TDM 006: SPECTRAL SPECTACLE

[erkumods]

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. ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 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. ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 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. ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 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. ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● N A V I G A T I O N

Comments

2/2

[paramounts]

And then to persist with this accusation that I am not who I say I am...

[There's an edge to her voice as she brings a hand up to slide against his chest. It would almost seem inviting if not for the fact she's advancing on him, pushing him back until the tent flaps part around him.]

If it is a good first impression you seek, I recommend you reconsider and try again in the morning.

[And with a shove, sends him out onto the sand, closing the flaps of her tent between them with a flourish.]

[jetsetwitch]

I heard there were ancient ruins out here and I was curious, that's all.

Seems like it's a lot of work to get there, though. All these ghosts and weird plants out here are making this tiring.

[marmoron]

Hey!

[ The hard shove sends him stumbling out of her tent, but now that he's mad, it doesn't stop him from trying to barge right back in. ]

The hell is your problem, lady?

[paramounts]

[Before he can get in the tent, there's an ominous, glowing pink circle that appears on the floor just outside her door. Standing on top of it will make him briefly endeared - and he will find himself turning right around to leave her be, the effect fading once he's outside of the circles influence. The message is clear: No visitors.]

[winscenario]

I'm inclined to agree, yes.

[ It's not even that he's stroking his own ego. It's a quality he appreciates in others too; his officers mainly, and he understands how important it is in a number of contexts. Granted, this is one very peculiar and far more intimate context. But anyway. ]

Mm, me?

[ He looks down at her hand, smile wider, leaning in closer to her himself. ]

Not sure about neighbor, but you can definitely count on regular visits from me. You may yet make a religious man out of me...

1/3

[purifyings]

[No matter the number of times she observes his reactions, she will never get tired of it. At the very least, she doesn't think so. It was cute. The way he was squirming and trying his best to keep his hands and gaze on her face.

With the way he begins to lightly tab her back and promise to call her by just her name, it made her realize: she found a good weakness! Too bad she had no way of exploiting it. Unless.....could she use this moment to do so than having to threaten to take her dress off....? Hm.

Unconsciously, a growing smile will form as she decides to finally let him go after he promised and pull back to get a better look at his face. Ah!

HE REALLY IS PRETTIER THAN SHE REMEMBERS!

It was difficult to not blush or be absolutely stunned by what she was looking at. Or while thinking about the events they had just experienced a few moments ago. A mere stranger literally jumped out a window for her! What more can she say? Who would ever go this far for her? From a stranger, no less!?

It really did leave a heavy impression. Enough to...]

2/3

[purifyings]

[Reward him for it!

By giving him a spontaneous peck on the cheek with the tattoo, or rather the scar. Her lips will feel it was deeper than that.

The kiss may last a little longer until...]

3/3

[purifyings]

[She pulls back while holding the cloak onto her form. Trying her best to regain some of her modesty. For his sake, anyway. Who knows how he'll react after this...?]

Thanks....for saving me and...

[A small smirk!]

For letting me pull your arm a tiny bit! It was fun...being on the other end of teasing someone.

[She'll stick out her tongue a tiny bit before revealing the return of her white dress as she attempts to tease the idea of purposely lowering the cloak off her chest.]

Although, I'm not the best at it...

[Which is the truth!]

Anyway! I just wanted to prove my appreciation for everything you've done. I'm just a little sad I wasn't able to appreciate you a little more.

[Again, another truth! HOW THE HECK DID THE SPIRIT DISTRACT HER FROM STARING AT HIM THE ENTIRE TIME? HOW!? SHE MISSED A BEAUTIFUL OPPORTUNITY TO GAWK ALL SHE WANTED!]

[better_goodbyes]

Well hopefully once we clear them all out it won't be as difficult to reach and more people will be able to come out and enjoy them. Even if I'm not really sure why they're so interested in these ruins in particular.

[jetsetwitch]

I'm thinking I should have just flown. That would be much easier.

But actually walking felt like it would make a sort of adventure so, here I am.

[likethelight]

[ —oh.

Somehow he feels like she's toying with him. Which is kind of rude, tbh, considering everything she just put him through. "Teasing"?! Although it doesn't keep the small, mollified blush from his face when she moves to kiss his cheek, however.

(The left one, too. He wasn't expecting that. Most people think there's something wrong or scary with it?) ]

That isn't necessary... [ Is that a weak sort of grumble as he sits up? Maybe, mostly because he's not quite sure how to take that. Appreciate him?? That's a little uncomfortable under the prior circumstances. ]

I don't mean to be rude, but... who are you exactly? [ Temple priestess? He still hasn't entirely ruled it out.

Whose dress is also returning, somehow? Was it like his Crown Clown? As he notes the odd return of a shoulder strap as she lets his cloak start to drop—which makes his gaze firmly resettle on her face. ]

You seemed familiar with what was happening in there.

[purifyings]

[Yup. He was definitely very cute! His reactions were all very entertaining. She couldn't help it. Finding him like this. It's rare to find someone willing to show off their emotions. At the very least, without evil intent, it was natural reactions (but has no idea the true reason for it).

His next question will bring on some confusion. Why was he asking for her identity when he already knew her name? Shouldn't she be the one asking this very question? But, fortunately, his next question will clue her in on his true intentions. Sort of.]

Of course! Didn't I tell you before? I do this sort of thing all the time. Granting wishes to spirits, no matter their status of being. All with the intention to help them move on...?

[Did she tell him all this or was it all a monologue instead? Hm. Should she tell him of her true identity or..?]

I'm what you call a rain summoner. Back in my world, it's our duty to bring balance to both the living and spirit world. By granting wishes along with emotionally healing them. Bringing rain to their sacred place.

[A pause. She doubts the other boy would understand. Not in her world's terms since she once didn't fully grasp it, so.]

Helping the deepest part of the heart is what we considered to be one's sacred place. Everyone has one. As long as there is true emotions and experiences, then there will always be a heart needing help. If that makes sense...?

[likethelight]

[ She told him a lot, which admittedly a lot did go right past him in the heat of the moment, but he hadn't heard anything about why. Why it mattered to her so much. Because she had spoken as someone whose existence surrounded it, and there's always more to something like that. And there are a great many things that could be.

So he looks quite relieved and sits up more fully, although he makes sure their legs are disentangled and maintains his invocation for now. He'd normally be inclined to drop it, but... she's still holding onto Crown Clown like a modesty screen, so he'll let her keep it for now. ]

I think so. [ More than you know. Mostly. He doesn't really understand what rain has to do with it, but he gets the gist of it. A rain summoner is a spiritual healer of sorts? Or medium. Neither of which he was entirely sure he believed in, being someone who actually sees a certain kind of spirit of the dead that's very different, but...

It's kind. He instincts were right: a person who would be someone like that, they have to be kind. ]

Does it really help them? [ It's gentle and a genuine sort of question. Without a trace of scorn or disbelief. He's quite calm and serious about it, really. ] To pass on, I mean.

What if what they wish hurts someone in the process?

[purifyings]

[His questions were very normal to her. There was no need to doubt his interest or reason. After all, he did not mock her nor brush her words off. It was hard not to smile because this was one of her favorite subjects to discuss. She rarely had chances like these.]

You make it sound as though hurt feelings and pain are things to avoid.

[At the very least, the way he is asking makes her wonder if there is more to it than what he is actually asking about. What was he searching for? It was just a gut feeling though.]

Pain and hurt feelings are as much part of life as happiness and satisfaction. If a spirit or person's wish causes hurt to someone else, doesn't it mean they've been hurting the entire time, holding in their most important thoughts and feelings...? [There were many moments Nike had to stop and observe throughout this year. She saw broken promises caused by death, many misunderstandings from censoring important information from others with the idea of protecting them, and overthinking other people's intentions and feelings.] Many believe that all sad and painful things should be hidden away and never spoken about. Without realizing there is truth to one's pain, there is strength in it as well. [A pause, as she thinks about it deeply.] No. It's more like, many don't know how to express themselves. To have the courage to speak up, reach out, and get their true feelings across. Always assuming it'll be rejected because they don't want to burden others.

[Ah, that's right, it was how Sidon became a spiritual disaster. She was never able to express her true feelings. Everyone ignored her, never giving her a chance to speak, and only saw her for being a disaster, nothing more.

Nike didn't want to see that happen again. Never.

It was the reason she became a summoner. Learned to become one. Fought against destiny and won after Thalas regretted his decision in creating her.]

That's why. I can't turn my back on those who need it. To be heard, to be understood, and to help them let go...

[Be it human or spirit -- everyone deserves happiness!]

And be able to see the world with a clearer view. That is my greatest wish. To be able to help others see the beauty of the world. Because if they can do that, then it means they can appreciate their own life.

[likethelight]

[ Hurt feelings aren't what he meant. The human souls that are turned into akuma are tortured to the point where they only desire to lash out and kill. Even with feelings there is a difference between bruised egos and hard truth versus what will traumatize and torture. Vengeful spirits that lash out, even if originally it was only for the love and loneliness they bore. They're what he's most familiar with; beyond akuma even, like the ghost that haunted the previous headquarters. And has empathy for, but strictly and without letting them cross that line. He is naive, but not that naive.

But that is an unnecessarily contrary and violent thing to bring up, and would only make him have to explain something that has no bearing here. Probably.

So he just leans forward and speaks gently. ]

Many people suffer and might lash out because of that suffering. Whether they're alive or not when they do, it doesn't mean the hurt they cause is right or just simply because they wish it.

[ It's blunt, but kind. ]

Many times, I think, they don't even truly want to cause harm, but only want someone else to know they're hurting. In death especially, when they have so many regrets about what might have happened—or what didn't.

Suffering only causes more suffering. That's all I mean. [ Hers too, is what he actually means. Because back there, what he saw in her expression, the way she faltered before he was moved to pick her up—that was someone resigning themselves to suffer.

"It isn't like...I'm going to get married or ever find someone to..."

It had been her expression, saying something like that. ]

So I think that's important, too. But that people should be protected as well. [ And if it wasn't obvious— ]

Please don't be mad, mi—[ ... ]—Nike. I would like to put those spirits to rest as well, so that no one else might be made to feel uneasy. [ Words carefully chosen. If he were someone bolder, he might have touched her knee, but instead he just leans forward in the dark in his earnestness. "This is important" reinforcing his entire posture. ]

But not when doing so will only bring suffering as well. There has to be a better way.

[ A war based on sacrifice is meaningless, he once said after all. Even if he is somewhat more tempered now. ]

[better_goodbyes]

You're right, flying you would have missed all the fun. I appreciate the company as well, it's always good to have someone to be able to talk to.

[Another long sip as he finished the last of his drink.]

Besides not sure how much you would see for all the trees and plants.

[jetsetwitch]

A sort of "can't see the forest because of all the trees" situation?

[better_goodbyes]

Kind of, you'd be left wondering what's behind curtain number one. Might even fly right over without realizing it.

[purifyings]

[He didn't need to explain anything to her. Not when she has been observing him this entire time. Well, mainly the times she was able to keep her consciousness intact, and even then there will bits and pieces she was able to remember. Very small fragments of the whole picture.

But right now, with the way he was explaining himself with a finesse, eloquent, and with as much passion, or possibly even more, on the subject of helping others. Be it spirits or not.

And yet, there was a slight edge to it all, almost as if he has experience in this topic. No, he definitely has the experience, but there was more underneath the surface. What could it be...? His words -- they were more than enough to bring forth the images of both Livius and Sidon into her mind. He described them perfectly! Including the reason for their sufferings.

She was impressed!

....too bad she was beginning to feel nervous at the sudden closeness. It was more than enough to keep her tongue from forming any words. She was feeling completely self-conscious. Almost naked. No, more like, she felt more naked now than she did a few moments ago. Why...?

Looking down, avoiding her gaze away from his, she will smile warmly, for a single moment, before turning into a more bittersweet one.]

You're not wrong. People lash out because of their suffering. Many come to regret their mistakes after learning to let it go and forgive. Because once they do, it would've been too late -- they passed on their suffering to someone else. Harming them in the same unimaginable way as they were, continuing the cycle of hate and pain...

[She had to witness the cycle from Livius onto Ursula and so on. Witnessing the way both went down a dark path, almost losing their way deeper into it until....]

But, I don't believe in that idea of protecting myself. How can I help others escape if I'm not putting my entire life on the line for them!? How can I prove my sincerity if I'm not being entirely honest about it? How can I ever learn to understand their suffering if I'm not allowing myself to get hurt in the process?

[She threw herself into the darkness alongside Livius! Reaching her hand out desperately to the drowning boy being swallowed by it all. As much as she can condemn Livius for all of his sins...]

I want to protect everyone and everything! I promise I won't needlessly sacrifice myself for it. But I can't just hope to get away scot-free once I get involved! It's impossible!

[And she already knew the best way to help those spirits! They showed her. That should be more than enough, and yet...

A piece of her knew the only reason he was so against the idea of it was because of her. She was not the type of person for this job. There was no confidence or experience. If she was a different person, then maybe...

Looking up towards the boy before her, she'll be reminded all over again the reason she looked away -- the closeness was making her feel something she was trying very hard to avoid or even acknowledge. Everything in her being was telling her to pull away, to run, and simply put -- place distance between them.

Ah.....now she can't talk any more.....just because of this.

Her heart was hurting. It was almost difficult to breathe.

What can she now do in this situation? How to get over it...? Her grip over the white cloak wrapped her will get stronger, pulling into her even more...]

...b-but....I guess.....to that....your plan....working together.

[To find another way to help the spirits if it'll help him feel better about it all. If he doesn't want her to go all-in, then...]

I'll grant it another way. [A pause.] I-I mean, we will. Can. Could.

[Why was this so difficult!? This shouldn't be difficult!]

...we just need to find another way to have them open their hearts to us...

1/2

[likethelight]

? [ Why is she stuttering suddenly? Surely she didn't think he was implying...? HE WAS IMPLYING THE OPPOSITE—

Needless to say he's tremendously relieved when she confirms she understood what he meant, and he lets out a small breath. ]

2/2

[likethelight]

[ —and smiles. ]

Mn. [ It's bittersweet but warm at the same time. Gentle and understanding, and all the more bittersweet because of it. ]

Then I'll protect you so that you won't have to worry about that, okay? [ He won't argue with her that she should think of herself. He knows better.

He's said those exact words himself, after all. "I want to protect everyone and everything!"

But he's also moving before she can respond or protest. Beginning to rise to his feet—and offering her his still-human right hand, gloved in the same faintly glowing white as his cloak. To encourage her to her feet as well. ]

I'm Allen, by the way. Allen Walker. [ pause ] An Exorcist.

We save souls that have been corrupted and put them to rest.

[occulti]

You haven't? Ooooh.

_{[ Despite being the sexually open and loose person he is, he's also a judgment free guy, so: ]}

Well, that's alright. Just be careful. Some people are into some weird and dangerous shit here, so.. I'd take it kind of easy at first. Get some of the easy squares off until you're comfortable and find a partner you can trust.

_{[ Klaus just kind of lets.. whoever do whatever to him but that's really not the best practice but he's a little too apathetic about his own being for it to matter much. Last thing he wants is someone to be like him. ]}

Yeah. I miss the dolphins. Sometimes I just sit out here and think about them.

_{[ Though, he's typically baked when that happens. Ever since the Augur gave him a marijuana garden, it's just kind of been encouraging him to slip back into some old habits. ]}

Also.. also.. also. If you don't know what something means, you can ask meeeee. I'm like.. the kink guru. Or something.

1/3

[purifyings]

[He is going to protect her? She suppose it was a given that he will. All this time, he has been doing just that: protecting her. Even now he was doing it. Nike will look back down with the same flushed face, not knowing what to do or say.

That is until she finally looks up, after a great deal of courage was gathered, only to find a smile on his lips. Oh! He was smiling! It was a warm one, no less, and yet...something about it wasn't making her heart swoon -- not entirely! Ah, what could it be? Why did this smile...not inspire much confidence in her?

Her green eyes will turn soft, watching his movement very closely as he raises up to his feet, trying to find the solution but all she could hear was his name and his....]

2/3

[purifyings]

[VERY UNFORTUNATE OCCUPATION!

WHY. OUT OF ALL THE TITLES? WHY DID HE HAVE TO PICK THAT ONE?

WHY COULDN'T HE BE A FAIRY? A PRINCE? A KNIGHT? OR JUST A BEAUTIFUL BOY!? WHY A PRIEST?

AND NOT JUST ANY PRIEST, ONE OF THE POPE'S.

NO WONDER HE LOOKS AS SAD AS HE DOES!]

3/3

[purifyings]

[It was all she needed to know to make this very bias and correct assumption about the beautiful boy in front of her!

Even his name was beautiful! With a nice ring to it. Nike couldn't help find it to be very appealing. As appealing as his beautiful face.

Raising out from the floor, without reaching for his hand, Nike will instead reach forward towards the boy's face, pinch his cheeks and pull on them a bit.]

Hey, Allen? Word of advice: whenever you promise to protect someone, your smile needs to reach your eyes! Or else, it'll be a disservice to yourself and to the person you are trying to encourage!

[It won't be long until she squishes his cheeks next.]

Your eyes are beautiful, you know! I'm sure with just the tiniest of sparks, they will become a gorgeous sight to behold.

[Letting go of his face, just enough to gingerly hold it in her hands, Nike will offer him an almost sheepish, but soft smile.]

...you don't have to try so hard around me. You don't have to smile, if you don't want to. Just knowing your desire to protect me -- it's more than enough! I trust your word. I know you will.

[Just as she is going to protect him too! She won't allow the spirits to harm him. She won't allow herself to harm him again. All she had to do was cut some of her hair, then. Releasing her hold on him, she'll turn to his left hand, noticing the sharp fingers.]

I just need you to do me a favor. Can you cut a piece of my hair? Just a small bit?