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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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Something doesn't seem right.
Pressing his lips together in some concern, he lets his arms drop ever so slightly. Not awkwardly, but—carefully? Like it's something he's very mindful of, letting his arms wrap more gently and deliberately around her. Not tightly, but to give her what little comfort it feels like he can offer. He might be good with words when it comes to this, not that he would think he is, but...
Honestly, he's a bit at a loss. Other than her pain is quite sharp and real, whatever the true cause of it, and even if he hates seeing anyone cry, it feels like a stab to his own heart with how deep that hurt seems to be. It's why he hates it so much when others cry and can't help but be moved, especially a girl sobbing like something's being torn from her.
It echoes and lodges in his own chest. Of course he can't help but want to do something to make it better.
So he'll just do the little he can—offer her a hug and a place to cry—until her sobs start to subside. ]
It'll be okay, miss Nike. [ It's gentle. And something he'll only say only when she starts to quiet, although he won't move until she seems ready for him to. ]
You'll be okay now.
[ They can both pretend he just means what happened to her back in the temple, if that's easier for her. ]
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Not to mention having to juggle with Livi's feelings as well. A detail she didn't regret giving time for. It was important to hear his side of the story concerning Ursula and Alto. A key detail...
Ah, just thinking about it was making her realize how much she needed this hug and moment. She couldn't imagine having done this with her own fiance...
Which added more guilt...
Lowering her head, it won't be long until the sobbing will slowly come to an end, she was now only weeping. The hurt won't magically go away, but it was the first good step. With time, she was certain she could learn to forgive herself...
Maybe...
"You'll be okay now."
.........
Wait, did he just....?
Ah, right, she was crying on him, and maybe very concerned about her well-being right now, but...]
I-It's... [A pause. Damn crack voices.] It's Nike.
[Oh boy now she sounded a little peeved without meaning to.]
I won't get off you...until you drop the "miss".
[And true to her word, she'll hold onto him even more tightly just to prove her point. Good thing she was hiding in his neck because he can't see her red face right now.]
...drop it...there's no need to be so formal around me...considering....the circumstances....
[He saw her naked already! Why be polite? At least, that's how she sees it.....]
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HURK, she's grabbing him kind of tight. Wait, is she upset?! This seems kind of like a threat?? Sort of?! Was it something he said? What does she mean, the circ— ]
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[ Oh. ]
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[ Stop being confused and just go with it, Allen. ]
Okay, okay. [ Nervous chuckle is nervous. And unfortunately accompanied by a bit of an involuntary squirm. Maybe she actually is crazy. Who is this girl, anyway... I mean, he's really sure of his instincts. She seems like a good person. The kind of person who would sacrifice themselves for something beyond them.
But she might also be a little crazy. And naked. While clinging to him with a death grip.
He gives her a small pat on the back, though. Very gingerly. And over the cloak. ]
I promise. [ It's still sheepish, but gentler. ] Just "Nike", then?
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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...]
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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...]
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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!]
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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.
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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...?
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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?
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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.
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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. ]
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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...
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Needless to say he's tremendously relieved when she confirms she understood what he meant, and he lets out a small breath. ]
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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.
1/3
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
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
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?
no subject
Ah? [ He sounds... slightly nervous as she admonishes him while gripping his face so. Maybe out of surprise of being assailed in such a manner so suddenly. Maybe just because of all reasons, it was his smile she called him out on.
"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.!
That's actually... strangely good advice. Even if even his nervous smile slips a notch when she says he doesn't have to smile for her, clearly caught off guard by that and seeming somewhat awe-touched. Huh... ]
...your hair? [ He blinks, after she's released him and made such a request, effectively preventing him from even trying to make a counterpoint. What, with his claw? ]
Why?
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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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