pokebox | locked to @cantillations

[After all the mess at the front desk, it's a relief to finally have a room and access to the dream world. There's a fake "Galaxy Ranger" out there that he needs to track down, after all, and Dan Heng's off to go look for his friends.

This dream world certainly is... well, it's something. It isn't what he expected at all. Where's all the glitz and glam they're always yapping on about? This looks... incomplete. A floating hallway in some kind of trippy space, like someone started building something and then just stopped halfway. Is this what memoria looks like when it isn't shaped into a dream? Eh, he's got more important things to do than wait around here, so Boothill follows the path up to a painting - which he is immediately sucked through and then dumped unceremoniously on the ground in the main square.]

What a fudgin' entrance...

[Only a few of the passersby even give him a glance, and he's more concerned with his new surroundings than anyone stopping to stare. After all, this is what he expected - a fancy, carefree world with enough bright lights to chase away the night that could easily make one forget that this is a dream; if they weren't paying close enough attention, anyway. There are some things that just feel off; Boothill can't quite put his finger on it, but there's an energy in the air that feels almost like the calm before a thunderstorm - yet the sky is clear and there's no threat of rain. Well, whatever it is isn't as important as finding that "Galaxy Ranger". Now where the hell could she be in a place like this?]

[ Robin is falling.

Or, more aptly, Robin is tumbling through what feels like time and space. Her arms grasp out for anything to break her fall, but all that's there is the cold night air and the coalescing memoria that tells her she's still in a dream. Even should she reach the ground, it won't harm her. Still, the confusion, shock and hurt remains as her brother's face lingers in the back of her mind.

He'd sent her and that other Nameless here. To keep them trapped while he carried out his plan. Whatever that may be.

But this space doesn't ring true to her brother's inner mind. And Robin can't see any trace of that Nameless—Mr. Yang, she recalls—falling with her either. Is this truly the prison her brother banished her to, or has she been sent somewhere else? It's these thoughts that flash through her mind when the clouds part and reveal the dreamscape city lights beneath her.

Her descent is coming to an end. She can see the outline of people and other familiar markings of the Golden Hour glimmering like a beacon—and startlingly, Robin has just enough time to cry out and warn the man in the hat of her impending landing.

Like a bird with a broken wing, she closes her eyes tight and prepares for impact. ]

Look out!

[Boothill looks up at the shout and only has a split second to make his decision - dream or not, someone is falling and needs help, though admittedly maybe hitting the ground would be a bit better than landing on a cyborg made of some of the toughest materials in the galaxy. But then, he did only have a split second to make his decision, so maybe he can be forgiven for wanting to help, since this is a dream after all.

That is to say, he moves to catch her regardless of the impact, regardless of how impractical this would be anywhere but a dream. Watch out, Robin!]

[ To say she's seeing stars would be an understatement. She fully expected him to move out of the way, less she pummel both of them into the ground, but he instead reaches out his arms to catch her as she lands. Robin lets out a loud exclamation when her body makes impact with his; right away, she can tell his body isn't made of flesh and blood. The cool, sturdy press of metal and the fact that he's still standing makes that clear.

Were this not a dream, Robin is plenty aware she would either be critically injured or dead. Even so, she appears particularly harried compared to the usual state the public sees her in: hair wild and windblown, halo askew, panting as she comes down from the adrenaline spike. ]

I-I'm sorry. Thanks for—catching me.

[Successful landing! But only because it's a dream.]

No thanks needed, miss.

[He moves to set her down carefully, making sure she's steady on her own two feet.]

That was quite a fall - does that happen often here?

[ It doesn't take her long to steady herself, as used to the Dreamscape as she is. Smoothing her hair back into place, Robin finally has an opportunity to catch her breath. ]

Not very often. The Family tries their best to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for all guests. My method of entering was just... unorthodox.

[ It's an almost automatic response; that perfect, polished image of a Family representative trying to reassure a concerned guest. But the usually graceful and calm Miss Robin is obviously distracted, eyes searching for any recognizable figures in the crowd. ]

I'm sorry for the abrupt question, sir, but did you happen to see a tall man with brown hair and glasses using a cane?

[Sounds about right, that's what he'd expect of anyone representing the Family to say, and now that he's getting a closer look at her, he thinks he might know who this is. That famous singer who's supposed to be playing here, right? A woman like her probably can't say a bad thing about the place she's performing.

As for the question, Boothill waves a hand.]

No need to call me "sir", Boothill will do just fine. As for your friend... nah, haven't seen him, but I only just got here a short time ago myself. You guys got separated?

We did. If he's not here, then he may have landed in another Dreamscape...

[ She speaks softly, more to herself than directly to Boothill. Her mind is trying to piece together the last few hours; reuniting with her brother, meeting with the Dreammaster, her and Welt being shoved into the landscape of her brother's mind... supposedly. She knows enough to understand that she hasn't landed where she thought she would. But was this her brother's intention? Or is there something greater at play here?

The memoria floats around them gently, like little lantern lights. It's enough of a signal for Robin to know something is wrong and that the Dreamscape is not fully formed. That, and the people around them seem oddly... dulled, as if they're slowly drifting off to sleep even while they walk.

It seems this man named Boothill is unaffected. For how long, Robin can't know for sure. ]

Mr. Boothill. I don't have much time to explain, but it may be for the best if you leave the Dreamscape for now.

[He follows her gaze, though to his untrained eyes, all of this looks... well, as normal as the dreamscape can, he supposes. Though given everything he's heard about Penacony's sweet dream, he was expecting things to be a bit more... lively. Boothill returns his attention to her when she speaks up again and he raises an eyebrow.]

Yeah? I'll take your word for it, since I ain't familiar with this place. But how exactly do I get back?

[He probably should have asked about that before diving in, but whoops.]

[ That... is a great question. Robin scans the area, searching for the usual Bloodhounds or other Family representatives available to assist with guest exits should emergencies or other medical events occur. But she sees no sign of any of them. ]

There are usually members of the Family nearby to help wake someone up, but... I don't see any of them now.

[ That's not great. Glancing back at him, Robin finally takes a moment to examine him a bit more closely. His coat is adorned with medals she doesn't recognize, but what catches her attention is the gun strapped to his hip. Definitely not something the Family would just allow him to bring inside without strict clearance. ]

I'm... guessing you aren't a regular guest here just for the Charmony Festival. Are you, Mr. Boothill?

[Boothill's still looking around for anyone that stands out as a potential Family representative as Robin looks him over, and he rests a hand on his hip when she asks her question.]

I'm not, no. First time here, actually.

[And it'll probably be the last after he's taken care of that "Galaxy Ranger".]

Well, if I can't get back, maybe I can help ya with whatever it is you're tryin' to do. You said somethin's up with the dream?

[ She doesn't know why he's here, but she decides to put a little of her faith in him regardless. It's not like either of them have much choice, especially with the shaky nature of their situation. ]

Do you see the memoria floating around us? That's not something that usually happens. It signals something is... unstable. And there's a dissonant note in the air throwing the Harmony off-kilter.

Huh... Yeah, I can see where that'd be a big concern. So do you think you could find the source of the problem? Or is it that the dream itself is the problem?

[He's not well-versed in such things (obviously), so he's not sure where to start. A problem is so much easier to solve with a gun, after all.]

[ That's a big question, and Robin doesn't know how to begin to answer it. She decides to try as much as she can, but they won't get anywhere just standing around, it seems. ]

I need to find my brother quickly. And if we can find Mr. Yang and the rest of the Nameless he came with, that would be better too.

The Nameless are here too, huh...

[Penacony's Charmony festival certainly is quite a big deal! Boothill nods at that.]

Then let's see about locatin' 'em. Lead the way, I've got your back.

Thank you, Mr. Boothill. I'll do my best.

[ She hums, thinking of the best direction to send them both on. If she's looking for her brother, then perhaps the Dreammaster would be close by as well. The last she remembers was talking to them both at the Clockie Statue. As she turns on her heel to make her way in that direction, she glances over at him. ]

I am glad you don't seem to be too affected by whatever instability is occurring here. And--I'm Robin, by the way. [ Whether he knows that or not, it's polite to at least introduce herself. ] It's nice to meet you, despite the circumstances.

The famous singer, huh?

[Though he's hardly the sort to keep up with celebrities or music, he's heard of her. He remembers hearing something about how she'd be here, but what an introduction to the songstress.]

Name's Boothill, not quite as famous as you are.

[He says it with a toothy grin as he follows her, but maybe if we were using the word infamous here...]

Nice to meet ya too. Until I can wake up again, I'm perfectly fine helpin' you out. So just point me where you need me.

Thank you. Unfortunately, your guess is as good as mine currently. At this point, I'm just retracing my steps.

[ The city lights glow above them as they walk. Some of the memoria passes over the streetlights, causing them to flicker. Robin hopes they can find an exit quickly, but should they need to, she's grateful to have someone here who obviously knows how to defend themselves.

She decides she may as well get to know her companion a little better as they walk. ]

May I ask what brings you into the Dreamscape, Mr. Boothill?

[Boothill nods at that and keeps pace with Robin, occasionally glancing up at the floating memoria curiously and watching how it causes the lights to flicker. It's sort of ominous now that he knows it isn't a normal reaction here.]

Sure ya can; I'm a Galaxy Ranger, searchin' for a fake Galaxy Ranger who checked in. We don't take kindly to imposters.

Imposter?

[ The mention of it has her tilting her head curiously with a gentle flutter of her wings. The motion is almost bird-like. ]

I believe the Galaxy Rangers were invited to attend the Charmony Festival here. You're saying this fake somehow intercepted your invitation?

Yep. Got no idea how that happened, but someone's playin' me for a fool and I ain't about to let 'em get away with it.

[He lifts his shoulders a bit in a shrug, however.]

But it looks like we've got bigger things to deal with right now.

Indeed. Anything else will have to wait, it seems.

[ It doesn't take long to reach the center of the Golden Hour; the Clockie Statue stands tall and proud as usual. Up the stairs, overlooking the statue, is an odd sight.

Robin can see... herself. An obviously conjured memory of herself, most likely crafted by the Dreamscape itself. She's with her brother, the Dreammaster, and Welt. It's a familiar scene; one that replays the events that brought her here. The images fade with little fanfare. ]

That's...also not something that usually happens here. This may be more complicated than anticipated.

[Boothill takes a moment to stare up at the Clockie statue with an eyebrow raised before catching up to Robin. Except there's a second Robin, and another Halovian, and another unfamiliar man. Events play out before them and Boothill's left more confused than he started.]

Did that [handwave at where the memories were] actually happen or is this place makin' things up?

Unfortunately, it recorded events correctly.

[ She briefly wonders if there are other memories the Dreamscape can record and display to them. In some cases, that might actually be helpful, should it project her brother's or the Dreammaster's thoughts or goals, but there's no way to guarantee that.

She turns to him, her features calm but obviously troubled. ]

As I'm sure you're aware, Mr. Boothill, the Family extolls the virtue of the Harmony. But, very recently, myself and the Nameless have come to uncover that certain members of the Family have...strayed from that Path. My brother is a part of that. I don't know the details or the reasons for it, but I think it may be why the Dreamscape is unstable.

[Something about that doesn't sit right with him. Why would her brother keep her in the dark? No, maybe that's not the right question to ask. Maybe the question needs to be "so what are they doing right now?" After all, he doubts her brother is sitting idly by while the Dreamscape changes and morphs around them.]

Might explain a few things, yeah. But you can ask your brother yourself once we find him.

[Will they find him? Who knows, but sitting idly by isn't Boothill's course of action either. So maybe they can track this guy down and get some answers... or maybe the search will lead them to a way to stop this.]

I ain't the best at offerin' words of comfort durin' tryin' times like these. But I'm gonna do what I can to help fix this. You've got my word.

[It's not like he can turn a blind eye to such a thing now that he's seen it, after all.]

Thank you, Mr. Boothill. I know you have your own troubles to take care of, so I don't take that lightly.

[ Not that they have much choice but to cooperate, anyway. They may be strangers, but he seems upstanding enough. Even if it's to further their own individual goals, maybe he's right. Maybe they both can do something to fix this, or at least escape from this strange cage. ]

I can't explain it, but this Dreamscape doesn't seem like the same one most guests enter. It's almost like it's a copy. With all the memoria converging, I wonder if there's a way to brute force our way through... like a portal...

[ She trails off, humming thoughtfully. ] I... may have an idea. But it's a bit risky.

[Boothill nods at that, but his grin fades as she continues and he thinks back to that strange area he entered in. The only portal led him here, though, so it's probably not that. Maybe there's one somewhere around here...?

Her final statement gets that grin to reappear, though.]

I ain't gonna say no to a little risk. What do ya have in mind, Miss Robin?

[ If they were under any other circumstances, Robin might've been concerned at seeing him grin like that. But given everything, she's grateful for his support. Hopefully she won't lead them astray. ]

When I first came back to Penacony, I experienced an... encounter with a Memetic Entity. At first, it was assumed that it was the culprit for numerous spiritual deaths, and I thought I was a goner. But it actually sent me to a different Dreamscape, away from the sweet dream crafted by the Family. Kind of like a mode of transportation, frightening as its appearance may be.

[ She releases a soft sigh, attempting to calm her nerves. ] I... wonder if it might be able to help us, if we find it.

Interestin'... So we just gotta track this thing down and see if it's able to help, huh? I think we can handle that.

[And if it turns hostile, well, that's what his bullets are for.]

You said you saw it once before, yeah? Where'd you find it? Or where did it find you?

For someone who's not used to the Dreamscape, you're taking all of this incredibly well, Mr. Boothill. But I suppose that's part of why you're a Galaxy Ranger.

[ It's impressive how he's just so calm and taking this all in stride. It makes it easier for her to settle her nerves as well. ]

Mm... at the time, I was looking into some matters at the Dewlight Pavillion. It's where the Family Heads all come together for important meetings. It appeared out of thin air, and the next thing I knew, I woke up in the deeper layer of the dream.

[He's a simple man who saves getting worked up for battles. Mostly.]

Yeah? That a good place to start lookin', or do ya think it's moved on somewhere else?

It's impossible to know for sure without checking. It comes and goes as needed.

[ And beckoned by Gallagher. But as she pulls out her phone, she already sees she has no signal - no message would be able to reach him. ]

Given how unstable everything is, it might be more willing to show itself if we poke around.

[Boothill glances over her shoulder at her phone, and catches sight of the lack of signal. Hmm, that isn't a good sign. Looks like they really are on their own. Not that it'll be a problem for him; he's confident in his combat capabilities, after all.]

Now that's an idea I can get behind. Let's get pokin'!

[He says it with a cocky grin, but gestures for Robin to lead the way, since she can lead them better than he can.]

Don't worry, I'll watch your back. Just in case we run into trouble.

[How likely that is... well, he has no idea. But if this isn't the usual Dreamscape, then maybe anything can happen, and Boothill is never one to turn down a fight.]

[ She... can't say for sure either, but if the Dreamscape continues to shift and mirror memories and past events, it wouldn't be out of the question for other memetic entities to make themselves known. Ones less benevolent than Dormancy, perhaps.

But his enthusiasm brings a soft smile to her face, and she begins the trek to their destination. Might as well make conversation on the way. ]

I suppose I'm lucky I fell right in your path, then. I'm afraid I can't offer much myself in the way of combat, but should you start to feel any side-effects of the memoria here... I should be able to help.

locked to @cantillations

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i'm so sorry for the delay!

no worries!

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