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lynchpin_castle) wrote2028-02-22 10:57 pm
lynchpin_castle) wrote2028-02-22 10:57 pm
Challenge Zones
Challenges and Challenge Zones
Challenges between Champions will take place in designated areas at designated times, since this is ultimately a formal contest and competition between the Forces of Creation, and the Forces of Unmaking. The landscape in the void will and can adapt to provide these designated areas. Sometimes, a designated area will have a ‘base’ form, and be used again and again in various ways, with different options. These specific zones are listed below.
The Labyrinth (Primarily Mental)
The labyrinth is, in its simplest form, a complex maze. Long have beings used it as a tool of mediation and focus, navigating its walls whether in the physical or mental realms. The Labyrinth is one of the main challenge-zones that always exists, but what form it takes depends on what the current challenge is. What form it takes may also have limits and restrictions to provide a proper challenge to the champions.
The base form of the Labyrinth is an enclosed and complex maze that resists attempts to break out via any means other than navigating it from start to finish. It’s layout-changes every time, but there are ways to help one learn one’s way. (String, marking the walls, etc)
The Labyrinth Zone may be reached via a teleportation pad within the Observation room of the Castle.
The Mirror Gallery (Primarily Spiritual)
The Mirror Gallery has many names, but this is the most common. Mirrors are reflections, and reflections can be distorted or far too accurate for comfort. This challenge zone also takes different forms, but the theme always remains the same in that champions have their spiritual mettle tested, be it facing their worst fears and flaws, temptation fulfilled but with great cost, or making choices that are life-altering.
The base form of the Mirror Gallery is a small building full of mirrors of various shapes, sizes, and types. Depending on what one wishes to gaze on, one may find the mirror they wish to test themselves and attempt to learn what challenges they may face. (i.e: fun-house mirrors, mirrors that show your opposite, mirrors that show what you desire most…)
The Mirror Gallery may be reached via a teleportation pad in the Tapestry gallery of the castle.
The Field (Primarily Physical)
The Field is a designated challenge zone, that adapts and changes as needed for the challenge provided. It is an interdimensional space which may resemble a racing track one time, or a sparring ring another. It can be a vast prairie, or an arctic wasteland. Depending on the climate/atmosphere of the zone, there may be additional challenges for champions here.
The base form of the Field is a large area with mountains, plains, some rivers, and plateaus. It is reachable via a teleportation pad outside of the Castle-grounds along a set path. Where it exists otherwise is not known.
Challenges between Champions will take place in designated areas at designated times, since this is ultimately a formal contest and competition between the Forces of Creation, and the Forces of Unmaking. The landscape in the void will and can adapt to provide these designated areas. Sometimes, a designated area will have a ‘base’ form, and be used again and again in various ways, with different options. These specific zones are listed below.
The Labyrinth (Primarily Mental)
The labyrinth is, in its simplest form, a complex maze. Long have beings used it as a tool of mediation and focus, navigating its walls whether in the physical or mental realms. The Labyrinth is one of the main challenge-zones that always exists, but what form it takes depends on what the current challenge is. What form it takes may also have limits and restrictions to provide a proper challenge to the champions.
The base form of the Labyrinth is an enclosed and complex maze that resists attempts to break out via any means other than navigating it from start to finish. It’s layout-changes every time, but there are ways to help one learn one’s way. (String, marking the walls, etc)
The Labyrinth Zone may be reached via a teleportation pad within the Observation room of the Castle.
The Mirror Gallery (Primarily Spiritual)
The Mirror Gallery has many names, but this is the most common. Mirrors are reflections, and reflections can be distorted or far too accurate for comfort. This challenge zone also takes different forms, but the theme always remains the same in that champions have their spiritual mettle tested, be it facing their worst fears and flaws, temptation fulfilled but with great cost, or making choices that are life-altering.
The base form of the Mirror Gallery is a small building full of mirrors of various shapes, sizes, and types. Depending on what one wishes to gaze on, one may find the mirror they wish to test themselves and attempt to learn what challenges they may face. (i.e: fun-house mirrors, mirrors that show your opposite, mirrors that show what you desire most…)
The Mirror Gallery may be reached via a teleportation pad in the Tapestry gallery of the castle.
The Field (Primarily Physical)
The Field is a designated challenge zone, that adapts and changes as needed for the challenge provided. It is an interdimensional space which may resemble a racing track one time, or a sparring ring another. It can be a vast prairie, or an arctic wasteland. Depending on the climate/atmosphere of the zone, there may be additional challenges for champions here.
The base form of the Field is a large area with mountains, plains, some rivers, and plateaus. It is reachable via a teleportation pad outside of the Castle-grounds along a set path. Where it exists otherwise is not known.
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It had been an interesting few days, since the morning spar with Ty Lee. Trunks had kept himself professional and polite at the very least to everyone. He'd managed to go swimming one morning with Ahsoka, where he'd tried to keep himself casual, but he'd been quieter than usual. Pulling on his own ear-piece comm, and he was excited himself. Ready for a new challenge, sword over his shoulder as he looked at everyone else.
The Steward surveyed them, but said nothing in response to Ahsoka. Instead he addressed Logan's observations. "Marking walls is allowed, if you are able to do so." A hint of amusement. "The goals should be easily found within no more than a day. There are some 'safe' rooms that also will help you, if you can find them. Refreshment and places to rest and heal."
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Ahsoka noticed that her comments went unanswered, but that was fine. She reached back to the gold chain loop that went down one side of her lekku and under the back one to come up to the top again. Hooking the communicator device on the chain at the back of her head she felt it's light weight settle there. She had no standard ears to attach it to, but this had worked for her before. Generally their communicators were on their wrist, but this would be easy enough to hear and reach if she needed to. Dressed in her standard maroon and leather clothing, her lightsabers on her hips, she stood there at the ready. "Well then, if there isn't anything else for us to know, Steward, perhaps we should hit the maze and see how far we can go."
Logan flexed his hands to his side. Only Trunks really had seen his claws before, in their times sparring. They'd be coming out, to make marks in the walls, if he could. He had no intent on busting through walls if this were a training. "We should stick together this time through. For as long as we can. Ahsoka's got the stone thing. If we need out we need to find her." Then he did look back to the two 'normal' kids. Tamaki and Himawari. "You two. If we do get separated, try to stick with one of the four of us." The weakest in fighting. They'd be better off with one of the fighters. He might pretend not to like anyone, but it was a bunch of kids and this was a Danger Room like situation. He couldn't help the moment of trying to keep things mildly organized. Storm should be proud of him. Or the Professor even. Ha.
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"If choose to split up, I suggest groups of 3." Trunks commented, not having any problem so far with Logan's plan. "I know Ahsoka and myself can also fight well from a distance as well as up close, if that helps."
Tamaki had been digging in his backpack, and was pulling out a notebook. "Oh! So, I can try and make notes. As we go." A grin, and while he wasn't happy to not be in charge, none of this played to his strengths. "Are you going to ultimately be in charge, Logan-san."
Ty Lee took the moment to stretch herself out, at ease and relaxed. "I don't think it'll be so bad. I'm looking forward to it. Aren't all of you? It should be fun." Very little seemed to get her down apparently.
"I can take point." Trunks volunteered, then crossed his arms and looked out at the entrance. "Then again, if we want to stay together, we should try and keep Himawari and Tamaki in the center. Ahsoka should stay near the center too, since she has the crystal..." Thinking about it, then looking at Logan. "Maybe Ty Lee takes point, and you're up next, Logan? I can bring up the rear, and that has the others in the center and spread out?"
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Ahsoka almost opened her mouth at the whole thing about staying near the rear, then closed it with a bit of a frown. She decided not to speak up on that, and instead just gave a nod, coming up near Tamaki and Himawari. "Don't worry. I've got your back, but I also don't think this is going to be all fight and running. This is here to test us all." She gave a wink to the two, smiling. "Glad to see someone came prepared too, Tamaki. It can't hurt to take some notes on where we're going."
Himawari was being careful not to touch anyone, but bounced a bit on her toes as she chirped. "I like this plan so far. Good luck, every one!" Which is ironic, considering who it came from. The wish of good luck might help a bit, but id didn't do as much if she didn't touch anyone for it. Still, she was smiling to Ty Lee, clear that she too was excited for this.
Logan rolled his eyes but nodded to Ty Lee. "Works for me. Time to take point, Kiddo." He nodded to the girl and would basically fall in line with her., the two of them headed in first, with the other's to fall in line behind them. Logan trying to catch sounds and scents as they went in.
Ahsoka gave Trunks a glance, then a nod, and she'd follow Tamaki and Himawari in, leaving Trunks to take the rear. As much as she wanted to just.... go in, and sense out things, she instead let the others do their thing. Still, she took in a slow deep breath and held her hand out just a bit, feeling around the space for anything that might be worth while.
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Ty Lee offered a playful salute, and stepped lightly as they headed towards the entrance.
As Ahsoka passed, Tamaki staying near the rear, Trunks murmured--knowing she'd hear. "I've got your back too, since you've got theirs." Which she had to know already, but honestly he felt like he wanted to make sure. With as out of sorts as he'd been feeling, dealing with his own feelings he still wanted to make sure she knew. It wouldn't affect their working together, if he could help it.
Heading through the cavernous entrance, it was clear that the most of this area was underground. At least it was spacious, and there was air-flow even if no obvious direction for where the fresh-air was coming from at first. Their footsteps echoed as they moved; and it was quiet for several hallways and doors. Well away from the entrance, and there was a rumble in the distance.
"Wh..what was that?" As the rumble caused some dust to shake loose, and Tamaki looked up from whatever it was he'd been writing. Ty Lee was several feet ahead of them and paused on light feet, ready to move.
"I'll check, stay put." Trunks warned, waiting to see if anyone had any good or obvious objections before taking another twist or two back down the hallways they'd come down.
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As Tamaki paused and asked what that rumble was, Ahsoka frowned, reaching a hand out to his shoulder to give it a squeeze. "All part of the trials, Tamaki." She said, but reached a hand out. She moved to close her eyes a moment, only to hear Trunks say he would check it out. "I... don't think that's such a--" She frowned as he took off down the hallways they came down. "good idea." She sighed and rolled her eyes.
Logan was like Ty Lee, ready for action, and Himawari didn't seem scared but not happy either. She stepped closer to Tamaski and Ashoka, looking around for anything different. "Is it really a good idea to split up?" She asked.
"Not really." Logan said, and sniffed the air, looking for things. With a shnk his right hand dropped three long sharp claws and he reached out to scratch an X in a pillar. "Stay here." And while Trunks was checking their Six, he moved forward to another path he had just sniffed at, trying to feel out farther. Though he didn't go out of sight just yet.
Ahsoka sighed and held her hands out, searching with the force. "It's okay... I can keep an eye on where they go. I wont let them get lost."
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They had a few more seconds, before Ahsoka'd start to get an itch of warning. Something had changed--something released. A faint hint of stone moving against stone, echoing and barely audible to her and maybe to Logan. A second, two, and then there was a larger rumble; this time the ground shook a bit as well.
A few images rushing rapid-fire in Ahsoka's perception of the force, as Tamaki rushed to put away his notebook. Giant stone-spheres, twisting hallways--some with spikes protruding, and and two yellow 'eyes' with a large blade in the darkness.
The first hints of rumbling had Trunks rushing back to check. On the heels of Ahsoka's vision came his warning. "Keep moving! INCOMING!" along with the sound of his boots echoing on the stone.
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And then there was Trunks. She could feel that he--something changed. No, not with Trunks, but the feelings she got with the place. A flash of a warning. A faint image of stones moving. Something more with that rumble. "There's something in the halls..." She said just as Trunks called to move. To run. Her eyes snapped open and looked to see the others before her, already starting to move, thankfully.
Logan was growling. He could smell dust and dirt, yes, but something more. As Ty Lee started for one hall way, Logan reached out to grab at her arm, nodding for another way. "Doesn't smell right."
Ahsoka pointed to another direction. "That way, that way! Move!" She said, coming behind the others, letting Logan and Ty Lee lead, Himawari and Tamaki next, then her and Trunks, herding them along.
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Tamaki did his best to keep up, biting his lip as he moved and at least he was in good shape if not a warrior. "If they wa-want us to go forward..." He tried to venture, wheels turning in his brain but too many to make sense of right then. A hint of stumble, before Trunks was grabbing him by the upper arm to steady him as they ran.
Another itch of warning for Ahsoka, right before Himawari stumbled a bit as the walls shook and a loud impact of stone against stone-and-metal was heard. Those few steps she was ahead of the 3 in the back made a difference. The ground suddenly dropped out from beneath Ahsoka, Trunks, and Tamaki. A short ramp and then free fall punctuated by Tamaki's (less than masculine) shout of surprise.
He clung to Trunks in shock, Trunks reaching for Ahsoka's hand. "Ahsoka!" Yes--he trusted her, yes, she was capable. But he could fly, and break their fall more easily.
Meanwhile, Ty Lee had been correct about the narrower-hallways. As well as the presence of spikes that were undulating in and out of holes along the halls as they moved. The spheres that had been released to follow them only briefly bumped over the hole in the floor, before it continued to chase after the forward team.
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And then she hit a slide and…
And then she was falling. Someone screamed. She heard Trunk’s call her name, and her hand reached out, looking up to him to try and grab for it. Her fingers just brushing his and missing. Her eyes went wide a moment and then she looked down, both hands splayed out. Okay, if she can’t catch him, she’ll catch herself.
By time she hit the ground below she’d been engulfed in darkness, but she slowed her fall enough to hit ground, feet first, knees crouching to slow the impact, and finger tips hitting the ground in the end. "It had been a long fall. Barely in an instant, she had grabbed her lightsabers and had them turned on, bringing light all around her. Enough that the others above should be able to see to join her.
“I’m okay!” Now to see what she fell into…
-----
Himawari plopped a hand over her mouth as she watched the other three drop, and that spiked ball was right behind them. She ran to almost crash into Logan’s back, skidding to a stop before hand. “We’ve lost the others!”
“Yeah, well, we’ll find em again. Ahsoka’s got the stone, if they’re in trouble.” Logan said and glared at the spikes ahead of them. One large one coming up, his claws came out and he swung, about to lop it off to make it easier for the girls to get through. Nothing. Just a sparking scratch over stone or metal. He tried again and growled.
“Guess we do it the old way. Time it and run.” he said to the girls, and if anything, he’ll wedge himself in and hold things up if he had to.
He felt Hima’s hand press to his biceps, and she reached out to touch Ty Lee real fast. “Good luck!” And as the spikes seemed to drop again, she moved, because that ball was on it’s way.
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Guess they weren't getting out that way.
Which is about when Tamaki realized they weren't falling, and ventured to open one purple eye. Then another, as Trunks let them float down more slowly to join Ahsoka. Then the hyper-active blonde was blinking wide purple eyes at Trunks in wonder, then turning those wide-eyes to the faint glow of the blades Ahsoka had pulled out. Once he was on the ground Tamaki was scrambling to his feet, then fell back down, landing hard on his rear. "I am so out of my element here..." It was a very small voice, and he wasn't sure if he was afraid, in awe of his team-mates, or wanted to laugh at it all in faint hysterics.
Trunks looked Ahsoka over, silently asking and checking to be sure she was alright, then held out a hand. Calling just enough Ki to it, to manifest more light besides her blades and illuminate where they were. Some kind of tunnel beginning, from the looks of things. "We should make sure we can still contact the others."
-----
Ty Lee was waiting, perched carefully between 2 of the walls with the spikes so she could watch ahead and turn back to watch behind. "I've got the timing, I think." All serious and focused, as she felt Himawari follow, then touch her. Waiting for Logan to join them, before she was crouched and ready to start springing through. "2 seconds, then 5, then 2, then 3...I think. Follow me." Jumping to twist and turn, dodging, as the spikes moved in and out of the walls from all angles.
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She gave Trunks a small nod, that yes, she was fine. She'd dropped from much larger falls before. Then more light was given. She beamed, looking back to the taller blond. "Besides, all that stuff we talked about before? That was me out of my element and you helped. Fair is air. Not to mention I am pretty sure there'll be something in here that you're going to be needed for." She said with a hum and a frown.
She pulled at the ear piece on her chain, giving another nod to Trunks. "Good idea." And tried. "Ahsoka to Anyone else. You all alive up there?"
-----
Himawari was indeed right behind her, and if her luck sharing went well, they would make it through this no problem. She took the middle, following Ty Lee's lead. Trusting her to have this timing down.
Logan taking the rear, just slipping through it all at the end. He heard the buzz from Ahsoka and growled, finger to ear piece to call. "Stand By!" Because an answer was needed but they weren't out of this yet.
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"It looks like one of those junction areas with lots of doors ahead." She couldn't think right then of the proper word, but that should work. Brown-eyes turned and watching the others, and trying to see past them and past the spiked-hallway. It looked like the boulder wouldn't be a problem anymore though, as it sort of got jammed with one of the larger retracting spikes--making both traps stationary, but blocking the way they'd come.
-----
Even though she was right there with them, it was reassuring to hear Ahsoka's voice in a faint buzz through the communicators too.
Trunks turned his attention to Tamaki, who still seemed a bit twitchy (more so than usual) even after Ahsoka's words and help to his feet. "It'll be alright, Suoh-kun." He wasn't sure about the honorific or name, but it was one that Tamaki had said they could call him, so Suoh-kun it was. Especially since Trunks' own feelings weren't sure now what was going on with the blonde and Ahsoka. "From what you've told me about what you're used to, I know this is an adjustment. But you'll be okay, and we'll make sure of it."
Confidence in his tone, and studying the taller boy. His Ki was shaky, which wasn't surprising given the nerves. "Breathe. Do you have a flashlight in that bag?" Trying to give him something to focus on, and despite the wide-purple-eyes still being a bit dilated too much, there was a nod. Tamaki fishing in his backpack for a moment. A hint of his old grin, when he pulled out a large and bright flashlight. "I think it doubles as a lantern, if we need it to."
Turning it on, a bit nervously and with an apologetic "Sorry!" as Trunks winced when the beam came on in his face first, before the blonde was moving it. Having something to focus on clearly helped the blonde, and it meant all 3 of them had a way to make light now, as Trunks let the ki ball in his hand dissipate.
"We should keep moving, while waiting for their response."