suppose you missed the introductions. I am Dylan, the elder one." |
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Post by foolishfool on Oct 23, 2022 7:52:19 GMT -8
"Nah... Think ya be missing the point a bit. Without conflict, I decided to explore and such, and found a family when I thought I would be alone. Causing Conflict for conflict sake isn't a good idea... and yeah, the game was a dick like that. But here's the thing- we are Free from it now, and we get to choose what we do with the 'gifts' or 'curses' or 'power' or 'trauma' that it forced upon us. I am a bit of a battle junkie at times but... peace is good as well. And would rather we get to choose what we do, rather then forced upon us, if ya don't mind" Jovin says/rambles a bit.
He glanced at Rise, relaxing a bit when he sees them. "Yeah not much going on right now just engaging in a thing that is more dangerous then fighting- Philosophy. Nice to see ya up and about."
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Post by powerkitten on Oct 23, 2022 13:19:43 GMT -8
“Look, Dylan.. Dylans, even. You don't have to be the bad guy. That’s probably a quote from a kids movie or something, but it’s true. Evil will always exist, but even if VoidCo does magically collapse without you propping it up, life will still have meaning. It’s what we make of it that matters, not what railroaded shit Chronos or Horrorterrors or whoever else sets out for us.”
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Post by flightlessicarus on Oct 23, 2022 14:27:19 GMT -8
 "...thanks." Rise omits the fact that they're pretty sure they're still asleep.  Young Dylan listens to RN's words. "...Outfielder. You make it sound like growing up is a bad thing. I'm sorry about this but... I've wanted to go into business for a while now, and... Maybe it's not as tragic as it seems. I know the territory out here better than anywhere else. I feel at home in the void. More than I ever did in anywhere else. And who knows? Maybe I could reform the company from the inside?""You really believe that crap?" Rise hollers from the stage.  "You wouldn't understand! You care more about your own life than the life of anyone else!" Young Dylan hollers back. "Says the little shit that sold out to my bastard father and let him take over my body!""IF YOU WERE BOUND AND GAGGED BY A HORRORTERROR TO THE POINT YOU COULDN'T FEEL PAIN ANYMORE, YOU WOULD DO WHAT I DID TOO!""Is this a schism I detect?" Elder Dylan comments. "Let me swing my own bat, slendertwink."Young Dylan walks to third base, away from Elder Dylan.  "Do you realize how much shit I've done for you, you ungrateful heir? I literally set up that stage, directed the pawns to use it soon, AND ran through your mind to shut it down! I am the reason you're allowed to exist!"
"Without me, you'd be nothing! Without me, Korous wouldn't have been possible! Without me, the entire Gene universe, with all of its instances, wouldn't be possible either!" Younger Dylan stands on the base. "Let me live my own life!"A shadowed figure steps out from behind younger Dylan. It takes a moment for it to take full shape, but it soon resolves to a very familiar figure. A twisted version of Rise, formed from Dylan's experiences in speedrunning Thoren's mindpath. Rise would easily recognize them as Ruse. "Or Else." Ruse pulls out a double sided scythe, standing guard by Younger Dylan. Elder Dylan simply watches events unfold. |
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Post by foolishfool on Oct 23, 2022 15:27:56 GMT -8
"...Great, I love it when plot stuff happens and it flies over my head cause I have no idea of the context." Jovin grumbled to himself as he listens in, pretty sure that rise is asleep but not wanting to mention it in front of enemies... before blinking and letting the two yell it out, wondering why this is a baseball field.
"...Huh... didn't know hope could make evil copies of others. Cool to know... Want me to handle evil you? Know it be cool to have a mirror match with yourself but..." He takes a deep breath, club disappearing from his hand as he focused... before they snap open, eyes glowing purple as purple rage energy begins to spark across his body, body vibrating for a second, a metal kanabō as tall as he is appearing in his hands "...I think confronting Dylan should be left to ya since ya know him... also gonna get loud for a second sorry.." He states softly to Rise, before stepping away from them and Shouting to Younger Dylan, rage energy boosting his voice. "Hey dude, ya gave us life, just trying to return the favor and make sure ya don't waste yours!"
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Post by powerkitten on Oct 23, 2022 16:55:58 GMT -8
Patrick focuses, staring at Rise. The Dream Dome pushes the limits of his high IMAGINATION, poking through the Network via its connection to Rise’s brain.
..?
A second figure in Prospitian Armor is summoned, pulled through the Network. “What the..? Oh, I see your idea here, Patrick. Well, let’s make this argument a fair ballgame, Dylan” the second figure, Hazel, says. She pulls off her helmet to help the narrative tell them apart.
P: “Why am I a-“
H: “You’ll figure it out, kid. Focus on the ball here.”
P: “Right, right”
H: “Anyway, Dylan. You want to go into business, fine. There’s ethical enough companies in Gene. But look at this agent, talking about how ‘needed’ VoidCo is and parroting their propaganda. If they are you, then why did I pull you out of that ‘terror in the first place? If you’re wanting to go right back into being their mouthpiece.”
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Post by flightlessicarus on Oct 24, 2022 2:15:08 GMT -8
 "So you're the one I'm based off of? What scent of perfume do you use?" Rise flips the doppelganger off, not making any moves yet. Ruse flips Rise off back, though making sure to keep an eye on the banyanarmored duo. Young Dylan blinks at the appearance of another copy of the one who saved him years ago, before regaining his composure. "With this path, I'll never have to take a lowly position like that ever again. This will not be a waste. All who crawl from the darkness shall do my bidding. I will serve no one, and I shall become untouchable.""Good luck getting anywhere with that attitude," Rise adds sarcastically. Elder Dylan cuts in from the back. "He won't need luck, I will make sure he gets exactly what he needs to make it to the top.""It will all be worth it. I'll even be able to get my revenge." |
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Post by foolishfool on Oct 24, 2022 6:04:04 GMT -8
Revenge on who? The horror terrors that did bad shit to ya?” Jovin asks as he hoped off the stage, his landing louder then it should have been and leaving cracks where he landed, before walking fowards younger Dylan, war club in a ready stance as rage energy continued to crackle around him.
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