Event || Doppelgangers

[melodiesmods]

Characters: All characters who signed-up for the event.
Where: Dreams.
When: Overnight from April 16th to April 17th.
Summary: The Heroes of Light have a shared dream— They find themselves in the body of a Hero of Light from two thousand years ago, both witnessing events and reenacting things that happened back then. But these Heroes of Light aren't just anybody; they are people from their homeworlds... And sometimes themselves. Please refer to the second OOC Post for details and plotting.
Warning: Battles, death, tragedies, bad things overall.

Common Dream || Mingle

Group A || The Dissensions
Group B || The Hacking
Group C || The Betrayal
Group D || The Enemy Within
Group E || The Plan
Group F || The Other Way
Group G || The End

Comments

Group B || The Hacking

[melodiesmods]

The inside of the floating facility is as desolate as the outside, but shows more hints as to what the technology of the Ancients used to be like. There are no visible crystals powering the facility, but thin line of red light can be seen coursing the walls, as if an electric current was powering the facility even thousands of years after it had been abandoned. The doors open automatically for the characters, such as the one leading to the room with the computer.

The computer and all lights in this room are turned off, but can be turned on by those who know to read Ancient or use their technology. Unfortunately, the very same door they used to come in is now attacked by the crystalline creatures who chased them throughout the facility, and they are now trying to break through and into the room.

[demiurging]

[Chihiro is hardly a tower of resolve, but there is one thing that she feels confident in above all else: her talent with computers and programming. Hacking into a system designed by the Ancients would be difficult, but it's exactly the kind of challenge suited to the one known as the Ultimate Programmer.

And so, with one hand clenched protectively across her chest, she makes her way into the room alongside the others, quickly glancing around and taking stock of the situation. When she speaks, it's in the tone of a soft-spoken person doing her very best to be heard above the fracas occurring just outside.]

There's the computer, but it looks like all the systems in this room are written in Ancient.

[Tentatively, she glances to Jacques.]

Jacques... can you get the lights turned on so we can see? And I'll probably need your help with the program, too.

[There's a brief gasp as she tries to keep herself under control. It's okay. She's avoided hyperventilating with panic for the moment.]

I-if that's okay.

Using skeleton icons, but he's human in dream.

[deadlyvu]

[Jacques offered a reassuring smile to his younger friend, keeping close to them. He had resolve enough for them, given the trials he had been through and would go through to protect his friends.]

"Worry not, my young friend. We are all in this together, and that is 'ow best we will get things accomplished, no?"

[A gentle nudge to Chihiro, trusting the others to have their backs as the taller man scanned around then strode purposefully over to the walls and traced the path ways of red-light. Soon finding a switch, Jacques reactivated the lights.]

"Voila! Let us all 'urry."

[iknowtheconsequences]

Asuka lets out a harsh yell as she strikes with her gunblade to clear the first crystal figure from the door. She backs up, taking up a protective point just behind the two going for the computer, intending to stand as their last line of defense.

Her words are a resentful growl. "You two better know what you're doing! We came all this way to get you here, now get to work." She flicks a long lock of hair behind her shoulder as she brandishes her blade towards the door, ready to fire to cover the last few Heroes coming through. "We'll handle the hard part."

[nymphofdomino]

[Daphne was closer to the door, but still in enough to talk so that both parties could understand one another. Dealing a hit to an oncoming monster she was going to make sure that they didn't pass. She wasn't going to let people down. Not like she already had before.

Glancing back for a brief moment she figured she might as well say something right now.]

We'll try and hold them off for as long as possible. I believe in you to do what we came here for. Just tell me how things are going, okay?

[She changed her arm into one from an Eidolon before attacking another crystal figure. So far so good really she thought. She was doing her best.]

For those of who who are fighting, try your best and keep them at bay for as long as it takes.

[demiurging]

I'm sorry... Jacques could help you fight if I knew how to read Ancient.

[Chihiro hangs her head shamefully as she takes her seat at the computer, looking over the console's controls and reaching a hand out to touch the screen. There is a brief glow, and she nods as the machine flares to life, inscrutable runes dancing across the display rapid-fire.]

Jacques, you'll have to help me navigate to the information we need. I'll be hacking into protected data clusters, and it's sure to alert someone, so we'll need to be fast.

[As the sounds of the battle rage on just outside the door, Chihiro winces, tears already welling up at the sides of her eyes.]

...Really fast.

[deadlyvu]

[A firm but gentle hand rested on Chihiro's shoulder as Jacques kept close. Supportive and letting the other know he was there, besides being a translator.]

We will get through zis, mon petit-ami. Do what you can.

[His voice quiet and firm, the masculine address of his friend slipping out naturally. Then Jacques attention was focused on pointing out words and helping Chihiro navigate the screens to take them where they needed to go.]

[demiurging]

[Chihiro manages a small smile and a nod at the support from Jacques, face reflected in the screen. She doesn't dare take her eyes from it, fingers flying across the keyboard as fast as they can while she scans through the file system.]

What we're looking for will be in one of these protected clusters... we'll probably have to brute force the password. I don't have time to write a program to do it for us.

[With a deep breath and only a momentary pause to concentrate, it's right back to work.]

I'll do my best.

[iknowtheconsequences]

Asuka is holding the final line, preventing any of the crystal figures from passing her, but still close enough that she can watch the hackers' progress. There is a loud ringing sound every time her blade strikes against crystal.

"I can keep this up all day, but if those things keep getting in, while I'm back here babysitting you two," Asuka roars as she slices into another figure. "I hope you're nice and comfy while we clean up this mess!"

There's a vague sense of disapproval, but Asuka can't tell that it's coming from Kaji watching her actions. Instead it just fuels her antagonism towards the girl she's targeted as an outlet for her frustration.

jumping in again to cry - we'll go Jacques, Asuka, Chihiro after this

[demiurging]

[Even over the din of the battle and the sounds of the system, Asuka's insult cuts through the air like a hot knife through butter. Or at least, Chihiro hears it loud and clear. There's a visible jump even from the back of the chair, followed by a whimpering noise.]

I-I'm sorry! If I was faster, I...

[Already starting to crack under pressure, Chihiro's eyes begin to well up at the sides with tears. It's not doing much to help things, either, as now she has to lift a hand every so often to wipe at her eyes so she can see the screen clearly.]

Works for me. Have at us both, Asuka! ^_^

[deadlyvu]

[Jacques frowned, and concentrated. It was just like Mr. Neitheworld all over again--everyone laughing, because he was a skeleton, in a body building contest. But he had persevered, with aid from friends. Strength deep in his bones, and now he would seek to help his younger friend find that strength too.]

It is alright, petit ami. Focus, as we can not do zis without you.

[He meant that, as his translating was useless without the data, and adding another fighter to the group would not be as productive. It had been explained to them all, when they had broken into groups.]

Zere! Zat looks like it might be promising.

[Pointing to a cluster for Chihiro to explore.

Why did you guys let me play this character?

[iknowtheconsequences]

"Don't waste time being sorry, just do better!" Asuka snaps. She pauses in her tirade only to let out a half-shriek, half-yell as she cleaves a particularly stubborn figure in two. "I can't stand excuses!"

There is an extra-loud scream from the fray, Asuka only barely sees what happens to Sandy, but she can see enough to know it's bad. But she can't move from her position. Her reaction is immediate. "We're dying out here because you two are too weak to protect yourselves! Well, fine! They're not taking me with them!" Kaji can sharply feel the fear that cracks behind Asuka's bravado. But it's why she lashes out in every direction, even towards her own allies.

1/2

[demiurging]

[Telling Chihiro not to apologize for something is like telling water to stop being wet. That panic from before is rising by the moment, reaching a fever pitch.]

I'm sorry! I mean... I'm sorry that I'm sorry! I mean...!

[And then the next words catch in Chihiro's throat at one particular word.

Weak.

It's true. It's always been true. That's why she - no, why he - lives like this. Hiding himself from the world. He can only imagine how much worse Asuka's abuse would be if she knew. But even after so long, he can't bring himself to be honest with the other Heroes of Light. The people he's supposed to trust. The people who are supposed to trust him.

But how could anyone ever trust in someone so weak.

Chihiro freezes up in his seat as those thoughts whirl around his head, and finally, after whispering 'weak' to himself a few dozen times, he finally breaks down in tears.]

Y-you're right... I am weak! I'm useless without a computer, and now I can't even do this! I... I'm so worthless...

2/2

[demiurging]

[And this is the point at which Chiaki has had enough of being a passive observer and decides to take a more active role in her father's affairs. She had initially resolved - outside of a cursory introduction before - mostly to watch, having played more than enough games where interfering in the time stream inadvertently caused a disaster. But she's played just as many where doing so averted one, and now is the time.]

Father... don't listen to her.

W-what...?

You're not weak. You can do it.

B-but I... I can't!

You can. I know you can. You've never been weak. I think you look really manly when you're programming.

R... really?

Of course. So don't listen to what anyone else says. You're the Ultimate Programmer. You've done amazing things. You've created so many amazing things. [She stops short of saying 'like me.' He doesn't need to think about that right now.] So let me help. I'll hum the Tetris theme to help you concentrate. Just listen to my voice.

[And a certain song begins to play in Chihiro's head. Seemingly snapping out of his reverie, he starts humming it under his breath as well, going otherwise silent as he turns back to the monitor and starts typing at least twice as fast as before. Folders fly open, text scrolls across the screen... it seems that things are back on track.]

I... I can do it! Five more minutes! All I need is five more minutes!

[vindr]

[At least they finally got to where they wanted to go, even if they were chased all the way here. But Fukutomi Juichi is strong, and his stamina is holding up.]

Blizzaga!

[The thick ice reinforces the doors for the moment, but he knows the crystalline enemies will break through shortly.
Not taking his eyes from the doors, he addresses his allies.]

We're here, so let's do it! Each of us ...is strong!

[Nothing else need be said. They know what they're here for.

He does shoot a glance at Nanami. ...! Did she get hit badly on the flight here? He quickly comes to her side, and not being one to waste time or words looks her over and immediately casts curaga. All the while looking at her with his usual impassive stone-face. (But he was worried for a sec there.)]

We all need to be in top shape for this battle. I'm counting on you to keep our health up.

[aero_dienamic]

Some of Sindy's resolve had totally faltered. More than once she allowed herself to get hit because she failed to make the kill she was aiming for, no matter the utter overwhelming advantage she had at those points.

"Tell me... am I the only one seeing... their faces. Their shapes?" Sandy slips out of the space between the wall and one of the spell's oddly-shaped icicles, as if she'd melted out of the shadow itself.

[nomorecowbell]

Nanami had stood up once Juichi's spell had closed her wounds, picking up her sword. "Whose shapes?"

She was trying to focus on not letting everyone down. That meant that nothing could get past her.

[nymphofdomino]

Daphne was making sure there was communication between the two groups, so while she wasn't close to the door, she wasn't close to the other group either. But for now she need to check how things are doing here.

"Guys, while dealing with the crystal people, can you all tell me how you are?"

Daphne had floated closer, wanting to take a closer look and having heard the other about seeing shapes and faces.

"Yeah... I can see it too. They look very similar to people." She couldn't tell but there was one right in the back that was leading them toward the door. She was sure she could recognise them, but from this distance she couldn't tell.

"For now lets just keep them from coming into the room and I'll inform the others that the situation is fine here."

[vindr]

Fukutomi gave Nanami a wary look. She would not let him down if she helped to keep them all alive. But he could tell, she wanted to fight. ...She might very well get her chance, should something unforeseen happen.

He nodded at Daphne's request. "I leave it to you. I'm going to the front now."

Before he even got there he began casting. Fire sword magic. His heavy sword blazed.

"Blizzaga!" Another layer of ice tore into the ranks of crystalline forms starting to break through the door, and he came to join Sandy.

"How many are on the other side?" he asked her, not taking his eyes from the door. Even with another layer of blizzaga, time was short. He could see the eyeless faces.

[aero_dienamic]

"Those... crystal creatures. Their shapes... they... Perhaps I'm tired... But I could have sworn they looked to have taken the shape of my sisters." She was certain, but... at the same time, perhaps it was mere trickery.

She held a hand to her side, asking for no help, and providing no words to say she had been hit by them. "I would suggest not letting a familiar face shake your resolve."

Sandy peers through the walls and the layers of ice. "Though there are many, the ones outside the door only count half a dozen, for now. I can't imagine that number will stay so small for so long."

[vindr]

He did look at her at that report. Familiar faces...?

"That's good advice, if unsettling. Pass that to Daphne when she returns so she can tell the others. We need to be completely prepared." He paused, glancing at where she held her side. "I asked Nanami to heal, but monitor your condition."

Suiting his own words, he took out his last ether and drank it down quickly. He had one precious hi-ether left, to use in a last pinch.

"We must return with the information." Or everything will be lost.

[iknowtheconsequences]

"Hrmph." Asuka is remaining close to the hacking group, gunblade drawn and ready. "I didn't see a thing. If the best they can throw at us are these mindless dolls, they don't really stand a chance." Of course the Second Child will downplay the seriousness of their situation. Although there are some gouges in her deep red armor, she seems uninjured.

Asuka aims at the first crystal figure, where the ice is beginning to splinter the most. But she waits, bides her time.

Let them come to you. You've got this.

[nomorecowbell]

"Right. We're the Heroes of Light!" Nanami wasn't so sure in private. She couldn't remember what her parents and brother looked like; he's never shown up in Crystallis. But now that Sandy mentioned it, they did look like fallen Heroes of Light. She'd be fine casting a spell or swinging her sword, but then one would turn and look at her, and her shots would be slow, or slightly wide.

What is going on? What kind of nightmare is this?

[nymphofdomino]

Daphne was preparing herself for when they had to really get ready for the long battle ahead. For now she was sure she was recognizing the one leading the charge.

'Is that...mum?'

That was enough to cause Daphne's eyes to widen. Now that her sisters voice said it, that one leading the charge did look an awful lot like her mother. Well, that's going to be fun.

"That's because they have. I bet that is to distract us." She knew she would be, she wasn't sure she could even attack that one herself. But for her her arms moved into themselves and her eyes closed slightly. She wasn't sure if she could do it. Just the thoughts passed by her mind. She couldn't kill her mother, even though she knew it wasn't them.

"Just remember... It's not them."

[vindr]

"It's not them!" Fukutomi shouted it clearly, years on Crystallis not dimming his Captain's voice.

He shouted it for his allies, and he shouted it for himself. Because a yellow crystal figure burst through the ice and made a line directly for him, as if it knew him.

('Souhoku's Captain?' whispered Manami, who was watching this strange dream unfold with growing surprise. But his soft whisper to himself was lost under Fukutomi's words,)

"Kinjou Shingo." His tone filled the name with regret from the depth of his heart. The second stage of the Inter-High, never completed. Their contest never resolved. Even after over three years here, he still remembered it like yesterday!

"Why like this?!" he growled heavily, swinging his sword with all his might into the crystal Kinjou. "It's not him, but why like this?" He hit again, the magic augmentation fading from his sword.

Why did he have to see this face again here, like this? This was not the resolution he sought!