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
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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

"So the answer is to make it something I'll remember for the rest of my life in my world instead?"

Being a changeling, Cole did understand the logic Max was operating off of and it was enough to somewhat soothe him back into some semblance of composure. It wasn't perfect, but it would do. As long as Macaque didn't die...or worse, because the worse was the most terrifying part...well, that was acceptable enough.

He nodded once, conceding to Max's promise.

Macaque listens carefully. It's a good point. But there's a corollary.

"If I'd exist outside the system, you could let me help more than those three times and it wouldn't break any of your rules."

For a price, of course. Macaque's expression says that he knows it.

Max watched the two of them speak more. Cole had a point but also do did Macaque. Max tapped his chin in thought.

"I could. I really could. But that would cost more, you know. Me giving you more access, more opportunities to help Cole, and needing to keep an eye on you and keep you safe. That's time and resources. We'll need to make sure that is compensated at a fair price. Let's set the groundwork. How many more times do you want to help. That will set the bar for pricing."

"Can you not press your luck? Especially when you're already doing that?"

Cole had every intention of just not leaving Macaque to it again. He was fully coherent still, though his anxiety was definitely rising again. And fast. He knew Max would probably capitalize on anything Macaque would offer to keep him safe, and he hated it as much as the risk that was already being taken.

"...Do you really not get what it would do to me to just stand by and listen to descriptions of you dying, not for the first time apparently, while not even trying to help? I'd never be able to look at MK in the eye, or myself in the mirror again."

He focuses on Max. Considering what this guy might want. The request for a kiss from a stranger was one clue, and a discussion about his role in the world is another.

"Being in a position like yours seems like it would be lonely. What if instead of sending me back, you keep me around? I'll make myself useful as a companion in whatever ways you like, with the caveat that nothing you get me to do has any direct or indirect negative effects on Cole or anyone important to him" -- so, no putting him as the first peg in a Rube-Goldberg Machine that ends in sadness -- "and if a situation arises where he can't get out of a jam, we make a new deal?"

Sure, it's somewhat open ended. But if something happens where it's an emergency, Max will have Macaque over a barrel and he'll probably give almost anything to be able to get in there and help. By the look on Macaque's face, he knows it. That's the deal.

Max listened quietly to them both. His mismatched eyes looked from Macaque to Cole and back. He could do so much with this. So much. The offer was tempting indeed. Max had a lot of room for affection, for companionship. He could see the two of them getting along quite nicely in the long run. Macaque seemed the type to care deeply but also, perhaps, enjoy being with someone a bit lackadaisical. Max was already taking advantage of something he was sure Macaque may have misunderstood.

The multiple deaths were all in the past. Already done and over with. Max had no idea what would happen in the future and if Cole would indeed die again once or any number of times. Things could play out any number of ways. He just had ideas of things that would happen. Situations he could foresee in a number of possibilities. Yet correcting that wasn't something he was going to do right now.

"That's a very tempting offer. I think the two of us could have a lot of fun together. I could play such soft sweet music for you. Listen to you sing. Get lost in the forever of a melody that we both know will come to an end but not know when. But every second you are in danger, and Cole perceives it as even partially his fault, Cole's very mind is at risk. His sanity, is satiety, his grasp on reality is at risk. And, I honestly don't enjoy keeping pets. Well, sentient ones. I have a whole herd of chinchillas. They have evolved some since the big event but really, they only got cuter. You'd like that. I had a point. Oh right. Companionship takes many forms. I'd want you as a friend. Maybe with benefits. A guest of honor. But rolling back to my other other non chinchilla related point, the longer you are in danger, even perceived danger or change of danger, and Cole blames himself in any way, you could be the source of harm you are so dedicated to stopping."

Max stepped close to Macaque now. His smile turned softer and those eyes softened with them. He looked less like some alien being and more human for a moment.

"I understand why you are doing what you are doing. I know that drive to protect the ones you love with every fiber of your being and drive. You'd pour all your power, being, and ambition into keeping them safe. Just remember, you keeping yourself safe is also important to that drive. To them. And Cole cares about you so very very much. So before we keep talking about deals and you helping, remember, you staying safe also helps him. The choice to make a deal, as always, is yours. And I'll make more deals with you, if you want. Just giving you some food for thought."

"You wouldn't take that with you forever. If something happens to you though, I live with that even once I'm gone...however I go. I'll be a ghost and still remember."

Max spoke again and Cole went quiet, picking through what he said, watching his expression, that slip of humanity and undisguised empathy...something that felt out of place on someone from his world with that much power, and he settled a bit again. That was something he'd been avoiding bringing up. Because it wasn't about that. It wasn't about him...but the fact that Max understood that simple fact that was fundamental to him went a long way toward easing some of his concerns about the strange man. Not about the danger, but about Max's intentions at the very least. So he stayed quiet.

"I would. Forever." Don't tell him what he'll haul around for the rest of time and what he won't.

There is a long pause. Longer for Cole than for Max, because for part of it Macaque is telling Max something via telepathy.

I'll see you after I help at the farm anyway, I'll make my decision then. It won't be a detriment to his sanity if he doesn't realize I'm there. I'm quite a good singer, by the way.

He sighs, and says aloud, "all right." Seemingly letting Cole win this one.

Max watched Macaque. He chuckled at the answer. Macaque was certainly a man of conviction. It was marvelous to watch. He responded with the telepathy with his own. Though it came with a melody and was like a song stuck in Macaque's head.

I look forward to it~
Our little reunion.
We'll talk and chat
and see where the day takes us~

"Very well. Then for now, the conversation of deals and dealings comes to an end. And I've said all I've came to say. Unless, Cole, you have any last minute questions for me? I did promise anything you wanted to know. And you might have some fun questions at this point. Once you're out of questions, I'll take my leave and you two can chat about all this."

Cole didn't believe for a second that Macaque was letting it drop that easily...if only because it had been harder to get him to relent on friendship status. But he wasn't in to mood to push. His head was starting to spin and the negative possibilities were nagging at him. But there was just one questions he really wanted to know.

"In the reset, was my family safe this time? Since I wasn't there."

At least Max is keeping his word. Good to know. Wouldn't have ultimately changed how Macaque did things, but it's useful information.

He doesn't say anything. He also doesn't move away from Max.

"Your family is safe, yes. They were in the hedge at the time of the reset. So everything was changed but they remained unaffected. They're safe and sound. You don't have to worry about them," Max admitted. A simple truth. Not the full truth but the truth at its most simple.

Were they safe from the King in Pink? Yes. Were they possibly in other danger? Well sure but no one was completely safe from everything.

Cole wasn't concerned about Max keeping his word. He was fae enough that he had to do it. So he promised free answers and would deliver. It was everything else about this that was setting Cole off in stages...like what he just said. "What do you mean they were inthe Hedge?!" He demanded. Macaque would definitely be able to pick up on the way Cole's pulse sped up with the sudden alrm.

He wasn't asking why, so much as he was expressing that this was not okay in his book. The Hedge was especially dangerous for mortals. So his family being there was...something he was struggling with.

None of that sounded good, but Cole's heart rate sounds worse. Macaque finally steps away from Max and moves closer to Cole, silently supportive... he hopes that's what Cole is getting, of course.

Edited 2024-04-02 23:09 (UTC)

Max didn't flinch but he did stare at Cole for a moment. Well, that wasn't the tone or reaction he had expected. He didn't get mad but wow. Right. Cole was currently a bit on edge right now. Remember, he didn't know the context, Max. Right right.

"Oh. Right. Well I cashed in a favor and made a deal with Aspen to get them into the hedge before the restart. Keep them safe. And then got them out after it was all said and done. So that one was on me. Don't worry. They are safe and Aspen got what he wanted out of it and is safe and you know your family is safe so it was a win-win-win situation."

Cole registered the movement from Macaque, and dimly what his roommate was doing. He was trying to offer support. but in the moment it didn't really sink in, since his brain was going a million miles a minute with worry.

At least until Max explained. A deal with Aspen, which likely meant they had been in the hollow, which had been fortified...which made it one of the safest places to be in the Hedge. He trusted Aspen and Max had gotten them out safely. It was okay. He took a steadying breath, looking from Macaque to Max.

"S-Sorry..."

"You don't have to apologize for reacting to news like that." Even if he's not entirely sure what "like that" means in this context, worry is worry.

Macaque steps closer to Cole. Not touching because of course he doesn't.

"And apology accepted. It's alright. And with that, unless you have more questions, I can take my leave. Let you two calm down and spend some time together. I'm sure someone, somewhere, would like a song and dance," Max chuckled and moved a little toward the door, his eyes on Cole to see what, if anything, the changeling asked next.

Macaque didn't have to touch, because Cole subtly hooked his fingers into Macaque's sleeve without looking at him. His eyes were on Max until he reached the door, at which point he shook his head once. He didn't have it in him for anymore stress right now. He had so much to absorb and process, and to fight off his anger at Macaque's recklessness. It was so much.

Cole is perfectly welcome to his sleeve. And he's welcome to be pissy. What's done is done, and Macaque's mind is almost made up about other things he won't talk about.

He waits silent and still for Max to leave.

"Then I'll be seeing the two of you again~ I look forward to it," Max chuckled as he left the apartment and closed the door behind him. The music died down until he was gone and so was the music.

Cole made no moves once the music faded, just looking down at where the dark fabric of his fingers is holding the brighter fabric of Macaque's sleeve. He didn't say anything either, just keeping that simple touch.

For a long moment, Macaque just stands there waiting for Cole to say any of the many things he probably wants to say. But nothing comes out. There's just that slight tug on his sleeve, and the silent tension.

"You really don't think I'll carry it with me forever if something happens to you?" Because that is a hell of a thing to say, and Macaque isn't sure how much of that feeling is his own fault for not making it clear.

"...if anything keeps the memories from following you home, you won't." It was a simple enough reasoning to him. He had a history with that, so it seemed likely enough. "But if something happens to you because you're doing this, I'll eventually just be a ghost who's still carrying that with me."

It wasn't that he didn't think it wouldn't follow Macaque because he didn't care that much, even a little bit. "And you'll be someone else who got hurt because you got close to me...who I couldn't do anything to protect when it matters..."

"That is an enormous 'if', Cole." And Macaque looks like he might lose it at the mere suggestion. He has his kids now, thinking of not remembering them makes him want scream or cry or both. Not to mention his progress with MK and Wukong, his entire relationship with Red...

He takes a slow breath.

"He promised he'd do everything in his power to make sure I'm safe." And even if he did get hurt, it would be worth it. "I can't stand the thought of you being at the kind of risk that scares you for me to be in the middle of without trying to do something. He said you died, and your response was "again"? Of course I did what I did."

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