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Post by Gaia on Oct 8, 2023 15:12:27 GMT -8
#s://cdn~discordapp~com/attachments/858178610224562196/901882782098292836/Joker~png
Were the powers of the Crimson Satellite and the Eternal Endgame ever intended, in time, to collide in the way that they did? Now that the Crimson Satellite had become so familiar with the power of the Eternal Endgame, was it incorrect to say, with both of their reality altering capabilities, that this was the only outcome that could ever be, even if this outcome were still a surprise?
As Joker stared into the eyes of Eon, and saw reflected in them someone that had gone through what he was going through and come out triumphant, these were the thoughts that troubled his analytical mind.
The only paradox that Joker intrinsically understood was the one that he held inside of him. To consider that in order to truly find oneself, one had to be willing to abscond the self, wasn't an idea that was lost to him, but it was surely one that he wouldn't have found within his databanks on his own.
Gripping his fist tight, Joker did something he hadn't done in a while - he breathed. He took a deep breath, and released, and when he opened his gaze again, they were steady. He took a look around, considering what Eon had done to bring him here, and what steps he had to do in order to move forward.
"The Deep Noise Wave that we use to travel to and from places across space and across data mediums is compromised. Technology from Dealer has been stolen and used to create beings of strength to rival the machinations of Dealer, to better create defenses in the last redoubts of the Wave World and the real world as a whole. A fight has destabilized the Deep Noise Wave, and if we cannot stabilize it again, two people very dear to me will perish, quite soon.
No subjective information was presented there; nothing deluded or clouded by Joker's own judgment or relation to the situation.
"Heartless' calculations pose that if I can regain control of the Crimson Satellite and resonate fully with the Crimson Core, my Noise Mastery would enable me to control the Deep Noise Wave at a level far greater than before and not only stabilize it long enough for them to escape, but to save it.
". . . Saving the Deep Noise Wave is not nearly as important a goal as saving my family is, however," he paused for a moment, obviously searching through his words very carefully. "The goal of saving my family has been placed above every other operation in priority. What do they need, and how can I provide it? That is the question that drove Heartless and myself here."
He paused, considering himself for a moment, and then turned his gaze back to Eon. "You called me here for something more than just my plight to save my family, however, and I've distracted you from it."
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Post by Raven8 on Oct 21, 2023 14:28:05 GMT -8
In response to Joker, Eon returns to his seat and closes his eyes, once again resting his head in his hand as his very being seems to slow down before the crimson titan, almost as if he begins drifting off. However, his voice resounds with no less authority and awareness when compared to before.
Eon: Loss is inevitable, Joker. Even if intolerable to the individual, the capricious whims of reality do not care for our bonds or desires. The wind will blow where it must, and time will carry on as it wills. I do not know the future from beyond where you stand now. As within my time-frame I am now moving forward through time at the same rate that you are. I am throttled by a presence within your time that holds me back... one that vastly overshadows my own will and powers.
Know this; you are looking at a greater threat than I believe anyone in your time has yet realized. You are walking towards a line, and once that line has been crossed, there will be no way to undo what will soon be done. Be prepared to see heroes rise and take the pedestals that they've long left behind, but know that they are destined to be crushed by attempting to once again don the mantles that they left behind so long ago. There will be no hero in your time, as no individual will be able to weather the storm that's coming. Your chances of victory are slim, and the schisms forged within the groups that fight may well be your downfall. Unification will be your lone salvation, but by unity you may also yet fall.
Amassing power is a fool's errand; you have what you need to attain your victory, you simply do not yet wield it. Hold firm, look beyond yourselves, and seek to attain tomorrow's light through thought rather than might alone. Only then will you find your victory, and only then will you be able to protect those who you hold dear...
Eon then pauses, sighs, and moves one finger just enough to reveal a single, now-open eye that looks on to Joker with a dull, grey color.
Eon: ...and if you want to save your family, get ahold of Gate, or something. You've already messed that one up enough, may as well go all-in at this point. And, just like that, it's over. The scene turns back to normal. Eon is gone, the fortress is no more, and Joker is back where he started. Had he actually been there, or was this all an illusion? By this point, the truth is impossible to tell...
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Post by Gaia on Nov 8, 2023 19:51:34 GMT -8
#s://cdn~discordapp~com/attachments/858178610224562196/901882782098292836/Joker~png
The world came back into focus, with Joker only left with the memory of what had occurred, Eon's long-reaching wisdom echoing in his ears. He stared at his hands, the hands that had, through the generational's power, also garnered the ability to warp space and shatter time. He had assumed that he still needed more power to do what he wanted to do, but was Eon right? Did he have the capability, just knew not currently how to wield it?
. . . The power of the generational, and the power of the Crimson core, each within his body, and each equally devastating. The power that he wielded, one that he was designed for, and one that he fought for and mastered all his own. The limited view of Mr. King prevents even him from knowing the full capabilities of the Crimson Satellite . . . Joker knew what power he wielded, in truth. The energy he collected could not only destroy the Wave World, it could entirely reshape it, power it, and give it new life.
He narrowed his eyes as he considered his thoughts, looking around Kotobuki, and shook his head. Eon was right - they were made to be something so much less than what they were capable of. Could they be so weak that the only thing they could consider doing with their power was slaughter? . . . Was he capable of helping his friend, even through the barrier of space and time separating them?
Joker wasn't sure, but he knew he would find a way to get there. Focusing his thoughts, he closed his eyes, and reached out. He needed answers, and he needed someone else to talk to about his concerns that wasn't Heartless, wasn't any of his other allies, and surely wasn't Gate.
. . . Gamma? Does this work like this? Can you hear me? Are you available to help me with a concern?
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Post by Raven8 on Nov 8, 2023 20:10:59 GMT -8
Saying Gamma's name was all that it took, as Joker would instantly become aware of the small presence and feel Gamma's sudden jump in expectation and apprehension at the Crimson Titan's beck and call within his own heart.
Gamma: Yes, sir, I'm here. How may I be of assistance with your concern?
Joker would feel Gamma's intent as he makes contact, and would experience the almost rigid and attentive response given. It's as though Gamma is a butler being called by his master for the first time, eager to please and prove his worth, but also afraid to disappoint at the same time.
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Post by Gaia on Nov 8, 2023 20:18:36 GMT -8
#s://cdn~discordapp~com/attachments/858178610224562196/901882782098292836/Joker~png
Joker felt the presence of the eager being arise from all around him, and felt at odds with the sensation of the higher being treating Joker like he were greater. Joker spent all of his life proving himself to those that would see him put down for his weakness, and he was quite aware that Gamma was anything but.
I . . . I need an assessment of my capabilities, a second opinion. I've lived so long off of instinct and impulse, the necessity to fight to survive, I worry my data logs have been flooded by inaccurate and invalid data to consider.
When my Satellite was still operational and visible within the night sky, were you aware of it? Could you detect the Noise Wave that it created within space, connecting the Net to the Crimson Satellite? I . . . I need to determine if my power core is capable of an output necessary to sustain a Noise Wave slightly larger than that one without destroying me, and without assistance from the Satellite itself.
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Post by Raven8 on Nov 9, 2023 7:47:44 GMT -8
Gamma pauses for a moment after Joker finishes, not surrendering any additional feelings or sounds to the Crimson Titan for several seconds before at last returning with an answer.
Gamma: While I can give you the readings on the strength and wave-length of the latest Noise Waves originating from the Crimson Meteor, I regret to inform you that there is currently no direct way to connect with it at this time, as it seems to be... gone. However, I will gladly inform you if and when it once again makes itself known, if you like.
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Post by Gaia on Nov 9, 2023 13:38:40 GMT -8
#s://cdn~discordapp~com/attachments/858178610224562196/901882782098292836/Joker~png
He realized now why he constantly sought after power to improve himself before he went after his next conquest. It was not that he felt it was his right to wield that power, but that he was afraid that without that power he wouldn't be able to stand.
In his search for greatness, he had blinded himself to a weakness. Not fear, not reliance, but doubt. Doubt in his own capabilities, and refusal to accept risk. He had hoped that the power he garnered would overcome the risk. Where was any opportunity without that risk, though?
I don't want you to interact with the Noise Wave for too long at all. I want it stable enough to go in, save my family, destroy whatever is inside of it, and get out. Once this threat is over, I can always rebuild a Noise Wave. I cannot rebuild them, and I cannot hope to repay you any damage you take for interacting with it. I know now what they have done to the Noise Waves, but know only that they are dangerous to traverse and interact with.
. . . Thank you, Gamma. You returned something to me I didn't know I had lost.
[Joker -> Rescue]
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Post by Raven8 on Nov 9, 2023 14:32:32 GMT -8
Gamma once again pauses at Joker's words, allowing silence to propagate the scene before giving his response.
Gamma: According to my data, I would best assume that you are capable of such a feat, but I am not sure if it would be possible to sustain it long-term with the current degradation of the electromagnetic spectrum still in play. If you like, I could attempt to help to sustain your efforts once you've completed the task despite this situation.
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Post by Gaia on Nov 9, 2023 14:54:35 GMT -8
#s://cdn~discordapp~com/attachments/858178610224562196/901882782098292836/Joker~png
He realized now why he constantly sought after power to improve himself before he went after his next conquest. It was not that he felt it was his right to wield that power, but that he was afraid that without that power he wouldn't be able to stand.
In his search for greatness, he had blinded himself to a weakness. Not fear, not reliance, but doubt. Doubt in his own capabilities, and refusal to accept risk. He had hoped that the power he garnered would overcome the risk. Where was any opportunity without that risk, though?
I don't want you to interact with the Noise Wave for too long at all. I want it stable enough to go in, save my family, destroy whatever is inside of it, and get out. Once this threat is over, I can always rebuild a Noise Wave. I cannot rebuild them, and I cannot hope to repay you any damage you take for interacting with it. I know now what they have done to the Noise Waves, but know only that they are dangerous to traverse and interact with.
. . . Thank you, Gamma. You returned something to me I didn't know I had lost.
[Joker -> Rescue]
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