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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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Oh?
[ We? He almost asks but, in the end, Suzaku's choice of roommates won't remain a mystery for very long, not with how he's already offering up a guest room. Still, he swings his attention back around to Suzaku and leans forward, obnoxiously into his personal space, as it always is. ]
Don't think I'd be able to find somewhere all by myself?
[ Without Cécile here, too? The answer is very much no, no he would not be able to find somewhere all by himself. It doesn't matter if he believes otherwise. ]
Although, [ And he draws back again. ] That does beg the question of how you have a guest room at all when most of the buildings I see look, hm, poorly off.
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Suzaku eases back, but... well, what does it say about him that he's missed the company of the few people who'd frequently invade his space? At any rate, he doesn't mind it much, his smile no less assured for it.]
It's not that. I'd like to be a help to you if I can, that's all. [Suzaku knows all too well that Lloyd needs a keeper. Cecile's left behind some big shoes to fill, but nevertheless, Suzaku will do his best. That's all he can do.] My house is pretty large. There's a being here called the Augur that grants favors in exchange for... well, a certain kind of work.
[Cough cough. Suzaku seems reluctant to talk about it, but Lloyd's a genius, right? He'll figure it out on his own in no time flat, he's sure.]
Though I guess it's more like a mansion. All I had in mind when I'd wished for it was a home not unlike the one I grew up in, but I guess my imagination's more active than I thought.
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A being called the Augur that grants favors? This really is getting too fanciful for even me... [ Right up until someone informs him the Augur is a supercomputer, anyway. Even without knowing about the hangar or the Lancelot, that and the robots aren't going to escape his attention for long. ] But there's no harm in believing you've been granted a mansion on a desolate island full of robots, I suppose.
[ Alright, alright, so the robots immediately didn't escape his attention. How unlucky for them! They did hand over a towel and that aforementioned bracelet, after all. ]
Very well. I can't help but imagine you'd end up following me around until I agreed, anyhow.
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[...which is to say, yes, Suzaku absolutely will follow Lloyd around if need be. But he's agreed to humor Suzaku's hospitality, so there's no need to follow him around like a worried parent, is there? Suzaku's already begun to walk in the direction of the house when... ah. Wait. He turns back to face Lloyd.]
Ah... it's a bit of a walk. Will you be okay? [How insulting?!] Hmm. Maybe I should get Gawain and bring it down here...
[Because clearly Lloyd is as incapable of walking long distances as Lelouch and needs to be taxied around the island in a giant robot, right? Right.]
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[ Whoa, whoa, whoa, hang on. Forget that Suzaku is assuming just how far he can — or cannot — walk, what's this about the Gawain?! He was starting to follow along after Suzaku but as soon as that's said, he stops dead in his tracks and stares.
Congratulations, Suzaku's finally startled the poor man. ]
The Gawain? But... that crashed into the ocean. Don't tell me... that was also a favor?!
[ Wishing for a mansion? Sure, whatever, no big deal. Wishing for a long lost Knightmare Frame? Completely different story! ]
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Suzaku shakes his head, and the answer's delivered as earnestly as ever.]
No. When Lelouch arrived here, Gawain arrived with him.
[Which of these things is harder to believe— Gawain's return from its watery grave or the continued existence of their demonic emperor? It's... all a bit hard to believe, he knows, but Suzaku isn't the sort to lie about these things, so take his word for it?!]
And... [HESITANT PAUSE] ...Lancelot is here too, but I don't think you want to squeeze into the cockpit with me.
[Welp, cat's out of the bag. So much for keeping Lancelot a secret from its overprotective father.]
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[ Lelouch back from the dead? Sure, that's a big deal but not as big a deal as Lancelot. Frankly, he goes from any surprise shown just a moment ago to looking severely disappointed in poor Suzaku. If there had ever been a time to simply not mentioned Lancelot, that was probably it, considering the next thing he says is, ]
That you'd honestly think I'd choose the Gawain over Lancelot... I am aware it's built for two but you fail to recall who had her awful fingers all over it after it was stolen. [ Spoiler: it was Rakshata. Gawain is tainted. Tainted! ] Which is why we will be walking. To where Lancelot is.
[ Of course, after stating they will absolutely be walking, he does pause to look around again. Just how big is this island, anyway? ]
Er, depending on... [ And back to Suzaku. ] Just how far is it?
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[Whoops, his bad! Sure, Lloyd could cram himself into Suzaku's lap in the cockpit or ride along on Lancelot's palm, but... actually, no buts. Lloyd is a very odd, very particular guy. If Suzaku considers all the things he wouldn't do in a situation like this, maybe then he can start to understand Lloyd's line of thought. Y'know. Maybe.
Suzaku shrugs, gives off the impression that they aren't at all far from their destination... and follows it up with this:]
It isn't too far. Five miles from here, at most.
[...which is nothing for a certain pilot, granted, but for a guy like Lloyd? Shrouded in mystery as he is, (read: you're a weirdo, Mr. Asplund) Suzaku can't tell if that's a jaunt too far. Suzaku's inclined to think that it is, and so he makes another very thoughtful suggestion, being the largely kind and somewhat questionable fellow that he is.]
Oh, but if that's too far and you don't want to wait for me to bring Lancelot, I could carry you?
[...very, very thoughtful.]
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Five? [ That isn't too far?! Suzaku's assumptions are spot on since Lloyd's expression visibly falls at the mention of the distance. He probably can walk five miles but does he want to? No! He doesn't! ] Ah, no. I think I'll pass on being carried...
[ Normally, he doesn't let things like 'dignity' get in the way but how awkward that would be! And slower, if one accounts for the additional drag of his weight! Which leaves his options as: walk five miles, hang onto the Lancelot for five miles, or— ugh. He heaves a sigh and immediately flops back down to sit on the beach again, one great big huff, like this is the most terrible thing Suzaku's ever asked of him! Ever! It isn't but he's being dramatic here. ]
Fine. I'll tolerate the Gawain for your sake. [ Yes, for Suzaku's sake. Definitely not his own. Nope. ] But don't take too long. I'd prefer not to be swarmed by dragons again.
[ He really doesn't need fifty more pairs of random glasses now that he has his own back. ]
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At long last, Suzaku peels off those offensive heart-shaped shades and hands them off to the nearest dragon.]
I'll try my best. Hang on tight.
[And in a flash, he's off! Ten minutes later, give or take, Suzaku arrives in Gawain. Notably, it looks like it hasn't seen anything like combat in a long while. It looks like it hasn't seen any combat, frankly, which is a testament to the Augur's ability to reproduce anything the heart desires. Lowering Gawain onto one knee, Suzaku makes the task of getting into this big ugly thing that much easier for poor Lloyd. God knows having to ride in it is torturous enough.]
Are you ready to go?
[Will Lloyd ever be ready for a joyride in Gawain...?]
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He could have wandered off. He chose not to. Most of that is due in part to how he's finally been scrolling through the data on his bracelet and... well... ]
Er. [ He's quick to shoot a look back towards the Gawain as it arrives, kneeling down to offer him a hand up. ] Yyyes. Let's.
[ If nothing else, he's at least more than capable of scaling a Knightmare Frame to drop himelf down into the second seat it sports, and once seated, he has questions? Yeah, he has questions. ]
Suzaku. Does that certain kind of work you mentioned involve what's on this... [ tapping the bracelet. ] device here, by any chance?
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Can't they just... talk about the weather or something..........]
Well... yes. [And admitting as much probably answers a great many questions for Lloyd, like where Suzaku's mansion came from! Amazing. Incredible.] I'm guessing you've seen it by now– your A5, I mean. Filling out those squares will allow you to request favors from the Augur. There isn't much it isn't willing to grant.
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[ Why talk about the weather when this is so much more entertaining? ]
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...it takes a full "bingo." In this case, five squares.
[Are you having fun back there, Lloyd? Are you???]
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You could at least try and act a little more scandalized over it. [ Always so serious! ] Oh well. I've no interest in mansions, personally, but having a general idea is good to know.
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I'm trying pretty hard [isn't he always] not to get embarrassed, you know. It's difficult when you ask questions like that so bluntly.
[And now it's Suzaku's turn to ask the questions, right? Right.]
Don't feel obligated to answer this, but are you going to fill out your card as well?
[As well, he says, like Suzaku wasn't the first to fill his out entirely. He had good reason to, he swears!!]
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[ Saying nothing at all would be as awkward after long enough! Though Suzaku's own question has him grimacing a tiny bit as he turns back to check his bracelet. That card... ]
Hmm, well, it does seem like a bit of a bother but if that's the only way to get anything out of this Augur, I don't see why I wouldn't.
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[Wow. Ye of little faith, Suzaku. It's almost like he assumes Lloyd is incapable of such things, but that's only because he doesn't want to imagine Lloyd doing such things. Ah... He's just going to pretend he's busy altering Gawain's flight path............. yeah, that'll make this less awkward, won't it?
Spoilers: it won't. Why is this the single most embarrassing conversation Suzaku's had in regards to the A5?!]
I just can't imagine someone like you being interested in that sort of thing. [But he's imagining it anyway! So much for trying not to.] I almost expected you to call it a "waste of resources," or something like that.
[And what exactly is the resource? Lloyd himself???]
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I suppose you could call it a waste of resources under very specific circumstances but I don't believe that's a problem I have. [ aka he doesn't need viagra, suzaku, he isn't that old??? ] And while you are right that I'm not particularly interested in that sort of thing, it's not as though I've never had sex, Kururugi.
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...that was awfully blunt. [You did it, Lloyd. You said the s word just like that and didn't bat an eye. Such power.] I guess I'm not surprised. By your age, most people have.
[um, RUDE, but hold on, let Suzaku clarify. Let Suzaku make this worse for no one but himself.]
With another person, right? [WOW] Not a machine?
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That depends. Do you consider it with only another person if it was on a machine or would it be both?
[ If Suzaku's going to ask questions like that, he's just going to have to make it worse. You asked for this, mister, it's all on you. ]
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Suzaku ever so gently eases further into Gawain's pilot seat. There. Now there's absolutely no threat of accidental eye contact. This conversation is moderately easier without it.]
To clarify... it was the person you were having sex with and not the machine, right? [oh my god what is this conversation what is his life why couldn't lelouch just let suzaku die] ...please tell me it was just the other person.
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[ He already said on! On! But he'll clarify with a much put-upon sigh. ]
I solemnly swear it was with an actual, real person. Shall I go into detail or does that satisfy your curiosity?
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[Sad but true. Alas, they've reached the mansion and Suzaku no longer has to entertain thoughts of Lloyd smashing ass on top of any machines.
At any rate, if this is the direction their conversation his hell bound to go down, Suzaku's not going to entertain it without a drink or twelve in his system. He parks Gawain's ugly metal ass some paces behind the mansion and makes a beeline for the back door, kindly leaving it open so Lloyd can follow him into his humble abode.
Oh, and it's offensively Japanese, because of course it is.]
Do you want anything to eat or drink? We have no shortage of supplies, so please, don't be shy.
[Yeah. Because Lloyd is shy.]
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I would rather make sure the Lancelot is fine, in all honesty...
[ Because why would he want to eat, drink, or, you know, maybe take a shower after washing up on a beach shore of a weird island before checking on a robot? That'd be weird. ]
Provided you're done with your lewd interrogation.
(no subject)
moves this to ze log