seasonsgreetings | Event #7: Knocking on the 4th Wall (Inside the Metaverse)

Entry tags:

!4th wall

Event #7: Knocking on the 4th Wall (Inside the Metaverse)

Knocking on the 4th Wall
LOGS | NETWORK | OOC | MEMES | NAVIGATION

Prelude (Pre 4th Wall)

On March 14th, everyone received a message. The Research Center is ready to try another test to find ways to beat the Darkness. This time the test is not done with the robots that were previously used, but instead everyone who volunteers will be participating in a virtual reality simulator. They're asked to come over to the Center on March 15th.

The researchers will explain that the purpose of this simulation is to see how several fully powered power holders fair against the Darkness. They have gathered enough data on it and the dark energy in general to determine the effects it will have on nature, monsters and wildlife if the barrier is taken off. This is the only safe way to actually test their theories.

After all the necessary explanations, everyone is asked to log in to the metaverse. Anyone logging in may notice that there are a lot of glitches as they enter.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the city, anyone looking at any kind of a screen (their own device, television, a digital advertisement, etc.) will have their mind sucked into the metaverse, due to the virus residing in the program. Their bodies will be left in a sleep-like state wherever they may be.

Wrong Turn at Albuquerque

The Research Center staff intended for all otherworlders to start near the Research Center so they could get used to the metaverse in peace. There are no natives in the simulator, so testing out powers around the city would have been safe as well. However, because of the glitch, people can appear anywhere, either in the city or anywhere on the segments (save from the one closed off location).

Sometimes the scenery and items in the world glitch a little bit, reminding anyone that this is the metaverse. Except the glitches weren't meant to happen. Luckily they're all mostly aesthetical, but some items may work differently than they should. You have a spoon? It actually works like a fork.

Luckily, this doesn't mean they will be without any items. They can open a menu with the device on their wrist that lets them get anything at all from Riki's Rewards during the simulator without any cost. They can think of this as special opportunity to test out all kinds of items before buying them, as they work exactly the same as they would in normal space.

For some reason, the Shady Shop also appears in the menu. That was not anyone's intention as the items are, well, shady.

Other than the two shops there are basic potion and magical item menus that people can use where needed. Even vehicles, such as airships can be summoned through the menus for easier traveling in the segments.

Some might find the glitches concerning and wish to return and tell the researches about them. The problem with that is is that clicking "Log Off" won't do anything at all, even if it's supposed to boot someone out of the metaverse. But that's not the end of the strange things going on.

You're in the Metaverse Now

Along with the otherworlders that were participating in the test, others start to join in as well due to unforeseen circumstances. Luckily, they have the same "settings" as everyone else, so they're not completely without aid wherever they end up in. They also have all of their powers unlocked for the duration of their stay in the metaverse (including all animal transformations).

As part of the strange glitch going on everyone also has access to any powers from previous worlds, if they have experienced other places before. It would seem the powers can also be shared through the item inventory, should anyone want to temporary use another world's abilities. This is possible with even a person's native powers.

And as if that wasn't enough, people who weren't on Ellipsa start appearing as well. Anyone who doesn't currently have a body on Ellipsa has a mark somewhere on their body, signaling that they're just data. This mark is somehow related to the characters that has it and emits a faint light.

All of the people who are just visiting will also be able to enjoy the metaverse the same way as anyone else. They have been sorted into a Seasons and have access to full powers - and the same item inventory. All that's different from the others is that they have no physical body to return to in this world.

Communication is the key

During the metaverse adventures, people are able to communicate through their devices, but the messages will not go out to the "normal" network. So the messages are only between those in the metaverse, but at least the network works the same way as it would in the "normal world".

Happy communicating.

It's Getting Dark, Too Dark to See

The goal of the metaverse is to have a safe environment to test powers against the Darkness. All of the barriers have been taken out, except for the one surrounding the city of Nightwake. The city acts as a safe haven to anyone who needs a break or doesn't want to fight.

Everyone is encouraged to go to where the barriers used to be and use their full, unlocked powers against everything and anything the darkness throws at them to see how well they can fight against it.

Thanks to all powers being unlocked, destroying enemies powered up by the Darkness is a lot easier, but pushing back the approaching darkness still needs something more than just raw power. Though with enough power holders of different seasons working together and ~~crossing the different seasonal element streams~~ fusing together different elements from each season in a single attack, it's possible to halt the advance, much like a barrier would, for 24 hours.

Due to the barriers being off, all creatures are stronger due to the Darkness's influence. Even creatures that normally have no danger level can now at least do Dark damage. Some Slime especially may seek vengeance.

Unfortunately, due to the weird glitch in the system, everyone inside the metaverse is able to feel pain when they originally weren't supposed to, to make the experience safe. It feels very real, and there's a chance any non-lethal wounds will appear on the person's real body.

Effects of "The Darkness"

The Darkness is slowly expanding from all sides. Very slowly, at a snail's pace. Everything it touches turns into black sand, before transforming into something different. Some may even recognize the things that rise from the sand, as they're monsters, fauna or people from their own world, made into more twisted forms. They may even be creatures from a popular media from back home... or at least, someone's home (players').

If a Power Holder walks into the Darkness, they won't immediately turn into anything. Instead the transformation is slow and painful. Leaving the area will stop the transformation, but any damage already done remains. If the person changes completely, they might lose their sense of self completely and attack anything in their sights.

What they turn into depends on the individual (player's choice) and the only way to reverse the changes is to die. Luckily that isn't permanent even in the metaverse. The person just gets booted out, but can re-enter anytime they want to (or in this case; is forced to). This was told to anyone before entering the program, so they could go all out and test limits as much as they want.

Wait... Did I Save?

A screen appears either when someone dies or gets forcefully booted out of the metaverse. It has two options: Remember or Forget.

Clicking "Remember" will automatically save everything that happened into a person's memory and proceed to boot them out. Clicking "Forget" will lead the person to a series of "Are you Sure" pop up windows. As the very last resort, the window suggests an option to only partially forget events that transpired in the metaverse. Choosing to still forget everything will make the person wake up from a long, dreamless sleep. The memories erased cannot be found later on, as they have been completely erased from their metaverse-selves. Even someone telling them what happened won't sound familiar.

This option is also available for any visitors during the time they're visiting. Whenever they die they get booted out and can be immediately returned to the metaverse (by the power of players) with or without their memories, depending on what they chose.

Of course, anyone can then tell the person about the very crazy stunts they made the last time they were in the metaverse. They could be complete lies, but they wouldn't have any solid proof, other than "I would never do that".

Time to Say Goodbye

Finally, on March 31st, a message comes from the outside. It's telling everyone stuck in the metaverse that they can finally leave out of their own will and stay out this time. People can then choose to leave immediately be pressing by pressing the "Log Off" button on their screen or take a moment to say goodbye to the temporary visitors of the metaverse.

The screen asking if someone wants to "Remember" or "Forget" appears, once again. This time the Forget option is even more insistent on asking if the person is sure about their choice, especially since the memories that are erased can't be taken back later.

Once everyone who exists on Ellipsa has returned to their bodies, the metaverse will be shut down. All visitors have been booted out and returned to where they came.

OOC TIPS

• Ask 4th Wall related questions here. Read the 4th wall FAQ before asking them.

• You don't need to comment on the plotting post to participate & anyone can participate in the 4th wall (there's no separate invitation needed). However, if you wish to app in later, you need an invite if you're not a friend of the mods.

• This post is open to tag and top-level by everyone! Those arriving for the 4th wall can write 4TH WALL or VISITOR on their post and/or link their top level here!

• Check the Opt-in top-level if you're considering bringing in a character that already exists in the game.

• Smut is not allowed on the event post, so if your thread is heading that way, please move it to a separate entry (like to your musebox or characters' journal).

• Remember to content and spoiler warn as necessary!

• Reminder to players in the game that this month is Activity Check-in month and check-in ends on March 31th, at 23:59 PST.

code bases by tricklet

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ "You" as a first reaction sure sums up their entire relationship, doesn't it? ]

[ Macaque does a fantastic job seeming nonplussed despite that his emotions are still settling after the heart. ]

Ellipsa, sort of. A version of it. An intersection of worlds.

Edited 2024-03-15 03:16 (UTC)

"An intersection of..." He looked up at the night sky above them. He was quiet for a moment.

"Did I drift here after I-" He stopped himself. He blinked and looked at Macaque. "Are we both dead?"

[ Which time are you referencing there, Azure? The question does soften Macaque's demeanor a little. ]

I'm not, anymore. At least, not last I remember.

[ He'll let the glaring absence of reassurance toward Azure speak for him. Not because he doesn't care, but because he does. ]

"Then it isn't some...after life," Azure said softly. His own expression softened.

"But I am dead. From your reaction. As I thought. But how am I here?"

It's not. [ It'd be a very weird way to do afterlife. ]

The place is based on magic, and this pocket of it on technology. There's been some--

[ Macaque draws a deep breath. Epsilon is still booming around in there, less screwed down than usual. ]

Glitches. It started bringing in those who aren't normally here, and possibly won't get to stay.

[ Which Macaque has very mixed feelings about, since Azure doesn't appear(?) to have the Jade Emperor's powers right now, but that doesn't mean he isn't dangerous. All the same, they were brothers once, even if Macaque was certain that if he could give Azure a truth serum the resentment toward him would come pouring out. ]

Wukong's around here too. And MK. And Red Son. [ His voice gets a hint sharper at that last one. Do anything nasty to Red and catch these hands (and shadows, etc). Wukong and MK can take care of themselves so Macaque's protective feelings won't do much good there, so he'll save them for where they're needed. ]

Of those three names, only one truly caught Azure's attention.

"Wukong..." He was here too? Mk would never want to see him. Red Son? Right. The son of the Demon Bull King and the Celestial maiden. And Macaque was clearly protective of the boy. Why? No matter. He had no grudge against the boy.

"I see. I plan to make no war on any of them. Or you, brother," Azure said. There wasn't any malice in his voice, or resentment.

"If I cannot stay here, then perhaps I can...make some form of amends. Before I am gone again."

[ He can never be too sure where your allegiances begin and end, when it comes to Celestials or indeed their offspring. ]

Good. Then there's no problem. [ Macaque's casual demeanor snaps right back into place like a bit of rubber set on its natural shape. ]

Amends? [ Okay, interesting. But you've lied and used people before Azure, namely MK, so his trust has its limits. ]

Edited 2024-03-15 03:52 (UTC)

"Yes," Azure said with a nod. He knew he used MK. He tried to turn him against Sun Wukong. Succeeded in deceiving him. The boy was so trusting. It had been easy. In the end, he was the fool. Blind to moves that were being played and he a piece on a board.

"I hurt all of you. In my ambitions. I should, at least, apologize. Should I not? Though, you hid well enough even Peng could not find you. You always were the best for stealth and reconnaissance, brother. Unsurprising yet impressive, nonetheless."

I didn't have any intention of passing your little loyalty test and I didn't want to end up as an inkblot.

[ All of them have always known that Macaque's allegiance was always to Wukong first, even after his defection. And now to MK. ]

"I see. I had hoped but that makes sense. Wukong always had your true loyalty. You were the only one to not give up hope on him. You were his favorite in return," Azure said with a sigh. Not that it mattered. It was likely best they never found him.

"I am sorry still. For everything that happened. I do not bare you any ill will. My words may sound empty but I truly mean it, brother."

Almost always. We had a brief spat after he killed me. [ Which understandably put a damper in their relationship. ]

What exactly do you mean, "everything that happened"? [ Because whether he accepts depends on a lot. ]

Edited 2024-03-15 04:04 (UTC)

"So in the end...even you. The Jade Emperor truly did play a much larger game," A realization hit Azure in that moment. Even Macaque wasn't spared from Wukong's violence and power.

"For you being forced into hiding. For the fight. The world falling apart. For hurting MK," Azure listed. He paused for a moment and watched Macaque.

"And I am sorry I was not a better brother to you..." He sighed and shifted, putting his hands on his hips.

"I was...jealous. Of you. Of your status with Wukong. I didn't embrace you as I should have. I didn't step in between yourself and Peng when I should have. And for that, I am sorry. Brother."

That one's not on the Jade Emperor. It's my own fault.

[ Macaque got himself a lot of closure about that, and he can take responsibility for his errors. ]

[ Macaque listens to the rest of that. At least Azure can acknowledge it aloud, which does count for something. ]

I know you were. And I didn't need or expect your help with Peng. I only wanted to be accepted, same as the others.

But it wasn't in the cards. And I'm done holding grudges. Don't raise a hand against any of the others and I'll accept your apology.

"I will defend myself but only that," Azure said. He had to draw a line.

"...I failed you in that, brother. I should have accepted you. I should have helped the others do so as well. Heh. No. You did not need help but I should have offered it." Azure nodded.

"You deserved that much."

I'm pretty sure that Red owes you at least one undefended strike for what you did to him and his parents. [ He grins sharply. Just saying. ]

[ But his grin vanishes when Azure continues. ]

I don't know if Wukong sees how broken we were. I haven't had the heart to bring it up, and since he was so rarely there, it seems fair to assume he didn't notice. [ Goodness knows there was plenty of other shit that he didn't notice. ]

"Perhaps not. But I know he saw you. You were always the first he returned to. The first he shared his time with. Even if any of us tried to get his attention, all he would ask was 'Where is Macaque?'.

Our brotherhood failed. That is the simple truth, in the end."

[ You can tell that Macaque just got done getting his feelings rearranged because that tidbit makes him feel all emotional. He mostly succeeds in hiding it. ] He and I are working things out. But even my own murder wasn't enough for me to truly leave him behind.

--It's not that I didn't want to overthrow Heaven in principle. I may not have realized that the consequences would be that dire, but I knew they would be more than we bargained for.

What about Camel Ridge? I'm not after an apology there, I'm just curious if you see how misguided that was.

Azure went quiet. It was hard to hear but they loved each other. Hopefully, they will make it. The reaction from his brother was surprising. He was always better than hiding his emotions. Whatever had happened to him, it had to be drastic. He had no right to ask, however. He knew that.

"I thought the paradise we wished to build at Camel Ridge was worth the sacrifice. A...misguided notion I convinced myself was the right option. That, as long as we gained the ability to make the world better, any cost was worth it."

[ Drastic indeed. The last six weeks in particular have been a lot. ]

We were all misguided in our ways. I'm glad to hear that you know it now.

I might not have been able to let all that go not long ago. But I can't afford to be buried in the past anymore. I have those who are depending on me now.

We were. And we all paid for it.

I am glad to hear that. That you found others who accept you, as you deserve. I hope they appreciate you, brother.

...May I hug you?

I have. I seem to have come across two kids who needed a parent figure. [ He hasn't really said it out loud before now, other than offhandedly, nervously putting it to Choco. But things feel solid after the heart. Not much else feels emotionally solid, but that does, and Macaque is clinging to that certainty as he grapples with the rest. ]

[ -- Hug, huh? Macaque's smile turns wry, but not harshly so. ] Why don't we get a drink or something, and we'll see about that later. [ Not a no, he just needs more time. He can't afford another fall. ]

I fear for any who would seek to harm your children. But also for the world, should your more devious traits rub off on them.

[A joke. Lighthearted and kind. He nods.] A drink would be most welcome. You are familiar with this world. Lead the way, brother.

Oh, please. You think they would seek me out if they weren't already little shits? [ Affectionate. Extremely affectionate. ]

Come on, then. There's a good place this way with fruit wines that are enough like the ones we used to have. [ Booze back then was whatever was growing around you could ferment. ]

[ He will start making his way to the bar. ] For what it's worth, I'm sorry too. That you had to buy your clarity and redemption with your life. [ Macaque doesn't regret helping it happen, but he's sorry it did. ]

Yes but your influence may increase their mischievousness. [Azure chuckles affectionately. These children, whomever they are, are likely in good hands. He follows Macaque as they had for the bar.]

Thank you. It was either I pay that price or everyone does. And I never wished for that to be the case. I only hope, even in my folly, somehow the world is able to improve. That things can become better. ...How is MK?

Well what else would I do? The world needs mischief. [ His tone is very "yeah, obviously". ]

Believe it or not, I understand what you mean. On a smaller scale than "the world", granted. [ He too fucked up, he too paid for it, and he too wants to make it right however he can. ]

MK is... the same. Overall the same. A little worried about the monkey form that laid you out. That much power is a lot for a kid who's still getting used to having powers at all.

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Re: Azure Lion | Lego Monkie Kid | Visitor

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Re: Azure Lion | Lego Monkie Kid | Visitor

Re: Azure Lion | Lego Monkie Kid | Visitor

Re: Azure Lion | Lego Monkie Kid | Visitor

Re: Azure Lion | Lego Monkie Kid | Visitor

Re: Azure Lion | Lego Monkie Kid | Visitor

Re: Azure Lion | Lego Monkie Kid | Visitor

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Re: Azure Lion | Lego Monkie Kid | Visitor

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