Two days later, Illusion's voice echoed in the sky while Memory Steve salvaged another empty village to restock his resources.
"Memory Steve, please report at my headquarters."
Memory Steve's heart became jumpy. He was tempted to return to the Memory Dimension to re-plan out how to explain his failure. But he also knew he would overstay there once he arrived, forever delaying the meeting. He sighed in defeat and teleported, arriving to Illusion Steve's headquarters. It was a square plot of grass surrounded by a new stone wall. Inside was the cobblestone building with the glass chamber, which Memory Steve entered.
He stepped inside the chamber. It activated on its own, locking him inside and deactivating his powers. He held himself and paced back and forth. It was like he was already being punished for his failed mission of erasing Sabre's memories, with each glass block glaring at him in shame.
Illusion Steve entered the building. "So you already locked yourself in. Thank you for that. Since you disabled your own powers, I also won't use my powers on you, as we agreed."
Memory Steve faced him and bowed. "Greetings, Illusion Steve. I carried out the mission, and I apologize that I – "
"What is this?" A new voice called. Memory and Illusion Steve looked through the window and saw the Guardian of the Spirit World outside. He wandered in confusion, inspecting the structure of colossal wall with a perplexed expression.
"Oh, I want to talk about him," Illusion Steve said, pointing at Guardian. "Did you encounter him during your mission?"
Memory Steve replied with a nod.
"What did you do to him?"
"Umm...well, I..."
"Listen, I know erasing memories is your thing. That's why I hired you," Illusion Steve interrupted. "And it seems like you erased all of Guardian's memories, which is impressive. However, this is the one time I don't want you to erase someone's memories. Look, can you just restore his memories?"
"...I beg your pardon?"
"Yeah, I know this is weird," Illusion Steve chuckled. "But I need you to give Guardian his memories back."
"May I inquire why you want him to remember? I know that the illusion will block out his true memories, regardless if he has them or not. When I was out on my mission, I erased his memories as an extra precaution. After all, he's also not from this world, so there was a chance he could escape the illusion. I thought you would appreciate my initiative." Memory Steve dreaded that he was digging himself deeper into a hole. He arrived expecting Illusion Steve to punish him for failing his mission. But now that he knew Illusion Steve didn't want Guardian's memories erased, was his mission even more disastrous than he originally thought?
"Well, thank you for taking that precaution," Illusion Steve said. "But I have something different in mind for the Guardian. I want to give him fake memories so he can become another one of my henchmen, but I also want him to remember that he has access to the Spirit World. I want him on my side because I also plan to control the Spirit World after I fully control this dimension. But I can only unblock true memories. And since you erased them, I have nothing to unblock. So please, just do it. Just restore his memories."
What did Illusion Steve want from the Spirit World? What could Memory Steve say to justify his reason to erase Guardian's memories, without letting Illusion Steve learn about his critical weakness? However, Memory Steve feared that the longer he dragged this conversation, the more impatient his boss would be.
"Very well," Memory Steve sighed in defeat, causing Illusion Steve to nod and look away.
Memory Steve heard the redstone deactivating. He raised a hand and aimed at the Guardian outside. There was thunder and the Guardian paused. A moment later, the Guardian resumed his confused wandering. His memories were restored, but the illusion continued blocking them.
One reason why he hated doing this: he just gave Guardian all his memories back. Memory Steve wished he had the ability to filter the memories he could restore. That he had the ability to keep Guardian's memory about his weakness. That he could just give back Guardian's memories of being the Spirit World's protector and keep the rest. Unfortunately, Memory Steve did not have that ability. When he returned memories to victim, he had to give back all the memories of the victim. Guardian was no exception.
...Wait, who was I thinking about? Memory Steve blinked and looked daze, shaking his head a bit, before spotting Guardian outside. Oh...Oh yeah...he exists. I think I encountered him during my mission?
Another reason why he hated giving back memories: the confusion.
There were four ways someone could reclaim their memories stolen by Memory Steve, or to make the flowers leave the Memory Dimension and return to their original owner.
The first way was to be a player like Sabre, who could easily remember stolen memories for unknown reasons.
The second way was to be a Steve who found a specific trigger for their memories. The trigger could be as random and rare as falling on your face (Galaxy Steve's case), a huge power surge, or going through a similar trauma. While a Steve might take forever to remember, they may instantly remember if Sabre tells them a trigger. (That was how Sabre helped Rainbow Steve and Galaxy Steve remember Memory Steve's existence.)
The third way was apparently Illusion Steve's machine that made backup copies of memories. However, if it actually worked was a mystery.
The fourth way was for Memory Steve to voluntarily give the memories back, and he hated this one. Because when he gave back memories...it would be him this time who wouldn't remember.
When the victim remembered on their own via a trigger or whatever, Memory Steve would lose the flower but still remember its existence. For example, he learned several things about Sabre by watching some of the memories he stole from him. When Sabre remembered, his memories disappeared from his collection, but Memory Steve still knew what those memories held (like how Illusion Steve killed Time Steve). But when Memory Steve personally gave back the memory...he also gave away his knowledge. So whatever knowledge he gained from the Guardians' memories...he forgot what it was.
The redstone turned on again and deactivated Memory Steve's power. Illusion Steve observed Guardian with his mind-reading powers.
"I can read his true memories, so they're back in his head! Perfect. Thank you." Illusion Steve exclaimed before turning back to the glass container. "Now, about that mission with Sabre."
Memory Steve dug his fingers into his palms. "Sabre...proves himself as a difficult foe. I did erase his memories and he did temporarily belief this illusion was the real world. But somehow...he remembered everything." He bowed again. "I apologize for this inconvenience."
Illusion Steve laughed while shaking his head. "I already know that. I know that because he somehow stole a bit of my power. I sent Alex, another one of my servants, to destroy him. But I predict he'll somehow snap her out of it. It's fine though. It's fine. I'm fine about this!" He laughed again at this misfortune, which made Memory Steve nervous. "Do you know what caused him to remember?"
"No. I left him alone after erasing his memories."
"Ah! So that's what we need to do. Tell me, Memory Steve: when you worked for your father, you kept an eye on Galaxy Steve, right? Galaxy Steve could travel to any dimension he wanted. Void Steve feared he would find things in the other dimensions that could trigger his memories. So he ordered you to erase Galaxy Steve's memories every time he returned to the Overworld so he would never discover the truth. Is that correct?"
Memory Steve nodded, disturbed by how much Illusion Steve knew.
"Perhaps we need to do the same thing with Sabre." Illusion Steve placed his hand under his chin, deep in thought. "Hmm...Sabre is not a Steve, so we can't erase his memories every time he catches on, like what you did with Galaxy Steve. He'll eventually overcome that, either by placing down signs or with the memory helmets. We can't have him suspect us. How about..."
Illusion Steve snapped his fingers and his multi-colored eyes shined with inspiration.
"One of my backup plans is to have Guardian spy Sabre for me. If Sabre survives and convinces Alex to betray me, I'll have Guardian pretend to join them and he'll report information to me. But...what if you were my spy instead?"
What?! Memory Steve's hidden eyes widened, and he was too stunned to speak.
"You have to – Well, first you have to work on looking more friendly than terrifying," Illusion Steve elaborated. "Then, you introduce yourself to Sabre and Alex as an ally. You roll along with whatever silly plan they have to defeat me and report to me everything they do. And when the time is right, erase their memories and make them think they are in the old world again. When things cause Sabre to remember the past again, you erase his memories again. Find out what triggers Sabre's memories to return, and make sure he doesn't encounter it anymore. Being his ally means you can hopefully cover your tracks better than in the past. You'll remain his companion until I perfect the illusion and – "
"I apologize for interrupting!" Memory Steve threw his arms out into a "stop" gesture. "But I can't to this task for you. Being Sabre's companion...I can't do that." He tugged on his shirt's collar as he carefully choose his next words. "When-when I became your henchman, I said I would only erase memories, not be a spy."
"No, you said that killing and combat weren't your specialty," Illusion Steve corrected. "You didn't say you would only erase memories. You should've made that clear and, I don't know, talked more."
Memory Steve froze. "Oh! S-sorry for the lack of clarity! It's just that..." He began pacing around the cage, despite knowing how suspicious he looked right now. He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly before finally deciding to admit it. "Unfortunately, it's impossible for me to carry out that task for you. Because my ability to erase memories comes with a drawback."
"Hmm." Illusion Steve crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. "What drawback?"
"You see that drawback every time I use my powers: my powers activate every time someone breaks eye contract." Memory Steve dipped his head down with a mental wince. "I cannot stop my power from erasing memories. The minimum damage is that they forget who I am."
"So you're basically telling me that you can't control your powers, despite being one of the most powerful Steves with mind-powers," Illusion Steve said. "And you can't stop your powers from erasing memories whenever someone breaks eye contact."
"...Probably...yes...definitely yes...maybe," Memory Steve confessed with another wince.
"So basically, my plan won't work because you'll be erasing Sabre's memories every time he looks away from you, not only when he becomes dangerous. You'll basically have to introduce yourself every time he blinks," Illusion Steve pondered while Memory Steve silently shuddered at what he just said. "...I can see how that's a problem. Is there a way to get around it?"
Memory Steve shook his head. "The only one who was immune to my power was Void Steve, my creator." For so many generations, he was the only person I could talk to before you.
"Are you positive?" Illusion Steve narrowed his eyes with suspicion. "You never found a loophole or a way to disable your powers on your own?"
"Yes, I'm positive!" Memory Steve insisted. "There is no effective or practical way around it. I have tried to control it better, but I never could because no one remembered long enough to teach me and Void Steve refused to helped me."
"Well...your powers are obviously disabled now." Illusion Steve shot a quick look at the redstone dust. "What if I find a way to disable your powers outside of this glass chamber? Then will you spy him?"
Memory Steve panicked. He wanted to say it was against their agreement for Illusion Steve to use his powers, before remembering they didn't agree upon that. He only had him promise not to mind control him or read his thoughts.
"Well...don't you recall that I still managed to erase your memories while in this glass chamber?" He quickly shot a question.
Illusion Steve took of his glasses and rubbed his eyes and nose. "I don't understand why you're so stubborn about this and not giving me full explanations...but I won't argue any longer. And I guess I need you to do other things besides defeating Sabre. You accompanying him would distract you from those other tasks. Let's just...discard the idea and figure out something else."
"...Really?" Memory Steve stepped back and relaxed, blinking the temporary shock out of his hidden eyes. "...Illusion Steve, you have my sincerest thanks. Thank you for listening." He knew Illusion Steve didn't fully care about him, but he was the first person who didn't force him out of his comfort zone.
"...You're welcome?" Illusion Steve said before putting his glasses back on. "Aaaanyways, we still have Sabre to deal with and we need to figure out another plan. I think we still need to find out whatever causes Sabre's memories to return. Well...I still have Guardian and my backup plan to have him spy for me. By now, I have successfully turned him into my third henchman. And yes, I am powerful enough use my powers on another person while we are discussing.
"I guess along with spying, I'll order him to discover what triggers Sabre's memories. But before that, I want to see what Sabre is up to. For now, I'll begin working with Guardian to see if he'll help me access the Spirit World. And if Sabre becomes a problem, I'll send the Guardian to him. When that happens, I'll order you to go on another mission to erase Sabre's memories about the illusion, so Guardian can observe when Sabre remembers and how he remembers...Are you even listening to me?"
Memory Steve flinched. "Oh, of course. I was listening. I just had nothing to add onto."
"So what do you think of my plan?"
"It's a start. I respect the initiative to gather information about Sabre. Analyzing him and discovering why he easily remembers will be vital for my mission. And may I ask a another question?"
"What is it?"
"Why are you interested in the Spirit World? Wouldn't it be more efficient to focus on turning this illusion into reality first?"
"The Spirit World is connected to the old world. Isn't it reasonable that I take over that realm while I also take over the Overworld?" Illusion Steve shot back.
"Galaxy Steve won't even see the Spirit World," Memory Steve replied. "I've worked against him for so many generations. Surprisingly, nothing has killed him yet; I've seen him survive things that should have killed him. Are you certain that controlling the Spirit World will benefit Galaxy Steve and your mission?"
"Are you questioning me?!"
Memory Steve took a step back and raised his hands in the air. "Yes, but not because I challenge your authority. I respect your authority, and you know what will make Galaxy Steve happy more than I do. However, I question if you're aware that you're taking on too many tasks. And I ask why the Spirit World suddenly became a top priority."
Illusion Steve broke eye contact, his multi-colored eyes darkening with internal conflict. Memory Steve hoped that his boss didn't add new, deadly features to this glass chamber.
"...I analyzed and predicted that there was a .001% chance that Galaxy Steve would end up destroyed and go to the Spirit World," Illusion Steve said. "If he does, he would stay confused in there. Since I need to fulfill my purpose of making him happy, him being confused in the Spirit World while I'm in the Overworld will drive me mad. I was born outside of the timeline; my connection with Galaxy Steve will still exist when he goes to the Spirit World. So I concluded I should also take over the Spirit World and perfect it for Galaxy Steve, because there's a chance he would end up there one day anyways while I don't..."
...Is he attempting to failproof his entire plan? Memory Steve question. But he doesn't even know if his current plan will fail. Is he that worried?
"Well...you should know why I said I can't go the Spirit World with Galaxy Steve," Illusion Steve added. "Because of my job, there's a slim chance I'll ever go there, so I have to perfect it now so I don't ever have to worry about it."
Memory Steve shuddered. His mind flashed with images of bleak Netherrack biomes and Demon Steves. He was also shocked that Illusion Steve thought so long-term already. Already devising a plan to make sure he wouldn't lose his mind in the Spiritless World, where he couldn't help Galaxy Steve.
...Did Illusion Steve devise this whole plan because he discovered the Spiritless World's existence from Memory Steve?
"It's only a .001% chance, Illusion Steve," Memory Steve assured him, placing a hand on the glass barrier between them. "In fact, because I've worked with Void Steve for a long time, I think the probability of Galaxy Steve getting destroyed is less than .001%."
"...Maybe you're right." Illusion Steve looked out of the window. "Maybe...this goal shouldn't be a top priority yet...I'll think about it...The meeting's over." He headed to the door. "I want you to think about your past encounters with Sabre and come up with theories as to why he easily remembers. I'll assign you another task later. And remember, if you betray me, I will destroy you."
"Oh, you are the best, boss," Memory Steve said on instinct, causing Illusion Steve to whirl around and give him a surprised expression.
"...What?" Illusion Steve said. "Are you being sarcastic? I didn't threaten to destroy you as a joke. That was an actual threat."
"...What? That was an actual threat?"
"...You think being threatened by someone is a joke?"
"It's normal for villains to threaten each other's lives as a joke," Memory Steve said with a little bit of exasperation. "Void Steve threatened to destroy me all the time."
"...You're supposed to be terrified when someone threatens you. I'm – I'm concerned. What happened to you while you were working for Void Steve? And you think we're both villains? ...Well, I guess it's true because I think threatening to kill someone is wrong...but I do it anyways to make people obey me."
Memory Steve looked away awkwardly. They were right. The joke was never funny if you had to explain it.
"Anyways...goodbye." Illusion Steve finally left, leaving Memory Steve to wonder what the heck just happened in this entire meeting.
Memory Steve tried to enjoy the lava lake and the slow swirl of the oranges and reds, but yesterday's conversation kept replaying in his mind.
"So you're basically telling me that you can't control your powers...And you can't stop your powers from erasing memories whenever someone breaks eye contact.
"...I can see how that's a problem. Is there a way to get around it?"
Memory Steve tried to dig his fingers into a grass block. But as expected, it was a fruitless attempt at relieving his stress. He continued scratching the unbreaking grass block as the conversation kept haunting his mind. The more he replayed Illusion Steve's words, the more he feared his new boss would eventually find the truth. Illusion Steve was clever. He would eventually be curious and realize Memory Steve wasn't telling the full truth about his drawback.
That his drawback actually did have loopholes.
And how Memory Steve didn't always have this drawback.
Memory Steve looked at the sky, again tempted to grab another memory from the stars.
Oh, what the heck. He finally gave in, raised his hands, and summoned that nagging flower. The flower hovered from the sky to his hand. Unlike the other memories, this one was grayscale, and smaller, blue flowers were joined with it as a tangled mess.
Memory Steve's own memories were gray. This memory in particular was tangled with the stolen memories of other Steves.
He activated the flower and set it on the ground. The flower glowed and grew into the size of a Steve. His heart lurch when the entity started to form his purple clothes and hair and his friendly face. The entity opened his blank lavender eyes. A Purple Steve.
The Purple Steve unintentionally met Memory Steve's eyes. Memory Steve quickly looked away with a surge of fear, closing his hidden eyes tightly.
"Well, that's my home!" Purple Steve said, reenacting a memory. Memory Steve finally braced himself to look back. Purple Steve was pointing at nothing, his blank eyes now filled with glee. But Memory Steve knew he was supposed to be pointing at that Purple Steve village. He could never forget that place. Its architecture was alien compared to that of the other Steve villages. Given that these were Purple Steves who could teleport to different dimensions, their villages sported absurdly tall obsidian towers, gardens of purple trees, and strange statues.
"Well, want to come with me to see my family, Memory?" Purple Steve said. Memory Steve jumped, realizing the entity was looking directly at him.
Are you sure your people will be accepting of a Steve like me? He remembered what he had said to Purple Steve at this moment. I know your civilization groups Steves into their power type and, well, I am an odd Steve. Will they judge me?
"Nonsense, you're fine!" Purple Steve laughed. "You have teleportation powers like us! You'll fit right in. Come on, I'll show you around!"
Purple Steve turned around, acting like he was running through a field, waving hands to invisible people, and giving random greetings.
Memory Steve took off his mask and set his balaclava down, smiling as Purple Steve frolicked on the island until he became a hollow entity again.
This Purple Steve was his first best friend, who introduced him to other friends. He helped Memory Steve make friends outside of his family. But this fond memory was generation ago. Before Galaxy Steve cut ties with Void Steve. Before Void Steve ordered Memory Steve to erase Time and Elemental Steve's memories. Before –
The mindless Purple Steve suddenly flinched. He spun around and looked at Memory Steve. When Memory Steve saw the entity's eyes filled with confusion and fear instead of playfulness, he felt a chill and a dreadful feeling stab his heart. No!Not this memory!
"Who – who are you?!" Purple Steve stammered, taking a step back. "...What are you talking about?! We're friends? I've never seen you before in my life! You're really creeping me out!"
Memory Steve shut his eyes tight and covered his ears. Not this memory! I can't handle it!
"Stop bothering me! You're crazy!"
Memory Steve screamed and threw a hand out. The frightened Purple Steve poofed. The gray flower with twisted blue companions replaced the entity. He picked it up with a shaking hand and clung it to his chest. He shut his eyes again as the tears formed.
Out of all the memories. Out of all the memories of him trying to get his best friend to remember him, it just had to replay when he accidentally erased his friend's memories. When his best friend completely forgot who he was. The first time he lost control of his powers, though he didn't realize it at the time.
At that time, he didn't worry about his powers going out of control. Instead, he felt pure heartbreak. Pure heartbreak of a friend suddenly disappearing. And right now, clinging onto the flower in this dark dimension, he was recalling every painful and hurt feeling he felt from that realization.
"You need get your powers back under control!" A voice snapped.
Memory Steve leapt up and quickly wiped the tears away. The fake Void Steve stalked nearby. That fake Void Steve was just reenacting another memory This copy and those insults were harmless! Yet the contempt and disappointment lingering from the entity was too convincing.
"I'm done with these excuses," Void Steve snarled. "I already gave you everything you need. You just need to learn to use your powers properly! I need your help. And if you can't erase the right memories that I tell you to erase, it'll all be pointless."
Memory Steve took a step back as his breath quickened. It's not real. It's not real. It's not real. It's just a memory. It's just a memory. He hammered those thoughts in his head until he finally convinced himself to turn and walk away from the ranting Void Steve.
Yet the dread followed him. New thoughts chased off the repeating it's not real statements, and soon Memory Steve was mentally drowning.
I lost all my friends. Void Steve knows that.
And he hated that he couldn't restore his friends' memories. He couldn't find them a trigger to return their memories. And he couldn't return them either...
Because his memories were connected to their memories, all because of their frequent interactions. If he returned the memories, he would forget about them instead. He didn't understand why. When his victims remembered on their own, their memories easily separated themselves from his memories. Separating his knowledge from these memories should be easy, right? Then why couldn't he do that...
He failed all of his companions by not knowing how to separate the memories he wanted to restore...
He nervously despawned the fake Void Steve and summoned the red flower. Void Steve's memories. After staying in the Memory Dimension, the red flower was now intertwined with gray one. A sick feeling of regret sank in his stomach. He rushed the decision to take this from Galaxy Steve, and now he hated himself for that. If he brought back Void Steve...he had to give these intertwined memories back...and forget his own father.
The thought terrified him. How was he going to cope with it all? Would he finally teach himself to separate these memories in time for Void Steve's return?
He had to force himself to stop thinking and desummon all the flowers. To think about something else...
Like if Void Steve was going to return at all.
And...Illusion Steve.
The conversation with Illusion Steve repeated in his mind again, but for a different reason. Memory Steve had expected his new boss to mock him and to force him to learn how to control his powers. Although Illusion Steve was desperate to find a way around Memory Steve's drawback, he was the first person who didn't mock his inability to control his powers. Memory Steve didn't know why. Was it just because Illusion Steve didn't feel the need to say it out loud? Was it because they were cousins?
Regardless, Memory Steve felt so grateful about that. Perhaps that was why he tried to repay the kindness by advising Illusion Steve. By making sure he didn't push himself about the Spirit World.
...Why did I do that?! Memory Steve hissed and slapped his forehead. I'm supposed to be loyal to only Void Steve, not him! Not Illusion Steve. Well...how can I be loyal if I can't bring him back?
He couldn't control something as simple as his powers. How could he do something like resurrect Void Steve during Illusion Steve's reign?! He slumped down, frustrated at himself and the lack of direction.
Mulling over the conversation again, Memory Steve was struck with an idea.
Perhaps...Illusion Steve could be his own downfall.
That conversation. Illusion Steve's worry about the Spirit World and his bizarre new goal to conquer the dimension. It was irrational. All based on a guess he came up with. He was delusional, an overachiever, and a perfectionist. He could lose. He could breakdown. His own flaws would defeat him.
And if they didn't, well, the illusion would be cause his downfall. Memory Steve knew for certain that the illusion would fail. The whole illusion was a ridiculous plan.
After all, Memory Steve saw what happened last time a Steve remembered nothing. That poor Steve. That Steve never lived blissfully and accepted the ignorance. That Steve became an ungrateful bastard who was upset and desperate for answers. That Steve went mad and turned against the world he was supposed to love and protect.
And Elemental Steve wasn't special. The people under the illusion would eventually snap like him, and they would take down Illusion Steve. And once that happened, that would be Memory Steve's moment.
To release Void Steve back into the world.
But for now, he had to wait for Illusion Steve to crash and burn. He had to wait for the inevitable.
...The inevitable.
Suddenly, guilt overcame Memory Steve. No, Illusion Steve's failure wasn't inevitable. It would only happen because Memory Steve decided to watch him bury his own grave. But Memory Steve, as the meeting yesterday proved, had the decision to talk to him and advise him to take a better direction.
So...could he really just do nothing? Could he really be ok with letting his cousin spiral downwards?
To let his cousin fail so he could have his father again?
Word count: 4926
What will Memory decide? :3
ngl, this is my least favorite chapter in Act 1. Besides all the writing errors and mishaps, it's very info-dumpy. Important information, but still :'D
Please let me know if anything was confusing. I know I made the rules behind Memory's powers pretty complex.
I apologize if this chapter wasn't enjoyable. Like I said, this is my least favorite chapter, but this means that I think the next chapters will be better! Thank you guys so much for your patience and for the support!
Anyways, thank you for reading. Have a good Labor Day weekend and please stay safe! Take care.