April 5 2014: UPDATE TO CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO OF SPACE AND TIME CANNOT DIVIDE: Sections 1.1, 1.2 and 4 updated. Introduction added.
IMPORTANT: Please read the Author's Note down the bottom when you have read through this!
I took a page out of HyperInuyasha's book and divided this into parts (in an attempt) to be formal.
SPOILER WARNING for Chapter Thirty-Two and beyond of Space and Time Cannot Divide.
The Binding World
The World of Space and Time Cannot Divide and Illuminate.
An info!fic
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CONTENTS
~ Introduction
~ SECTION 1: THIS WORLD
1.1: The Defining Law
1.2: Smash Brothers' Tournament
1.3: The Natural World
1.4: The Isle of the Ancients
1.5: Other Places of Interest
~ SECTION 2: ?
2.1: ?
2.1(a): ?
2.1(b): ?
2.2: ?
2.3: ?
~ SECTION 3: INTERACTIONS WITH THE WORLDS BEYOND
3.1: General
3.2: The Portals
3.3: The Settlements
3.4: ?
~ SECTION 4: TIMELINE
Introduction
There is a world that binds all others. This world is known as Lien to its original inhabitants, whom have since teetered dangerously close to extinction. The known sole survivor of this race of Robots holds all the information of his people. This is by no means the only knowledge of this world, as peoples from the worlds it has bound together have made their own discoveries, and managed to co-exist in peace.
Section 1: This World
1.1: The Defining Law
And his head hurt. Normally, this wouldn't be a concern for the average person, but Mario knew that only a blow from an enemy would hurt once he was back from a trophy form. In this world, friendly competition, like the Tournament, was relatively painless. – Space and Time Cannot Divide: Chapter 2.
This world's law prohibits the death of any non-native organism that is attacked. All attacks are nullified, providing the victim with protection from injury, though this protection does not apply to repercussions. If one is approaching serious injury, their physical body is transformed into an indestructible silver trophy and they fall unconscious, this state being akin to a deep sleep. The method of revival involves someone else touching the trophy's golden base (regardless of whether it is a deliberate action or not). The trophy then emits a flash of light, and the victim is turned back to normal. Upon revival, the presence of a headache indicates whether or not the attack was hostile.
See also:
Space and Time Cannot Divide: Chapters 2, 4, 23, 25, 28, 31.
1.2: Smash Brothers' Tournament
Every year the Smash Brothers' Tournament was held in the Stadium, and it attracted multitudes of spectators from all over the world. A cast of colourful characters was always present somewhere in the grandstands, waiting for the ripest moment to cry out and uplift the already excited atmosphere of the Stadium. – Space and Time Cannot Divide, Chapter 1.
The eponymous Tournament is an annual event held at the Smash Brothers' Stadium, showcasing the fighting talents of several renowned figures by engaging them in friendly combat. Princesses Peach and Zelda are its coordinators. The Tournament begins on the first day of Autumn (Fall). Its participants are few, so the schedule is allowed to be loose in regards to arrival times, though punctuality is favoured for the sake of the spectators.
Round One is double round-robin. Round Two is elimination, with fighters placed into brackets depending on the first round's results. Round Two is followed by the Final Battle, with the winner crowned the Master Smasher. Each fight is a one-on-one, dubbed a 'duel'. Duels typically occur one at a time, and it is customary for the fighters to shake hands at the end in a display of good sport. The winner of each duel is the first fighter to knock their opponent into trophy form.
See also:
Space and Time Cannot Divide: Chapter 1.
1.3: The Natural World
"Nothing's quite…right. Some things are similar to our own worlds. Like these bananas: they come from your world – among others – don't they? But they're not the same.
"And the wildlife. Some of them seem to come from Hyrule and the Pokémon world, like that Rayquaza." – Fox McCloud, Space and Time Cannot Divide, Chapter 4.
Much of the flora and fauna physically resemble species from beyond this world. The species of this world have some defining characteristics to distinguish between their derivatives, such as colour (e.g. bananas) or habitat (e.g. Rayquaza).
This world follows the climatic patterns of Earth's Southern Hemisphere (i.e. Winter is in the middle of the year).
See also:
Space and Time Cannot Divide: Chapter 4.
1.4: The Robots and the Isle of the Ancients
"There were wars in this world?" Fox interrupted.
"In so-called 'pre-history', so say the settlers from the other worlds, like yourselves. There are some existing remnants – there's an abandoned fortress to the west of here." – Space and Time Cannot Divide: Chapter 27.
The Robots were traditionally given three-letter names, and the Master Robot's name was formally capitalised as a sign of respect and his or her power.
The Robots had once occupied the mainland of Lien, but for a period of time known as the Age of Chaos they warred amongst themselves. Eventually, the Robots federated and relocated to the secluded Isle of the Ancients, vowing never to take up arms against each other ever again. This ushered in the Age of Peace, which lasted for two centuries before the takeover by Subspatial forces.
Master Hand, who was in charge of these invading forces and unable to leave the realm of Subspace, sent Ganondorf as an emissary to overthrow the Master Robot, ROB, and thus seize power over the Robots of the Isle. Instilling fear into the Robots, Ganondorf ordered the construction of a Research Facility and a subterranean Subspace Bomb Factory. He also initiated Project Dark Matter and Project Anti-Matter, aimed to develop Subspace Bombs and Dark Cannons respectively. The Subspace Bombs were meant to pull spherical sections of the world into Subspace, and the Dark Cannons were to be used against anyone in opposition of these Subspatial advancements, instantly trophifying them (except for Robots, as they are native). A being of unknown origin known as Mr Game and Watch was manipulated, and Shadowbugs, a mysterious substance possessing strange properties, were utilised to grow the numbers of the Subspace Army exponentially.
The Subspatial advances on the Isle took place in the space of thirty-one days.
See also:
Space and Time Cannot Divide: Chapters 14, 16, 22, 25-27, 31.
1.5: Other Places of Interest
Amethyst Forest: A south-western environment, it is to the east of the Emerald Lake and to the west of the Plains.
Arstopp Caves: A network of caves. Most of the tunnels were naturally formed, while others were dug out by the Robots. Allows easy passage between the Norogad Cliffs and the rest of the mainland, otherwise one must scale the treacherous rock faces that surround the region.
Battlefield Fortress: It is a remnant of the terrible wars the Robots once waged against each other and has stood the test of time, remaining a safe, reliable shelter for travellers. This stone structure still possesses its interior decorations and furniture, including tapestries and dining tables, though much of it is dusty or has fallen into disrepair. It stands in the western Plains.
Beile Road: A major road that runs north-to-south from Port Meacri to Aelta Village. Intercepts the Lakeside Trail at a junction near the Smash Brothers' Stadium.
'Beile' is an anagram of Elibe, the continent in Fire Emblem: The Binding Blade (a.k.a. Sword of Seals).
Creartar Mountain: The tallest mountain of the eastern Mountain Ranges, its summit resembles the Tyzmila Monolith. The heart of the settlement Eci Rebmilc is located at its base.
Emerald Lake: Home to this world's incarnation of the Sky High Pokémon, Rayquaza. This Pokémon differs from its original counterpart in that it resides in this aquatic environment, rather than the skies. The lake is an undesirable place to swim due to the territorial Rayquaza, but the natural scenery and the chance of sighting the legendary Pokémon still earns the lake tourists. However, other Pokémon find it particularly difficult to live within the lake's vicinity, so these creatures and any accompanying trainers look elsewhere to settle.
Lakeside Trail: A major road than runs east-to-west between the Smash Brothers' Stadium and the Emerald Lake. Its eastern end gradually disappears into the natural vegetation of the mainland's central hills, just short of the Arstopp Caves.
Norogad Cliffs: The cliffs themselves and the surrounding rocky area are referred to by this name. The area is virtually devoid of plant and animal life, with only the hardiest creatures managing to live here. It is the site of a forsaken Robot fortress, which has since become under the occupation of King Dedede and his subordinates.
Orfan Forest: This dense forest occupies much of the northern mainland.
The Plains: An area dominated by canyons, incredible rock formations and dust. Its aridity increases as one ventures inland until it becomes desert-like. The harshness of the environment is enough to discourage most extended expeditions. Only the most dedicated and confident adventurers brave it for more than a night.
The Ruined Zoo: An old sanctuary for animals that was constructed by the Robots and has since fallen into disrepair. It is located between the southern Plains and the Amethyst Forest.
Smash Brothers' Stadium: It stands in a natural clearing, and is this world's greatest attraction, bringing thousands from the other worlds to watch the annual Smash Brothers' Tournament. A large, circular arena and surrounding grandstands dominate the complex, but there are also dormitories and basic utilities built into the northern end of the Stadium. It usually remains uninhabited outside the 'tournament season'. The Stadium's constructor has not yet been determined.
Tyzmila Monolith: The monolith itself is natural, while the Robots constructed its lantern-lit interior complex. It consists of corridors and a spiralling tunnel, which lead to a massive chamber that most likely served as a ceremonial centre or a military base. It has since been abandoned, but the numerous traps (mostly spikes and flamethrowers) have not yet been disabled, making exploration of its depths treacherous. Despite this, the monolith's height and its grand stone exterior designs attract a number of tourists.
The name 'Tyzmila' is an anagram of Tazmily, the name of Lucas' home village in Mother 3.
See also:
Space and Time Cannot Divide: Chapters 1-2, 4, 8, 11-14, 18-20 and 23.
Section 2: ?
Section 3: Interactions with the Worlds Beyond
3.1: General
The year the first adventurers entered this world marks 0AD, the beginning of the calendar. This world uses its own calendar due to the issue of the various time periods (and therefore calendars) of the worlds beyond.
Scouting parties from each world explored the vicinity of their respective portals before moving on. Eventually, the parties discovered each other. All parties were able to successfully communicate their 'white flag' status and thus were able to coexist in this strange new world and collaborate on establishing settlements.
Each settlement's population has a majority hailing from a certain portal. In most cases the settlement is dominated by the denizens from a local portal, but for example, Pokémon and their trainers are not commonly found near the Emerald Lake, where the portal to their world is located.
3.2: The Portals
Pokémon Portal – Emerald Lake
Eagleland/Nowhere Portal (EarthBound/Mother) – Amethyst Forest
See also:
Space and Time Cannot Divide: Chapter 19.
3.3: The Settlements
Aelta Village: It is situated to the east of the Amethyst Forest.
'Aelta' is an anagram of Altea, the name of Marth's kingdom from Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and Monshō no Nazo (tr. Mystery of the Emblem).
Eci Rebmilc: This village is situated at the bottom of Creartar Mountain.
'Eci Rebmilc' is Ice Climber spelled backwards.
Port Meacri: This settlement occupies the Meacri Peninsula, which is to the west of the Orfan Forest.
'Meacri' is an anagram of Crimea, a country of the continent Tellius in Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance and Radiant Dawn.
Tayll Village:It is the village nearest to the Stadium, and thus is one of the busiest settlements. The resident population consists largely of anthropomorphic animals from the Lylat System.
'Tayll' is an anagram of Lylat, the solar system that is the setting of the Star Fox series.
See also:
Space and Time Cannot Divide: Chapters 6, 8 and 14.
3.4: ?
Section 4: Timeline
BD - Before Discovery
AD - After Discovery
0AD: This world is discovered. Scouting parties remain at peace.
xxAD: [Unnamed incident]. Targeted attack on the Smash Brothers' Stadium by Subspatial forces, disrupting the 5th annual Tournament. Fighters scattered. Isle of the Ancients is engulfed by Subspace. Robot population is reduced to 1. Battleship Halberd reclaimed by Meta Knight and allies. ROB, former commander of the Subspace Army, allies with the fighters.
*16/5/14 EDIT: Full version will be available on both deviantArt (check my profile) and FF*
Yes, there are meant to be unfinished and unexplained parts. Reveals will coincide with my stories or otherwise where I feel appropriate. Which means this won't be completed for ages to come o.o And this will eventually become a haven for spoilers.
To play it safe, I'll include update notifications in my A/N's of Space and Time and Illuminate, rather than republish this over and over again.
I'm planning to post a map of the Binding World to accompany this. It'll essentially be the original Subspace Emissary map with some modifications.
There are additional details in some sections that are not/will not be explicitly stated in my stories, so they are a bonus :)
I'm just hoping this thing gets out there.