ercookies | TDM 006: SPECTRAL SPECTACLE

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TDM 006: SPECTRAL SPECTACLE

00. Arrival

This time, you come out of the water, the Nameless Island's own inherent energy drawing people in. It's like being suspended between realities and abruptly pushed from behind through a rift in dimensions. It may make you sick, or that might be the motion of the ocean, lifting you to the surface and carrying you to shore.

Waterlogged and covered in sand, new arrivals will be greeted by robots who welcome them with towels and bracelet devices. The A5 card is already loaded up. Feel free to explore the Island, though there isn’t much to see. Most of the buildings are abandoned and in dire need of repair, and beyond the city lingers a thick fog that obscures much of the wilderness from view. Wander too far into this fog, and you will find yourself mysteriously looping back to where you began, your memories of what you were doing and how you got there erased.

With that in mind, it may be wise to stake your claim on a rundown apartment, a tent on the beach, or a bed in the “comfortable” new barracks. Your inventory will be found a day later, wrapped up haphazardly and delivered to each person's makeshift home.

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I. The Dragon's Matchmaking

Welcome to the Island, cherub dragons! The auspicious actions of your fellow Islanders have foreseen the reintroduction of dragons to the world. Unlike the hulking, possessive creatures of ancient lore (and recent hot springs), these well-meaning little critters love to help. Their small size and roly-poly frames make them unsuited to laborious tasks, but they will be the perfect companion to any residents who endeavor to pick up a small item, wish for their lunch to be delivered to an absolute stranger, or need a fire started from a tiny, flaming sneeze in their drafty homes. If a cherub dragon sees an Islander they perceive in need of their assistance, they will zip right in and refuse to scram until they’ve done the job!

No visible struggles? No problem! The little dragons also love to play matchmaker. Persistent dragons will gleefully nudge together Islanders they believe will have chemistry, and sometimes they aren’t wrong! Of course, even if sparks fail to fly, the dragons’ trilling songs are known to kindle romantic feelings between strangers and long-time lovers alike.

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II. Ruins

While the Islanders have been enjoying their autumn relaxation, the ‘bots of Erku have been hard at work clearing the surrounding forests of dangers for their guests’ safe habitation. If you are of deft hand with monster slaying, forestry, or even just hauling debris and weed picking, the robots will gladly exchange credits for help with reconstructing the recently unearthed mountain temple grounds from the rubble that remains there. Just follow the path of gently glowing mushrooms to the site of the temple ruins. Beware of lurking creatures, grabby plants, and falling rocks!

The temple ruins are tall and breathtaking, despite the eerie chill of the fog that lingers just beyond. Or is it the fog that sends a shiver up your spine? After all, this place was very spiritually important to the original inhabitants of the Island, the robots say to anyone curious enough to ask. Although their own programming does not include religious worship, the Augur believes the restoration of this place to be vital to the continued augmentation of Eros energy.

When questioned about the strange shadows that seem to slip from tree to tree, or the unsettling feeling of ghostly hands that seem to nudge volunteers deeper into the grounds, the robots respond with nothing but bafflement. Their sensors detect no unknown organic presence afoot.

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III. Ritual

Islanders who chase those mysterious shadows may find themselves particularly drawn to a structure that lay deeper within the ruins, beyond where the robots have made the most progress. Three sets of crumbling, moss-covered stairs join to form a central platform, which - despite the overcast skies - seems to emit a soft glow. Those who step onto the platform may begin to hear a quiet, compelling voice, which urges them to be free of their inhibitions and to offer their energy to the spirits to be multiplied hundredfold. Visions of naked bodies in the throes of carnal worship dance before the eyes. Those who are especially spiritually sensitive - or perhaps, just lucky - may feel as if possessed by a consciousness that is not their own, and that consciousness is filled with a burning sexual desire.

Leaving the platform is an option if alone, but the intense and overwhelming urge to seek companionship will persist until an Auspicious Act is completed. Those who are fortunate to be joined by company within the temple will feel compelled to worship right then and there, no matter the risk of being seen. Within the walls of the temple, Eros energy is enhanced such that any erotic act - big or small - will be enough to break the spell.

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N A V I G A T I O N

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[She looks up from focusing on trying to dry her skirt when she hears the voice talking to her.]

Oh! I would appreciate that. Thank you!

[Apparently this fabric just absorbed water like nothing...]

"Something about the ruins," Stephen says considering what he'd been told, "and the god Eros...but when I asked for more details they weren't very open." Tech was more Tony Stark's thing and Stephen has not idea how to deal with a full island of them.

[It's the departing robots that draw his attention and pushing away some foliage he steps into view to find the young woman. He stops in his tracks a moment as he briefly regards her, he won't be coming in any closer and from the slight movement he makes anyone that could read him well would know his intention was to step back with the intention to give her as he sees it some much needed privacy.

Her voice stops him and even when she points a finger at him and delivers her question he looks around as if someone else would materialize to answer her inquiry. He is avoiding looking at her directly now opting to focus on the strangeness of her footwear(?).]

Did your clothes get washed away?

[Listen, his two closest friends are perpetually rude and usually not on purpose, he has no qualms with someone not bowing. Nevermind he's used to people who aren't Japanese and don't bow at all, too.]

[He does blink at being called Kamado-san, and chuckles, waving his good hand dismissively.]

Just 'Tanjiro' is fine. And yes-- the city I was in before was also one I wound up in I guess on accident? I still don't really understand, but I'd been there ten months.

[This is why mom doesn't fucking love you.mp4]

Oh, hah, I guess not. [brother :(] Anyway, I didn't say I'm not worried about it, because I thought about it and it is a pretty big deal! Uh, but, I'm just saying, if nothing is supposed to escape, how did we get here? I wasn't trying to get to the surface...

[The Line... is a concern, that's true, but consider: he can just make a new line here? Will Master not accept this new, slightly different line? Not at all, but don't crush all of his dreams at once.

Or: hmm, he was kind of banking on Than and Zag to have the ideas here, considering he is List Boy and y'all actually go outside sometimes. They are in so much trouble, please handle it, he'll watch.]

Have you tried walking back into the water?

[Well that answers at least a few questions Tanjiro had considered asking. He shrugs a little, smiling.]

Demon Slayers are constantly putting their lives on the line, aren't we? You shouldn't be surprised.

Oh, Felix!

[She'd been too focused on his arm and that injury instead of noticing that it was her friend. (She expected a lecture on that at some point.)]

Nothing doesn't bleed like that, now let me see.

[Before she reaches out and gently grabs his arm to channel Faith magic on it.]

Oh, here? I thought I could be a help, keeping people healthy, or burning things away.

[His exploration around the island's shores have brought him here. Soft, steps almost akin to the scurrying of a small animal are made as he moves forward upon the sand. He heard the young man's shouts before spotting him being harassed by the robots but already he had assessed that they didn't pose any danger, but had thing changed he would have interceded. As it was Giyu left them very well alone to tend to the blond.

It almost occurs to him to suggest he accept the help but instead he holds his tongue and it seems it wouldn't be necessary for him to speak up. All for the better. It takes him a moment of observation to finally address why he had lingered.]

You're not hurt.

[Lorenz... well he's not entirely sure being out in the forests is a good idea right now, not after everything else that's happened. Still if there are things prowling the woods he cannot, in good conscience, leave others to fend for themselves. He is not running around in the forest though, he's being far more responsible and relying on what faith magic he had. There were plenty of fools that know precisely how to get themselves in trouble.

When he hears Mercedes' voice though, he freezes, eyes going wide... then whirling around to see if he was really hearing what he thought he was. And yes, indeed, that is Mercedes right there... not 10 feet away healing someone he hadn't gotten to yet.

Sure he's over six foot and vibrantly purple, even if his current attire was a bit more subdued than his usual suit it was not necessarily less eye catching. But he's definitely going to try to just slide out of here without her noticing. Mercedes is the absolute last person he wants to see here.

Well no, not last but... He'd rather not have her tear him apart again thanks?]

[There is some clear favoritism going on in the House of Hades—along with other, far more concerning things. Who or what is powerful enough to pluck three gods from the Underworld and drop them somewhere entirely new? Why can't Thanatos just shift back? Why is there absolutely no communication?

Or: Thanatos doesn't know shit, for once, and it's disconcerting! Made all the worse by the fact that he feels some degree of responsibility for Hypnos, and hey, maybe he doesn't need to; it's not like Hypnos is helpless, but you know. Twinsies.]

No. [What the fuck!] And I don't suggest you try it.

[Waking up in that salty bathwater one (1) time was bad enough—and what if they're separated? How is Thanatos supposed to (eventually) explain to Lord Hades that he lost his, like, favorite employee. Damn.]

I wasn't on the surface when I was pulled here. All was quiet; I was [watching the Styx like a loser] in the House. [Hmm.] Whatever brought us here is clearly powerful, so don't tempt it.

[Under the supposed protection of Nyx and Hades. Chaos, then...? Anyway, it is now time to Think Broodily while once again glaring at the dumb little dragon.]

That is not a new injury.

[In those few words the meaning he trying to convey is that he cannot comprehend how this had come to be. He had seen Tanjiro not to long ago. He had spoken with him. He had shared some story of his own interaction with the wind pillar and he had gotten some odd ideas into his own head about his future interactions with that man in an attempt to befriend him.

But Tanjiro had been in good health then. He had even come to train with him. However Giyu does not press him for an explanation. That could come another time. First they had to address the matter of their current whereabouts.]

Tanjiro, do you recall how you arrived here?

[Hypnos just shrugs, like c'mon, he wasn't gonna. That's for you wild boys to try out while he waits to see what happens, obviously. Plus, his blankie cape will get wet again and it already took a whole goddamn day for it to dry the first time. Terrible.]

Who, me? Nooo, no way, what would I do? You just let me know when you want to hang out— uh, or you know, come up with a way to get back, and I'll be there!

[But he's taking this seriously, promise!! He's not even going to make pointed comments about staring at the Styx, see, he's being serious. The dragon, in turn, chews on a lock of his hair, and he continues to just Let This Happen.]

These guys aren't so bad, huh? Here, this one is for you!

[The other one that has not chosen to chew on him, that is, which he is now nudging to bob stupidly into Than's personal space. Twinsie dragons, bro...]

[He looks down at his own dragon wedged under his gimp arm, humming thoughtfully.]

It isn't, no. And I don't think most people know how they got here. [Which doesn't answer the question, exactly.]

I'm sorry. I suppose it's habit to be so formal with everyone I talk to, Tanjiro.

[ It was one she wanted to break, for what it was worth. At least she was able to go with what he wanted her to call him so that was a plus. ]

Ten months? That's quite a long time. I'm sorry you haven't been able to go home yet.

[Typical to be alone, huh? Well, Thanatos can't fault him for that, given that, he, too, is alone most of the time. It be like that. But hey, now, bringing up his fit like this—]

"Overdoing it?"

[He thinks his look is super cool and, like, timeless. :/ Underworld Chic, which is why he looks, like, mildly disgruntled by this unasked-for critique. It's not his fault he has to wear his stupid hood because the surface is too bright for him... woe is Death...]

My appearance serves a purpose. Your kind... expects something, of me. [Mortals!] Being recognizable makes it easier for them to accept it.

[It's a uniform? It's a uniform.]

[He definitely doesn't need this callout, thanks!!! But it's a callout he gets, resulting in a slight scowl even as the dragonling's claw opens up that much more. It just wants to help Thanatos make a friend or two... even Death Incarnate needs to live...

...And Thanatos doesn't want to explain why living creatures as a whole are, like, usually less than thrilled to see him, so.]

Causing trouble by trying to help. [Pfh.] Reminds me of someone I know.

[And because Than is a bit of hypocrite, when it comes to these things:]

You shouldn't indulge it.

[Next time it will light... an even bigger fire!]

[It's official: no one on this island respects Thanatos. 😔 But while that dragon hams it the heck up, Than spares it one last look—death is inevitable, buddy—before glancing back up at this obviously amused man. Did this tall, dour man frighten a small, cute dragon... perish the thought...]

It won't be receiving one. I didn't ask for it to attach itself to me.

[RIP, cool outfit and Than's cool cred.]

Maybe it will listen to you.

[Hint, hint? Before it starts singing and things get Romantique.]

[He waves his hand again, smiling still.]

I'm the oldest of six, so "Kamado" can mean a lot of people. [He shakes his head, then, still smiling, though the expression does take on a sort of distant edge.] It's okay, it's... I went home briefly. Did what I needed to... I don't mind so much, now. [That's... vague, but okay.]

My kind would toooootally hit on you at a party and suggest that your scythe could be used for better purposes. Sexier purposes.

_{[ However, Klaus does have snuff on his A5 card, but anyway. Suddenly, something clicks. ]}

Oh.. my kind. Like my species. Yeah, well..

_{[ His lips form into a thin line and his eyes narrow as he hums, trying to figure it out. ]}

Gerard Way. 2006. The Black Parade. But maybe with a little Greek twist. That's how I recognize you.

[They always maintained distant, always out of reach and no matter how many steps forward he took or how fast it seemed he would never reach those shadows but he was cautious enough not to be easily led stray or too far into the ruins. Perhaps it was the state of the place that made him deem with steps unsafe. It didn't seem the same consideration was taken by others. He had taken it upon himself to try to warn anyone who went to far. There ahead it seemed he had missed someone. He follows and his hand extended to reach out to stop the man only it is taken a hold off. His eyes widened in surprise at the sudden contact finding it uncomfortable but he didn't consider the possibility of what was to come next.

Even as the man's face drew closer to his own, as his eyebrows knit close together, slowly turning away only finding it mildly odd as he pulled back at his arm. Then their lips would touch and it's then he reacts. A hard shove is given against the blond's chest and he takes a step back. He is free from his grip and the question that now is presented is ignored.

He is tense, his stance a bit off balance as he is unsure of how to processes what happened seconds ago. That's not something he is prepared for. He takes a few soft breaths calming himself before he addresses the stranger.]

This place isn't right. Follow me. [The irrational behavior he takes it not to be the norm but maybe he doesn't really know. But if there is danger he won't allow this very odd man to fall to it.]

Okay, well.. if any weeeeirdos try anything I will... probably.. do nothing. And just be your moral support. Though.. you can kick them between the legs.. it works. Though if it's a girl.. maybe not.

_{[ sorry he's useless AND drunk .. ]}

Oooh, Tanjiro.

_{[ His pronunciation is actually pretty good. I mean, when your abusive guardian forced you to learn 7 different languages, you kind of had to get it right.
He also follows up with it's nice to meet you in Japanese, but I can't remember what that is so weeb me. ]}

[I hate that Thanatos and Zagreus are the Brain Trust™. Jesus. But let it be known that Thanatos feels, you know, a smidge of something akin to guilt. He's always so hard on Hypnos. He knows that he should be... kinder, at times, but then Hypnos does shit like bat a dragon his way.]

I don't—

[Well, he neither needs nor wants this stupid dragonling? But this stupid dragonling flutters close enough to, like, bump right against his face, and he really has no choice but to reach up and grab hold of it before it fucks up his very cool, very practical hood. Nice! Now he's holding a dragon like a basketball while staring into its beady little eyes.]

I told you not to encourage them.

[HYPNOS!!!]

Six? That sounds like quite a big family. Right now, in mine it's just me and my dad, though I used to have a sister..

[ Tanjiro isn't the only one with a distant expression now, though it errs mostly towards something sad now. She easily perked back up and figured maybe something needed to be done before both of them got too upset. ]

It's alright. You'll meet lots of good people here so it's not all that bad, I promise!

[ She refused to let things get too depressing, dang it. ]

Edited 2020-10-20 03:17 (UTC)

[Maybe I'm apping Thanatos just to neatly knock out everyone's snuff squares. 👊😔 But Thanatos bears this scrutiny well, even if he has, like, no idea what's coming out of this guy's mouth. Using the tools of his trade for ~sexy purposes~... that's so disrespectful on so many levels...

Or: Thanatos is a professional. Upper management!! It's why he's crossing his arms.]

You don't. [Clearly!] There are no parades, in my line of work. And this... Gerard is unknown to me.

[Sad. Anyway, though: Normally Than would just poof away? Wouldn't be eager to confuse a mortal, because hey, death comes for them all in the end; they'll find out about him or his coworkers in their own time, but as this place is Weird As Hell:]

What do you know of death?

A lot of stuff. More than some poseur guy with a Halloween prop would know.

_{[ kLAUS??? he has no idea... I'm sorry..
He's cagey with answering the question, though, pawing around for something on his attire— shirt pockets, pants pockets.. ]}

I know that it sucks.

_{[ thanks.. ]}

I also know.. there's a light. Sometimes spirits that are lost.. they don't exactly take that ticket to the light and head to the afterlife. So they're stuck on Earth or where ever.

_{[ Ohhh. ]}

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Page 13 of 57

TDM 006: SPECTRAL SPECTACLE

00. Arrival

I. The Dragon's Matchmaking

II. Ruins

III. Ritual

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beef jerky time

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make it dance

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ritual

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