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TDM 006: SPECTRAL SPECTACLE
| 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 |
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[She may pause for a moment after remembering her hair accidentally unlocked the conditions for her world to be destroyed...
BUT SHE IS CERTAIN IT SHOULD BE OKAY TO TAKE IT TO THIS TEMPLE!
......h-hopefully.....]
Um, one of my closest friends told me about it. How my hair protected her from hyperthermia and drowning. She doesn't know how to swim and all. It kept her afloat above water, her clothes never got wet, and [Livius was able to survive a long fall because he was apparently floating down....a detail she will not mention. It still stung to think about...]
Anyway! It'll be needed. To protect you from me. As long as you wear, then none of my attacks will harm you! The wind and water ones, at least.
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Ah— [ That diplomatic hem-haw. ]
That really isn't necessary? I don't mind. But if you would really insist..
[ tl;dr: he'll do it, but only if it makes her feel better ]
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But then again, it also feels like he was not concerned about her neither.
Huh. She feels a little. Sad? Upset? Weird...? Hm.]
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Her shoulders will slump a bit. Only to find her hands reaching for his face again but!]
Y-You're lucky you have such a pretty face!
[Instead she'll end up reaching for the hand he had offered her before, except reaching for his whole arm instead, wrapping her arms around it and bringing it close to her.]
Let's go. I'm sure if we return like this together, it may lower their guard a bit, thinking they still have ahold of my mind.
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'Pretty face'..?! [ Okay, that time she got a sputter from him. When has someone ever... also, lucky for what?!?!
Why does she seem upset about that somehow?!?! ]
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Yes, pretty face.
[Why was he looking all weird now? I mean, she has been calling him beautiful this entire time. Did he notice that now?]
....didn't you notice you had one of those?
[Wait.]
Has no one ever told you before? How pretty you are?
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I— [ uh.
Eloquence. What is that. ]
No? I'm not?
[ ??? what kind??? of nonsense??? otherworldly joke??? is that??? has she actually seen his face??? he's kind of 'alright'/girly and has a giant scar ripping through half of it???
thanks maybe??? but???
???????????????? ]
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....it reminded her of the way she usually reacts to it.
But it couldn't be........
.......could it....?
Her grip on his arm may lessen only because she will reach out for his face only to stop halfway because...]
Are you only saying that because it's the way you truly feel or because someone else made you feel this way...?
[She wanted to know the reason behind his reaction. Why did he feel this way? Why? To her, his appearance was not the way he was mentally describing himself. If anything, it was the opposite for her. She found his appearance to be intriguing.
His colors. The way it all looked onto his skin. At first, she thought the scar was an intricate tattoo, but after realizing there was more to it -- how can she not find it even more fascinating? She has never been attracted to anyone with tattoos or scars before, but the way it looked on him, on such a pretty clean face -- it didn't take away nor overshadowed it. Was it the kindness in his silver eyes? The bittersweetness of his smile. The passion in his posture and way of presenting himself?
Was it just him....?
Whatever it was, she will find herself looking up at him with genuine curiosity and intrigue, leaning close just to reach for the left side of his cheek as she decides to admit.]
Earlier, you made my heart beat the loudest I ever felt in a long time, when you leaned in close to me, to tell me to look after myself better, when you came to my rescue and got me out of the temple, and when you literally fell from the sky. Only one other person has ever made me feel this way, as though I forgot the ability to breathe. Not many people have ever moved my heart with just their appearance. But you both did. For different reasons because you two don't look alike.
[As she thought about Ursula, Nike's smile will turn to a very heartbroken one without meaning to. It will reflect in her glassy gaze while reminiscing about her.
But she will return her attention to the boy by her side, a pinky beginning to follow the form of his scar.]
Sorry for sounding shallow, but I'm still deciding which part of you I like best. It's a tie between the color of your eyes, the scar on your face, or the smile...I really did mean when I meant about the way your smile didn't reach your eyes. It was a beautiful smile, but it was too sad for my taste. I think if you ever give me a smile that truly reaches your eyes, then....
[Just the thought made her cheeks turn warmer while her expression will turn softer, almost as if she is expecting something interesting to happen, like if it'll take her to another world or something as cheesy, but she decides to take the poetic route instead.]
It'll be an incredible sight to behold.
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Look. As much as he dislikes being seen as a freak or a monster, he can now honestly say he doesn't like being objectified as a pretty person much more. Disagreeing that he is one or not notwithstanding. Maybe if she had exonerated his manliness?? Except no, that would honestly have probably weirded him out even more because of the outright lie of it. ]
Uh— [ Eloquence meter plummeting. ]
I, ah... [ floundering. how is he supposed to respond to that. girls don't normally fawn at boys in such a way, and even with the roles reversed he doesn't approve of it.
Although he's also blushing quite madly. And might be having some seconds thoughts on if this is a good idea. 10/10 she is going to try to molest him if she gets possessed again and he is not entirely okay with that. (read: 95% not okay at all after that) ]
...thank you?
[ he is completely at a loss for what else to say that wouldn't be rude ]
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.......
Did she go overboard with admitting all that? He doesn't seem to be reacting entirely to it at all. Then again, she has no idea what he was thinking neither.
Maybe she should take this as a rejection on his part? A polite rejection?
........???
Letting go of his arm, she'll smile softly and shake her head.]
We should get back to what we were originally doing.
[She will search her surroundings for a moment until rediscovering the pull from the temple.]
....you know, you can go back to the beach. I hear there are cute dragons. It's not too late for you to go back...?
[This was his last chance to leave. His final chance to take back his promise without any hard feelings. She wasn't really expecting him to actually go through with it. He did more than enough. She was satisfied.]
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And yet he feels like he might have misstepped when she responds like that, and seems slightly crestfallen for a moment before she continues, giving him an out like that.
He blinks for a moment, clearly slightly dumbfounded that she would even offer that. She didn't have to doubt him; it's just that he's uncomfortable with a compliment, you know. Or attention like that being paid to him. ]
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Chin up, eyes calm. And as he lets his hand drop so too does his invocation since she would seem fully dressed once again and no longer clinging so; the cloak fades away like a dream, leaving him in his uniform, and his left hand becoming just a normal hand again. Presumably—he does wear white gloves, so it's hard to tell. ]
You're right though, we should get going.
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This boy was similar to her. In the modesty and intimacy department. It was clear their values align, even if it feels like they have different perspectives concerning certain topics.
That and she knew he wasn't interested in her. He hasn't stared at her in the way men usually have. Neither has he made any comments or made any assumptions due to it.
It was odd. Shouldn't she be happy to know he wasn't like that?
She won't have time to mull it over or even reason about it. Not when he made his decision -- he was coming!
Watching him in the corner of her eye, noticing the way he looked better than before, he was no longer skittish, if anything he looked more confident. Nike will watch him leave along with the white cloak before revealing her white holy dress once more.
She'll turn around to face him realizing he was very serious about all this. He really wanted to help the spirits! Her eyes may begin to gleam as she was more than relieved over all this.]
Right! We should go! [A pause. Taking a step by his side, she'll sheepishly add.] Together, this time...
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Honestly it's less about you Nike, and entirely everything to do with him crushing his feelings into a tight little ball.
Also it simply isn't the time or place to notice when a girl is pretty. Basically never, with his life... But especially when she's been shoved in his face so much about it by some nosy ghosts who can't mind their own business. ]
Mn. [ That light sort of smile, reassuring and certain. Is it real? Faked for her? For himself?
Yes. ] Together.
Don't worry. Just grab my hand really tight if they become too loud.
[ He waves her to follow him, and starts walking back up the stairs to the temple. Normally, this time. ]
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Not when he has successfully distracted her! Holding hands? It'll get her to blink because...]
...only when they get loud....?
[It was barely an audible whisper. She figured it may be best to allow the wind to carry it away. Her gaze will soften, looking down with the tiniest of smiles appearing.
Climbing the stairs behind him, Nike will take the time to absorb the surroundings, finding the temple area to be as beautiful as before even if covered by moss. The higher they go up the stairs, the stronger the tug was beginning to feel along with the return of the moving shadows. Her green eyes will notice all too quickly a slight cold push behind her which will encourage her to speak up.]
Hey! About what you said before...? I can only hold your hand when it gets louder?
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[ The way she asked that.. ]
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It's okay, he can feel them too. Faintly. ]
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A gloved hand appears before her. She will stare at it for a moment, considering it, but it would seem her hand did not get the memo because she'll end up accepting his offered hand.]
Why are you wearing gloves?
[That was her next curious question. When he was wearing the cloak, he wasn't wearing gloves, not exactly anyway. The color of the gloves was interesting, so it made her wonder.]
Is this your cloak disguised as a glove or....?
[Was it part of his current uniform? Which again, she will notice once more.]
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One step, then two. He'll keep leading them up the stairs by the hand like that; like he's used to doing such a thing, almost. ]
No, they're normal. [ Mostly. His whole uniform is made from unique fibers and specially made for his style of combat, but a lot of that honestly goes over his head. That's all Johnny and the science team, he just knows that they tell him it'll be effective and less annoying or constrictive than regular clothes. These gloves don't tear even when he invokes his claw form, that's all he knows and he's grateful for it. So's his wallet. ]
I've just worn gloves most of my life. [ In one form or another. ]
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[To learn the gloves were not the cloak in disguise, it surprised her a little. No, it very much did. His cloak was clearly made of magic. She knew that much. Along with the sharp claws on his left hand, she can't see them anymore. They disappeared as much as the white cloak did.
She wanted to see his hands after noticing that interesting detail. Where were the claws? How did he hide the hard armor-like item that felt very warm to the touch?]
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She caught onto that quick. ]
They're made of something special so they don't get ripped when I... change. [ He hesitates slightly over that. ] I don't understand it completely, to be honest.
It's just convenient.
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Before she was even able to figure out, the reason she is finding something out of place, she will feel another tug on the back of her mind once they both reached the top of the stairs. Nike will grow tense while her grip grows stronger almost signaling the appearance of the spirits.
She can sense something different about all this. There were now more spirits than their previous visit. Why? Nike will lower her head, thinking it over once more.]
...you still have time to leave. As long as we don't touch the platform, then we'll be okay...they can't touch us until we're entirely on it...
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It's fundamentally alarming, the way it wants him to succumb.
So even before she says anything he lets his eyes close and takes a small breath. It, ah... smells faintly of... cinnamon? Something woody. Soothing, but kind of spicy. Which is altogether something he's not certain is exactly that relaxing or relieving, because it makes no sense in this place and feels like it might be his mind playing tricks.
Sticky. It feels languid and kind of sticky. Like where he might want to just crawl into bed and spawl in a sleepy tangle.
So it startles him slightly when she speaks up, and says he can go. ]
...
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