Void Rift (rp) - Intermission

Shadow Stephanie takes the corridor.


The water guardians in the lake appear to occasionally give the boats a boost across the water. Some people seem to get out of their boats to the join the water guardians and swim about.


"Knowledge is power." I say, all of my clones smirking.

 

"I'll just walk around town a bit until Anne shows up."

He starts heading for the door.
"I'll see ya in a bit."

 

I wait patiently, mimicking the silence.

 

The rat follows her.
As she climbs, she can hear a roaring crowd. She must be below the stands.


Xlentia silently watches, a bit entranced.


“Then I’ll cut to the chase - do you remember me?” She asks, every single clone removed from existence with a single step.

You also find that light moves much slower than normal.

Four minutes later, the barkeeper comes by with four drinks.
“No barfights over poor shuffling this time, okay?” He says with a smile.”
The other four just sigh and nod.

“Make sure she knows where to meet you.” Arga says as you leave.

 

Shadow Stephanie tries getting a view without being visible herself.


The sun begins to fall toward the horizon, some people sitting by the edge of the lake and watching it break across the water. Water guardians seem to dive into the lake's depths, heading out of sight.


I try to think about where I've heard my opponents voice before as I attempt to distance myself.

 

"Oh, well, I'll return in an hour. If she comes here before the hour has past, could you keep her from leaving before I return?"

 

I chuckle, amused.
“Is there more of a story behind that?”

 

There’s no opening out into the stands, from what she can see.


Xlentia watches the sunset, glancing periodically at the reflection of the scene in the water.


You can’t quite place it through the distortion.
“No? I suppose you’re ready for the next test, then?”

“No.” Al says bluntly, glaring at the other three.

“Will do. See you later!”

 

Shadow Stephanie glances back for her rat companion.


Ripples occasionally march across the surface, caused by water guardians coming to the surface. Crickets can be heard from the grass, and small orbs of light reveal the presence of fireflies.


I remain silent, trying to keep moving.

 

“Alright.”

 

Bardock heads out.
"Was the arena in this town or the villager one?" He thinks for himself.

 

It sniffs around the wall nearby, except in the same direction it just came from.


Xlentia seems fascinated by the fireflies, spending the night standing near the (what seems to her as a) puddle.


You can barely walk without struggling.
“Now, now, you’re not supposed to be failing already. I haven’t even told you what it is!” She says, tapping the hilt of her blade.

You find yourself locked in a kneeling position, back in your shadow body.
“There we go. Now, where was I... Ah, yes, are you aware of the sentient in your blade?”

You’re the brains of this operation, why are you asking me?

The alley is a bit quieter than usual.

After a good ten minutes of awkward stares, Percy deals everyone another hand.
“...Wait, are we starting chips or no?”
Al shrugs.
Mitch turns to you.
“None of us care, so it falls to the robot who probably also doesn’t care.”

 

"Just wondering if you remembered."

He heads out to the streets, searching for a bar or something.

 

Shadow Stephanie tries feeling around the wall for any loose areas.


A few faeries join the fireflies at night, though there are a lot less guardians about.


"How do you know about that!?" I ask, frustrated.

 

"And, you'd be correct. I don't."

 

No, I sort of count on you for that stuff.

There's a bake shop and a bar just across the street.

"Got a coin to flip, then?"

There aren't any. It seems the rat lacks leadership skills.


Xlentia looks for any differences between the guardians out at night and the guardians she saw during the day.


"Now, now, we're not at the end yet. If you choose to face a thousand deaths, you will know. Anyhow, since you do know about the sentient, how is your relationship with them?"

 

Shadow Stephanie looks around for any durable blunt weaponry, like a lead pipe.


There aren't many differences between the daytime guardians and nighttime guardians, most of the ones out at night seeming to just be enjoying the atmosphere or hunting. However Xlentia notices one of the guardians looks a lot darker than the rest. As they turn around, Xlentia quickly realizes they're a Shadow.


"We're married and have two kids." I say with annoyance, before biting my lip so hard it bleeds.

 

"Ooh, I could maybe search for a wedding cake now that we're here."

He goes over to the bake shop.

 

There doesn't seem to be one, but the rat starts slowly moving back towards the vent.


"...Hello?" Xlentia asks in a hushed tone.


She giggles.
"A bad liar, too. Well, I suppose you can't win 'em all. Next up, let's see if you're more than just a bundle of vulgar rage."
Your bounds are loosened as she unsheathes her blade. As she does, you find yourself completely surrounded with what seem to be projections of purple kunai. In fact, the entire arena seems to be filled with them.
"Take one hit, and you'll wind up back on your knees. Make it five seconds, and you'll pass the sixth test. Alternatively, stay kneeling and we can move on."

The sweet smell of freshly baked bread and cakes overwhelms your senses as two humans put trays of cookies on a display.
"Hello! How are you today?" One of them ask.

 

Shadow Stephanie follows.


The Shadow glances at Xlentia, before disappearing, appearing before her a moment later.

"Yes?" The Shadow asks.


I groan, kneeling and bowing my head, putting Shadow Katana into the ground.