TDM #3

[aionmods]

TDM #3

DREAMING (new characters)

At first, there is nothing. You are nothing. Whatever existed before ceases to be if for a moment. Then, bit by bit, you start to become aware. Where there was not even darkness now is a dim haze, gentle and almost mist-like. You have limbs again and beneath your feet lays a path of light reaching out like limbs of a great tree beneath you, twisting and climbing out into the horizon.

You take a step forward for what else is there to do? As you walk you begin to remember what it was you were doing before the nothingness; maybe something as simple as chatting with a loved one or close friend. Maybe you were just beginning a great journey or facing off against an old foe. Whatever it was, you get the distinct feeling that wherever and whenever that was, it is not here. Not now.

The path of light twists off into different directions. When you look up you can see that it is not a sky above you but the sky of everything, a grand cosmic tapestry littered with not mere stars but galaxies and clusters of galaxies that gleam like crystals against the velvety backdrop of space. Admire it for a moment, if you will. You don't know how long you will drift here, but you are not alone. Other wanderers will come and go as you bask together in the vastness of creation.

It seems to you that there are two paths to walk in this place, the light and dark beckoning in turn.

❖ THE LIGHT AT THE CENTER
One leads you to the center, splintered fragments folding together and colliding until only one thing remains: a light that speaks to you with the voice of all there is and has ever been. It greets you simultaneously as an old friend and as a lost child, both rejoicing in and mourning your arrival. You remember it too, somehow, with a feeling of complex nostalgia, as if returning to a place recalled from your distant childhood.

You’ll feel the same of the other wanderers that join you in the light; you know their faces, their voices, and as you reflect upon the world of your birth, you may witness fragments of theirs as well. You feel a comradery, then, a synchronicity of thought and emotion. Are the lives of others truly so different from your own? Or are you simply two hands of the same, greater being? Though some individualistic part of you may resist, the longer you spend in the light, the more you will find yourself becoming one with it.

Despite this welcoming call, no matter how eagerly your pursue its embrace, before you can fully submerge yourself in this oneness you will find yourself being torn away. As if seized by the impossibly long, cold arm of a creature unseen, you are plucked from the edge of fulfillment. The last thing you will remember is the sensation of your world, and all the others your experienced here, collapsing into nothingness.

❖ THE DARK OUTSIDE (CW: deep despair, ego death)
The other leads towards the outside, where the splintering becomes so great that the vestiges of reality can do nothing but collapse back into the abyss at the end of everything. As you wander to these barren outskirts, your thoughts will not be drawn to familiarity and oneness, but instead to memories of discontent and waste. The darker the path becomes, the more you find yourself dwelling on life’s disappointments and injustices, of the things about yourself and your world you find wanting.

If you see others here, at first they will feel frightening or contemptible, as if representing to you the worst experiences in your life. Even if they are someone you’re certain you know, that familiarity and affection will be stripped away in the face of the great emptiness before you. In the end, you were all the same. In the end, none of this was worth it. If you approach the end together, you may even form a kind of kinship around this acknowledgment, as the need for paranoia and hatred fades.

Slowly, the darkness encroaches, and you can see it devouring all the things you once knew. Memories of your home, of those you loved, dissolve into nothing, and you can only reflect on the barren emptiness in your heart as you see it happen. In your final moments, though, you feel peace with it all, knowing that there was no other way. You step from the edge of the last dwindling fragment of being and are greeted by silence.

❖ THE END
No matter which way you go, you are left with a single impression: you feel the world you came from die. It's a realization that transcends logic or sense; it weighs on your heart and leaves the vestiges of dark memories dancing in your thoughts like motes of ash. It's a memory of your home crumbling away into nothing as if consumed from within by rot. Returned to the void, all that's left to you is to be reborn.

REBIRTH (new characters)

In a new time and place, you awaken. Stirring within a capsule of warmth and isolation your senses will slowly return, only to observe that you are trapped. Your body, as it wakes, is tangled in close, yours eyes unable to open, as if still within the womb. You are held tight in the embrace of something unyielding, so smothering that at first you only have the strength to struggle for moments at a time. Yet, as you persist, the pressure begins to relent in turn; it may take hours, but eventually you will find the purchase to push, to claw, to fight, and it will all give way.

The chrysalis surrounding you bends like flesh and cracks like glass. It tears as you force your fingers through, finding liberation one inch at a time, until finally you have emerged. As if having undergone metamorphosis, you feel old and new all at once. You are weak, piteously so, but the markings and scars of your previous life remain. As you slump down upon the smooth cavern stone, you realize that you've just wrenched yourself free of gigantic crystal, though its hollow, shimmering form is now in pieces on account of your passing. Somewhere on your body, a shard of similar material remains embedded.

The cave itself looks almost like the inside of a geode, the walls and ceiling bedazzled with greyish crystal that shines with all the colors of the rainbow. While they vary wildly in size and shape, only a few have grown large enough to hold a form like yours, and you can see the one you just escaped isn't the only one bearing a passenger within. They may have already hatched, or they may still be lingering in stasis. Either way, there's enough time that you may have a chance to speak to yours unexpected peers, or to perhaps to struggle to find something to cover your naked body with. You feel the chill of the open air against your moisture laden skin, a distant light trickling in through the cavern's opening.

Make the most of this time. It won't be long before you're interrupted.

[Mod Note: If you don't want to deal with your character being naked in front of the others at that location, feel free to assume they emerge at a different time than the others of their legacy. Characters will be 'hatching' over a period of several hours.]

DREAMING (OLD CHARACTERS)

For those already in Horos, they will find themselves in the same dreamscape as the new arrivals, only, this time, it's familiar. You'll feel more cognizant of your surroundings as you reawaken in this psychedelic realm, more in control of your emotions. What's more, you recognize that light at the center and the darkness at the edge: it's the Pleroma and Kenoma respectively. The one you are attuned to will call our to your soul, and though you are technically free to wander as you please, the closer you get to the force of your opposite sect, the more it will grate against you spiritually. Pleroma attuned nearing the Kenoma will feel as if its presence is desperately trying to tear them apart, and Kenoma attuned nearing the Pleroma will feel as if its light is burning them from the inside out.

More importantly, you notice that entirely new souls are wandering here with faces you didn't see in the cavern. It gradually becomes clear that they are Aions in the same state you were prior to your rebirth, lost and wandering this stretch of the cosmos with no idea what's to come. Maybe this is your chance to ease the confusion of their arrival, or maybe you'd simply like to scope out what kind of people are on their way. It's also possible for you to run into Aions already in Horos, wandering just like you are. Unfortunately, things are a lot less neutral than they are the last time you shared this realm.

No matter what you do, eventually the cosmos above will begin to burn out, just as it did the first time you were here. As darkness swallows reality itself, you will wake with the visceral memory of your world corrupting and breaking apart.

SEARCHING (OLD CHARACTERS)

Soon after the dreams begin, it will become clear that the Aion NPCs of either sect are also aware of what's happening. For those in Achamoth and Greentruth, the imminent arrival of new Aions will become a matter of official discussion. All able Aions will be called upon for their aid, in whatever way they can offer. Getting to the shrines themselves will be easily accomplished via teleportation. What's would be more complicated is ferrying any new arrivals back to a secure location. Thankfully, this is something both sects have already prepared for.

All characters will have the opportunity to acquire a 'returning stone' if they don't already have one. In all cases, this will amount to an amulet made of the same shimmering material as the shrine monuments, though the stylization differs between the Pleroma and the Kenoma. While regular Aion teleportation can bring you to any of the shrines you know the sigil and location of, a returning stone is magically programmed to bring its wearer back to a specific destination to which it is attuned. Normally, these stones will only be able to store enough energy for one 'return' a month, but it turns out that the ambient power created by the shrines being active will temporarily super charge them. Though it's not guaranteed, this means they may generate enough energy to perform multiple returns for TDM purposes. More information about returning stones can be found on the powers page.

Spare returning stones will be issued to all Aions so that they can be used to bring back anyone they collect, as it's possible to bring someone alongside you if they are also wearing a returning stone. Where your stone leads will depend on your sect.

❖ PLEROMA
Tehri will be the one to supply returning stones, based out of Greentruth. She will not travel to Godsblood to deliver returning stones to those that have not visited Greentruth, but it can be assumed that Greentruth's visitors can pass them along to anyone who has been staying in the city. The returning stones are set to bring them to a secure location beneath the water of Godsblood's coast. From there, new arrivals will have to be allowed to rest and then brought up into the city when they're ready.

Greentruth is limited in its resources, but it will attempt to send troops to the Innocent, Seeker, Wanderer, and Firebrand shrines, all of which are close to the forest. Compared to the last attempt, these troops are a bit better armored. Meanwhile, bolstered by recent events in Godsblood, bands of Resistance members and guerrilla fighters will turn up at the Artisan and Sovereign shrines. The Resistance members will work willingly alongside with the Pleroma Aions, but the guerrilla fighters seem to have their own priorities and that is mostly that they have a beef with the Achamites. These reinforcements will struggle against powered Aions, but they might be able to delay any troops sent by Achamoth or Hylici.

❖ KENOMA
Xishen will be handing out returning stones to all Kenoma the day after the dreams begin for the Aions that don't already have one. She'll explain how to use them, and state that the Regent expects for them to head to the shrines once they become fully active. The Kenoma will have whatever mundane weapons or supplies they need at their disposal for this mission, along with minimal Achamite reinforcements. Due to injuries and death in both Godsblood and Venera, many are in recovery or on their return to Achamoth. She'll reiterate not to rely too heavily on them; after all, only the Aions are able to quickly move between the shrines and at the Citadel. The regular troops will have to be deployed by river or by land, and mobilizing them will take time. They will feasible be able to reach all of the shrines to some degree or another, but will more easily populate the shrines of the Martyr, Celebrant, Lover, Champion, Visionary, Sovereign, and Firebrand.

The Hylicians will be called to fill in the ranks of the diminished Achamite troops. They follow the orders that they are given but are very standoffish otherwise, even more than usual for them. Xishen herself says she will be traveling to the shrines and the Kenoma will be expected to communicate their movements to her as they work. Dionys remains in Achamoth to 'keep watch'. All Kenoma Aions will be given a familiar vial of black sludge, and are instructed to feed it to any Aions they capture at the shrines. It will cause the same effects it did in the cavern, though it will resolve in a few days rather than a week.

RETURNED (ALL CHARACTERS)

New characters that are found a the shrines will be brought back to one of two lodestones, depending on which sect they are taken by. This will be accomplished by their escort putting a 'returning stone' around their neck that will enable them to be teleported to a secure area in their sect's territory. It is advised for your character to be taken by whichever sect you'd like them to end up in.

❖ TO THE PLEROMA
In a dazzling flash of psychedelic light, you will find yourself brought to the Pleroma's lodestone: a monolithic rock set in the center of temple-like ruins. The entire cavern is hidden away beneath the ocean waves, just outside of Godsblood, and the ceiling itself is comprised of nothing but a barrier of water, as if held back from filling the space by some unknown force. The waters surrounding the lodestone are exactly body temperature, with swarms of tiny, violently iridescent fish darting through it. Crabs that look as if they're made of pure, clear crystal wander the sparkling, sandy shores.

There isn't much here in the way of accommodations, but it's comfortable enough that the new arrivals brought in by the Pleroma can take a moment to catch their breath. Some relatively plain but assorted new clothing will have been brought to the cavern to make sure they are actually clothed, as well as blankets and basic food items. It's a good time to ask your questions, or if you are an established Pleroma, to help out your freshly arrived peers. After all, their welcome at the shrine may have been a confusing one.

New arrivals will be permitted to leave the lodestone's temple when they are ready. Unfortunately, the only ways out of these place are through your choice of either swimming through pockets of water that eventually lead to the surface, or by spelunking through a series of tunnels to make your way the cliff faces near the city of Godsblood. More information about the city itself can be found on the setting page, though it would be preferable to keep TDM interactions to the lodestone area. As characters emerging from the shrines will start our as Untouched (more info about attunements here) they will not be permitted entry into Greentruth until they have attuned to Pleroma.

❖ TO THE KENOMA
As your returning stone activates, you will feel yourself thrust into a suffocating void, only to emerge just as quickly somewhere else. The most pressing thing on the minds of anyone taken by the Kenoma will be the vial of pitch black sludge they are forced to drink, whether it is before or after their arrival. Maybe their 'escort' from the shrine gave it to them, or perhaps another Kenoma does soon after they arrive. If not, one of the Achamite cultists wandering around definitely will. Dedicated servants to the Regent's will as they are, they are not afraid to gang up on the vulnerable new arrivals and force it down their throats.

Once in your mouth, the potion will slither down your throat as if it's a living thing. The effect takes hold quickly: as this darkness creeps through your insides, it will embolden your darkest and most despair inducing emotions, plaguing your thoughts with the worst sorrows of your life. What's worst, it simultaneously seems to awaken some form of enhanced psychic empathy within you, both projecting your thoughts for others to hear, and allowing you to receive those of the others around you in kind. Black ooze will begin to seep from orifices, or the space around your shard. The effects of this contamination bring out your worst, and its recipients will be forced to live with these effects until they accept the force corrupting them into their souls.

This world is not good enough, a voice speaks to your through the Kenoma. This suffering you feel, the cruelty that has birthed this darkness in you... it is simply the rot that is consuming this existence. A better universe awaits, one forged by your own hand, and all you need do is first bring about this broken reality's end.

How long this goes on will depend on how long the characters is able to fight it. Acceptance of the Kenoma can come as quickly as immediately, if your character is inclined towards it, or it could be drawn out to take a few days. In the meantime, they will have to stay in the barren halls surrounding the Regent's lodestone, and will not be permitted to exit into the greater Citadel as the current Kenoma are. All that will immediately be offered to them down there are stone slabs that can be used as beds and formless white robes that reach down past their knees.

Of course, that doesn't mean the characters that are already of the Kenoma can't do something about that. If they desire it, they will be able to bring food or other supplies to those suffering with their Kenoma infections, and it will be equally within their power to try anything from bullying them into accepting to lovebombing them. Once a character accepts the Kenoma and attunes to it, they will be permitted to leave, but for the sake of the TDM interactions should be kept to the lodestone area.

QUESTIONS

Is this TDM canon?
Mostly! It's part of an in-game event. However, only threads with new players that app and are accepted will be considered game canon. Threads between old characters will all be canon, but threads involving new characters that don't apply or aren't accepted will either need to be tweaked to remove their involvement or made non-canon. New characters will also be able to decide TDM threads aren't canon if they end up changing directions.

Who can toplevel on this post?
Anyone, whether they are a new character or a current one. However, we do ask for current players to do their best to tag new characters. If you are bringing in a new character and want a current character to bring them into your sect of choice, post your request here! ICly, current characters are fighting to claim new arrivals, but it's up to the player of new characters where they ultimately end up going.

When is this TDM taking place chronologically?
The beginning of August. The shrines will be active and forming Aions during that time. The dreams will start around the 29th of July. All current Aions will be able to sense when it's time for the new arrivals to start emerging.

What are the shrines like?
Every shrine is comprised of the crystal-filled cavern character emerge inside and then the massive statue symbolizing the relevant Legacy built on top. More information about each shrine can be found in the "Aion Shrine" section of the setting page.

Are everyone's homeworlds really gone?
That's a complicated issue, and while the fate of their world is not without hope, they may certainly get the impression its been destroyed from the dream they had. Alternatively, they may refuse to believe what they felt and attempt to dismiss it as only a vision. More about this situation will be revealed as the game goes on.

Can I only experience one end of the dream sequence prompt?
New characters may experience one ending, both endings, or neither. If they experience both they will struggle to recall which came first or which feels the most 'true' to them, as both will simultaneously be the thought they are reborn with. If your character refuses to pursue either path they can simply linger in the middle until the infinite worlds above them start being extinguished one by one, eventually expelling them into darkness in a similar style to the light prompt. Which dreams they experience will not dictate their initial sect affiliation.

Is it possible to pull another character back from the end of the light or darkness dreams?
Yes! If your character is able to resist the pull of either end, they will have the chance to try to pull another character back from the edge of the abyss or the edge of oneness. Whether or not they succeed is entirely up to the other character, though.

Do you come out of the chrysalis wet?
For most intents and purposes it's the same experience as hatching out of a real butterfly chrysalis, so yes, a bit.

How does attunement to the Pleroma or Kenoma work for new characters?
More information about sect attunements can be read on their dedicated info page, but in summary: when new characters are brought to Horos, they will be in the state of being "Untouched" meaning they are not attuned to either sect. By the end of their first month in game it is expected they will either attune to Pleroma or Kenoma, though for those taken by the Kenoma's forces, the transition will be forced within the first few days. If taken in by the Pleroma, it may take then some time to attune to Pleroma, depending on the strength of their spirit, but it could also happen almost instantly if they are allowed to. How quickly it happens will depend on how strongly they align with the Pleroma's traits. Characters who have been taken by the Pleroma but that remain Untouched will not be allowed into Greentruth until their attunement to Pleroma is complete.

Can a character taken by one side end up attuning to the sect of the opposite one?
This is theoretically possible, yes: a person taken by the Kenoma could potentially resist the Kenoma's call, and someone taken by the Pleroma could end up falling to the Kenoma while staying with them. Generally, though, we recommend that you have your character be taken by whichever sect you want to end up in, as doing a switcheroo will cause narrative complications that might bog their introduction down in plotting that will need to be done with the mods. It can happen, but it is not to be done lightly!

Comments

MIYAKO INOUE | DIGIMON ADVENTURE 02 | INNOCENT

[bingos]

DREAMING

[ Her breath is caught in her chest, much like her heart is caught in her throat. They've faced the potential end of the world before - of worlds. It's not the potentiality that catches her off guard, or the seeming end, but how it happens suddenly - Without so much as giving a whimper. It's like it had been extinguished and all the light with it — And as suddenly as she encroaches that thought is she among the cosmos. ]

...Beautiful.

[ She had meant to think it to herself, but she speaks it instead. The sound is loud in the quiet depth of space, louder even than a whispered reverence. It catches the attention of the partner who's not left her side this entire time: ] Miyako-san, not so loud!

[ Miyako glanced down at the bird. There's no question as to why he's there - they've always been together, it only makes sense now. Still she sighs and raises her arms in a shrug: ] Really? It's not like we're in a library or something — [ She gives a thoughtful exhale before turning her attention back to the fork: ] ... But it really is pretty.

[ In an ethereal way - in a way that somehow weighs on her heart. She thinks to back then, in the darkness that had seeped and covered a whole world. In the light that had broken through by hundreds of children's hopes. It feels the same, but it's not. Because right now it's just them - her. And while she glances to the light and then the dark in equal turn she can't deny a pull to the dark, though the light feels like the warmth of all the bonds she shares.

It's easy to know which way they'll go, but she hesitates - wavers when someone stops nearby (perhaps caught in their own query or yet confused by the pair): ] It's kind of scary, right?

[ Despite the question, she offers a friendly smile. ]

REBIRTH (INNOCENT)

A
[ The dream ends and a future her would wish it didn't - if only a little. The world feels too small, enclosed - it's suffocating. She's nearly in tears by the time she - they've - broken out of the crystal. It's taken everything out of her just to get out that she doesn't fully pay attention to her surroundings. Not at first. Not towards the place they're in or any nearby people.

She does shriek however at one very immediately noticeable thing: She's very, very naked. And also covered in slime, but mostly naked. ]

Miyako-san?!

Don't look over here!

[ The bird being... You know, a bird, hadn't thought much about his own appearance but upon seeing his partner colors in embarassment. He half covers his eyes with feathers before hearing noise behind them. A quiet cry and he turns around, throwing out his wingspan as far as it can go: ]

Please, divert your eyes.

[ At least he's not a hostile bird (yet) but please consider giving clothes before they have a melt down over here. ]

B

[ Meltdown (hopefully) averted the pair seem surprisingly at east with their situation - or at least, being thrown into a new world isn't really their biggest concern. The little bird sticks close to the young woman but otherwise says nothing unless addressed. It's the woman, now grumbling something about needing a bath and ringing out her hair that takes the forefront.

If she sees someone else, another newbie or someone injured, she shakes her head and presses on: ] I'm fine. Let's worry about making sure they're safe, okay?

[ If there's no one needing help nearby, she furrows her brows and crosses her arms. She'll turn then to the first semi-friendly face that looks like they might have answers: ] What is — Where are we?

[ She quickly diverts to the where. She's fully upfront here - feeling if she doesn't move straight-forwardly she really will just falter into another panic attack. ]

RETURNING (PLEROMA)

[ The adrenaline that came from their arrival has faded into outright exhaustion. While she was (decently) behaved the whole time until here, she's now found herself sitting in the corner. Hawkmon stands nearby, onguard, and watching the fish swim by above them. Miyako would naturally be inclined to amazement, but for the moment she's really trying to settle in - resolve herself. Not fall into the pit of worry and panic. Why is she the one here? She's by far the least capable of her friends -in her opinion - and she can't imagine being of much use.

And yet, eventually, either after someone talking to her or managing to gather her senses (it may involve hitting her cheeks with her palms)... she gets up and moves to someone who looks like they're in charge - maybe they're a newbie who got voluntold to hand out food or an oldbie trying to helpfully wrangle things together. Her smile is bright, if slightly forced as she offers a wave: ]

Hola! [ She makes a gesture of rolling up her sleeves, rather she has them or not: ] So, where do you need me?

[ She's not giving much choice in the helpfulness there. ]


NOTES
[ Ultimately having her go Pleroma! But I would be interested in forcefeeding Kenoma gloop at the shrine if someone wants to (and a Pleroma coming in for the rescue). ]

Dreaming

[lachtara]

[ The night sky in its eternal vigil. A beautiful, ceaseless, vast expanse dotted with stars. Emet-Selch observes it with fondness along with the young girl who seems to find it equally as enthralling.

He stays within the nearby shadows at first and speaks up only when she seems to ask. Once he does speak, he lingers with arms folded as he carefully observes the path she sets before herself. ]

The brilliant illumination of light and the kind embrace of the dark. They exist in perpetual struggle as one tries to overtake the other.

[ He shrugs faintly. ]

Which path should you choose?

[bingos]

...Kind embrace?

[ Miyako's response is of immediate disbelief - confusion even. She and the bird that stands to her knees both look at him in unison. She's got experience with darkness and the effects it has on people - kind isn't how she'd describe it. It was suffocating, crushing, on a level she nearly lost to.

She can't imagine they're talking about the same thing, so she shakes her head and tucks her hand behind her back: ]

'Should I,' huh... [ It's said more to herself. Maybe some part of her, the part of her that still has issues with self-worth and the part that doesn't want to fight anymore, to see her family is inclined to the dark -- but she's worked hard to become who she is. ] The light, of course. Why would I choose anything else?

[ It's a genuine question, open and honest - Curious to his own answer. ]

[lachtara]

[ Ah, another one who thinks of things simply in terms of a binary of good and evil. As someone gifted the power of darkness, it's something he's seen time and time again. ]

Why indeed.

[ He takes a step onward. ]

Do you know that there existed a world filled with boundless light? There was no place that the light did not reach and no shadow that it did not uproot. The light became sweltering, inescapable, and turned the people into monsters driven mad by its power. Do you think that the people of that world found light to be so truly infallible?

[bingos]

[ For someone who's answer was so objectively certain, Miyako listens intently. She lacks any real judgement right now - not in this world of free thought and dreams.

She wonders, fleetingly, if 'light' as a concept was simply the reverse of darkness in her eyes. Light is what gave them power, allowed life to thrive. This was something she knew for a fact. But she also knew that a being of light - Homeostasis - was quick for an ends justifies the means willingness of destruction. It's not something she can agree with. And in this, she doesn't disagree with him. ]

It's amazing how many worlds there are out there. [ Her response is surprisingly quiet for her nature, not that Emets knows of it: ] I've been to a world, The Dark Ocean... It's probably really similar in a way. Where the world is nothing but darkness and it's har not to think about those things you don't want to. It feeds on it.

[ Her experiences had been brief, in visiting and the interaction with - But it's not one you forget. Not when it corrupted a person she calls friends and very nearly killed other kids.

She says it evenly, not an attempt of an argument, and continues on just as easily: ]

I think the world needs both. It needs balance. But that's not an option here. [ There is no middle road after all. ] ...Someone once said that hope is holding onto the light in your heart even when it's darkest, so that's why I choose it.

[ She turns to him expectantly - not the face of someone who wants praise or anything of that notion. It's curiosity, what does he define darkness as then? ]

[lachtara]

The world does need balance, yes. Light and dark in equal measure.

[ It is something he has bore witness to time and time again. Any world with too much of one or the other has met with a terrible fate. ]

Those who say that often do not believe it. "Holding onto light even when it's darkest", branding the dark as undesirable in everything but by name. Something one must keep at bay no matter the cost.

Darkness is the well of creation; A cauldron of endless potential, tireless determination, and boundless courage. Those who dare embrace it may reach into the unknown and pull from it boundless beauty to be enjoyed by all.

[ He sighs and shrugs. ]

Though it seems most do not think so. It's certainly a tired sentiment.

[bingos]

[ Miyako frowns to herself - The man speaks of Darkness as a good thing. But her experience has been the exact opposite. When she's come in contact with it, it's like a weight on the soul crushing everything down into despair. Something that turns people inside out.

But she thinks, for a moment, of Ken who'd been touched by it the most. She can't deny that he's perhaps one of the most determined of them and the most couragerous. He suffered through the darkness for so long and tried facing it again — ]

I'm sorry, but I don't really get it.

[ She's upfront, honest - maybe even a touch apologetic as she shakes her head. ] I do think the world needs both and they need each other to exist properly... But that doesn't sound right at all.

Everytime we've faced the Darkness someone's gotten hurt. It's always someone wanting to control everything or destroy it. I just can't see anything beautiful about it.

Rebirth A

[vapour]

... Ohhh, wow. [ Lucky for Miyako, the bird with her is way way more interesting to Childe than a naked woman dripping in slim. Still, even as he crouches down in front of the bird, he offers a folded towel and a pair of basic clothes... to the bird. ]

You're a first! Anyway, I'm assuming you can give these to her if I can't look?

[bingos]

[ Miyako hadn't thought much about if someone else would be there in her exhaustion, riddle panic (which, to be fair, they did just get reborn, so she's a little slow to focus on other things). She becomes more mullfiied by the second hearing a voice - a very masculine one and goes further red. It's only the sensible thing to do in this situation!

Hawkmon, disgruntled in his own slime, but prioritizing his partner's safety and well-being as ever gives a sharp look to the man. It almost looks like the little bird is ready to throw down if necessary, but he ultimately blinks in surprise. He still manages to somehow look like he's blushing beneath his white plummage as he clears his throat - ]

Yes - Well, that will do. Thank you, sir!

[ He may have stumbled for his own words slightly - but he's nevertheless a very polite thing with his new task in hand. He takes the clothes with a tiny bow and turns to his partner. Who's very quick to yoink them away and turn away as quickly as possible - at last Hawkmon doesn't seem to be unperturbed by it.

(Hawkmon will get the towel in a few minutes - for now he's gently shaking sludge off his feathers and feeling very undignified doing so). But it's only a few moments later when she's feeling a little more covered and a little more clean that she drudges up an a response. ]

Thanks. [ It's far more mumbled and less polite than the hawks. She tilts her head back to look at him, squinting from lack of her glasses - ] Who are you?

[vapour]

[ he nods to both their thank you with a smile. It's the least he can do, no one wants to deal with shit like this naked. ]

Tartaglia, but most people call me Childe. I've been sent here by the Regent to bring new aions like you back to Acamoth.

[ which is unfortunate. Because she doesn't feel like someone who would be in tune with the Kenoma and neither does the little bird friend of hers. He points curiously to Hawkmon. ]

Was he in the crystal with you? I've never seen this happen before.

[bingos]

[ For all that she's intent on cleaning up and making a face at her hair when she touches it, Miyako is listening. Maybe the whole arriving in a new world isn't entirely the biggest surprise or newest one to her, but it's also a sign that something is wrong in her experience.

There's something she can't place on why a Regent makes her skin crawl or why aion makes her uncomfortable- So she finds herself asking: ] What would a Regent want with me?

[ She knows it's a word similar to a monarch - like kaiser. Maybe that's why she's instinctively upset. But the man isn't being unkind (and she's not gonna be ungrateful for anyone who just gave her clothes -yet).

Still, she's not too aware of the question and why it'd be weird. Neither is Hawkmon. Who, given he's mostly plummage, even at a glance Childe can see is shardless. Weird, right? ]

He was. Why, what's supposed to happen?

[vapour]

Well, unfortunately, you and everyone else have been brought here to fight a war to determine the fate of this world. The Regent leads one side and obviously wants your help in bringing about their vision.

[ as for her question about her hawk friend he pauses on how to answer her as honestly as possible. ] Well ... I mean, I've never seen anyone come with a second entity like this. [ he has no idea about Yuya and Rika, but even if he did this would definitely be different enough to him to spark interest.

Starting at Hawkmon a little longer, he looks apologetic before speaking up. ] I hope this isn't rude but ... what is he? You two must be connected in a really unique way.

[bingos]

Uh-huh. [ In some ways, it might sound like she's only half listening - In others, it sounds like a person who's heard something like it before. She makes a face as she pulls the clothes on, handing the towel to Hawkmon - at least he can mostly clean up: ] And what is their vision? Saving the world?

[ That's her assumption, the conclusion she comes to, because it's the most obvious. For someone just waking up she - they - don't seem wholly new to that particular experience... Though the experience has always been on the other side, as implied.

She'd speak up for Hawkmon, but from the slightly indignant way he puffs out his chest he's got this - ]

He has a name. Hawkmon. [ Despite his indignation he does give a bow, though he keeps it short: ] I'm a Digimon and you are quite correct, my boy. I waited a very long time to find and meet Miyako-san.

[ He spoke as he removed some of the heavier slime from his feathers, but it would take a proper bath to feel clean. Done for the moment, he folds it over his 'arm' as his partner continues with a shrug: ] We're partners. We've always been together.

[ 'Always,' isn't quite the right word - but Hawkmon bobs along, because to him that's just the case. And for Miyako it feels as natural as breathing and as if it was true - but then she doesn't think much about it or that nature. Or how most every digimon they've met has talked about their partners like they were waiting to meet them from the moment they were born. ]

[vapour]

That's right.

[ since he has to bring her in to Acamoth regardless of what she wants, there's no sense hashing the details out about how the Regent's idea of saving the world is by first ending it to start it all over.

He turns his full attention to the Digimon, looking apologetic at his little display of displeasure. ] Sorry, Hawkmon. I've never heard of a Digimon before, but you all sound really special and devoted if you wait so long for your partners. Do you know who they are before you meet them?

Rebirth A

[thechosenslight]

[The first thing that Hikari and Tailmon are aware of once they manage to break out of the strange crystal they had been in was, well... screaming.

A familiar voice screaming. So Hikari very quickly makes it to her feet without thinking much about what's going on, Tailmon following after her. ]

Miyako-san! Are you-

[Running over to Miyako then makes it very obvious why the screaming was happening and her face goes red for a moment as she realizes that she was naked too. Hikari also quickly goes to cover herself up as best as she can which is... not much, honestly. Not that she's really super worried about Miyako seeing her naked compared to literally anyone else it could've been, but who knows who else is here.

Tailmon looks between her partner and Miyako for a few moments and frowns, before trying to shake some of the slim off of her body.]

Don't we have more important things to be worried about?

[bingos]

[ Maybe someone else would be surprised hearing one of their best friends (and jogress partner) nearby, but not someone who's used to be transported to another world with their friend. It's just par for the course, really, and if it sets her a bit at ease it's unnoticeably from her immediate: ]

That's easy for you to say!

[ Because Tailmon's a cat!! A digimon!! They don't have to worry about clothes. ]

Miyako-san —

[ She ignores her partner to proclaim in the same panic-y way that is so very Miyako: ] I'm not fighting evil naked!

[thechosenslight]

[On one hand, Hikari definitely gets where Tailmon is coming from. They've woken up in a strange place, with no idea what's going on besides what they can guess from the whole 'showing up in another world again' thing.

On the other hand, she and Miyako-san are naked, with who knows who else will be showing up to see them like this. ]

Right. I'm not doing that either. We'll find clothes first and figure out what's going on after that.

Hikari-

Tailmon. We're probably not the only ones here who are waking up like this. [She turns to Miyako. ]

Did you see anything before Tailmon and I... uh... broke out? [When she says it like that it almost sounds like they were in prison, whoops. ]

[bingos]

[ She should be concerned about the situation, but maybe it's the immediate assumption they're in some weird part of the Digital World that keeps her from focusing on that instead -- though the Digital World had never done anything like this to them before.

Still, she slaps her cheeks to focus which... Doesn't really help too much but makes her think it does: ]

I haven't seen anyone or heard anyone —

Me either.

— What about the other crystal things?

[ The thought of them makes her shiver, if only from the gross slime that please she desperately needs to be cleaned she's gonna lose her mind - ]

well a week sure did happen without me tagging most things oops.

[thechosenslight]

[Hikari looks around at the other crystals for a moment, before turning her attention back to Miyako. ]

I didn't really take a good look at them.

[Which considering she and Tailmon came out of those things was probably something she should've thought to take a look at. But well... Miyako yelling. And also being naked. And being covered in gunk. ]

I don't know if we should try to get anyone else in one of those things out or not though. We don't really know what's going on...

Returning

[superbshot]

For now, right here.

[This girl definitely looks like she's ready to be helpful and all, but Caitlyn could see that she was stressed and exhausted. It doesn't take a detective to figure out that she was probably trying to push through the stress and be useful, when she really should be sitting and dealing.

So, Cait bustled over with a basket of fruit and sits down.]

First, you eat. Then, you help me sort out good from bad. There's some wormy apples in there, and I could use a hand sorting them.

[There aren't any wormy apples. This is just an excuse to get her to stay put for a minute.]

[bingos]

[ Miyako frowns. It's not that some part of her doesn't appreciate it - Her heart is twisted into a knot and she feels like screaming. She's shakier than she usually is. If she thinks too hard about how the stupid black sludge is making her feel like a slime monster she'll definitely have a breakdown -

It's right. She really is useless. The most of all of her friends. How can she claim to be an adult(tm) when all she wants to do right now is cry? But then, maybe that's to be expected... Hawkmon won't even speak to her right now as it was. He's in a corner and she can't help him - Can't help because she can't even help herself.

She tightens a hand at her side - Frustration more at herself than ever the woman. What kind of Chosen Child was she — ]

I'll just be sick if I eat.

[ She finally says, voice wavering slightly. It's not wrong. She doesn't think she could hold anything down, not with that weird slime. All she can think about is it. ]

Especially if there's worms! [ At least that proclamation sounds a touch more like herself, but she shakes her head: ] - I can do it.

[superbshot]

They made you drink the sludge, didn't they?

[Caitlyn has a feeling. She remembers it all too well, herself. Her hands drop into the basket, deftly beginning to slide along the apples to try and find spots or holes. It's not perfect, but this is something menial and that had been what helped her get through it.]

It will pass. Just...occupy your hands, and your thoughts. Keep your head, and don't let it get to you.

[bingos]

[ Miyako nods - Deciding that speaking wasn't something she wanted to do right now or else she would scream. She's not mature enough or adult enough for this - She never had been before and now... For someone who's best with keeping moving, she doesn't even want to do that.

She does anyway, though, stuffing her own thoughts down into blinkingly teary eyes - Because she can't really do that. Not with the voice in her head. Reminding her of all the things she knew and just wanted to overcome. Or of how pointless this really all is - after all, what's the point if the world's been destroyed?

She does pick up the apples though, holding one tightly as she brushed a hand across her eyes off-handedly, like someone wiping away sweat than what they really want. And she answers, instead, because the thing that gets to her most is this:]

I just want to see my family.

[superbshot]

You poor dear.

[Caitlyn works silently, just giving Miyako a chance to breathe and to say something, and when it comes it isn't exactly a surprise. Everyone's worried about their people, and she's not really got a good answer, but Cid had given them hope. She can't really say for sure she totally believes it, but at the same time it's hard to swallow that the world might be gone.]

I...want to see mine too, but that's not possible right now. [She takes a breath, reaching a hand out to touch Miyako's wrist.]

We're trying to find a way to make it possible. Those people that did this to you, the Kenoma, will tell you that your world's gone. But they don't have any proof. They lie because they believe the lie the Regent told them. Hold on to hope, though.

[bingos]

[ The more childish part of her, the fear and panic-prone side of her, wants to scream out that it's not the same. It's different. It rings out through shared communion anyway, twisted as her feelings are while deep under the sludge, even if she doesn't verbalize it. Feels as guilty in the same waves for thinking as much. She doesn't want her family here. Even if Momoe and Chizuru had Digimon now it's different... They don't have to fight, shouldn't have to fight.

She's the weakest of her friends. Why is she here? She'll fail and they'll die or they'll stay dead and she - She doesn't want to fail them, not again. ]

But we don't have the proof it's not, right? [ Her voice is breathless, rattled. She turns the apple over in her hand and then puts it down: ] It's not like - I don't want to believe. We've never given up before even when things were bad.

[ She thinks of BelialVamdemon and how he twisted despair and darkness- Even then, they created a miracle. Brought light to the Digital World. Or the fight with Diablomon. Turn everyone's light into a sword and yet... ]

I'm not the person who can save them!

[ For this she has full conviction, it's the part the Kenoma grips onto. Because she is selfish and a burden... Problematic. It doesn't matter she's done her best to overcome it, she's still the same Miyako. Too weak to do much more. ]