limiterrings | (no subject)

[ time stops, the world's color grows dull, almost like being underwater — sound fades out into nothing, and this is a world that shadow understands much like breathing air. his eyes glance to the side, then to the other as he can hear rock above him shatter into pieces. he made a good choice then, it seems even this individual is capable of harnessing chaos energy in the same matter as him.

if he didn't then it would have been something of the end for them, but shadow's quick to jump up, catching his footing on pieces of rock that's flat enough for him to use. he uses these to his advantage to quickly follow after where his copy is, the look in his eyes as he meets the others is one that acknowledges that he's done good. as for the emerald, he allows the other to keep it, besides with how much juice is left within it, he knows it won't have much use for himself.

as swiftly as he can, shadow makes it to the top to take in what's waiting for them, and the vehicles do not go unnoticed. rather, he glares at the one that's already shot a sort of missile and net in the direction of where they think one of them would be. jumping towards it, shadow flips upside down, kicking the missile in the other direction, and hop over to grab the edge of the net. there's some sort of sticky substance on it, and he jumps into one of the aircrafts to hook it around the driver.

whatever it does, he'll figure out once the world goes back to normal, but he isn't against turning the wheel on the vehicle to ensure it goes crashing into another. he points two fingers at another one, suggesting that his copy should follow suit with the others, because as soon as time begins and everything crashes into each other — they'll have to run while they're all distracted.

but the question is which way. ]

[The look when their eyes met, he felt some relief that the other didn't seem disappointed. Despite his moments of weakness, he can perform when asked of him, even if he doesn't fully understand the command. He had to be trained and conditioned to perform near flawlessly in his task, or else the base probably wouldn't have been standing for as long as it had been.

He comes up to the surface with his other as they've gone ahead to deal with one of the vehicles. The emerald, disappeared from his hand for the moment. Whether he's aware he did it or not, is uncertain. He's already looking at the other flying vehicle as his other instructs him to do the same. It's like dealing with G.U.N on his tail once again. He knows how to deal with that. He teleports up, appearing on the side of the pilot. He gets a clearer view of the area from up here, noting it quickly as he breaks into the cockpit. The controls were alien to him, but turning a stirring wheel is still universal apparently. He turns, then kicks it to keep it jammed in one direction.

Once completed, he jumps towards the other, looking for his double.] Here! [Soon as he spots them, he reaches for them. Expecting, hoping they grab hold so he can teleport them both out of there. He saw a building that looked abandoned in the distance while he was handling the other pilot. That's where he would take them, successfully getting them inside an old empty room, and putting quite some distance between them and all the action as time returns to normal. The sound of a distant explosion being the indication that the flying vehicles have made contact into each other.

He had landed on his feet in the new area, but after a moment, collapses onto the floor to catch his breath again. Whatever that "chaos control" was, didn't know how much it would drain him until they were finally out of danger, for now. Could be because he had made the choice to give it a little more power, lack of familiarity to properly control that power, or both.]

[ the thing is shadow doesn't work with others that well, he likes to work alone and if not that then with the team he knows best. however, how he feels about himself in general is different — he trusts himself to make close calls, he believe in himself to be able to do things that others aren't capable.

even when the hand is extended to him, he would normally ignore it in favor of finding his way out. only because this odd hedgehog who has his face offers that hand and understands the gravity of the situation is why shadow takes it without hesitation. it's in and out, from one place to another, and inside of the building that acts as their cover once the machines come crashing into each other is almost music to shadow's hears.

it's the burst of air that blows inside of the buildings and cracks the glass to bust those and them back more, causing them to roll on the floor, and then he's quick to recover onto his feet. ]

We have to move.

[ that's what shadow knows more than anything, to continue to work on his feet without stopping. it's with this in mind that he walks over to where his double is, tilting his head as he looks at the other.

someone able to use the ability of chaos control surprised him before, but he doesn't seem too surprised... but why, how is he able to do it but not know of that monster? from the look of things, that ability seems to have taken quite a lot out of him that seeing him catch his breath makes shadow wonder a few things.

aside from the visual differences and memories, it's a question he's finally decided to kneel down to look at who has saved his life with a simple question next. ]

Who are you?

I know. [He says breathlessly. He's aware he can't keep laying here, but his damn body doesn't want to move right now. His eyes are closed, his breathing slowly starting to steady. He can hear footsteps of his other approaching. Probably to scold him for still laying here. But no matter what he wants or demands of his body, it refuses.

Who are you?

There was a skip in his breathing. Not the question he was expecting right this moment, but a simple question should have gotten a simple reponse. It only gave Shadow pause. Then a quiet admittance.] ...I don't know. [There are a number of things people had expected him to be, but those aren't his own thoughts and opinions. His entire life was dictated for him up till recently. Never finding the answer about himself. He takes a long deep breath, opening his eyes to stare up at the ceiling, unable to look at his other who carried so much more confidence.]

I was given a name, told I was the Ultimate Lifeform, but... [Brows furrow as he frowns. That feeling of not knowing, just doing without any explanation behind it. A small part that's scared of himself, what he can do that the scientists didn't uncover yet about himself.] It doesn't mean anything when I don't know who or what I am from the start.

Hmph.

[ the only thing he can muster as he gets up from the floor, no longer kneeling down next to his copy with interest. that answer isn't the best one, because shadow can only ponder those words and what they could have meant for him. those days of running desperately for answers of who he was, those foolish days of where he'd "throw away" his past and say "goodbye" to himself.

as the ultimate lifeform there was a responsibility, the creation that was meant to be a cure for all illnesses, to be able to make everyone on earth happy — smile, other little things he wouldn't have believed when he first woke up. yet, he looks down at this "ultimate lifeform" wondering if he even believes himself to be that. ]

Well, Ultimate Lifeform, you've got time to figure it out.

[ he's unable to say that he'll have people to help him figure that out along the way, but shadow doesn't know what the other has.

from the sound of it, it sounds like nothing. asking questions such as who gave him that name would be a start, it's basically an answer in some way that might grow into an even harsher truth. ]

Let's go. [ yet, is it shadow's place to say anything about how he feels. no one would have understood him, unfortunately, he's never been the type to put his feelings into words for another person. instead, he pushed himself to prove that he was what he believed himself to be. ]

[They sounded disappointed. Not surprising. Quite a difference in response when he asked them the same question before. Figure it out. The title ringing hollow to him. He shifts himself to a sitting position, giving himself a moment before finally getting back up. Staggering a bit, he manages to straighten himself up, looking to his other expectantly. Ready. Well, so he keeps telling himself.

Another fight anytime soon might actually bring him down hard. He's not saying that, not wanting to admit to it and be left behind.

This building doesn't seem to have anyone occupying it at least. No sound of anyone obviously hiding or someone equivalent to a soldier that he can hear. But where are they to go? How do they actually leave this place? A thought. A risky one, but-] Should we look into where those flying vehicles came from? [Hijack one and get a better idea of their situation.]

[ shadow always sounds disappointed.

the ultimate lifeform who hasn't found their purpose yet, he won't pity them as that's something he hates himself. however, he can tell that this one searches for a tender touch that he doesn't have, she... would beg to differ, but who he is now couldn't give this individual what they're looking for. ]

Hm... [ he scoffs, shaking his head. ] I have to finish whatever brought me here.

[ that would put them on someone's radar, and those high-speed car chases is more sonic's style than his. he has to take the sneakier, silent alternative until he can figure out what it is that wanted him or them here. ]

If that interests you, why don't you take it?

[ shadow now looks over to the other, it's not a gentle or scolding look, it's more so... there's no wrong or right answer. ]

You are the Ultimate Lifeform.

[He blinks, eyes lowered as he considers the other's objective. Who did bring them here? How? Why? Why them specifically? Now that it's been put into his mind, he wants to know too. He looks up again, the question directed at him. Them furthering re-enforcing his title. It does the opposite and make him resent it more. It only brought him pain, grief and imprisonment. His eyes doesn't meet the other, shaking his head.]

Just...call me Shadow. Or anything else. [They're both named Shadow, aren't they? That would get confusing very quickly. Either way, he doesn't feel like he's done anything to earn the title of "Ultimate Lifeform". He lifts his head, looking at the doorway.] But I want to find who's responsible for bringing us here.

[ anything else? it's almost like an insult, but he hasn't done anything to prove himself as the ultimate lifeform, but if biolizard only exists as a movie, does that mean that there was no one to make a cure for? these are sensitive questions, some that makes him stare at the copy wondering if he failed there too.

... ]

This is your chance to escape, Seven.

[ because calling him shadow will be confusing, but shadow has always been the ultimate lifeform, and if he isn't ready to carry the weight of that title then there's no need to hold that either. ]

Whoever did this has no connection to you.

[Seven. He looks to his other, wondering why that name in particular? It's inoffensive enough that he isn't bothered by it, but he is curious. Either way, he accepts it, wanting to just move on from that whole Ultimate Lifeform talk. Unlike that subject, he's very sure of what he wants to do next, and it's not to escape anymore. Thinking further, where would he even go afterwards anyway?]

How do you figure it's not? I was brought here against my will. [He didn't ask to come here. There's still no explanation about what's going on between them. How is it the two of them are able to just...exist in the same space? If that even makes sense. And he still had questions about his other. If they are willing to deal with him.] I'm going with you. [In a rare moment, he speaks clearly what he desires.]

[ there's a low groan that filters from shadow's throat as he looks between the doorway across the room and then to seven. he's not really good at having someone that isn't in tune with themselves following him around, especially when they appeared so scared not too long ago. ]

You were.

[ but it feels personal, like someone chose shadow in particular because why no one else? why just himself... or a copy of himself, but there's always a chance that seven isn't who he is. he could be a plant that these aliens are using to watch over him, to keep him close to always know where he is.

why does shadow keep him knowing the danger it may bring? ]

As long as you don't get in my way.

[ he wants to add he can do whatever he wants, but even that seems like a double edged sword. ]

Of course. [He heard that bit of reluctance, but he doesn't let it bother him. He doesn't plan to be a hinderance and will perform when demanded of him. Which...he lifts his hands, holding the emerald that his other had provided to him.]

In that case, could you explain what I did? I...just want better control over it. [He has become awfully aware that he tends to use his chaos powers with little regard of conserving it. If his tired body is any indication. Knowing the possible challenges to come, he has to rethink his approach. And in the long run, it would benefit his other to educate him, so that he is more efficient in his performance.]

[ that icon really showcases his heart...

is that how he parsed it? to not be in his way, he'll have to learn certain techniques to understand them better? it makes sense, then again, why wouldn't he be interested in a unique skill that could freeze time? at first, shadow is quiet not in a way to keep him away from that knowledge, but only that the skill isn't used to his advantage in the way shadow uses it. ]

Hm... then explain to me, what was it like?

[ an answer.

all he waits for is that. ]

[How was it? He looks down at the emerald in his hands, thinking. He really wasn't given much chance to process it, not knowing how long time would stop, needing to do a bunch of things within that time. It was...certainly not a sensation he's ever experienced, so the words to describe it take time to form.]

...Like I was being pulled and suddenly put underwater. [A sensation he is familiar with, having adjusted between breathing air to liquid and back often, when still in the base. But it wasn't as rough of a transition, just a sudden tug and then he was fully acclimated. Like he's done this before.]

I felt the effected space like it was an extension of myself, and yet not. I could sense certain things in the space, how far it reached. It was...draining. Energy being taken to keep it maintained. [He must have created a large effected area on his first go. Because he didn't know what he was expecting. In that moment, he didn't think about anything, but doing everything he could so they could both escape.]

[ shadow listens, occasionally looking at this version of him... something of him, not fully him, but is capable of utilizing his skills. is it because they're next to each other or are they that closely connected? ]

With that, you can achieve ultimate power.

[ he sounds proud of himself, but why wouldn't he be? only specific individuals can tap into the power that the emeralds hold. before, he wouldn't have been able to believe anyone else could do the same as him, but he is smarter than what he was before.

since seven was able to use it, it means he's open to a wide range of skills, but some come at a heavier price. ]

Space and time, all at your control with a simple command.

[ his words are fact, crimson eyes falling into the ruby red gem in the other's gloved hand. shadow's own hand closes into a fist, the crunch of his glove audible in his ears as he emphasizes the control that belongs to him. ]

It stretches as far as you can will it. You weren't familiar with it once you came into existence?

[ small differences are unique differences. ]

...So they are the same. [Despite the difference in emerald size, he thought this one felt just like the ones back on Earth. So this is what one of them can do, even when it's "power" was already nearly spent. At least he knows he can charge it, but only if he has to.

His other spoke how amazing it was to have such capabilities to use this power, but he isn't as thrilled about it as they were. It was only a moment, where his expression showed he was thinking about the possibilities, only to furrow his brows as he thinks about all the tests. All this power, just to be used for who knows what. The few experiments he was privy to did not...seem pleasant. Like what he used to completely wipe the military base off the map, or to power the Eclipse Cannon. He had to wonder why humans would want all that destructive power for.]

No, but I don't know what my life was before the humans found me. [His first memory was waking up in a tube full of some breathable liquid, with a bunch of humans in labcoats staring at him on the outside. There were soldiers among them, pointing their weapons after the meteor revealed his existence. Just a mildly stressful environment to wake up to.] After...I figured out I could manipulate the space around me. [Time was not a factor until now.]

[ they are different, so vastly different that shadow can tell even in the way they walk — he, confident, and the other, insecure. shadow could never see himself in such a miserable state, desperate, confused and blind with rage, but insecure of his desires and who he is? it's new, such feelings of visible sadness and fright, the way he doesn't understand the limitless power that comes from the emerald.

who are you, and why is he different?

he's quiet, pondering over the specific words used: "before the humans found me". that's not what it was for him, his stern gaze remains looking forward in the dark hall ahead of them where glass, paintings and even the walls are damaged with cracks and covered in dust. ]

Your circumstances sound troubling.

[ not scripted much like his own, but even then he was filled with pain and anger, he grieved in a way that brought destruction to those that hurt her. even if his beliefs were in the wrong place, at times, it felt right despite how wrong it was.

his own confusing beginning led to offering shadow a foundation, if he couldn't depend on anyone, that he had himself. seven, the one beside him, doesn't even seem like he could carry himself for long without breaking down.

metaphorically speaking, that is.]

...

[Their single response tells him a few things. One, that he might have given more information than he should have. The other is, because of that, he's figuring out that the other's history must be drastically different by the way they responded to what he let slip. Was it the detail about his life before coming to Earth? Or his lack of understanding his own capabilities? The way they carry themselves was a big tell already, and he doesn't know how to feel about this growing gap between them. Annoyed? Resentful?

Sadden, that there's such a difference existing between them. The answers about himself, may not come from them in the end. His demeanor shifts ever so slightly, by his expression turning colder instead of softer.]

...Unless you plan to explain yourself, my circumstances doesn't have anything to do with what we're talking about.

[Or maybe it does. Whatever. He felt his other scrutinizing him and he hated it. He got plenty of that from the scientists. Doesn't need it from this guy with his face too.]

Edited (ENGLISH IS HARD) 2025-03-18 03:11 (UTC)

[ what audacity does this one have to tell shadow to explain himself? it's funny to hear from someone who couldn't even begin to explain the root of their existence. shadow only offers a brief look at their cold expression, one that he also wears on occasions, but never for the reason of why he is.

shadow isn't helpful, he isn't kind, and even now if he wanted he could swipe the emerald from him and get rid of seven with ease. he doesn't understand that shadow allows him to come along, that shadow allows him to do what he's doing, that any of these possibilities are even within his reach because of him.

now, he isn't searching to be thanked or even seen as someone that the other can depend on, no, it's that shadow notices their differences, but even a child would get upset at not knowing their full potential. ]

Your circumstances have everything to do with it.

[ however, he seems unwilling to elaborate until his next string of words. ]

What do you want to know?

[He dares and he will keep firm on it. Even when he knows his other is more capable, he fights, adapts and endures. It is something he at least knows about himself, something he was freakishly efficient at, even before the scientist began their testing. Even when those days were relatively peaceful, the reflexes were there. It was ingrain in him, like the knowledge about his powers that his other claims he should also know. If he gave himself a moment to think about it, he might have eventually come to the realization that being such a proficient fighter, could be a hint about his life before Earth.

But he's not there, his mind is focused on who is standing in front of him. He was given the platform to ask his other about them. He's been wanting to know since they first saw each other in that arena, but couldn't find the courage to press. Now he does.]

Where did you come from? [Why are you the way you are?]

The space colony called ARK.

[ these words leave from between his lips as easy as anything else, there's nothing suggesting him lying and seems genuine in the way he answers without hesitation.

whether this means anything to the other doesn't matter to him, but the memories, the distant smell of chemicals, the closeness of the stars that could possibly fall into the palm of his hand, and her smile in the reflectiin of the glass when she'd look down at earth praying that one day she could view its wonders.

a place of nightmares, but memories he cherishes the most. ]

Both [ he turns his head not to look at seven, but to look behind him... past endeavors, past victories, that monster they faced. ] of us originated there.

[ he doesn't sound upset or angered by this concept, it's a truth to him, fact that will remain unchanged. as to why the biolizard or something just like it existed is a question still unanswered. ]

[There is no recognition to be seen in Shadow's eyes as they bring up the space colony, no shift in his expression. There is no record of anyplace called the ARK. There's only a remnent of a weapon that hovers above the Earth now, with a moon sliced in half in the night sky.

He does not turn his head as his other looks passed him, understanding what they're referring to. A manner of keeping a connection between them? They've been through a lot of already together in such a short time, yet there's no clear answer to it all. What keeps them sticking together perhaps?

But space, that is where he came from. A small bit of familiarity. Was it the same for them? But it's...they said a space colony. An artificial location created for others to live on. Not a planet. Or did they also not know their true origins and their life only began there?

...No, they do know. It's the impression they give to him. He's thinking, eyes wandering as to what the other's answer implies. Thinking about how they responded to his own answers. Lack of an origin point, while they have one.] ...You did not come from another planet?

[ maybe he should be glad he never heard of the space colony, he wouldn't have to learn the loss, or the pain of what came with that place. knowing that his existence is a... ]

I was created within the ARK in space, it overlooking planet Earth.

[ he is but a man-made organism created by a scientist, if anything, he should have never existed. him being born into this world is nothing as satisfying as properly coming into existence, there are those that play god, and he is just a sample of what humans are capable of. their progress and knowledge boiled into the extreme. ]

That question I cannot confirm or deny.

[ why is he answering him in the first place. ]

This blood that runs through my body is...

[ he grows silent as he realizes now is not the time, especially because he doesn't sense anything remotely close to that in this unknown location. ]

[A...creation? One possibility that went through his mind based on their exchange. To hear it be confirmed by his other still takes him by surprise. His expression softens, looking at them, thinking of the implications. What his other must have gone through themselves. With all that confidence they boasted, he forgets they're still reflections of each other, in a sense.

If his other was created by humanity, he's already knows their cruelty. Where he was trained into whatever role they ask of him, his other was already created to meet their purpose, scripted. How his other would know all the things they did about themselves. The kinds of tests they must have put them through. His brows furrow, his grip tightening over the emerald. What good are humans, using others that aren't like them for their selfish needs? Why did he spare a planet that hasn't been so kind to him?

Cause it's wrong. She wouldn't have wanted that. There are no winners with revenge.

And thinking like that...would mean condemning the one who did not share in their cruelty. The only human who gave him any semblance of being just normal. She's still one of them. He closes his eyes for a moment, regaining composer.

Eventhough his other said they're a creation, they continue on as if there wasn't a clear answer. Talking about their blood. Tilting his head. Is that not an artificial construct as well...? He's starting to wonder about something after learning all of this. He doesn't know his life before landing on earth, so he doesn't actually know, if he was born naturally, or also a creation like his other. He stares at his other for a long moment, considering.]

...My memories start on Earth, when they found me inside a meteor. [Would saying that mean anything to them? Eitheway, he felt it was only fair to share that detail, after his other opened up about his origins.]

[ no matter how many times he scans the area before them, there's only dust covered on the floor that leaves their trail with every step, and even the crack of glass underfoot. whatever this building used to be, or what it was used for, the walls seem to have photographs barely hanging with different gentleman all in white lab coats, and their faces scratched out with black ink.

the air around them goes cold, enough that it sinks under each their fur right to the skin and creeps deep onto their bones. it doesn't bother shadow any, the ultimate lifeform is immune to the constant changing weather, but this seems so sudden that it does call for his attention.

somehow, this hall has been going on for some time, but maybe this is the consequence of speaking about himself with someone who is also himself? though, his words grow distant as he speaks, seven mentions a comment, and shadow's eyes widen just a fraction, and there's a hitch in his breath as he turns to the younger one by hum.

he doesn't understand why, but one arm moves first to grab the wrist that holds the emerald, a few shards of small, broken glass in his glove. shadow holds onto him, eyes looking down with exhaustion and disbelief as meteors tend to be pieces of comets. remains.

leftover.

his hold grows a little tighter, the red of his quills light up in a small hum, but shadow clenches his teeth and shakes his head. no, that budding irritation that grows deep within him is something he has to hold back, it's not like that. it can't be. is it a trap, a fake-out, an... extension of? no, it can't be, because shadow doesn't sense anything in relation to him, unless... how could he tell when it's like looking into a reflection of himself.

it would feel... normal.

he releases seven as quick as he grabbed him, it's not that shadow isn't capable of keeping his composure, but if the others life had been so different, was that not altered as well? is there a chance that...

...

it's obvious that there's something, shadow knows something, and yet it ignites something deadly inside of him. at first, it was confusion and loss, he needed a guide, the second time, he had to get rid of him no matter what he lost along the way.

they say third times the charm, but maybe it's not like that. it's simply coincidence.

there's the sound of something laughing beside them, in a completely unbroken glass portrait where a group of scientists laugh underneath the black scratch outs. ]